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Desert Pavement

By Andrew Alden, About.com Guide

Desert pavement is the stony surface that covers much of the desert floor. It usually consists of a single layer of stones, often cemented by calcite or salts in the soil. With age, it develops a dark patina of rock varnish. Most desert pavement supports foot traffic and is sometimes strong enough for vehicles, but in general it should be considered delicate.

Learn more about desert pavement formation

Learn more about rock varnish

Images 1-10 of 10

Typical occurrenceDesert Pavement Near Palo Verde Peak, CaliforniaTessera in a mosaicRock VarnishShelter from the heatSpring Flowers in Desert PavementA young pavementDesert Pavement, Cima Dome, Mojave Desert
Slightly more developedDesert Pavement, Providence Mountains, Mojave DesertFresh pavement, close upDesert Pavement, Upper Las Vegas Wash, NevadaModerate-aged pavement, close upDesert Pavement, Chemehuevi Mountains, CaliforniaOld pavement, close upOld Desert Pavement Near Blythe, California
An impressive surfaceDesert Pavement Near Blythe, CaliforniaInspired by the stony canvasAncient Intaglio Figure Near Blythe, California
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