Carbonate
strata
This was the highest point we had reached so far on the trip (this helipad being at 8668 feet).
The gray rocks forming the cliff in the background are limestones and dolostones, formed in ancient seas. They are collectively called carbonate rocks - the chemical formulas of their main minerals are CaCO3 (calcite) and (CaMG)2CO3 (dolomite). They are very easily dissolved by carbonic (and other) acids - which forms when atmospheric and soil CO2 dissolves in water (rain or groundwater). The minerals are carried away by the groundwater leaving voids in the rock: caves.
Class
Howie's first discourse on bristlecone pines. (We had to tow him away...) We saw bristlecones again at Bryce Canyon National Park.
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