CHAIN OF DOMES 
A formidable crack in the earth’s surface extended 
from north to south on the east of the chain of domes, 
whereas to the east of the giant crack was another row of 
domed hills, forming, when taken as a mass, an undulating 
terrace; then a vertical wall, above which rested the 
sloping side of the plateau on which we stood. It may be 
observed that the strata in the split, vertical wall on our 
side was absolutely horizontal. On the summit of this 
rocky stratum lay a deposit, thirty feet thick, composed of 
red earth and sand over yellow sandstone and ashes, and, 
lower, grey ashes compressed and consolidated. The 
lowest stratum visible on the face of the wall was of bright, 
red-baked rock. 
The great depression, taken in its entirety, extended 
from southeast to northwest. The huge crater was to 
the southeast. To the southwest there was an immense 
basin. 
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