How many ways can you describe the layered appearance of the Oregon Coastline?
After seeing the obvious …
Did you include layered formations created by ancient Pacific Northwest flood basalts?
About seventeen million years ago complex geologic events heated up magma at a hot spot (modern day Yellowstone) that caused the Columbia River continental flood basalts… lavas that erupt rapidly in a geologically short period of time and inundate vast areas. One particular flow, reached the Pacific Coast. When it did, the heavy Columbia River basalt sank into soft mud.
The shattered appearance of the many basalt headlands and sea stacks (layered horizontally in this photograph) … attest to the explosive interaction as hot lava met cold seawater. As the flows sank into the sands, they often disrupted the softer sediments, creating dikes and stringers of lava.)
E.M.Bishop;”In Search of Ancient Oregon“
Weekly Photo Challenge: August 16 ,2017 |“Layered”
Me too! I enjoyed those classes and our cadre. A refresher is a great idea 🤔.
You’re welcome, Jim. It’s a joy hearing from you.
This entry is a wonderful reminder of our OMN class and the lessons learned at these spots. Makes me want to find a refresher course -and delve deeper!
Thank You Jane
Happy to know you enjoyed this one, Tina. Thank you 😊
Me too!! Thanks, Carol
Thank you, Lindy. Our geologic history is so rich. Several years ago, this viewpoint was the final stop in an Oregon Master Naturalist class. Prior to this stop, we spent the day with a PSU geology professor touring a number of beach sites below. He literally read the rocks for us and unveiled the geologic events that formed our coastline. Then he tied it all together up here with concluding remarks… love this panorama.
Excellent choice for the week Jane – love the background blurb too.
Love it.
Beautiful photos Jane, and thanks for the geology lesson — it’s good to be reminded of our history!
Thanks, Aimee❤️
Isn’t it interesting (and confusing) that both sea stacks are same-names? Apparently there is yet a third Haystack Rock down near Coos Bay.
This link looks like a good start to the comparison you suggested 🤓… the Cannon Beach and Pacific City sea stacks both share same geologic history-
http://www.beachconnection.net/news/haystacks120212_1123.php
You’ve got a place to stay in Pacific City any time! I think you could do a comparison of our Haystack Rock to this one at Cannon Beach.
True- over the years, this is a viewpoint we often visit, especially when we have from out of town guests. 😉
I’ll have to see if I can make that happen. 🙂
I bet you can spend hours, no days!, enjoying this magnificent view!
Next week looks good… Matt Zafino just put up his forecast. Clear and warmer- perfect Fall weather for a trip to the beach!
That is such a beautiful spot along the coast. I think I’m due for a beach trip.