Can wind move rocks on Racetrack Playa?
Shelton JS. 1953. Can wind move rocks on Racetrack Playa?. Science. 117(3042):438-439
One of many articles discussing the movement of rocks across the playa surface in Death Valley's Racetrack Valley, this one is unique in mentioning a possible role for algae. The blue-green alga (Microcoleus sp.) is found in curled mud flakes from the playa surface, and in thin films found on some rock trails. The author speculates that the gelatinous algal sheath could act as a lubricant. The author also experimented with moving rocks on a wetted part of the playa by means of propeller wash from a light airplane. Some rocks did move with artificial "wind" of 40-45 mph, but as conditions were not natural, the test was not conclusive.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Shelton, John
- Units
- DEVA
- Keywords
- Blue-Green Algae, Death Valley National Park CA NV, Geomorphology, Mass Movements, Physical Sciences, Playas, Racetrack Playa Death Valley National Park CA NV, Rocks