Sculpted Rocks

The strange form of rock in this photo has been sculpted by processes known as cavernous weathering and under-cutting. These processes result when moisture is trapped on a rock surface or in the soil long enough to begin to dissolve away and decompose certain materials in the rock. Running water and wind then act as agents to wash the sand away. Surfaces weathered in this way are often found on the shady side of rocks where moisture doesn't evaporate as quickly.