A Modern Wonder from Ancient Dunes: The Iconic Navajo Sandstone, Part 1

The majestic and iconic Navajo Sandstone has become ubiquitous in scenes from the Colorado Plateau. Margie Chan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus from Utah State University, has studied the Navajo Sandstone her entire career and we discuss the deposition and unique features of the Jurassic Navajo sandstone. This ancient desert extended across much of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, and combined different geological structures including dunes, lake deposits, and springs. The sand was largely derived from the Appalachian region, transported westward over millions of years. We talk about the key role that groundwater plays in the sediment deformation and coloring. The next episode delves into the role of iron in the Navajo sandstone and its connection to Mars.