Wadi Rum is a magical environment. The rock formations, sand dunes and vegetation are a continually changing panorama. “Magical” does not necessarily imply pleasant or temperate. The weather can be wicked with cold and hot extremes. Even on a calm day, there’s a haze over the landscape.
Our desert transportation
On a windy day, larger bits of sand sting any exposed surface while the dust creeps into the tiniest crevice.
The formations are composed of three types of rock. Granite is the base material. On top of the granite, a layer of dark sandstone, from the Cambrian period, 600 million years ago and finally a white sandstone, 500 millions old. Sandstones are continental deposits. So, 600 million years ago Wadi Rum was already a land mass. There are also some thin layers of shale interspersed in the sandstone. The shale layers provide a striking purple, lavender or red contrast to the sandstone.
The northern movement of the Arabian plate has caused an easterly tilt in the formation. The west face of the outcropping will have much more granite visible than the east face.
The interesting scalloping and erosion of the rock is due to salt. The salt corrodes the surface and produces stunning honeycomb effects.
Erosion due to salt and wind – a Tafoni effect
There are two distinct fine grain types of sand in the area, an iron oxide red sand and yellow-white sand.
Red sand dessert with white and dark sandstone outcropping
The area has many petroglyphs and more recent inscriptions.
– Ayman our guide describing a Nabatean carving
There are desert flowers and sufficient vegetation in some areas to support small herds of sheep.
We were only in Wadi Rum for a short time. Our tents were better equipped than many hotels, with indoor plumbing, WiFi and heating. The wall were made of a heavy duty cloth. I felt quite comfortable in my tent has the wind beat against the walls.
The campground
The weather was much improved when we departed this morning. I would have enjoyed spending another day touring the area. It’s a fascinating geological area and a testament to the hardiness of the Bedouins who have inhabited the area for centuries.
Cheers,
Denise