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Virtual tours - Geology
Stop 14 - Mount Yamnuska
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Mount Yamnuska, the first major mountain on the north side of highways 1 and 1A, heading west from Calgary

Mount Yamnuska, the first major mountain on the north side of highways 1 and 1A, heading west from Calgary

Mount Yamnuska is an example of a Front Ranges mountain that consists of older (Paleozoic) formations thrust tens of kilometres from the west to lie on top of younger (Mesozoic) rock. This relationship was created by the McConnell Thrust Fault, which can be seen today where the Paleozoic limestone cliff meets the treeline and turns into Mesozoic mudstone and sandstone. This major fault contact is so sharp that you can cover it with your finger.

Today Mount Yamnuska is a popular rock-climbing destination, attracting everyone from beginners to the world's best.


Click on a dot to continue the tour:

Legend

HoloceneHolocenePresent - 10,000 years ago
QuaternaryQuaternary10,000 - 25,000 years ago
TertiaryTertiary25,000 - 65 million years ago
MesozoicMesozoic65 - 245 million years ago
PaleozoicPaleozoic245 - 670 million years ago

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http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/calgary/geotour/14_e.php