from space showing Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands National Park, Utah (click to enlarge.) The origin of this enigmatic 5.5 km diameter structure has puzzled geologists for decades, with various hypotheses being proposed that include a salt dome, a pinched-off salt diapir, volcanism, and a relict impact crater. Recent evidence in the form of microscale deformations of the rocks and minerals around this structure are consistent with a high-energy impact event.This is a standard stop on my field trips to this area, and an excellent place to discuss multiple working hypotheses. There's a wonderful trail that circumnavigates the perimeter of the structure that I can highly recommend if you've got a full day to explore.
Image credit: NASA, ISS015-E-5983, acquired May 1, 2007.
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