Photograph: Copyright © 1986 Roy D. Tea

Made 11/5/86, Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah.

Archeological excavation of another wagon mound by the Silver Island Expedition. Notice wheel tracks in the mud below the surface and subtle indications of wheel tracks on the surface. It is presumed that in this area the wagon wheels cut through the crust into the softer material below, making hard pulling for the draft animals and leaving deep ruts that filled in over time with the distinct, light-colored gypsum sand the desert winds blow across this flat.