January, 2015


26
Jan 15

Road Trip–Painted Hills 5

Photograph of The Painted Hills, one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, near Mitchell, OregonThe colors of the Painted Hills change through the day as the light changes. The colors are particularly rich at sunset, but, alas, these photos were taken in the harsh light of mid-day. I could find no camping nearby because hunting season was just underway. Perhaps I’ll find my way back oneĀ  day.


19
Jan 15

Road Trip–Painted Hills 4

Photograph of The Painted Hills, one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, near Mitchell, OregonThe area was warm and humid when floodplain deposits were laid down. Some of the colored layers are formed from vegetation that grew along the floodplain. There are fossil remains of early camels, rhinoceroses, and horses in the Painted Hills area, as well as the John Day Fossil Beds


12
Jan 15

Road Trip–Painted Hills 3

Photograph of The Painted Hills, one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, near Mitchell, OregonOver millennia, layers of ash were covered by water and became the bottom of a lake bed. Over time, climate changeĀ  dried the lake, the lake bed was lifted by geologic motion and wind and rain were the agents of erosion. Oxidized minerals in the ancient ash were transformed into the colorful claystone.


5
Jan 15

Road Trip–Painted Hills 2

Photograph of The Painted Hills, one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, near Mitchell, OregonClouds of ash from volcanic eruptions settled over great parts of central Oregon. Layers of ash, over long periods of time, combined into different mineral compositions forming the bands of color visible today