The Rocks

The Tintic Quartzite in a mildly metamorphosed sandstone. It is a very well sorted quartz sand, probably deposited in a nearshore beach environment. The most distinct sedimentary structure visible in the rock is the cross-stratification of layers of sand. These cross-beds have formed at a low angle, suggesting a shallow water environment. Longshore currents near the beach could form such structures. They are also fairly small compared to wind-blown cross-stratification structures. This cross-beds stand vertical because the rocks have been folded and deformed due to compressional forces.

(Animation produced by BYU Center for Instructional Design, Tom Morris and Vicky Manning)