Many of our beaches in this area are accessible only by staircases. The bluffs have become extremely unstable and there are stories about people who've lost their lives while merely sitting on the beach, folks who've lost their homes, or suffered serious damage as a result of living right on the edge. I don't recall anyone thinking about all this when I was a kid, although I know it was a reality.
What I DO remember is that the bluffs didn't seem to be leaking so much water as they do these last many years. I can't help but wonder if this isn't a result of people over watering their yards and the resulting seepage. I think lots of people forget that this is a desert, not Hawaii.
Over the years, many measures have been taken to try to stabilize the bluffs. I suspect these large rocks are one such attempt. I have a question, if there's a geologist out there, reading this: what would have caused these very regular marks on these boulders? I took lots of photos, there are many more such examples, not all exactly identical. I am intensely curious. If anyone knows, please let me know!
6 comments:
What gorgeous landscape! Very interesting marks on the rocks. I hope someone knows and can give you an answer!
Cathy G
Well, I'm not a geologist, but I think the marks on the rocks are man-made. Rock drills are used to fracture the rock, and/or to make places to place explosive charges for fracturing the rock, so it can be removed from where ever it used to be.
I know what you mean about the bluffs, I too wonder about the water seepage and over watering. Who knows how far the water travels between layers before it finds it's way to the seaside.
That's a good theory on the drilling for fracturing the rocks. Also some of the rocks appear to have black tar or paint drips on them...heaven knows where they came from. Thanks for weighing in on that!
I agree about the drilling scores. That's what they look like along the cuts on the highway.
So pretty...
Okey dokey, we're two for two...I think this must be the answer.
Rocks are smoothed by nature, the marks are scores for fracturing, most likely. The beach and cliffs are not for the faint-of-heart. Never knew.
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