![]() NPS/SIP: Mariah Slovacek ![]() NPS*
The Pikes Peak batholith was massive. Its remnants extend from Florissant to Colorado Springs and north toward Denver. Although Pikes Peak itself is not a volcano, the Pikes Peak Granite holds evidence of a possible caldera eruption near Lake George, Colorado, 1.08 billion years ago. Since then, many different volcanic events have occurred through Colorado.
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Onion-Skin WeatheringThe Pikes Peak Granite often forms rounded and even dome-shaped structures as it erodes. This is due to three main factors: the release of pressure as the rock comes to the surface, ice, and water.![]() NPS/GIP: Mariah Slovacek ![]() NPS/GIP: Mariah Slovacek ![]() show process of chemical formation of clay and freeze-thaw within cracks. NPS/GIP: Mariah Slovacek ![]() exfoliation of rock sheets weakened by water and ice. NPS/GIP: Mariah Slovacek ![]() Stop 12: Mammoth ChangeClick here to go to Stop 12. ![]() Virtual Tour HomepageExplanation of the virtual tour and links to all stops. ![]() Stop 14: Remnants of Powerful ForcesClick here to go to Stop 14. |
Last updated: December 8, 2021