A mushroom rock, also called rock pedestal or a pedestal rock,
is a naturally occurring rock whose shape, as its name implies,
strikingly resembles a mushroom, and are usually found in desert
areas. These rocks are formed over thousands of years when erosion
of an isolated rocky outcrop progresses at a different rate at its
bottom to that at its top. Abrasion by wind-borne grains of sand is
most prevalent within the first 3 feet of the ground, causing the
bases of outcrops to erode more rapidly than their tops. The
process of abrasion involves mechanical scraping of a rock surface
by friction between rocks and moving particles (in this case sand)
during transport by wind, glacier, waves, gravity, or running
water.
The area is close to the Najran – Sharurah road and
accessible to saloon cars.
Please bear in mind this location is also close to the Saudi
Arabia/Yemen border and therefore camping is currently not
advised.
You may be out of your vehicle for some time so please ensure
you have sufficient fluids and sun protection.
To claim this earthcache, please email, via the send message
link on our profile page, the answers to the following questions
(do not include in your log).
1. Estimate how tall the mushroom is.
2. Estimate the width of the cap.
3.Upload a photo of another example of an eroded rock
at the site - this will allow future visitors to see what other
formations are in the area
You do not need to wait for a reply, but logs without the
answers WILL be deleted!