Tafoni – Nature's Rock Art

Tafoni – you may not have heard the term but the chance are, if you have visited an ocean shore, (or less likely a desert!) that you have seen them with your own eyes. Essentially they are caves (mostly in miniature) and their formation can often result in beautiful patterns. Yet why are they formed in the first place? Image Credit Flickr User Dawn Endico Image Credit Flickr user Dawn Endico Found in all types of climates, tafoni are most common in tidal areas and, conversely, in deserts. There is no exact scientific explanation to why they are formed – the jury is still out. However, the number one explanation is that their formation is controlled by a combination of a weathering by salt and the length of time between when they are wet and dry. Image Credit Flickr user Dawn Endico Image Credit Flickr User Kalense Kid Another explanation, where salt is not necessarily involved is that of cementation. As they are mostly found in granular rock (but also in granite, it should be added)…