Scientists Solve Mystery of Upheaval Dome

Upheaval Dome is a strangely eroded geologic structure in Canyonlands National Park. The Discovery Channel website has this report about new insights into its formation. Below are excerpts.

One of the longest-running mysteries in the U.S. National Parks has been solved: The crater-like Upheaval Dome in Utah's Canyonlands National Park was caused by a meteor impact, say German researchers.

For decades geologists have debated whether the picturesque "Sphinx of Geology," viewed by millions of park visitors, was created by a volcanic outburst, an eruption of salt or a meteor impact. Then a crucial clue was discovered: "shocked quartz," which can be created only by the intense pressures of a violent meteor impact.

This website has great background material on the dome.