L’Origine du Monde
Today's geology lesson: a recent photo from Arches National Park in Utah. I'm told the term used for this type of erosion is called invagination.
Thanks to world traveler Laura Rice for the photo.... and to Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) for the title idea.
How unusual! Glorious name - invagination - but where's the "important" bit??!!
Posted by: Mistress Sky | September 25, 2006 at 10:30 AM
Like Grandmother Rock in Thailand.
Posted by: Josh Jasper | September 25, 2006 at 02:03 PM
Spread 'em, Utah!
Posted by: Eve | September 25, 2006 at 03:01 PM
It's like a little window into Mother Nature's womb.
Posted by: Rowan | September 25, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Mistress Sky, invaginations are a fairly common geological feature feature. Exclitorations are more rare.
I think they hang down from the ceiling, while exphallations rise up from the floor. Or something....
Posted by: misterniceguy1960 | September 25, 2006 at 04:25 PM
Womder who invented that term, invagination? Probably one of those geologists, getting his rocks off...
Posted by: C.S. Lewiston | September 25, 2006 at 07:10 PM
That is honestly an amazing and cool name for a geological formation.
Posted by: Tomo | September 25, 2006 at 11:40 PM
The term is used in cell biology, embryology, and anatomy as well:
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/invaginate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invagination
The above picture makes it pretty literal, though.
Posted by: Iamcuriousblue | September 26, 2006 at 12:40 PM
what a nice pic! how to get in, Arches National Park? I don't think so ...
Posted by: blueflyadult | October 03, 2006 at 04:52 AM
Now that is fabulous!
Posted by: Laura | October 24, 2006 at 01:09 AM