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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Canyonlands National ParkSeedling in Biological Soil Crust
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Canyonlands National Park
Organ Rock Shale
 
photo: Remnants of Organ Rock Shale form many spires in the Maze District's Land of Standing Rocks.
Photo by Mike Hill
Remnants of Organ Rock Shale form many spires in the Maze District's Land of Standing Rocks.
 

Deposited
Permian Period (245 to 286 million years ago)

Depositional Environment
Marine lowlands, braided streams and tidal flats

Appearance
Dark red, lumpy mudstones/sandstones (forms towers with protective White Rim caprock)

Examples
Towers in Monument Basin at the Island in the Sky District as well as in the Land of Standing Rocks in the Maze.
Interactive Geologic Atlas
Interactive Geologic Atlas
Flash animations manage to simplify the story of Canyonlands.
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Rapids in Cataract Canyon  

Did You Know?
The highest recently recorded flow in Cataract Canyon is 114,900 cfs in 1984. However, scientists dating driftwood piles estimate that in 1884, the river may have reached 225,000 cfs.
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Last Updated: July 12, 2006 at 15:29 EST