Existing comment:
Forces of Change:
Powerful geological forces shaped this landscape. Evidence emerges throughout this granite scene. Chambers of magma deep within the earth slowly crystallized 100-80 million years ago to form hard granite rock. Over time, erosion by rivers and extensive glaciers exposed and sculpted the rock.
Panoramic View:
Half Dome stands before you. With a pair of binoculars, you can often see a line of hikers, like ants, climbing up cables to the summit. To the left is the massive northwest face of Cloud's Rest. From its summit (9,926 feet elevation) the sheet granite face, one of the largest in the world, drops nearly 5,000 feet to lower Tenaya Creek. A brief walk to the east side of the parking area will lead to spectacular views of Tenaya Peak, Tenaya Lake,a nd Mount Conness.
Glacial Erratics:
These large boulders randomly placed on the bedrock are evidence of the most recent glaciation. The rocks either toppled down slops onto the glacier or were plucked from the bedrock. They landed here as the ice melted away.
Glacial Polish:
Over the last million years, major glaciers have come and gone in Yosemite. Only 20 thousand years ago the most recent glacier extended from the high peaks to the distant horizon. Like rough sandpaper smoothing wood, these glaciers polished the rock you see near here. |