SPACEPHOTOS

The paralleling and tilted rock beds of the Central Makran Mountains flank one of many arid valleys in southwest Pakistan. This particular valley, known as the Kolwa Valley, includes a sizeable dry lake (highly reflective surface near center) that extends in a gentle arc from northeast to southwest. The valley was named for a small village that is situated near the southwest end of the valley. The folded mountains and valleys shown in this image are the result of tremendous tectonic forces, created by the Indian Plate colliding with the more massive Eurasian Plate. The alternating light and dark linear features that radiate into the valley from the surrounding rugged hills and low mountains are alluvial deposits that have formed along the flanks of the low mountainous relief. The small dark spots within the valley show the location and distribution of limited agricultural activity where adequate moisture permits.