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.
For the purposes of this section the archaeological component of 'feature' is ignored and redefined as an
easier way of describing formations not so apparent to the typical definition.
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
