PICTURE 1 - Intro Picture Kodachrome displays the geological layers BETWEEN what you find at Bryce (younger/higher), and Zion (older/lower). So, the big white layer at Zion is at the bottom here, barely visable. Most of the 'red' you see is from the jurassic age. The unique item here are the odd 'columns' or pipes located all over the park. They are a geological mystery, with some geologists suggesting 'holes' from salt below, later filled from above (also visit Arches NP). Another idea are springs similar to what you see at Yellowstone (long-shot).


PICTURE 2 - A 'Pipe' Here's a shot of a typical 'pipe', with a hardened layer at the top. In theory, absent those little 'caps', there'd never be a Kodachrome State Park! Additionally, each pipe typically has a hardened 'sleave', also slowing down erosion. In this picture, the lower flat layer will erode faster than the pipe, allowing the pipe to continue to 'grow'.


PICTURE 3 - Multi-Layered Pipes The pipes extend up into the white Dakota limestone, and well into the red jurassic layers. As a result, you can surmise the time period for the originating 'hole' and its likely source (arm-chair geologists only). And for non-geologists, they are just 'so' cute!!


PICTURE 4 - Eroding Cliffs Not along the road, but an easy walk, the eroding cliffs demonstrate the slow process of 'disappearance'. Note here the beginnings of an arch, which likely will easily survive 'you' but won't survive the eventual pressures of gravity. There's just not enough 'glue' within the sand to withstand the weight. Also note broken pipes near the top on the right.


PICTURE 5 - Closeup I I took this with a zoom lens, primarily looking at the vertical structure on the lower right. You can see vertical stryrations, suggesting a harder structure behind (future pipe)? Also note the 'cap' at the top, not quite protecting the cliff edge. Oh well.


PICTURE 6 - Closeup II This is a close up of the same pipe shown in picture #2. Many of the pipes have a 'twisted' surface as you see here. Now, add that to your theory of the pipes' origen! Now, if you've also been to the south rim of the Grand Canyon and delved into 'their' pipes, now what?!


PICTURE 7 - Fun Picture There's so many 'pipes' in the park, they're like little dinosaurs peeping over the trees! There's one in the center of the picture, with a large 'hat' on. His buddy between the trees to the left forgot his hat. Probably getting a tan?