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| Digital-Desert : Mojave Desert |
| Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: Weather:: :?:: glossary |
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CONTENTS Introduction Physiography Weather Data Geologic History Changing Climates Weathering & Erosion Carbonate Rocks Granitic Rocks Volcanic Rocks Faults Pediments Stream Channels Stream Terraces The Mojave River Playas Sand Dunes Human Impacts References -- |
Geology -
Mojave National Preserve: Landforms & Erosional Processes General Geologic HistoryThe Mojave National Preserve holds a geological history that spans billions of years, showcasing Earth's dynamic processes. The oldest rocks, formed 1.7-2.5 billion years ago, are metamorphic, derived from ancient sedimentary, volcanic, and igneous rocks. These rocks were shaped deep within the Earth during early mountain-building events that contributed to forming continental cores.Around 1.4 billion years ago, magma intrusions added mineral deposits, such as those at Mountain Pass. Over millions of years, erosion smoothed the terrain into a flat plain. For nearly 800 million years, shallow seas deposited layers of sediments, including carbonate rocks rich in fossils of marine organisms. Around 250 million years ago, the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea led to tectonic shifts that transformed the Mojave's passive margin into an active one. Subduction of oceanic crust uplifted mountains and created volcanic activity. Granitic igneous intrusions formed the cores of major mountain ranges, including the Sierra Nevada. Approximately 30 million years ago, rifting and faulting reshaped the region, accompanied by volcanic activity that continued until 8,000 years ago. Today, tectonic forces from the San Andreas Fault and related systems still influence the landscape. Modern features like playas, pediment surfaces, and alluvial fans are products of recent climate changes, geology, and tectonics. This evolving landscape, shaped by billions of years of natural processes, remains a focus of scientific research, uncovering insights into Earth's past. For deeper understanding, resources like Hewett (1956) provide detailed geological summaries of the region. Original Page ------- |
| Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: Weather:: :?:: glossary |
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These items are historical in scope and are intended for educational purposes only; they are not meant as an aid for travel planning. Copyright ©Walter Feller. 1995-2024 - All rights reserved. |