The color of the sandstone varies between gray, brown, yellow, red, purple, and white.

The flooding of the Tethys Sea led to the deposition of marine sedimentary rocks - limestone and dolomite - on top of the soft sandstones.

The retreat of the sea exposed the area to terrestrial weathering processes that eroded the tops of the anticlines.

The upper layers made of hard limestone were eroded, and the soft sandstone inside the anticline was exposed.

The Newcombe Map was unknown to the Jewish settlement, and the crater was discovered by chance during a tour by members of the HaMachanot HaOlim movement in 1942.

The water is pumped up to factories operating in the area, including the "Arad Complex Plants."

Consequently, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority carries out conservation and restoration activities in and around the crater.