Natural Features and Formations
By definition, natural is existing in or produced by nature; not produced by man or artificial.
Geologically, a formation is a natural body of earth, such as an outcrop or deposit with distinctive and
characteristic properties allowing study and mapping of the structure or strata on or below the surface.
A feature is typically defined as related to archaeology and consists of man-made or altered items that are not
portable and must otherwise be recorded.
Rock Formations
Outcroppings and above surface deposits in the classic sense.Sand Dunes
In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by eolian (wind-related) processes. Bare dunes are subject to shifting location and size based on their interaction with the wind. The "valley" or trough between dunes is called a slack. Three things are required for dune formation to occur: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving it, and an ideal location for its accumulation. ...For more information about sand dune development see:
Sand Dunes & Dust in the Mojave Desert &
Sand Dune Geology
Dry Lakes
A dried-up, flat-floored area consisting of thin, evenly layered sheets of fine clay, silt, or sand, and representing the bottom of a shallow, undrained desert lake basin in which water accumulates and is quickly evaporated, usually leaving deposits of soluble salts.For more information about playa formation see:
Playa Formation in the Mojave Desert
Arches & Natural Bridges
Arches are arch-shaped landforms produced by weathering and differential erosion. Natural bridges are a naturally created arch formation resembling a bridge. Most occur in massive, horizontally bedded sandstone or limestone. Some bridges are formed by the collapse of a cavern's roof that may leave remnant portions as bridges.Caverns, Caves and Karsts
Craters & Volcanic Formations
Water Sources
Springs, seeps, creeks, rivers and lakes.Canyons, Faults and Misc.
-- This page is in revision - The previous version follows --
Last Chance Canyon - El Paso Mountains - North Mojave Desert
Vasquez Rocks - Antelope Valley - West Mojave Desert
Trona Pinnacles - Searles Valley - North Mojave Desert
Rainbow Basin - Barstow - West Mojave Desert
Devil's Punchbowl - Antelope Valley - West Mojave Desert
Natural Arches - Devil's Punchbowl - Antelope Valley
Mormon Rocks - Cajon Pass - West Mojave Desert
Mojave Narrows - Victor Valley - West Mojave Desert
Pisgah Crater - Ludlow - West Mojave Desert
Cougar Buttes - Lucerne Valley - West Mojave Desert
Red Rock Canyon NCA - Las Vegas - Northeast Mojave Desert
Alabama Hills - Owens Valley - North Mojave Desert
White Tank Arch - Joshua Tree National Park - South Mojave Desert
Arrowhead Pinnacles - Lake Arrowhead - San Bernardino National Forest
Hole in the Wall - Mojave Preserve - East Mojave Desert
Mitchell Caverns - Mojave Preserve - East Mojave Desert
Grand Canyon Caverns - Route 66 - East Mojave Desert - Arizona
NATURAL FORMATIONS
Rock Formations
Sand Dunes
Dry Lakes
Water Sources
Craters
Arches & Bridges
Views & Vistas
Geology
