earthstory reblogged
Mesa Arch
Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky Moab, Utah
- burkgnar Despite being literally elbow to elbow with crowds of people.. this is still one of the most stunning and gorgeous views in the West. First time seeing it this morning.
Source: instagram.com
Original caption:
Mesa Arch time lapse shot using the Kessler Crane Second Shooter and Stealth slider.
Sunrise turns Mesa Arch golden, Arches National Park, Utah.
Mesa Arch
Situated in the Canyonlands National Park, USA this stunning pictures shows Mesa Arch at sunrise. The arch itself is classified as a pothole arch- formed by water erosion from above as opposed to round the sides. The geology of the area is rich and diverse with its story starting in the late Carboniferous. There have been several shallow sea incursions and uplift events associated with the geology of the area. Fossils including petrified wood and dinosaur trackways have also been found in the area.
More information can be found at the links below.
-LL
Links;
http://www.nps.gov/cany/naturescience/fossils.htm
http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/education/foos/moab.pdf
http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/mesa-arch-canyonlands-hike/
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/canyonlands-national-park/?source=podrelated
Image; Chris Carvalho
Source: facebook.com
Canyonlands becomes Dark Sky Park
The International Dark Sky Association is a non-profit originally formed by a pair of astronomers to provide a voice in favor of protecting the views of the sky from light pollution. They promote events such as the International Dark Sky Week and since 2001 have certified several dozen locations as Dark Sky communities, reserves, and parks based on their exceptional views of the sky and commitment to preserving those views.
This week, Utah’s Canyonlands National Park became the 19th such Park designated around the world. According to the press release associated with the designation, the Park has taken several steps in recent years to preserve its night sky views, including revamping nearly all of the park’s lighting fixtures with “night sky friendly” lighting that keeps light focused downwards and limits light pollution.
This view of the Milky Way was captured over Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park in 2013. I think it’s interesting that you can spot what is probably just a little bit of light pollution from a few structures in the distance through the arch.
The World’s first designated Dark Sky park, Natural Bridges National Monument, is located a short distance to the south of the much larger Canyonlands Park.
-JBB
Image credit: Chao Yen https://flic.kr/p/ePngB4
Press Release: http://darksky.org/canyonlands-national-park-named-international-dark-sky-park/ http://darksky.org/idsp/ http://www.astronomy.com/news/2015/08/utahs-canyonlands-becomes-newest-dark-sky-park
Source: facebook.com