Natures Hammer & Chisel
While the rocks at Cedar Breaks are ancient, the
landscape is still in its infancy and in a constant state of change. Prior to
the uplift of the Markagunt Plateau, the rock layers of Cedar Breaks were
buried deep below the surface, immune to the elements. Only after the Hurricane
Fault thrust the rocks into the sky were water, ice, and gravity able to
vigorously attack them and begin carving their masterpiece.
 |
| Joint enlarged by frost wedging |
Forces associated with the uplift caused the rock layers to develop fractures known as joints. Rain that falls during the Cedar Breaks summer combines with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, forming a weak acid. As this mildly acidic water seeps into the joints, it reacts with the calcium carbonate in the limestone of the Claron Formation, slowly dissolving it and enlarging the joints. When temperatures drop below freezing, as it does most nights of the year at Cedar Breaks, water trapped in the joints expands. Like a geologic crowbar, the freezing water forces the rocks apart, further enlarging the joints in a process known as frost wedging.
 |
| Fins |
Over time, this creates thin walls of rock known as fins, left standing under capstones made of harder rock. These capstones act like umbrellas, protecting the fins from the elements and slowing the weathering process. Weathering and erosion always prevail, wearing through the capstone, leaving isolated pillars of rock known as hoodoos.
 |
| Hoodoos |
Weathering and erosion always prevail, wearing through the capstone, leaving isolated pillars of rock known as hoodoos.
 |
| Arch |
Undercutting of fins can also form shallow caves and arches. Gravity pulls loose rocks from the cliffs and draws them sliding down the slopes. Water from snowmelt and summer rains wash rock and sediment into the valley. Occasionally, saturated rock and soil causes entire slopes to fall in slumps or landslides. Alpine Pond occupies one such slump.
Cedar Breaks