The Alaska Range EarthCache
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There are several plaques at the South Viewpoint at Denali State Park that will assist you in answering the questions for this earthcache. This spot is in my opinion the most beautiful view point of the Alaska range along the Parks Highway. There is ample parking and other services at this large pull out- camping is also available. This cache is completely wheelchair accessible.
The Alaska Range may not be the largest or have the greatest number of high peeks as some of the other North American Mountain Ranges, but due to its great ruggedness, enormity of its greatest peaks, infamously severe weather & resulting glaciation, the Alaska Range is arguably the continent’s greatest mountain range. It is home to the continent’s highest peak Mount McKinley (20 320ft / 6193m) and runs 600 miles dividing the southern portion of Alaska and its interior. Besides being the highest peek in North America, Mount McKinley is 3rd highest continental highpoint, behind Mt. Everest and Aconcagua. It is home to many majestic animals such as grizzly bear, dall sheep and moose, which are coveted by tourists and hunters alike
The Alaska Range acts as a barrier to the flow of moist air from the Gulf of Alaska, and thus creates some of the harshest weather in the world. The infamous conditions of the region are justifiably severe: some of the largest glaciers in the world are here, daylight hours can be as short as 6 hours during the winter. The range belongs to the Pacific Ring of Fire; the Denali fault running along the southern edge of the range is responsible for a number of earthquakes.
How are Mountains Formed
Mountains are made up of earth and rock materials. The outermost layer of the Earth or the Earth's crust is composed of six plates. When two plates move or collide each other, vast land areas are uplifted, resulting in the formation of mountains. Depending upon the geological process, as to how the mountains are formed and the mountain characteristics, there are five major types of mountains.
Fold Mountains:
Fold mountains are the most common type of mountains. Examples of fold mountains are the Himalayas (Asia), the Alps (Europe). They are formed due to collision of two plates, causing folding of the Earth's crust. The fold that descends on both sides is called anticline; whereas, the fold that ascends from a common low point (on both sides) is called syncline.
Fault-Block Mountains:
As the name suggests, fault mountains or fault-block mountains are formed when blocks of rock materials slide along faults in the Earth's crust. There are two types of block mountains, namely the lifted and tilted. In the former type, the mountain has two steep sides; whereas, the tilted type has one steep side and gentle sloping side. Example of fault-block mountain is the Sierra Nevada mountains (North America).
Volcanic Mountains:
Volcanic mountains are formed due to volcanic eruptions, for e.g. Mount Fuji (Japan). They are formed when volcanic magma erupts and piles up on the surface of the Earth.
Dome Mountains:
Dome mountains are formed when the hot magma rises from the mantle and uplifts the overlying sedimentary layer of the Earth's crust. In the process, the magma is not erupted, but it cools down and forms the core of the mountain. Example of dome mountain is the Navajo Mountain in Utah. They are called dome mountains due to their appearance that resembles dome shape.
Plateau Mountains:
Plateau mountains are pseudo mountains that are formed because of erosion. An example of plateau mountain is the Catskill Mountains (New York). They usually occur near the fold mountain ranges.
There are also some mountains that are formed as a result of many forces of the Earth. Though the Rockies in North America is formed due to folding, there are mountains in the same range that are formed by faulting and doming. In nature, there is a continuous process of glaciation, soil erosion, and mechanical and chemical weathering, which altogether play a major role in altering the shape and characteristics of mountains.
PLEASE RESPECT THAT I HAVE OVER 40 CACHES THAT GET VISITED REGULARLY. IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO LOG YOUR CACHE AS FOUND ONLY WHEN YOU SEND ME YOUR ANSWERS - ANY DELAY IN SENDING ANSWERS WILL RESULT IN A DELETED LOG.
To log the cache please send answers to the following questions to the cache owner:
1. Which mountain is furthest away from the sign at the viewing point?
2. Which mountain is closest to the sign at the viewing point?
3. Name the ice age and what contributed to the formation of the massive glaciers in this mountain range?
4. What type of mountain is the Alaska Range?
5. Optional extra: take a picture of the scenery on the day that you passed through - were you able to see Denali/Mt McKinley?
Courtessy of Alaska State Parks
CONGRATULATIONS NorthWes ON BEING FTF!
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