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Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins and badlands. They are formed through a process of weathering and erosion over millions of years. Hoodoos typically consist of relatively soft rock topped by harder, less easily eroded stone that protects each column from the elements.

Characteristics of Hoodoos:

1. Formation: Hoodoos are created by differential weathering and erosion. The softer rock erodes faster than the harder caprock, resulting in the distinctive pillar shape.

2. Size: Hoodoos can range from the height of an average human to heights exceeding 10 stories.

3. Location: Hoodoos are found in dry, desert areas with significant temperature variations and infrequent but heavy rainfall. Notable locations include Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, the Alberta Badlands in Canada, and the Cappadocia region in Turkey.

4. Color: The coloration of hoodoos can be quite varied, often reflecting the different minerals within the rock layers, such as iron oxide (red) or manganese oxide (black).

Geological Process:

1. Frost Wedging: Water seeps into cracks in the rock. When temperatures drop, the water freezes, expands, and causes the rock to fracture.

2. Erosion: Wind and rain further erode the rock. The harder caprock protects the softer rock beneath it, leading to the creation of a column.

3. Chemical Weathering: The rock composition can change over time due to chemical reactions with the atmosphere, further contributing to the erosion process.