posted
The image is too large and taking up unnecessary bandwidth space. Can you find a smaller version of the image?
But to answer your question the structure you speak of is the so-called 'Great Temple of Petra' in Jordan. There are questions regarding whether that 1st Century structure was actually a temple, and it was most likely an auditorium or theatre since the structure and acoustics make that likely. While Jordan is desert it still receives more rain than other deserts due to its latitude near the Mediterranean. The rock cliffs in that area are millions of years old so I'm sure it shows more rain erosion than say rocks in the Sahara.
Posts: 26412 | From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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Yes the rocks are several million years old sandstone. Since the cliffs are so old erosion and other processes have had time to shape them. The surrounding climate has also changed over time with drier and wetter phases. One can notice how the rock cut temple has not experienced as much erosion as the surrounding rocks since it is very recent compared with the cliffs themselves. But erosion also takes it toll on the human shaped structures.
quote:The sandstone in Petra is made up of a variety of different rock formations, including the Mujib Sandstone, the Qusayr ‘Amra Sandstone, and the Umm Ishrin Sandstone. These rock formations were formed from sand that was deposited in the area millions of years ago, and they have been subjected to a variety of different geological processes, such as erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity, which have shaped and modified the rock over time.
quote:Originally posted by Archeopteryx: ..One can notice how the rock cut temple has not experienced as much erosion as the surrounding rocks since it is very recent compared with the cliffs themselves. But erosion also takes it toll on the human shaped structures.
Perhaps because the edifice was carved into the cliffside in a way that it was sheltered from the rain.
Here is the Monastery of Petra
Posts: 26412 | From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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