advertisement
29 April 2024
Beneath the sun-baked soil of Glendale lies a hidden treasure: a sprawling underground expanse deeper than the Grand Canyon itself. This colossal phenomenon, known as the Luke Salt Body, spans an estimated 10,000 feet in thickness and covers an expansive 40 square miles of desert terrain.
A geological marvel boasting a remarkable purity of 99.9 percent, the Luke Salt Body played a pivotal role in driving Arizona’s late postwar economic boom. Even decades later, it continues to be a cornerstone of productivity.
Morton Salt, a company that has mastered the art of mining the deposit, is responsible for harnessing the wealth of this underground treasure trove. Their operations yield dazzling white stockpiles of salt, a sight that can deceive visitors into mistaking them for snow, especially during scorching triple-digit temperatures.
The first indication of the Luke Salt Body occurred in 1952. An irrigation well drilled for Goodyear Farms produced saline water with an almost pure sodium-chloride chemistry that was worthless for growing crops. Fifteen years later, scientist Gerald Grott recognized that the water quality might indicate an unusual feature. In conjunction with a recent geophysical map, he thought there was a high probability of an extensive salt deposit beneath the West Valley.
The first indication of the Luke Salt Body occurred in 1952. An irrigation well drilled for Goodyear Farms produced saline water with an almost pure sodium-chloride chemistry that was worthless for growing crops. Fifteen years later, scientist Gerald Grott recognized that the water quality might indicate an unusual feature. In conjunction with a recent geophysical map, he thought there was a high probability of an extensive salt deposit beneath the West Valley.
Scientist Gerald Grott’s theory was not just a hypothesis, but a revelation. His discovery near Glendale and Dysart roads was nothing short of astounding — the formation could potentially meet the salt needs of the entire U.S. for the next 200 years, a testament to the vast resources of the Luke Salt Body.
Grott’s talent was as a scientific visionary, not a businessman, but he had taken a big chunk of the salt pellet market from Morton. Morton Salt bought the 132-acre facility and its 98 acres of brine evaporation ponds in 1985.
The story of the Luke Salt Body is a testament to the remarkable wealth that lies beneath Arizona’s arid landscape. As Morton Salt continues to mine this invaluable resource, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of discovery, innovation, and economic prosperity that characterizes the Grand Canyon State.
advertisement
Long before the Valley of the Sun became the desert city we know today, this region was a hub of dynamic earth processes that left behind the strange formations that make up the Papago Mountain. advertisement Ancient Origins Some of Arizona’s oldest geological features, such as the mountains around Sedona and Tucson, date back approximately 2.7 billion years. In comparison, the Phoenix area is geologically young, at 15 to 30 million years old. This makes it one of the newest regions in the state. Notably, much of Arizona’s ancient rock has been uplifted and carried far from its origin. Some
Arizona’s craft beer scene is flourishing, with major cities offering a diverse array of brewpubs that cater to every palate. Here’s a guide to some of the best brewpubs in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Tempe. advertisement Phoenix Wren House Brewing Company: Located at 2125 N 24th St, this brewery is renowned for its award-winning beers. For instance, the Spellbinder IPA is crafted with Arizona-grown Sonoran white wheat and a blend of Cascade, Citra, and Mosaic hops. Hop Culture Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.: Situated at 201 E Roosevelt St, this brewery emphasizes local ingredients. It offers unique brews that reflect the
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, is a testament to the immense power of time and geology. It spans over 277 miles, reaching depths of more than a mile, and offers visitors a stunning view of layered rock formations that tell the story of Earth’s geological history. But how did this awe-inspiring landscape come to be? The formation of the Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of geological processes, combining erosion, volcanic activity, and the slow movement of tectonic plates. advertisement The Ancient Foundations The Grand Canyon’s story began long
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
advertisement
| Cookie | Duration | Description | 
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". | 
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". | 
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". | 
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. | 
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". | 
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |