Caves in Painted Rock's alcove
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.
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Last modified: 1/12/2011