Monday, June 25, 2012

Another Monday Mystery...!

Nearly everyone that knows me, knows I love me a good mystery!

While searching for a good one to share, I ran across this one on Listverse. They are a great source of so many different topics, it's hard not to borrow from them!

This one will start you to thinking, that's for sure!

Sailing Stones



The sailing stones are a geological phenomenon found in the Racetrack Playa (a seasonally dry lake located in the northern part of the Panamint Mountains in Death Valley National Park, California, U.S.A.). The stones slowly move across the surface of the playa, leaving a track as they go, without human or animal intervention. They have never been seen or filmed in motion and are not unique to The Racetrack. Similar rock travel patterns have been recorded in several other playas in the region but the number and length of travel grooves on The Racetrack are notable. Racetrack stones only move once every two or three years and most tracks last for just three or four years. Stones with rough bottoms leave straight striated tracks while those with smooth bottoms wander. Stones sometimes turn over, exposing another edge to the ground and leaving a different-sized track in the stone’s wake.

Various and sometimes idiosyncratic possible explanations have been put forward over the years that have ranged from the supernatural to the very complex. Most hypotheses favored by interested geologists posit that strong winds when the mud is wet are at least in part responsible. Some stones weigh as much as a human, which some researchers such as geologist George M. Stanley who published a paper on the topic in 1955 feel is too heavy for the area’s wind to move.


Now this is a mystery that all the science loving folks out there can get their teeth into, don't you think?

We can have some fresh coffee out on the patio, but the heat is coming early these days!

12 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Aliens!

The Griper said...

or how about the idea that there is no such thing as an inanimate object?

and that all things have a life of their own, some at a pace that we can't even measure in terms of being a life because they have such a long life span. :)

Sixbears said...

There you are minding your own business, and stones sneak up on you in the night. That would freak anyone out.

Dizzy-Dick said...

I have always wondered about those moving stones. I have a few theories but until I get the chance to check out the area in person, I am not going to tell (grin).

Momlady said...

I agree with Gorges.

linda m said...

I saw a show on National Geographic about these stones. It is just so weird - I agree with Gorges. It is the only explanation.

Baby Sis said...

Bubba -
I love these big ole rocks! Just the thought of them makes me smile. So sorry to hear of Ben's passing, but quick and easy is the best for old farts - we should all be so lucky.

Thanks for the grin on this hot one!

JO said...

I also watched NG's special on these rocks fascinating.

Yes the heat is coming early these days. Have to get out early and get done playing before it hits.
Pass the pot please.

HermitJim said...

Hey Gorges...
That's the explanation that makes the most sense to me!

Thanks for the visit today!


Hey Griper...
I've heard that same idea before and I tend to agree with it!

We forget that our idea of what is real time may not always be the same as everything else!

Thanks for dropping by today!


Hey Sixbears...
Pretty bad when you can't even trust the rocks anymore!

One more reason to be paranoid, I guess!

Thanks for coming by today!


Hey Dizzy...
I figured you might have some ideas about those stones. Probably a pretty good one at that!

Thanks, buddy, for coming over today!


Hey Momlady...
I can't help but wonder just where they are headed!

Maybe it's a big board game being played by powers unknown!

Thanks for coming by today!


Hey Linda...
That seems to be the popular explanation, for sure!

Thanks for coming over this morning!


Hey Sis...
Nature is just so full of wondrous things! Taking time to notice them is the secret!

Have a great day...and thanks, Sis, for coming by today!


Hey JoJo...
Already up to 98 here at 10:00! Supposed to reach 102 and for here that's HOT!

Thanks so much for coming over, sweetie!

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

I didn't see the tv show. I wonder if magnetics plays a role? If not then I think it is aliens too.

HermitJim said...

Hey Ladyhawthorne...
Whatever the reason, it's a mystery I would like someone to solve!

However, it's a lot of fun just trying to figure it out as well!

Maybe some things are best left a secret!

Thanks for coming over today!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

HJ sometimes nature needs to keep secrest of her own and as we know a true lady never divulges them.