Mystery Solved: How Rocks Move at Racetrack Playa

Ever wondered how the rocks at Death Valley's Racetrack Playa move? So did this dude, who is clearly way smarter than me.

Mystery Solved

Thanks for sharing this, Bret.
I like the concept, although I'm not clear on how the "collar" of ice actually forms and doesn't melt while the playa is covered with a unfrozen sheet of water?

The Milky Way wide angle racetrack pano at the end of the article is great.

I saw a recent article in the LA Times about more idiots taking the rocks as souvenirs!
I hope they had 4 flat tires on their way out.

Interesting article. There's a recent discovery on Mars that's not entirely unrelated - the linear gullies that form along some of Mars' sand dunes are apparently caused by rafts of dry ice that form enough sublimation fog underneath to "float" them down the dune, again leaving trails behind them.

And agree with Bill on the Milky Way pano (and the idiots).

Someone needs to invent a self-charging, solar-powered battery that can last three years and strap a camera on those beasts. I'd like to see this in action!

Very interesting article. I don't feel like the question will truly be solved until someone actually witnesses and documents the movement, but maybe the new theory could help a researcher target likely conditions. Seems like a great use for a scientific drone.

Hey guys
FYI : actually, the "ice rafting" theory has been the most accepted one for many years among geologists.