The Amazing Geology of Petra, Jordan
Dec 18, 2016 16:43:11 #
We had the good fortune to travel to red-rose Petra last month. It is about 2 hours drive north of Aqaba and offers sights unique in the world. You walk about three miles through slot canyons to reach the central point (but you can walk much further if you have time.)
The Nabateans and the Romans built a city on a crossing point of major trade routes:
"The Nabateans were exceptionally skilled traders, facilitating commerce between China, India, the Far East, Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. They dealt in such goods as spices, incense, gold, animals, iron, copper, sugar, medicines, ivory, perfumes and fabrics, just to name a few. From its origins as a fortress city, Petra became a wealthy commercial crossroads between the Arabian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures."
Here is a helpful description of the geology: http://www.geoexpro.com/articles/2014/04/petra-the-rose-red-wonder
I am posting mostly shots that show the natural strata. One shot that fascinated me is an upper corner in the "Royal Tombs"
The Nabateans and the Romans built a city on a crossing point of major trade routes:
"The Nabateans were exceptionally skilled traders, facilitating commerce between China, India, the Far East, Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. They dealt in such goods as spices, incense, gold, animals, iron, copper, sugar, medicines, ivory, perfumes and fabrics, just to name a few. From its origins as a fortress city, Petra became a wealthy commercial crossroads between the Arabian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures."
Here is a helpful description of the geology: http://www.geoexpro.com/articles/2014/04/petra-the-rose-red-wonder
I am posting mostly shots that show the natural strata. One shot that fascinated me is an upper corner in the "Royal Tombs"
The Obelisks Tomb
(Download)
First View of the "Treasury" through the Slot
(Download)
Worn Strata
(Download)
Strata 2
(Download)
Strata 3
(Download)
"Royal Tombs" Corner
(Download)
Hiking the Slot
(Download)
More Slot Beauty
(Download)
Strata 4
(Download)
Dec 18, 2016 16:44:30 #
Dec 18, 2016 18:08:34 #
GeoJedi wrote:
As a geophysicist I am very jealous of your trip and your pics. Well done.
:)
:)
It was a fascinating experience...and convinced me the site is worthy of several days exploration. Thanks for looking and commenting.
Dec 18, 2016 18:36:24 #
Dec 18, 2016 18:38:50 #
Dec 18, 2016 19:02:53 #
Dec 18, 2016 19:44:59 #
Dec 18, 2016 20:08:51 #
harleybaggerdave wrote:
Love the Tomb and Hiking the Slot shots. Outstanding
Many thanks, Dave. It was amazing what those ancient people carved from sandstone.
Dec 18, 2016 20:09:13 #
Mike D. wrote:
Well done, I hope that you have more of those Dave.
Lots more. Thanks, Mike.
Dec 18, 2016 20:10:22 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Fascinating, compelling shots!
Thanks, Linda. Compelling is the right descriptor for Petra. We had been forewarned, but it knocks you off your feet.
Dec 18, 2016 20:10:50 #
Dec 18, 2016 20:12:57 #
davefales wrote:
Lots more. Thanks, Mike.
A suggestion: Get busy with the send button.
Dec 18, 2016 21:56:47 #
Dec 18, 2016 22:09:27 #
Excellent and very interesting series Dave, the colours and structures are beautiful. 
Dec 18, 2016 22:10:56 #
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