Cliff Palace and massive sandstone cliffs
![Cliff Palace and massive sandstone cliffs](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/MesaVerde2.jpg?itok=DwUI1DRZ)
Detailed Description
Cliff Palace is protected from the elements by the massive sandstone cliffs of the Cliff House Sandstone. Dark-colored lines, painted upon the rocks by desert varnish, form when heavy metals such as manganese oxides are dissolved and re-precipitated onto the rocky surface. USGS Photo by Annie Scott.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.