Sandstone Deformation: Convolute Bedding in the Navajo Sandstone

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The image depicts a striking example of Soft-Sediment Deformation (SSD) structures within the Navajo Sandstone formation, specifically located near Moqui, Kanab, Utah, USA. These structures are characterized by convolute bedding, which manifests as complex folding and crumpling of the rock layers or laminations. This deformation is typically found in fine or silty sands and is often confined to a single rock layer.

SSD structures, including convolute bedding, are critical for understanding the timing of geological events because they only form at the time of deposition or shortly thereafter, during the initial stages of the sediment's consolidation. For this type of deformation to occur, the sediment must be "liquid-like" or unsolidified. This condition points to an early diagenetic event. The Navajo Sandstone itself is a massive formation from the Jurassic Period, deposited approximately 183 to 191 million years ago (Ma), providing a clear deep-time framework for the formation of these structures.

Why a Global Flood Cannot Cause This Formation

The presence of Soft-Sediment Deformation (SSD) like convolute bedding cannot be explained by a single catastrophic global flood event as described by Young Earth Creationism (YEC). SSD requires the sediment to be partially or fully unconsolidated and "liquid-like" when the deformation occurs. A global flood, envisioned as a single, rapid depositional event, would consolidate sediments too quickly and subject them to massive, uniform pressures that would not allow for the complex, localized deformation seen in structures like convolute bedding. Furthermore, the YEC use of Genesis 7's "springs below" as a pseudoscientific mechanism for geological features is a form of eisegesis—interpreting the text to introduce concepts (like catastrophic global tectonics) not present in the original context to force the biblical narrative onto observed geology. Geological science demonstrates these features require long-term, non-catastrophic processes.

Old Earth Creationism and Genesis Days

Old Earth Creationism (OEC) accommodates deep-time geology by interpreting the days of Genesis as representing long, indefinite periods of time (the Day-Age view). This framework allows OEC proponents to accept the scientific consensus on the millions of years required for formations like the Navajo Sandstone and the gradual, non-catastrophic processes necessary for its soft-sediment deformation.

Old Earth Creationism interprets Job 9:5-6 “It is God who removes the mountains, they know not how, When He overturns them in His anger Who shakes the earth out of its place, And its pillars tremble” as a description of God's immense power and sovereignty over natural forces rather than a literal 24 hour depiction of specific, recent geological events. OEC acknowledges that mountains and geological features are formed through long, natural processes, but attributes the ultimate cause to God's design and ongoing control. "Removing mountains" and "shaking the earth" are seen as descriptions of God's ability to orchestrate and influence the Earth's systems, including tectonic shifts and geological upheavals, over vast periods. This verse highlights God's role as the sustainer and director of the physical world, aligning with OEC's view of God working through established natural laws and deep time.

Job 14:18 and Uniformitarianism:

This phrase directly connects to the biblical passage Job 14:18-19, which states: "But the mountain falls and crumbles away, and the rock is removed from its place; the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth.."

This passage discusses the scientific principle of Uniformitarianism, by describing geological processes of erosion and change occurring over time. Job observes that even seemingly permanent natural features like mountains and rocks are subject to gradual wearing down by water and other forces. This observation of ongoing natural processes shaping the landscape aligns with the idea behind uniformitarianism – that present-day processes can explain past geological changes. The connection is a conceptual parallel regarding the continuous nature of change and a direct theological or scientific statement on uniformitarianism.

Conclusion

The convolute bedding in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone is a classic example of Soft-Sediment Deformation that requires unconsolidated sediment and deep time for its formation. This feature is inconsistent with a rapid global flood model, but is fully accommodated by a standard geological timeline and the Old Earth Creationism interpretation of Genesis.


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