Friday, July 26, 2013

More Geological Surprises


The geology of Alaska continues to provide interesting tidbits of information.

On our way to Lake Muncho (Big Lake in the native language), we first saw this cool mountain.  For those geologically inclined, it is a beautiful example of the way the flat layers in the oceans twisted and turned as the mountain was raised up from the sea.  I have never seen one so complex.


Then as we approached Lake Muncho, the Milepost made us aware of numerous alluvial fans coming down from the mountains.  The boulders and rock that were loosened by glaciers now is washed down from the mountains with every rain.  Plains of rocks fan down to the lake, and the obvious flash floods created by the huge rains leave large ravines in the fan.  The government has done an amazing job creating channels for the rains, diverting them through culverts under the road and into the lake.  Otherwise, the road would be washed out with every rain.  


I wish I knew more about geology, but every time I see something like we saw today, I learn a little more.

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