Called "patterned ground," the shapes are created by fierce annual cycles of freezing and thawing. Large rocks are brought to the surface surrounding areas of finer rock and mature soil up to 30 feet in diameter. The pattern shapes and rock sorting are dependent on the slope of the mountain, as well as the environmental conditions, such as moisture content. Steeper slopes formed rows of rocks resembling stripes, while inactive polygon shapes formed on windswept knolls and dry saddles over a thousand years ago.

Ephemeral ponds or areas with extensive melt water from snow banks have the most freeze/thaw action and have active forming patterns.

Niwot Ridge on the Front Range or Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain Park are good places to see patterned ground and see geometry in action.