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However, what's intriguing is that no one has ever witnessed the movement of these stones firsthand. The speed at which they move remains a mystery to this day.
The question of how these stones move has long puzzled many, from tourists to scientists. For over a century, there's still no definitive answer.
Scientists have proposed various hypotheses to explain this phenomenon of self-moving rocks. One of the most widely believed explanations is that the rocks move due to gravitational forces.
However, this hypothesis was later debunked when scientists meticulously studied the terrain of the area. It's a relatively flat region, with the southern part only slightly lower than the northern part, by just a few centimeters. In theory, the rocks would be difficult to move. Yet, they still manage to traverse long distances in a mysterious manner.
Additionally, there's a theory suggesting that the rocks are moved by the wind. The wind in this area is strong and has been known to propel the rocks. Some have even proposed attaching monitoring devices to the rocks to record their movement.
Things began to clear up towards the end of 2013. Two researchers, Jim and Richard Norris, conducted a survey of the lakebed area in Death Valley. They discovered that the movement of the rocks requires the coordination of various different conditions.
Initially, the valley floor must be covered with a layer of water deep enough to form floating ice. As the temperature drops, the lake will freeze a thin layer of ice, while the water underneath remains liquid. The ice will then thicken enough to provide the necessary hardness and exert force on the rock masses. When temperatures rise, the sunlight will cause the ice to crack into pieces. These ice floes will be pushed away by the winds, carrying the rocks along.
However, researchers have only observed these phenomena on a few rocks; for larger rocks, further study is needed to determine their movement.
In 1849, a group of gold prospectors inadvertently stumbled into this valley while seeking a shortcut. They lost their way, endured days of hunger, were scorched by the sun, and attacked by insects, snakes, and scorpions. Many succumbed to this harsh environment. By January 1850, only one member of the group managed to escape.
In 1941, an American survey team also lost their way here and none returned.
In 1949, another expedition ventured into the valley. Some managed to escape, but later perished under mysterious circumstances. Hence, this valley came to be known as the Death Valley.
Despite the harsh conditions within the valley, the surrounding scenery presents a stark contrast. To the west of the valley lies the base of the Nevada range. The adjacent area is marked by numerous horizontal mountain crevices and stone pillars. Under the sunlight, the landscape is described as stunningly beautiful. Consequently, this location attracts a multitude of tourists. In 1933, the United States designated this area as a national park, and it has since been bustling with visitors all year round.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Death Valley
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Discover more at Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJanuary 12, 2018
