Moab's formation is attributed to a unique geological process involving the Paradox Formation's salt layer, water erosion, and subsequent rock collapse.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Salt Anticline Formation: Deep underground, the thick salt deposits of the Paradox Formation flowed and buckled under pressure. This movement created a large bulge, known as a salt anticline, that pushed upwards into the overlying rock layers. This upwarping formed a dome-like structure in the area that would become the Moab Valley.
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Dome Formation: The upward movement of the salt created a dome in the layers of rock above it. This dome caused tension and fracturing in the overlying rock.
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Salt Dissolution: Groundwater began to seep into the fractures within the dome and start dissolving the salt core. Salt is highly soluble in water.
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Rock Collapse: As the salt dissolved, the dome lost its support. The overlying rock layers began to collapse into the void left by the dissolved salt. This collapse happened along long fracture zones, essentially slicing through the rock layers.
In essence, the salt acted as the primary driver, creating the initial structure which was then sculpted by water erosion and gravity-induced rock collapse.
