HOME | DD

Description
The fossilferous rocks in the park are assigned to the Chile Formation of Late Triassic age. The Chinle deposits contain abundant volcanic ash that was derived from a vanished volcanic arc that is thought to have been present in southern Arizona and adjacent Mexico. The minute ash particles dissolved easily in groundwater, generating the silica that permeated the tree trunks and enabled rapid fossilization of the logs. The Chinle deposits are quite colorful and are coextensive with the Painted Desert of northwestern Arizona.

Here the Chinle beds have eroded into badlands.

Description
The fossilferous rocks in the park are assigned to the Chile Formation of Late Triassic age. The Chinle deposits contain abundant volcanic ash that was derived from a vanished volcanic arc that is thought to have been present in southern Arizona and adjacent Mexico. The minute ash particles dissolved easily in groundwater, generating the silica that permeated the tree trunks and enabled rapid fossilization of the logs. The Chinle deposits are quite colorful and are coextensive with the Painted Desert of northwestern Arizona.

Here the Chinle beds have eroded into badlands.