Upheaval Dome Utah, Canyonlands National Park

Upheaval Dome at Canyonlands National Park mysteriously appears in the otherwise orderly strata and layers of sandstone that give this Southeastern Utah area and geologic marvel its endless array of formations and colors. Sedimentary deposits laid down by ancient seas and rivers surround this mysterious crater-like upheaval which forms a seemingly out of place layered dome.

Two theories have been proposed to account for the unusual formation known as Upheaval Dome located at Canyonlands National Park. One theory suggests an upheaval from deep in the earth resulting in a salt bubble rising up through the sandstone. A second theory suggests the impact of a meteorite created this spectacle.

Whatever the cause, Upheaval Dome measures almost 3 miles across and unveils rock formations that once rested thousands of feet beneath the earth's surface. This blue-grey jumble of up thrust stone marks a distinct contrast to the surrounding layers of shaded red and earth tones that color the rest of the area. Appearing like a volcanic crater, the Dome still hides its origin, as no traces of volcanic activity have been found in this area of Southeastern Utah.

Upheaval Dome adds yet more variety to the wide range of formations and viewing pleasure on display at Canyonlands National Park.