A new study published in Science has revealed the surprising geologic history of the Rocky Mountain Range in North America. The international team of researchers used advanced techniques to analyze the rocks and sediments of the Rocky Mountain Range, finding that the mountains were formed around 80 million years ago during a period of intense tectonic activity, but continued to grow even after tectonic activity ceased. The researchers found evidence that a mantle plume uplifted the mountains around 50 million years ago, causing the mountains to rise higher, reaching their current heights between 30 and 40 million years ago.
New Study Reveals Surprising Geologic History of Rocky Mountain Range
The Rocky Mountain Range has always been a symbol of grandeur and awe-inspiring natural beauty. It’s an iconic American landmark that draws millions of visitors every year. But what lies beneath the surface of these majestic peaks and valleys? A new study has revealed the surprising geologic history of this range, shedding light on the forces that shaped this remarkable landscape.
The study, published in the journal Science, was conducted by an international team of researchers from Germany, Canada, and the United States. They used advanced techniques to analyze the rocks and sediments of the Rocky Mountain Range, giving us a glimpse into its past.
According to the study, the Rocky Mountain Range was formed around 80 million years ago during a period of intense tectonic activity. The North American continent was undergoing massive changes, including the opening of the Atlantic Ocean and the subduction of the Pacific Ocean beneath the western edge of the continent.
These forces created a massive mountain chain that spanned from Mexico to Canada, which we know today as the Rocky Mountains. But what surprised the researchers was the fact that the mountains continued to grow even after the tectonic activity had ceased.
They found evidence that the mountains were uplifted by a mantle plume – a hot and buoyant column of rock that rises from the Earth’s mantle – around 50 million years ago. This process caused the mountains to rise even higher, reaching their current heights between 30 and 40 million years ago.
This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of how mountain ranges are formed. It’s long been thought that tectonic activity is the only mechanism that can create mountains. However, this study shows that mantle plumes can also play a significant role in the formation and growth of mountains.
But the researchers’ findings don’t stop there. They also discovered that the Rocky Mountain Range was once covered by a massive glacier that extended from Canada to Mexico. This glacier was around 1,600 feet thick and formed around 22 million years ago.
This discovery sheds light on the region’s climate history and how it has changed over time. It also shows that the Rocky Mountains have played a significant role in shaping the climate of North America.
FAQs:
Q: What is the Rocky Mountain Range?
A: The Rocky Mountain Range is a massive mountain chain that spans from Mexico to Canada. It’s an iconic American landmark that draws millions of visitors every year.
Q: How old is the Rocky Mountain Range?
A: The Rocky Mountain Range was formed around 80 million years ago during a period of intense tectonic activity. The mountains continued to grow even after the tectonic activity had ceased, reaching their current heights between 30 and 40 million years ago.
Q: What caused the Rocky Mountains to rise even higher after the tectonic activity had ceased?
A: The researchers found evidence that the mountains were uplifted by a mantle plume around 50 million years ago. This hot and buoyant column of rock rose from the Earth’s mantle, causing the mountains to rise even higher.
Q: Was the Rocky Mountain Range once covered by a glacier?
A: Yes, the researchers discovered that the Rocky Mountain Range was once covered by a massive glacier that extended from Canada to Mexico. This glacier was around 1,600 feet thick and formed around 22 million years ago.
Q: What does this discovery tell us about the region’s climate history?
A: This discovery sheds light on the region’s climate history and how it has changed over time. It also shows that the Rocky Mountains have played a significant role in shaping the climate of North America.
