University of Colorado Boulder researchers have discovered the geological timeline of the Spanish Peaks and the elevation secret of Colorados High Plains, revealing insights into the states unique geological features and the historical disintegration events that have actually formed its landscape. Credit: Sabrina KainzIf youve driven the mostly flat stretch of I-25 in Colorado from Pueblo to Trinidad, youve seen them: the Spanish Peaks, twin mountains that skyrocket into the sky out of no place, reaching altitudes of 13,628 and 12,701 feet above sea level.In a new research study, geologists from the University of Colorado Boulder have actually laid out a timeline for the introduction of these majestic however separated mountains. The groups findings could bring scientists closer to responding to one of the most long-lasting puzzles in Colorado geology: What made Denver, the Mile High City, a mile high?” In 1913, hundreds of coal miners striking versus the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company set up a tent camp not far from the mountains– a start to the Ludlow Massacre of 1914, which remains among the nations deadliest labor disputes.The Spanish Peaks increase from Huerfano County, Colorado. In between roughly 18 and 14 million years ago, more than a mile of sedimentary rocks around the Spanish Peaks worn down away, then were swept into the Arkansas River.The scientists suspect that as-of-yet-unidentified geologic forces were pushing up southeastern Colorado from below– exposing previously underground rocks to rain and streaming water.Abbott and his associates are now exploring how this disruption may have fit into the wider development of Colorados plains.
University of Colorado Boulder scientists have actually revealed the geological timeline of the Spanish Peaks and the elevation secret of Colorados High Plains, exposing insights into the states special geological features and the historical disintegration occasions that have shaped its landscape. Credit: Sabrina KainzIf youve driven the mostly flat stretch of I-25 in Colorado from Pueblo to Trinidad, youve seen them: the Spanish Peaks, twin mountains that skyrocket into the sky out of no place, reaching elevations of 13,628 and 12,701 feet above sea level.In a brand-new research study, geologists from the University of Colorado Boulder have actually laid out a timeline for the emergence of these marvelous however isolated mountains. Between roughly 18 and 14 million years back, more than a mile of sedimentary rocks around the Spanish Peaks deteriorated away, then were swept into the Arkansas River.The scientists presume that as-of-yet-unidentified geologic forces were pushing up southeastern Colorado from below– exposing previously underground rocks to rain and streaming water.Abbott and his associates are now exploring how this disruption might have fit into the broader evolution of Colorados plains.