[meteorite-list] OT - Zhangye Danxia, Rainbow Hills of China, Gansu Province

[Paul H.]

Although this has nothing to do with meteorites, these
hills are quite beautiful and thought that the members 
of this list would appreciated them as break from some
topics currently being discussed.

Colourful rock formations in the Zhangye Danxia
Landform Geological Park, the Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/9550531/Colourful-rock-formations-in-the-Zhangye-Danxia-Landform-Geological-Park.html

Magnificent Danxia landform
https://www.youtube.com/v/MasXlXV9fEM

Magnificent Danxia landform in NW China
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-04/02/c_132278768_3.htm

I have not found anything in English about the geology
of these hills. However, like the Painted Desert of
Arizona, the colors likely represent deeply oxidized fossil
soils (paleosols) (oranges and yellows) interbedded
with layers of reduced / unoxidized sediment, possibly
either lake or fluvial deposits. 

For the Google Earth fans, the coordinates are
latitude 38.9546, longitude 100.0744. Just insert
“ 38.9546, 100.0744 ” into Google Earth search .

If anyone knows where I might find some information
about their geology, I would appreciate knowing where 
it can be found.

Yours,

Paul H.