| Caves in the alcove in Painted Rock are forming from the gradually
weathering of irregularly-cemented sandstone due to infrequent wetting and
drying. In the past, wind-blown dust and soil probably filled the alcove
to higher levels and chemical weathering associated with shallow groundwater
may have assisted in the development of the caves. The overhangs in and
around Painted Rock are some of the only natural shelter areas in a large
region and must have been attractive destinations to prehistoric peoples
utilizing the Soda Lake area. |
