Rising 1,740 feet above sea level across the pasture, Buford Mountain is composed mainly of rhyolite. Rhyolite is an igneous rock, very similar in composition to granite, that is formed by violent volcanic eruptions.
There are multiple Earthcaches that give you an up-close look at rhyolite, but this cache provides a unique vantage of the bigger picture. Stand in one place and turn 360 degrees while looking at the horizon. Count the peaks surrounding you.
How many mountains do you see? Where do you see them?
Buford Mountain is just one of several mountains in the St. Francois Mountains, formed 1.485 billion years ago. Others include Taum Sauk Mountain, Bell Mountain, Proffit Mountain, Pilot Knob, Iron Mountain, Butler Hill, Lead Hill, Ketcherside Mountain, Shepherd Mountain, Hughes Mountain, Clark's Mountain, Black Mountain, and Goggin Mountain.
Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest peak in the range at 1,772 ft., while Clark's Mountain (at 1,450 ft.) is the highest isolated point in both the St. Francois Mountains as well as the State of Missouri.
The St. Francois Mountains are exponentially older than more imposing mountain ranges such as the Appalachians or the Rockies. Once upon a time, they were much more majestic than they are today. In fact, it is possible that this ancient mountain range in Southeast Missouri may be the only area never submerged in water in the Midwestern United States! (This is evidenced by the lack of marine fossils on the mountains' surface.)
Nearby granite deposits, in addition to mines yielding lead, iron, barite, zinc, silver, manganese, cobalt, and nickel ores, make this area rich in minerals as well as beauty!
So as you enjoy the view of the mountain range that surrounds you, imagine how this range looked millions of years ago and how the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain ranges will look millions of years from now. Isn't the force of nature amazing, both in its sheer power and in its cosmic timetable?
To document this find, please send me the answers to the following questions:
1. What percentage of the 360-degree horizon includes mountains when you turned in a circle where you are standing? What does that say about the type of terrain you are standing on now?
2. What kind of rock is Buford Mountain mainly composed of? How do you think Buford Mountain was formed?
3. Look at the mountains on the horizon and describe their shape. How are the St. Francois Mountains different from other ranges like the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains?
4. If you look at the largest mountain straight ahead, you'll notice there is a relatively small area with visible protruding rock. Why do you think this area is different that the rest of the visible area on the mountains before you, which is covered in forest?
5. Take a photo of (or a selfie with) this gorgeous scenic view of Buford Mountain and submit it with your answers.
Note: Please ensure you submit answers to the questions to me when logging the find. Do not include the answers on the public log! Thanks!
FTF goes to roxyrxgirl!!! Congratulations!