Show Navigation

Mudcracks, Harris Wash, Utah

The top layer of sediment peels away at the base of Harris Wash near Escalante, Utah. Mudcracks, also known as desiccation cracks, result when the top layer of sediment dries before lower layers. When the water in the top layer evaporates, the thin layer separates from the layers below. The loss of moisture also causes the layer to shrink somewhat, causing a strain that results in the cracks.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: UT_Mudcracks_HarrisWash_Peeling_4267.jpg
Copyright: Copyright 2010 Kevin Ebi/LivingWilderness.com. All rights reserved.
Image Size: 5616x3744 / 8.4MB; http://www.livingwilderness.com https://www.livingwilderness.com/licensing-prints-terms.htm; https://www.livingwilderness.com/licensing-prints.htm; mudcrack mudcracks mud crack cracks peel peeling desiccation desiccate pattern patterns Harris Wash wash Utah nature sediment natural desert American Southwest Southwest United States Escalante
Contained in galleries

The top layer of sediment peels away at the base of Harris Wash near Escalante, Utah. Mudcracks, also known as desiccation cracks, result when the top layer of sediment dries before lower layers. When the water in the top layer evaporates, the thin layer separates from the layers below. The loss of moisture also causes the layer to shrink somewhat, causing a strain that results in the cracks.