Question
Good afternoon,
I am a writer working on novel (Sedona is my hometown), and I'm doing some research on Oak Creek Canyon. I've been reading your very helpful "A Guide to the Geology of the Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon Area, Arizona"; thank you for this resource. However, I'm trying to determine what type of rocks/boulders lie in the bed of Oak Creek. I'm thinking in particular of the rocks in the Indian Gardens area--the large rounded grey stones scattered along the creek bed. Is this basalt talus as described in the guide or from a different source? Thank you very much for your time and any help you can offer.
Sincerely, Bryn C.
Answer
Hi Bryn, Nice pics. Because the boulders are worn and sculpted by running water, it’s a little hard to be certain.
I would not be surprised if the majority of boulders here were derived from basalt lava flows situated on the Mogollon Rim.
Mike Conway