Scotts Bluff is steadily eroding away. In 1933, the top of the metal survey post on the summit was level with the rock surface, but within a few decades a considerable volume of sandstone was removed. Grain by grain, the sedimentary rock breaks off and is blown or washed away, and over time the continued action of rain, ice, and wind will wear Scotts Bluff down to the level of the surrounding flatlands. Human footsteps greatly speed the erosion of the soft sandstone formations.