Sailing Stones of Death Valley

Would you believe that a bit of wind can move rocks weighing hundreds of kilograms? Neither did we. But that’s exactly what happens to the ‘Sailing Stones’ of Racetrack Playa in California’s Death Valley National Park.

It is believed the combination of heavy rain, a thin layer of clay and heavy gusts is responsible for sending these heavy boulders gliding across the slippery surface. It’s hard to believe the wind could be responsible considering the deep tracks they leave behind, but the surface is so flat and so slippery that they slowly move.

Various explanations have been put forward over the years that have ranged from the supernatural to the very complex however most geologists believe that strong winds when the mud is wet are at least in part responsible.
Interestingly, though, is that some rocks change direction. Stones with rough bottoms will glide in a straight line while the smooth-surfaced once will tend to wander.
addtoimage