Glacial Polish, Yosemite National Park, California

Smooth patches of a granite face, known as glacial polish, shine in the late afternoon sun near Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park, California. Rocks and other materials get trapped on the bottom of glaciers. As glaciers move down the face of a rock, these materials become part of a very abrasive surface. Combined with the force from the glacier's tremendous weight, they are able to scour away sections of the rock face they travel over, leaving behind a smooth, shiny, polished finish.

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Contained in galleries: Yosemite National Park, California

Smooth patches of a granite face, known as glacial polish, shine in the late afternoon sun near Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park, California. Rocks and other materials get trapped on the bottom of glaciers. As glaciers move down the face of a rock, these materials become part of a very abrasive surface. Combined with the force from the glacier's tremendous weight, they are able to scour away sections of the rock face they travel over, leaving behind a smooth, shiny, polished finish.