Thor’s HammerResilient against the forces of erosion and gravity, Thor’s Hammer stands tall and prou
Thor’s HammerResilient against the forces of erosion and gravity, Thor’s Hammer stands tall and proud in Utah’s Bryce Canyon. Composed of mostly sandstone, this enormous pillar is named after its striking resemblance of Thor’s hammer (Norse God of Thunder). The sunlight reflects off of the sandstone and illuminates the hammer in hues of reds and oranges. Different densities within the sandstone allow certain portions of the pillar to erode at different rates which gives Thor’s Hammer its distinctive shape. The pillar-like structure of Thor’s Hammer is called a ‘hoodoo’. Hoodoos can measure as high as 45 meters (≈148 ft) tall and stand for millions of years. They used to be part of lake-beds and basin floors but over time, have eroded down into barren desert columns. To witness the true power of erosion, make a trip to Thor’s Hammer and enjoy what time and weather have done to this beautifully barren landscape.–Pete DPhoto Credit:Ray Mathishttp://www.pbase.com/raymathishttp://www.nps.gov/brca/photosmultimedia/Park-Pictures.htmReferences:1. http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm2. http://epod.usra.edu/blog/2011/07/thors-hammer-in-bryce-valley-national-park.html3. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/wallpaper/travel/national-parks/your-national-parks-photos/bryce-canyon-thors-hammer/4. http://www.nps.gov/brca/naturescience/hoodoos.htm -- source link
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