Although Death Valley is the lowest and hottest point in the Western Hemisphere, the rocks originate at about 4,000 feet, where winter brings freezing temperatures and a variety of weather conditions. At least four theories have been explored (excluding alien intervention):

* Vibrations from earthquakes
* Swelling clay that pushes up on the rocks
* Ice sheets that slide downward, carrying objects with them
* The combination of high winds and slick clay

The most popular theory is wind. After rains, a fine, slippery layer of clay forms across the playa, reducing friction. When two columns of strong wind whip across the site, they may push the rocks across the lake bed. When crosscurrents of wind meet, a pocket of low pressure forms, creating mini-tornadoes that may steer some rocks in all directions. This weather pattern could create straight lines and zigzags.

And yet, the question remains. How can the wind move a rock with a mass equivalent to a small car?

It's not like there is an incline or gravitational assists going on here. And the rocks themselves are not perfectly sculpted to provide a smooth bottom surface for gliding ease. The soil itself is not (as can bee seen) a uniform flat surface either.

So far the naturalist explanation includes water (rain and ice), wind, and temperature as the key variables to this phenomenon. I suspect something is missing because that explanation is not entirely persuasive.

I don't doubt there is a scientific reason this occurs. But insofar as wind, rain, and ice; there is not enough there to satisfy the energy requirement to move matter over the surface for the distances evidenced by the trails and measurement taken thus far.

Starred for a great OP Elf!

Bentonite clay is magnetic.
Are the rocks, also?

Wow, This brings back memories. I find the videos that are posted not that rich in the evidence department. If water was dragging it around shouldn't the rocks all gather at the same spot were the water might vaporize?

I find it very funny that something we find is one of the most stationary things on this planet is leaving a trail!

This phenomenon has been reported for a long time, and I still remember watching footage of a documentary my uncle presented to me that was originally aired in the 70s about these rocks.

What I want to know is why haven't scientists just placed camera around the vicinity that takes a picture every day?

I was in Death Valley a few months ago.

It has nothing to do with magnetic rocks. They are not Iron based. It has nothing to do with Earthquakes as the area is very geologically stable in that respect. It has nothing to do with the Moon or tidal influence. Tides pull in TWO directions after all. To correct an earlier post, there is NO permafrost in Death Valley either as it is the hottest place in the USA.

If you look at every mountain, valley, and canyon on the planet, you will see geological weathering on a grand scale. Wind, water, and time have carved the mighty rockies and dug out the Grand Canyon. This case, while unusual, is more of the same.

The Lake bed is very dry and made up of tiny clay like silt particles. When wet it becomes slicker than snot. It is also Very windy at times. Enough to knock you over if you are not paying attention. Cars of the park Rangers who live there, often need to have their windshields replaced due to the constant sandblasting they get. Notice how winter ice creates cracks in hardened concrete, or how frost heaves tear apart roads.

In this case, rocks sitting on a wet, and very slippery surface, are subject to the environment they are surrounded by. At night, deserts become very cold and ice is common. Wind whipping down off the mountains as the temperatures drop, become gale force motivators. Ice forms in some parts on the surface of the lake bed. Ice makes a great battering ram when wind driven. Wind, water and ice combine to move these relatively small rocks much like they combine to tear down mountains. It is cool, but no mystery. Just another example of the beautiful wonder of nature. The video posted twice earlier explains it all.

Originally posted by SantaClaus
If this could be explained away by ice, then how are there tracks? The permafrost wouldn't possibly allow the dirt to be moved by the rocks. I don't buy it.

Did you just use the word "permafrost" in a discussion about Death Valley?

Please say you didn't.