|
It may be desert-like now, but 225-million years ago,
the area in and around Petrified National Forest was a lush floodplain.
The formation of petrified wood here began when trees to the South fell and
floated down a river to this area. The trees became covered wtih volcanic ash and
silt and soaked with mineral-rich water. Eventually the area dried out, and the
ground rose and eroded to expose the now rock-like logs.
In addition to the petrified wood, you can view ancient Indian pueblos,
and a sandstone monolith covered with ancient drawings.
 |
 |
Look closely above to see ancient
drawings. The most prominent is a
candelabra-like picture in the center,
and a main aiming a spear and some
sort of animal in pink near the top center |
In the right-center of this photo is a woman
and a man (anotomically correct) along
with some other symbols and
animal-like objects. |
 |
 |
Two views of the Painted Desert's
Southern boundary, located just North of
The Petrified Forest National Park. |
 |
|
