Monday, November 17, 2014

Geo 730: November 12, Day 681: Cascade Cliff

We're standing inside the Cascade Locks visitor center here; you can see the fuzzy reflection of the chandelier in the window in the top center. There's a sight-seeing paddlewheel boat departing in the foreground. I haven't done that excursion, and likely won't, so I have no idea if they discuss the geologic events the led to the creation of this scene. It would be a shame if they didn't; the geology is beautifully laid out. The large cliff to the left of center plays a major role. Given the distance, I can't be certain, but I think most of the cliff is sedimentary rock of some kind, but the high point above its center is a much darker gray, and is probably the base of the Columbia River Basalt flows here. So why a cliff? Stay tuned...

Photo unmodified. October 10, 2012. FlashEarth Location.

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