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A rock that is shaped like a mushroom! What’s interesting is how the rock gets that shape. The strong winds blowing across desert landscapes erode the base of massive boulders more than the top. Over many years, this results in a thin stem supporting a broad cap – a mushroom rock. |
Mushroom rock is a naturally occurring rock with the shape of a mushroom. The rocks are deformed in a variety of ways due erosion and weathering, glacial action, and sudden disturbances. Mushroom rocks are generally formed due to such deformations. We will learn about mushroom rocks associated with wind Erosional Landforms/ Aeolian Landforms.
- Mushroom Rock, also known as a perched rock or pedestal rock, is a boulder balanced on a pinnacle rock or over another boulder or in some other position.
- Rainwash generally removes the fine debris from around the boulder, causing some elevated rocks to develop.
- Mushroom rocks are usually found with a strong capping and crumbling or exudation along their edges.
- these types of rocks are generally found in deserts.
Formation of Mushroom Rocks
- In mushroom rocks, the wind-carried sand rarely rises more than three or four feet above the ground, although the concentration of the sand is highest at eighteen inches closest to the ground.
- As a result, the sandblast or abrasion effect will be greatest at or near the ground level.
- The upstanding rocks at their bottoms are undercut by continued abrasive action, resulting in Rock pedestal or Mushroom rocks.
Picture credit: Google
