Coconino

/ˌkoʊkoʊˈniːnoʊ/ noun

Definition

A type of sandstone formation found in the American Southwest, particularly in Arizona, known for its cross-bedded patterns created by ancient wind and water.

Etymology

From Spanish 'Coconino,' which comes from the Havasupai language and refers to an indigenous people of the Grand Canyon region. The geological formation is named after this people and their homeland.

Kelly Says

Coconino sandstone is a geological time capsule—its cross-hatched patterns tell the story of an ancient desert that existed 270 million years ago, and geologists can read it like a book to understand Earth's past climates!

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