Mysterious Moving Rocks in Death Valley

Racetrack Playa, a dry lakebed in California, has long captivated researchers with its enigmatic "sailing stones," which leave behind tracks up to 1,500 feet long as they seemingly drift across the surface. These rocks, some weighing as much as 700 pounds, have puzzled scientists since the mid-20th century, with no direct observation of their movement until recent years. The phenomenon has sparked curiosity and debate, as the stones appear to move without any visible cause. In a groundbreaking study published in 2014, researchers finally captured the movement of these elusive rocks. By fitting 15 stones with motion-activated GPS devices and employing a time-lapse camera, the team monitored the rocks' movements alongside a high-resolution weather station to detect subtle changes in wind velocity. This innovative approach yielded results in a surprisingly short timeframe, revealing that the stones could remain stationary for over a decade before moving. Between December 2013 and January 2014, the researchers observed over 60 rocks moving at speeds ranging from 7 to 16 feet per minute. The data collected indicated that a unique combination of rainfall and wind was responsible for the rocks' movements. While scientists had long suspected wind as a factor, the study clarified how larger boulders were displaced and the sporadic nature of their movements. The findings revealed that the sailing stones move when a thin layer of ice forms on the playa after rainfall. As the sun rises and melts the ice, floating panels are created, which push the rocks along in the direction and speed dictated by the wind, finally demystifying this natural wonder.