From Vegas we passed through Zion National Park to reach the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where we took a rigorous day-hike. Like Mars, the geology is unearthly and the landscape is predominantly red. Unlike Mars, the ground is teaming with life. Cyanobacteria, mosses, soil lichens, green algae, microfungi, and bacteria make up cryptobiotic soil, and serve as a critical source of water and nutrients for plants in this arid region. Cryptograms are extremely susceptible to human impact.
Nitrogen fixation stops immediately.
Trampling the crust also makes an area more susceptible to erosion for at least 20 years. A footprint or two compacts it so that there is less space for water. The result is diminished water infiltration and water erodes the soils more effectively. Moving sand dunes can be formed from previously stable areas. Belnap described active dunes in both Arches and the nearby Canyonlands National Park.