A dramatically weathered sandstone outcrop
This Jurassic sandstone outcrop in Purakaunui Bay, New Zealand, has been weathered into a surreal composition. Chemical weathering, aided by the extensive jointing, creates a wide range of reds, browns, and oranges as iron minerals oxidize. The lower part of the outcrop is scoured and sculpted by wind, sand, and water, while the upper rocks are marked by honeycomb weathering and brightly coloured lichens. The direct sunlight and partial covering of wind-blown sand emphasize the strong relief of the joints and weathered pits.
Taken on 1
February
2010
Submitted on 27 February 2014
Categories
- Field (2581)
- Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology (787)
- Stratigraphy, Sedimentology and Palaeontology (448)
Location
- Oceania (207)
- Australia and New Zealand (196)
- New Zealand (114)
- Exact location (169.6145 E, -46.5461 S)
Colour distribution
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Camera:
Pentax K10D
Licence
Credit: Pontus Lurcock (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)
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