The granite in the Sierra Nevada Range and the glacier-carved landscape of Yosemite National Park allows the geologic history of the area to be broken into two distinct parts. First, the deposition and deformation of metamorphic rocks and emplacement of granitic rocks during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic, and secondly, the uplift, erosion, and glaciation during the Cenozoic that produced the modern landscape (United States of America). Significant chapters in this geologic history include the assembly of California, the intrusion of the Sierra Nevada Batholith, building of the Sierra Nevada, and erosion by glaciers (United States of America). The glaciation has led to iconic landmarks that are known around the world, such as Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, and Half Dome (United States). It is well known that glaciation is the cause for how Yosemite looks today, but it is not as well known what happened before the relatively recent glaciation which happened about 15,000 years ago. The geologic history of Yosemite and the surrounding area starts 500 million years ago in the Paleozoic Era when the area was still under the waters of the Pacific Ocean (Beatty). This area had a passive fault, similar to the east coast of the United States today. The mud and silt from the ocean settled in the Yosemite area and eventually became shale, siltstone, and carbonate rocks (United States of America). By the end of the Ordovician Period, the fault changed from a passive to an active fault. The oceanic plate started to subduct under the continental crust and push the shale upward, forming the first mountains in the western United States. At first, these were volcanic islands off the coast. This formation is called the Shoo Fly Complex. T... ... middle of paper ... ...se two tectonic plates generated intense friction and pressure that generated enough heat to melt rocks. The descent of denser oceanic Farallon Plate into the asthenosphere produced magma that was made from basalt or andesite. Which is dark colored rocks with little silica. The buoyant magma pushed through the silica-rich continental crust, partially melting the crust that it moved though, and becoming more granitic in composition. About 100 million years ago, the granitic magma pooled at depths of only 2 to 5 miles beneath the surface (United States of America). The granitic terrain that makes up the Sierra, was once thought to have only local variations but was produced from one large mass of rock. It has been discovered however that hundreds of intrusions caused the variations in the granite that is displayed in Yosemite and in the Sierra Nevada range (Huber).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the granite in the sierra nevada range and the glacier-carved landscape of yosemite national park allows the geologic history of the area to be broken into two distinct parts.
- Explains the geologic history of yosemite and the surrounding area starts 500 million years ago in the paleozoic era when the area was still under the waters of the pacific ocean.
- Explains that due to the complexity of the geology in yosemite and the sierra nevada range, the exact history of this time cannot be determined.
- Explains that the granite in the sierra nevada range and the glacier-carved landscape of yosemite national park allows the geologic history of the area to be broken into two distinct parts.
- Explains the geologic history of yosemite and the surrounding area starts 500 million years ago in the paleozoic era when the area was still under the waters of the pacific ocean.
- Explains that due to the complexity of the geology in yosemite and the sierra nevada range, the exact history of this time cannot be determined.
- Explains that plate subduction along the active tectonic margin of western north america continued throughout the mesozoic, creating magma that fed volcanoes on the north american plate similar to those of the cascade range.
- Explains how subduction of the oceanic plate thrust the calaveras complex eastward beneath the shoo fly complex, accreting it to the western end of north american continent.
- Explains that transpression was the active fault type in the early cretaceous. it moved metamorphic up to 250 miles from their original position in a left-lateral manner.
- Explains that the convergent collision of these two tectonic plates generated intense friction and pressure that generated enough heat to melt rocks.
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- Death Valley National Park was Very Different in the Pastexplanatory essayPresently, visitors will only see small, salty pools of water in low lying areas of the park unless they’re lucky enough to visit just after a rare but significant rain storm. This is especially true in Badwater, where the height of the terrain in the area approximately -282 feet! Badwater is also home to some of the oldest rocks in the park. Found in the Black Mountains, visitors have the rare opportunity to see the physical evidence of our earth’s history, dating as far back as the Precambrian Eon, 1.8 billion years ago. During this time, volcanic and sediment rocks were infused with magma and then transformed into gneiss. At Titus Canyon in the Grapevine Mountains, the walls show evidence if limestone dating back to the Cambrian Era when Death Valley was not a parched desert but a thriving subtropical landscape!
In this essay, the author
- Explains the driest area of death valley today was once an island. during the holocene eon and the pleistocène ice ages, glaciers formed in the sierra nevada mountains and water from the rivers cascaded into the area now known as shoreline butte, forming lake manly.
- Explains that badwater is home to some of the oldest rocks in the park, dating back to the precambrian eon 1.8 billion years ago.
- Explains that the sand dunes on the north end of the park, near the cottonwood mountains, are made up of quartz and feldspar.
- Explains the driest area of death valley today was once an island. during the holocene eon and the pleistocène ice ages, glaciers formed in the sierra nevada mountains and water from the rivers cascaded into the area now known as shoreline butte, forming lake manly.
- Explains that badwater is home to some of the oldest rocks in the park, dating back to the precambrian eon 1.8 billion years ago.
- Explains that the sand dunes on the north end of the park, near the cottonwood mountains, are made up of quartz and feldspar.
- Explains that furnace creek is the center of death valley national park, with its lush green golf course and refreshing swimming pool. saratoga springs is home to some very rare species.
- Explains that due to the rate of evaporation in this extremely dry climate versus the amount of rainfall the region receives each year, almost all of the natural springs have disappeared.
- Explains that death valley national park has gone through a variety of natural changes over millions of years, including 150 million years of shift plate tectonics, strike-slip faults and volcanism.
- Explains that ubehebe crater and volcanic field in death valley national park show some of the oldest and youngest volcanic activity in the area. the resulting crater measures a half mile wide and over 700 feet deep.
- Opines that humans need to think about their actions and how it will affect their surroundings a little more than they do.
951 wordsRead More - Kamiak Butte Essayexplanatory essayThus, the geologic history of the Palouse indicates the formation of the landscape that we live on presently formed across a time span of millions of years. From the lava flows almost 17 million years ago to ash falls just recently in the 1980’s (Mt Saint Helens) the Palouse has been altered and shaped by a series of natural events.1.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that kamiak butte is a national natural landmark, and pine ridge trail is the greatest attraction of the buttes. it towers above the surrounding palouse hills.
- Explains that kamiak butte is a quartzite and basalt rock type, which is intrusive and forms when exposed to heat and pressure.
- Explains that the palouse area has a variety of structures that influence the infrastructure of the region.
- Explains that kamiak butte is a national natural landmark, and pine ridge trail is the greatest attraction of the buttes. it towers above the surrounding palouse hills.
- Explains that kamiak butte is a quartzite and basalt rock type, which is intrusive and forms when exposed to heat and pressure.
- Explains that the palouse area has a variety of structures that influence the infrastructure of the region.
- Explains the geologic history of the palouse area, which is on the north american plate.
931 wordsRead More - Essay On Theodore Roosevelt National Parkcomparative essayThe Little Missouri River eroding the mountain range is the reason that the park is as it looks today. The park is believed to be <60 million years old. Over 60 million years ago volcanos all over the west were erupting and spitting out amounts of ash. The rivers near the volcanos were gathering. The rivers began to dry out, leveeing the ash behind. The ash was being dried in layers and turned into sandstone, siltstone and mudstone while the ash layers became bentonite clay. This Bentonite clay is dangerous because it gets people stuck, like quick sand it is located throughout the park. It can pull the car tires un...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park is the first and only national park dedicated to a president.
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park was established in 1947 for his effort to preserve america's natural beauty.
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park's climate is mostly dry. spring is the most popular time to visit.
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park is the first and only national park dedicated to a president.
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park was established in 1947 for his effort to preserve america's natural beauty.
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park's climate is mostly dry. spring is the most popular time to visit.
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park is a large mountain range in medora, north dakota and is 70,447 acres of dry badlands.
- Explains that theodore roosevelt national park is home to many animals, including golden eagles, deer, porcupines, beavers, bison, buffalo, and badgers.
- Recommends visiting theodore roosevelt national park if you want to see badlands, wild animals and a great time.
- Explains that the little missouri river eroded the mountain range and the plateaus of theodore roosevelt national park.
588 wordsRead More - Appalachia Cultureexplanatory essay...the only major geologic event in the history of the Appalachians. Several glaciers have covered parts of the Northern Appalachians over the last three million years. (Appalachian tales) The mountains have been there ever since and that is how they were formed.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they grew up thinking that appalachia meant people were dirty, poor, illiterate, inbreed and we also called them mountain people.
- Explains that appalachia is no longer the land of severe poverty that it was three decades ago, now the poverty rate of one in 15 is close to the national average.
- Explains that the appalachian mountaineers have been discovered and forgotten many times. their primitive agriculture was disrupted by foragers and incessant guerrilla warfare, and their plight was brought to the attention of president lincoln.
- Explains that they grew up thinking that appalachia meant people were dirty, poor, illiterate, inbreed and we also called them mountain people.
- Explains that appalachia is no longer the land of severe poverty that it was three decades ago, now the poverty rate of one in 15 is close to the national average.
- Explains that the appalachian mountaineers have been discovered and forgotten many times. their primitive agriculture was disrupted by foragers and incessant guerrilla warfare, and their plight was brought to the attention of president lincoln.
- Explains that the appalachian value system that influences attitudes and behavior is different from the norm, and similar to the values of an earlier america.
- Explains that coal became the fuel that fired the furnaces of the nation, transforming the appalachian region socially and economically. mountain people didn't realize the implications of their mineral wealth.
- Explains that appalachia is often portrayed as an arrested frontier, a geographically isolated subculture, and reservoir of culturally homogenous.
- Opines that appalachia's people have been alternately ignored and rescued by government, private, and public social institutions since the early part of this century.
- Explains that appalachia was defined as a social problem area deserving of uplift by church home missions and private philanthropy by william g. frost and john campbell.
- Explains that the appalachian region's economic fortunes were based on extraction of natural resources and manufacturing. the modern economy of the region is gradually diversifying, with a heavier emphasis on services and widespread development of tourism.
- Explains that appalachia has been redefined as 80,000 square miles in the above states except maryland and south carolina. the region has traditionally been viewed as quintessentially poor but fundamentally different from the rest of the nation.
- Opines that appalachia is best viewed as a set of heterogeneous rural areas providing people and resources to eastern, midwestern, and southern cities.
- Explains how the appalachian mountains came to be, the source of gems and minerals for industry and 'quot;rockhounds', and home to increasing numbers of retirees.
- Explains that the appalachian story began nearly 900 million years ago and continues today. during the precambrian era the continents collided to create one supercontinent.
- Explains that appalachia is no different from any other person in this world. the people had to struggle just as bad as others, but were criticized because they lived in the mountains or away from other people.
1512 wordsRead More - Grand Canyon National Park, New York City, and the Washington Monunent Short Reportexplanatory essayThe Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. It was originally deposited sediment that was lithofied, and turned into sedimentary rock. The rock was then carved out by hydraulic processes (Warneke). These processes, all combined, took almost three to six million years to form the Grand Canyon. Continued erosion by wind and rain in the present time continues to shift what the canyon looks like, and make it different as time goes on ("Grand Canyon Facts").
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the grand canyon is one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. it was originally deposited sediment that was lithofied and carved out by hydraulic processes.
- Explains that new york city started out undiscovered and untouched by europeans. it's a tall city, made up of mostly skyscrapers.
- Explains that the washington monument is an important part of our nation's capital because of its striking appearance and tribute to our first president, george washington.
- Explains that the grand canyon is one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. it was originally deposited sediment that was lithofied and carved out by hydraulic processes.
- Explains that new york city started out undiscovered and untouched by europeans. it's a tall city, made up of mostly skyscrapers.
- Explains that the washington monument is an important part of our nation's capital because of its striking appearance and tribute to our first president, george washington.
- Explains the civilian conservation corps' role in the development of the grand canyon national park.
1302 wordsRead More - Mono Basin Volcanismexplanatory essayThe last basin in the Basin and Range before the Sierra Nevada Mountain range is the Mono Basin. The Mono Basin consists of landforms such as the Mono-Inyo Craters, Black Point, Negit Island, Paoha Island, Mono Lake, Devils Punch Bowl, Panum Crater, and some others (Hamburger et al; 2004). All of these landforms were created by volcanism. Actually, the Mono Basin is in one of the most volcanically active places in the world (Forest Service; 2004). Paoha Island, Negit Island, and Panum Crater are the most recent volcanoes to erupt, which are the furthest north in the basin. The volcanoes' ages tend to get older the further south they are from Panum Crater; with the exception of Paoha. Eruptions in the Mono Basin have tended to occur in five hundred year intervals over the past two thousand to three thousand years (Molossia; 2004). Hot springs and fumeroles and other signs show that this area is still active (USDA; 97). Though there has not been any volcanic eruptions in the last six hundred years, there is still evidence of volcanic unrest in the Mono Basin area. (The Picture above compliments of USGS).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the mono basin is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. eruptions have tended to occur in five hundred year intervals over the past two thousand years.
- Explains that the mono-inyo craters were formed by the intrusion of a dike about six hundred years ago.
- Explains that there are three large craters and two of them are lake filled now. the north and south craters are over one hundred eighty four meters deep.
- Explains that the mono basin is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. eruptions have tended to occur in five hundred year intervals over the past two thousand years.
- Explains that the mono-inyo craters were formed by the intrusion of a dike about six hundred years ago.
- Explains that there are three large craters and two of them are lake filled now. the north and south craters are over one hundred eighty four meters deep.
- Explains that after the explosions that formed the inyo craters, eruptions started beneath south deadman flow. the volcanoes are in long valley caldera, though they erupted post- caldera.
- Explains that panum crater is the northernmost volcano of the mono craters and the most recent one to erupt.
- Explains that paoha is the youngest formation in the mono basin. it's not a cinder cone like that of negit island.
- Explains that negit, the smaller black island in mono lake, is a cinder cone volcano.
- Explains the formation of large fissures at black point, which were formed when lava was cooling under the deep, cold waters of mono lake.
- Describes the bodie volcanic area north of mono lake, where the presents of volcanism made many people very rich.
- Describes mammoth mountain as a popular ski area and an active volcano. it is made of mostly rhyolite, which has been altered by hydrothermal activity.
- Explains that devil's postpile originated when basalt lava erupted in the middle fork of the san joaquin river.
- Explains that the mono basin is one of the most geologically active areas in the united states, and the world.
- Cites the molossian institute of volcanology, long valley caldera, and the u.s. department of agriculture, mono basin, national forest scenic area.
1799 wordsRead More - Essay On The Majestic Grand Canyoncomparative essayThe Grand Canyon has a lot of different features and is an exciting place that holds a lot of secretes and mysteries that scientists have been trying to figure out since the Grand Canyon was formed. It is millions of years old, over 277 miles wide, 18 miles wide, and defies many normal Geography features that are true in every other situation. Many theories have been presented that seek to explain the formation of the Grand Canyon. The first theory is that the Grand Canyon has a lot of Erosional Scarp Face’s, that have come together over the years, which is one theory that has been presented. Scientists have also tried to see if the Colorado River cutting into the canyon caused the Grand Canyon.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the grand canyon holds a lot of secretes and mysteries that scientists have been trying to figure out since it was formed.
- Explains the stream piracy theory presented by eddie mckee, which proposed that the "hualipai drainage eroded headword from the lake mead area, across the kaibab plateau, and captured the colorado river."
- Explains that eliot blackwelder presented the main theory on the formation of the grand canyon, which was the re-proposal of lake overflow theory.
- Explains that the grand canyon holds a lot of secretes and mysteries that scientists have been trying to figure out since it was formed.
- Explains the stream piracy theory presented by eddie mckee, which proposed that the "hualipai drainage eroded headword from the lake mead area, across the kaibab plateau, and captured the colorado river."
- Explains that eliot blackwelder presented the main theory on the formation of the grand canyon, which was the re-proposal of lake overflow theory.
- Explains the stream piracy theory presented by eddie mckee and the group conference that he called together in flagstaff to help solve this problem. if this theory is accepted, it switched the route to the grand canyon.
- Concludes that the lake overflow theory presented by eliot blackwelder and john strong newberry and the stream piracy theory by eddie mckee contain elements that prove how the grand canyon was formed.
562 wordsRead More - The Glaciers of Yosemite National Parkexplanatory essay... which shaped the valley even more. Rockfall has shaped the Royal Arches and Mirror Lake. Recently in July of 1996, there was a large rock fall and in January of 1997 the Merced River flooded proving that the geology of Yosemite is a forever changing process that still goes on to this day. (Guyton)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that glaciers are one of nature's coldest and slowest processes. they cover millions of acres of land and drastically change the land into beautiful mountains.
- Explains that the work of glaciers, especially the part they have played in sculpturing the face of the earth, is as yet but little understood, because few loving observers willing to remain with them long enough to appreciate them.
- Explains that a glacier occurs when the climate of an area is so cold that new snow does not completely melt each summer and more snow is added in the winter.
- Explains that glaciers are one of nature's coldest and slowest processes. they cover millions of acres of land and drastically change the land into beautiful mountains.
- Explains that the work of glaciers, especially the part they have played in sculpturing the face of the earth, is as yet but little understood, because few loving observers willing to remain with them long enough to appreciate them.
- Explains that a glacier occurs when the climate of an area is so cold that new snow does not completely melt each summer and more snow is added in the winter.
- Explains that glaciers take part in two of earth's cycles hydrology and the rock cycle. when precipitation falls at high attitudes, the rain or snow becomes a part of the glacier.
- Explains the different types of glaciers that exist, including valley or alpine, ice sheets, and a piedmont glacier.
- Explains that the ice in glaciers becomes under so much pressure that it starts to flow like a very thick liquid. the rate of glacial flow varies from one glacier to another
- Explains that glaciers gain more ice and lose it. the movement of a glacier depends on its budget.
- Explains that glaciers are key in the process known as erosion. glaciers flow over bedrock and loosen rock by freezing in fractures and then melt and expand and break the rock.
- Explains that alpine glacial erosion produces many different types of landforms that greatly contribute to the beauty of mountains.
- Explains how a glacier transforms an alpine valley into an u-shape glacial trough. when larger glaciers cut deeper than smaller ones, hanging valleys form.
- Explains that cirque is an irregularity in a mountainside and is exaggerated by glacial erosion. they are the sides that keep the glacier in the mountain.
- Explains that aretes and horns are sharp ridges that project above the glacier. they are formed by the same processes of a cirque.
- Explains that when a mountain is adjacent to an ocean, the fiord is formed. the trough became level with the sea as the glacier melted.
- Explains that glaciers pick up and move debris as they flow. once they melt, they deposit the debris. when glacial sediment is deposited it can change landscapes.
- Explains that the most abundant landforms attributed to glaciers are layers of till called moraines.
- Explains that a valley glacier accumulates large amounts of debris from valley walls that is left when he recedes. lateral moraines exist along the sides of valleys, while medial ones form when two glaciers come together.
- Explains that an end moraine is formed when the zone of accumulation and wastage is balanced. the debris is carried to the end of the glacier and deposited and the ice moves back as if on a conveyer belt
- Explains that many of the processes and landforms discussed were formed during a period of time known as the ice age.
- Explains that yosemite was first discovered officially in 1851 by nonnatives. in the 1860s, the california geological survey began to study and try to understand its origin.
- Concludes that yosemite's unique landforms must have been formed by faults.
- Posits that during the upheaval of the sierra, there was a subsidence at the yosemite, marked by lines of fault or fissures crossing each other somewhat nearly at right angles.
- Explains that other geologists agreed with whitney's theory of the origin of yosemite.
- Explains that the moraine may have acted as a dam to retain the water within the valley, after the glacier had retreated to its upper end.
- Explains that whitney was so close to understanding one of the main points that makes the glaciated valley so unique.
- Explains that yosemite has many landforms that are unique but are not formed from glaciers. the royal arches, washington column, and three brothers were shaped by jointing and rock fell or glacial rock plucking.
- Describes john muir as a nature lover who lived in yosemite valley. he believed that glaciers were responsible for excavating the valley.
- Analyzes how the violent hypothesis, which furnishes a kind of tophet for the reception of bad mountains, commends itself to the favor of many.
- Analyzes how muir was a fit opponent for whitney. he believed that glaciers were the only thing that shaped yosemite and the entire sierra nevada mountains.
- Explains that yosemite glaciers were the agents by which beauty-loving nature created the grand valley.
- Describes the names of the glaciers, beginning with yosemite creek, hoffman, tenaya, south lyell, and illillouette.
- Explains that the accepted version of the origin of yosemite valley is the view of francois matthes.
- Explains that matthes commented on whitney and muir's views saying that they were admirable for the evidence available to those men at the time. he was better educated with a new topographic map and new ideas on how landscapes form.
- Explains that since the end of the nineteenth century there had come to maturity a new branch of geologic science geomorphology, or physiography.
- Explains that matthes concluded that erosion by the merced river and different glaciers formed the yosemite valley.
- Explains how the sierra nevada mountains started to uplift and tilt westward, causing the merced river to erode a valley where yosemite is. about 1.5 million years ago, the climate got cold enough for glaciers to form.
- Explains that the last glaciation of yosemite occurred only about 20,000 years ago and was not very big.
- Describes the names of s, namely: bailey, ronald h., guyton, bill, huber, n. king, and lutgens, fredrick k.
3276 wordsRead More - The Development Of The Laramide Orogenyexplanatory essayDuring the Late Cretaceous a period of mountain building occurred along the west coast of North America. This is called the Laramide orogeny that started the Rocky Mountains growth about seventy-five million years ago. The Laramide orogeny was different from orogenies that had happened before hand. What caused the Laramide Orogeny is uncertain but there are many theories about what caused it. One big thing to better understand the Laramide orogeny is the theory of Uniformitarianism.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the rocky mountains were created by the laramide orogeny, which began roughly 75 million years ago.
- Explains that ocean ridges can be subducted, or that the conjugates of hess and shatsky have been rifted apart.
- Explains the laramide orogeny that started the rocky mountains growth about seventy-five million years ago. the theory of uniformitarianism states that the present is the key to the past.
- Explains that the rocky mountains were created by the laramide orogeny, which began roughly 75 million years ago.
- Explains that ocean ridges can be subducted, or that the conjugates of hess and shatsky have been rifted apart.
- Explains the laramide orogeny that started the rocky mountains growth about seventy-five million years ago. the theory of uniformitarianism states that the present is the key to the past.
- Explains that mantle plumes and hot spots are the primary contributors to the creation of the rocky mountains.
- Explains that there are many types of rocks that connect with the laramide orogeny. they range from shale to dolomite.
1034 wordsRead More - Persuasive Essay On National Parkexplanatory essayThe beginning of the journey towards forming the first national park begins with a battalion in California, charged with the task of bringing the Native Americans onto reservations. During this trek, they came across a valley of immense beauty, and named it in what they believed was the Indian tribe’s name. They named it “Yosemite”, which later on was found to actually translate to “they are killers” (pbs.org, 2009) in the Native’s language. After a period of nine years, a photographer visited the park, accompanied by a land developer by the name of James Mason Hutching’s. His photos slowly made their way around the country, amazing people with the beauty of this piece of land. They called for its protection, even as the nation was slowly being torn apart by the civil war between the Union and Confederacy. With the Natives being pulled off of their land, the movement to save the lands they previously occupied was in danger. Niagara Falls in New York had already been nearly devastated, and Yosemite might be soon to follow in a short period of time, if Hutchings had his way. People gave back to the goal of protecting the land and towards building the national park system, but the man who truly brought this movement forward to create this first park was John Muir a naturalist who had studied “geology and botany at the University of Wisconsin” (pbs.org, 2009),
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the energy that has gone into preserving these earth-given gifts is extensive. since 1872, people have created fifty-nine national parks across the country.
- Explains that the first national park was created by john muir, a naturalist who studied geology and botany at the university of wisconsin.
- Explains that president abraham lincoln and congress responded to the idea of national parks, and yosemite became a national park in 1864.
- Explains that the energy that has gone into preserving these earth-given gifts is extensive. since 1872, people have created fifty-nine national parks across the country.
- Explains that the first national park was created by john muir, a naturalist who studied geology and botany at the university of wisconsin.
- Explains that president abraham lincoln and congress responded to the idea of national parks, and yosemite became a national park in 1864.
- Explains that the introduction of protected lands brought forth people who wished to use the land for their own needs, starting with james mason hutchings.
- Opines that the lack of respect people have shown to preserve these national parks through the years has added up, limiting the areas to decent habitats and food sources.
- Explains that the national parks conservation association works for the benefit of the parks as an independent voice outside the political system to ensure these places remain unimpaired for future generations.
- Explains that the national park service oversees the four hundred plus parks in the united states, district of columbia, american samoa, guam, puerto rico, saipan and the virgin islands.
- Explains that the national park service's 68,928,098 visitors visited the national parks in 2014, a year before.
2141 wordsRead More - Mono Lakeexplanatory essayThe geological processes that formed and continue to influence Mono Lake began approximately 215 million years ago when the Farallon sea floor plate began subducting, or pushing, under the North American plate. The North American plate was pushed over the sea floor plate by the force of the African and South American plates rifting apart. The friction from the North American plate rubbing against the Farallon plate melted some of the continental rocks, which then erupted in a long volcano chain, the Sierran Arc, stretching from Alaska to Mexico inland from the coast. Over time, the unerupted magma chambers from the Sierran Arc cooled into the granitic batholith that is the Sierra Nevadas (Tierney, 26-27).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that mono lake is a unique body of water lying in the eastern sierra nevadas. the geological history of the western united states has shaped the lake and given it the properties it has.
- Explains the geological processes that formed and continue to influence mono lake began 215 million years ago when the farallon sea floor plate began subducting, or pushing, under the north american plate.
- Explains that the pacific plate sheared against the north american plate, making the continental crust more ductile. the thinning of the plate caused the basin and range region of uplifting mountain ranges and down tipping valleys.
- Explains that mono lake is a unique body of water lying in the eastern sierra nevadas. the geological history of the western united states has shaped the lake and given it the properties it has.
- Explains the geological processes that formed and continue to influence mono lake began 215 million years ago when the farallon sea floor plate began subducting, or pushing, under the north american plate.
- Explains that the pacific plate sheared against the north american plate, making the continental crust more ductile. the thinning of the plate caused the basin and range region of uplifting mountain ranges and down tipping valleys.
- Explains that there have been many volcanic chains along the sierra nevadas, and even around mono lake. the oldest volcanoes created the bodie hills, which are to the north of the basin.
- Explains that the second wave of volcanoes was caused by the basin and range activity. the thinning of the crust allowed magma to work up from the mantle.
- Explains that the mono craters are the site of most of the volcanic activity in the long valley and mono basin area.
- Explains that the mono craters were mostly granitic eruptions, although there were some phreatic explosions.
- Explains that there are several volcanic landforms close to mono lake. the oldest, black point, erupted underwater 13,300 years ago, during a glaciation.
- Explains that negit and paoha islands are the youngest volcanic features in the mono basin area.
- Explains that there are indications that the mono-inyo chain is more likely to erupt than the long valley magma chamber.
- Explains that the sierra nevadas were at the end of a plateau and rain fell equally across it. with the rifting of the basin and range region, the rain curtain made the eastern sierras deserts.
- Explains that glaciers in alaska are similar to those that were in the sierras during the glaciations.
- Explains that mono became an isolated basin at the same time the area was stretching and thinning. the lake was a freshwater lake before the basin trapped the water.
- Explains that mono is situated under a weather gap, which is low enough that clouds can pass over the mountain without releasing the water on the other side.
- Explains that mono lake is salty because, unlike freshwater lakes, there are no outlets for the water to run to the ocean. each saline lake has its own chemical make-up because of the differences in the rocks around it.
- Explains that mono lake is a triple-water lake with high levels of saline, alkaline and sulfurous materials, as well as borate, fluoride, arsenic, plutonium, and uranium.
- Explains that tufa towers form underground when the calcium from underground springs interacts with the carbonates in the lake water.
- Explains that while mono lake is too saline and alkaline to support fish life, it does have two highly specialized inhabitants, the alkali fly and the brine shrimp.
- Explains that the alkali fly has three life stages: larval, pupal, and adult. the adult fly eats algae and decomposing materials on the shoreline.
- Explains that the brine shrimp eat the algae of mono lake. they hatch from cysts at the bottom of the lake, mature and hatch a live brood in the early summer.
- Explains that the brine shrimp and alkali fly provide enough food to feed nearly 100 species of migratory birds. mono lake supports 44,000 to 65,000 california gulls, second only to the great salt lake, and 30,000-70,000 wilson's phalaropes.
- Describes how the los angeles department of water and power diverted all the water from the three largest streams feeding mono lake. the lowering water level caused the lake's chemical levels to rise drastically.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page. accessed june 10, 2004.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page, which was accessed june 10, 2004.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page. accessed june 10, 2004.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page. accessed june 10, 2004.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page. accessed june 10, 2004.
- Describes the mono lake committee web page, accessed june 10, 2004.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page. accessed june 10, 2004.
- Describes the mono lake committee web page, accessed june 10, 2004.
- Describes the mono lake committee web page, accessed june 10, 2004.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page. accessed june 10, 2004.
- Describes the mono lake committee web page, accessed june 10, 2004.
- Explains the mono lake committee web page. accessed june 10, 2004.
3331 wordsRead More - Kamiak Butte Essayexplanatory essay...e morphed it into the quartzite that is seen surrounding the butte (4). Rocks that undergo this process are called metamorphic rock, which is the same as the rock seen years ago by dinosaurs and other extinct creatures. The quartzite rocks were formerly seafloor sediment that was forced upwards, and then surrounded by lava basalt flows. Once erupted through fissures and floods through out most of the area, lava flow eventually created enough basalt to form a thickness of about 1.8 kilometers (1). All of this basalt flow eventually led to the covering of most mountains, leaving the buttes uncovered. The igneous lava flows and loess is reasons that the Palouse consists of such sprawling hills, and rich soil for farming (2). In result of the lava flows, the Precambrian rock Quartzite was formed. And lastly covered by the glacial loess, which were carried by the wind.
In this essay, the author
- Describes kamiak butte as an example of an area that is extinct to the surrounding landforms.
- Explains that quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when existing rock is exposed to extreme amounts of heat and pressure.
- Explains that kamiak butte is an anticline dome that rises above the rest of the surrounding wheat covered hills.
- Describes kamiak butte as an example of an area that is extinct to the surrounding landforms.
- Explains that quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when existing rock is exposed to extreme amounts of heat and pressure.
- Explains that kamiak butte is an anticline dome that rises above the rest of the surrounding wheat covered hills.
- Explains that the geologic history of kamiak butte is due to dynamic crustal movement and climate change over large periods of time.
868 wordsRead More - Hetch-Hetchy Water Project: Then & Nowcomparative essayHuber, N. King. "The Geologic Story of The Yosemite Valleys." United States Geological Survey. N.p., 13 Jan. 2004. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. .
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the hetch-hetchy valley was originally a v-shaped ravine that had been slowly carved out by the ancient tuolumni river.
- Describes how the city of san francisco was able to obtain the rights to dam the tuolumne river creating a reservoir for them to have more adequate water.
- Explains that the hetch-hetchy water project was started in 1913 and completed in 1938. it's goal was to deliver fresh drinking water to san francisco and the greater bay area.
- Explains that the hetch-hetchy valley was originally a v-shaped ravine that had been slowly carved out by the ancient tuolumni river.
- Describes how the city of san francisco was able to obtain the rights to dam the tuolumne river creating a reservoir for them to have more adequate water.
- Explains that the hetch-hetchy water project was started in 1913 and completed in 1938. it's goal was to deliver fresh drinking water to san francisco and the greater bay area.
- Explains how the water system was overhauled after the loma prieta earthquake of 1989. it delivers to about 2.4 million people per day and supplies two hundred sixty million gallons of water each day.
- Explains that the hetch-hetchy water system supplies 85% of san francisco and the bay area’s water supply. the raker act stated that hydropower harnessed from the project had to go to public use.
- Explains that san francisco approved a $4.4 billion retro fit plan for the water system to prevent any damage during california’s notorious earthquakes.
- Compares hetch-hetchy valley to its neighbor yosemite valley in terms of geologic features, including waterfalls, rock faces, a calm meandering river, and extraordinary granite walls.
- Compares the beautiful rock faces and other geological features to those found in yosemite valley. muir noted that the valley floor was covered in a vast array of trees and animals.
- Explains that the raker act was passed by congress and signed into effect by president woodrow wilson. the fight continues to drain the reservoir and return the valley to its former glory.
- Cites hetch hetchy water system, bay area water supply & conservancy agency, waterbury, thad, thomas, rick, and in time and place.
- Explains the origin of the original valley, citing huber, n. king, and wunderman, jim.
1550 wordsRead More - Blue Ridge Research Paperexplanatory essayBoth field trips to Whitetop Mountain and Green Cove are located in the Blue Ridge province. When examining the rocks in that area the majority had been transferred or deposited from somewhere else, such as the conglomerate rocks and the Unicoi formation. Around 570 million years ago the formations such as the Konnarock and Unicoi they were depositing rocks/minerals such as: diamictite, siltstone, basalts and conglomerates glacially. After being deposited they proceeded to be, weathered, eroded, transferred and possibly compacted, or chemically changed such as dissolute, oxidized, hydrolyzed, or hydrated. After this process the rock could have been combined with many other minerals and rocks transforming it into another type of
In this essay, the author
- Explains that blue ridge and the valley and ridge are adjacent to one another but are composed of different rocks types and minerals.
- Explains that the first stop was located off of aikman drive, in glade spring on a cow pasture. sedimentary rocks are rocks that have been preexisting, eroded, transported, and deposited.
- Explains the differences between the natural and being deposited rocks in whitetop mountain and green cove in the blue ridge province.
- Explains that blue ridge and the valley and ridge are adjacent to one another but are composed of different rocks types and minerals.
- Explains that the first stop was located off of aikman drive, in glade spring on a cow pasture. sedimentary rocks are rocks that have been preexisting, eroded, transported, and deposited.
- Explains the differences between the natural and being deposited rocks in whitetop mountain and green cove in the blue ridge province.
- Explains the topographical differences between the two provinces: the blue ridge region is mountainous while the valley and ridge is composed of rolling hills.
491 wordsRead More - The Pros And Cons Of Yosemite National Parkopinion essayIn the 1800’s into the early 1900’s a man named John Muir began to explore the western American lands. He traveled down South and up North. But, when he reached Yosemite Valley, his life changed. As said in John Muir’s Wild America, written by Tom Melham, “Following the forest-lined mountain trails, Muir climbed higher into the Sierra Nevada: suddenly, a deep valley enclosed by colossal steeps and mighty water falls yawned before him. Spell bound, he entered Yosemite Valley” (79). Muir’s travels and adventures, highlighted in Melham’s book, explain this man’s love of the wilderness. Yosemite Valley was like a wide, open home to Muir, who, lived alone and discovered new landings and important later landmarks that create the aura of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley was given to the state of California in 1864, part of the continuous idea of Manifest Destiny, later, in 1890; Yosemite became one of the first National Parks (“World Book”). Uniquely, the longer Muir stayed the more that he...
In this essay, the author
- Argues that yosemite national park should be introduced to the american public to protect its historic beauty and significance, eliminate current pollution, and prevent future repercussions.
- Explains how john muir's travels and adventures, highlighted in melham’s book, explain his love of the wilderness.
- Explains yosemite had to create a different road when the car was invented and widely used. with the cars came the introduction of ozone to the variety of native plants and animals.
- Argues that yosemite national park should be introduced to the american public to protect its historic beauty and significance, eliminate current pollution, and prevent future repercussions.
- Explains how john muir's travels and adventures, highlighted in melham’s book, explain his love of the wilderness.
- Explains yosemite had to create a different road when the car was invented and widely used. with the cars came the introduction of ozone to the variety of native plants and animals.
- Explains that smoke and fire began to be a major problem for the park rangers and conservationists. previous campaigns to create fire awareness have been successful, but not without extreme risk.
- Explains that yosemite park was spotless and had no effects from today's farming practices and standards.
- Explains that pesticides are still a problem, mainly in the killing of endangered species. farms today are becoming more ecologically friendly, but some health and environmental organizations argue that it is not enough.
- Opines that the negative impacts of fire outweigh the good especially for the indigenous sequoias. smoke is a leading respiratory problem in yosemite.
- Analyzes jim robbins' book, "take a picture between the power lines and winnebagos of half dome in yosemite, yet it's really so smoggy and crowded", informing the reader on the amount of air pollution.
- Opines that people are the main problem in yosemite national park, simply because of their sheer numbers.
- Explains that ozone is cumulative and causes inflammation of the lungs, chest pains, scratchy throat, permanent respiratory damage, and even reduced immune functions in yosemite national park.
- Opines that ozone, air quality, fire, and pesticides could become the executioner of yosemite national park.
- Opines that the future of yosemite national park is grim due to polluted air quality, high levels of tropospheric ozone, fire and smoke, and farmland pesticides.
- Explains that a century of fire prevention means trouble for yosemite’s giant sequoias.
- Explains melham, tom, and farrell grehan. john muir's wild america. washington: national geographic society, 1976. frome, michael. the leading national park guide.
1795 wordsRead More