Geology of the Falls

On Sunday, we had quite the geology lesson.  Between the Gypsy app, the signs at all of the stops, and our daughter's geology course that she took her freshman year in college, we were able to see and appreciate much more of the drive on the Icefields Parkway.

When we stopped at Mistaya Canyon, we were introduced to a waterfall that was incredibly narrow and even more deep.  The water had eroded the canyon in such a way that we could not even see it sometimes because the gorge twisted and turned so many times.

When we stopped at Sunwapta Falls, we saw a similar narrow gorge, but Diana showed me why it eroded as it did.  In this particular place, the layers of rock had been tilted up vertically . . . the particular layer that has eroded away was a softer rock than the layers around it, so it eroded quickly.  

Finally, Athabascan Falls, the biggest falls, were a completely different kind of geology.  Rocks and cliffs fell over time, creating the falls.  Because the rock is a very hard quartz, it has not eroded easily.  We also saw the pot holes created by the rushing water . . . three logs were in the water, swirling round and round, unable to get to the rushing water, instead showing how the potholes were made.

Additionally, we saw numerous peaks with tilted or swirling layers, moraines from glaciers, and glaciers themselves.  This is billed as the most beautiful drive in the world.  I am not sure I would say that, as there are many places in the world that are spectacular.  But I would surely put it high on the list.