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19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Ancient Fossil Reef

In the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains, we descend 800 feet beneath the Chihuahuan Desert into a spectacular cavernous world. Stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, cave pearls, soda straws, and helictites are among the speleothems that adorn the chambers of Carlsbad Caverns. As we hike back out we anticipate the light of day. A surreal experience to explore this ancient fossil reef.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico, United States of America
Camera: ILCE-6000
Copyright: © Lisa Schuth