What Causes the Rocks to Slide on Death Valley's Racetrack Playa?

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SUMMARY

The Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park exhibits a unique geological phenomenon where boulder-sized rocks slide across its flat surface, leaving behind visible trails. The discussion identifies key factors contributing to this movement, including the role of ice sheets, thermal expansion, and strong winter winds, particularly those reaching speeds of up to 90 mph. Despite extensive observations, no one has directly witnessed the sliding process, leading to various hypotheses regarding the mechanics involved. Future research should focus on measuring ice movement and conducting pressure tests to better understand the forces at play.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geological phenomena, specifically "sailing stones."
  • Familiarity with the climatic conditions of Death Valley, including temperature variations.
  • Knowledge of ice dynamics and its interaction with solid surfaces.
  • Basic principles of friction and forces acting on objects in motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the mechanics of "sailing stones" and their movement patterns.
  • Research the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on geological surfaces.
  • Learn about the impact of extreme wind conditions on sediment and rock movement.
  • Explore methods for measuring ice sheet dynamics and pressure in geological studies.
USEFUL FOR

Geologists, environmental scientists, and researchers interested in geological phenomena, particularly those studying the mechanics of rock movement and the effects of climate on geological formations.

  • #91
Very cool! Thanks billiards!
 
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  • #92
^^ what Evo said ^^
 
  • #93
The video is wrong about this being "the most boring experiment ever". Two years wait is nothing compared with http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28402709

Prof Mainstone, however, never saw the pitch in motion. In 1979, the sixth drop went on a weekend. In 1988,
with the experiment proudly displayed at Brisbane's World Expo, Prof Mainstone was fetching a drink when the seventh drop fell. By 2000, a video camera had been set up to capture drop number eight, but it malfunctioned at the crucial moment.

When the ninth drop fell in April this year it was watched by three webcams and thousands of online enthusiasts - but not by Prof Mainstone, who died eight months earlier at the age of 78.

:cry:
 
  • #94
billiards said:
A new paper claims to have finally solved this one:

Finally! It only took about 100 years. :) Until now the explanations involved far too much arm waving. But this one seems to be definitive. Thanks for the post. :approve:
 

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