In ancient times, the North American land mass tried to tear itself apart, resulting in volcanic activity along the Lake Superior shoreline, and down along the St Croix River in Wisconsin. The spot in the photo is a bit downstream from St Croix Falls, Wisconsin, showing one group of basaltic rocks in an area known as the St Croix Dalles.
Among it's other distinguishing features is the fact that timber rattlesnakes , while rare, do live in the rocks along the river. Imagine strolling around , looking up at the rock bluffs and down at the river, with spots like this the only good place to put your feet as you go. Tree roots have a very hard time penetrating the basalt along the river so they tend to grow out and around instead of down. No, you probably wouldn't see the snake before you step on it. And Timber Rattlers have been known to grow to lengths of 6 feet or more...just a little snake trivia for ya!
How interesting! Geology rocks!
ReplyDeleteIndeed it does...and is! :)
DeleteDo you know how old these formation date? Snakes , not for me.
ReplyDeleteDates somewhere around a billion years ago. The rift area is about 1800 miles long, with the basalt flows only visible in the northern sections.
Deletehttps://www.nps.gov/articles/parkscience32_1_19-29_stein_et_al_3817.htm
Tip, use labels in your post. Specialy the one with your name. Than your posts will show in one time if selected
ReplyDeleteWow thats rea;;y interesting thanks for sharing nice captures
ReplyDeleteSo much texture! I'll pass on the snake as well but interesting trivia.
ReplyDelete