This colorful sandstone wave, located in Goosenecks State Park, Utah, is a marvelous geological showcase. This unique rock mound lies on the eastern edge of the Colorado Plateau and has received massive amounts of windblown sand over a long period of time. Some areas in this region have collected over 10,000 feet of material.
The wave, pictured here, is made up of mudstone, limestone, siltstone and sandstone. The dark band is enriched with iron oxide, giving its distinct deep red color. Sometimes geological stress forces rock into accordion shapes. Here the rock is enhanced by erosion, creating a special rock art feature.