Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States

© Chris Moore/TANDEM Stills + Motio

Waves of time. Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States

Wavy sandstone ridges stretch across the Caineville Badlands, Utah, United States, resembling nature's brushstrokes on stone. These formations are made of fine-grained sediment that settled in ancient river deltas and inland seas and later hardened into stone. Over time, erosion carved through the layers, exposing flowing, ripple-like patterns. The sedimentary layers tell a story of shifting climates and ancient landscapes. The barren land, seen in today's image, may appear lifeless, but during early spring, rainfall blankets the terrain with tiny purple and yellow flowers. Light and shadow shift throughout the day, offering photographers and visitors various angles. While much of the terrain remains rugged, some areas offer easy access, allowing visitors to explore without strenuous hiking.

The Chambal region, located in north-central India, is both a geographical and cultural landscape shaped by the Chambal and Yamuna river valleys. Spanning southeastern Rajasthan, southwestern Uttar Pradesh, and northern Madhya Pradesh, this area features nearly 5000 square kilometres of rugged badlands. Draining the northwestern Central Vindhya Plateau and the southeastern Aravalli Range, the region is carved by tributaries like the Kali Sindh and Parbati. These rivers originate in the southern Vindhyas, flowing northward through deep valleys before forming a triangular alluvial plain at an elevation of 240-270 metres.