The Chalk Cliffs of Mt Princeton EarthCache
The Chalk Cliffs of Mt Princeton
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Inspired by the cliffs that look like white chalk, this peak was named Chalk Mountain by George M. Wheeler during his surveying and mapping expedition of the Colorado Territory in 1871. However, the name Mount Princeton was used in 1873 by Ferdinand V. Hayden, leader of the U.S. Geologic Survey's, Hayden Expedition. Hayden named many of the neighboring peaks after Ivy League schools.
The chalky cliffs were formed as a result of geothermal activity. This rock consists of a soft chalk-like substance formed by leaching hot water rising along the faults.
There are numerous hot springs in the canyon. Have a geological soak!
The Chalk Cliffs on Mount Princeton are not even close to mineral chalk; they're actually the white quartz that remained after other minerals were leached out by hot water.
Some areas around Mt. Princeton are composed of granite and calcite. The granite is a different composition from that of the Pikes Peak massif, being primarily a mix of quartz monzonite (quartz, triclinic feldspars (sodium, potassium, and calcium aluminum silicates), and mica. When the granite contains very little mica, it tends to be very hard, and large rocks, giant boulders, and even solid granite cliffs are the rule. When the granite contains quite a bit of mica, the granite tends to break up quite easily into smaller pieces. The calcite can be a flaky, white rock, which can break apart easily and turn into a fine white powdery soil. This calcite is what gives the lower southeast slopes of Mt. Princeton (in and near the hot springs) their white color.
Steep cliffs in this area contain a curious mixture of fine powdery soil, small chunks of decomposed granite, and large rocks and boulders. When an especially heavy rain occurs, the soil can become saturated quickly and will begin to flow downhill. The embedded rocks and boulders then will be loosened and either flow (on gentler slopes) or tumble (on steeper slopes) downhill. These rock and mudslides can develop very quickly. Once the flows and slides cease moving and drier weather prevails, the "slop" sets up like concrete.
Be very careful if it is raining or snowing or precipitating of any variety- due to the geology in the area, mud slides or larger “debris flows” can occur and become potentially dangerous. Read and obey the signs and stay safe!
To claim this EarthCache, please
1. Email me your answer to this question: What are the chalk cliffs made out of? (what is the name of the type of rock?)
2. Why do you think this area is prone to mud slides? (Why doesn't the water become absorbed by the soil?)
3. And if you care to, please post a picture of you at the site!
Credits:
(visit link)
Roadside Geology of Colorado by Halka Chronic
Mountain Press Publishing Company (June 1980)
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