Attic Window Peak EarthCache
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Viewing the Attic Window Peak as well as parking can
be found at the Yonahlossee Overlook. The Overlook is at mile post
303.9 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Attic Window Peak - Winter View
The Blue Ridge Mountains of
western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee are the result of the
action of plate tectonics. Grandfather Mountain is at the heart of
a geologic wonder known as the Grandfather Mountain Window, a
region covering several hundred square miles in northwestern North
Carolina. Hundreds of millions of years ago these mountains were
formed by the collision of two continental crusts (plate tectonic
action). Vast sheets (the crusts) of rock were pushed over each
other. The Thrust Sheet moved more than 60 miles to cover what is
now Grandfather Mountain. Many geologists believe that these
mountains were once 8 to10 times higher than they are today.
Erosion over millions of years has opened a "window" where younger
rock shows through. This window, surrounded by mostly older rock,
permits the study of a sequence of rocks ranging in age from old to
young.
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Grandfather Mountain also holds the distinction over other
southern mountain terrains as having the most outcrops and
boulders. The earlier mentioned erosion that occurred over hundreds
of millions of years has carried away most of the rocks to form
thick layers of sediment all across the Piedmont, Coastal Plain,
and in the Atlantic Ocean. So, Grandfather’s loss was other
areas gain!
The family tree of the Attic Window Peak is as
follows. The highest among several peaks of the Grandfather
Mountain is the Attic Window Peak, which stands at 5949 feet
above sea level. The Grandfather Mountain is part of the North
Carolina Crest of the Pisgah National Forest; this is part of the
Southern Blue Ridge Front. Next in the
hierarchy is the Blue Ridge Mountains
themselves, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The
Appalachian Mountains stretch from Canada to Alabama and are
considered to be, if not the oldest, among the oldest mountains in
the World. So Alps and the Rockies, what we don’t have in
height, we make up in age and arguably in beauty!
The Three Major Rock Groups
Without going into a lot of detail, basically there are
three major rock groups. They are: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Igneous rocks are born of fire,
as in volcanic action, which can occur above or below the surface
of the Earth. An example of igneous rock would be rhyolite formed
from magma erupting above the surface of the Earth’s crust.
Nearby Mount Rogers was born from volcanoes and is an excellent
area for finding igneous rock. Sedimentary rocks as their name
implies are sediments often occurring under the seas and waters of
the planet. A common example of sedimentary rock would be
sandstone, which is mostly fine quartz grains heavily compacted
into solid rock. Most of the Appalachian Mountains to the North are
sedimentary rock composed of either sandstone and/or limestone.
Last but not least are the metamorphic rocks. All metamorphic rock
began as some other rock but under tremendous pressure and
sometimes heat, became altogether another rock. For an example,
slate used to be shale, marble used to be limestone. For the most
part, the Attic Window used to be sandstone but is now the
metamorphic quartzite or sometimes referred to as meta-quartzite.
Some of its color is slightly greenish due to the presence of
actinolite and chlorite. But, basically the Peak is ________
_________in color. Later, you will need to identify the
color(s)
The Attic Window Peak - Fall View
As you observe the Attic Window Peak, note the
vertical grooves in the face of the rock. As we mentioned earlier,
erosion, over millions of years exposed the Mountain and lowered
its height. The observed grooves show continued erosion due to rain
running down the surface and ‘eating’ away at the rock.
It may not be noticeable to us but if we came back in a million
years or so, the rock face would be entirely different due to the
erosion factor. Wind also takes a bite out of rock!
Now, in order for you to claim a find of the Attic
Window you must complete the following tasks; 1. Take a
photo of your GPSr pointing to the Attic Window and post the
photo with your log. While it would be nice, it is not necessary to
show your face in the picture.2. Via email ONLY, answer
these questions: .A. What color(s) do you observe on the
surface rock of the Attic Window? B. What is the difference
in the elevation of where you are standing versus the top of the
Attic Window? (hint: see sign). C. Estimate the width of the
lowest level of the surface of the Attic Window.
We sincerely hope you enjoy viewing the Attic Window
Peak. There are many overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway which you will enjoy seeing other
features of Grandfather mountain as well as other nearby mountains.
Take the time to see as many as possible and not just to complete
this find, but bring your camera for all of the wonderful views.
Some, such as the Flat and Jumpinoff Rocks, have short hikes to
discover amazing perspectives of the area. So, along with the
camera, bring your hiking boots!
Many thanks to the National Park Service (Blue Ridge Parkway) for their approval of this
EarthCache. Always obtain approval from land managers prior to
developing an EC. Please stay on trails and never bush whack in all
of our National Parks! Enjoy all of the Blue
Ridge Parkway National Park. Hey, how many Parks can you
find that are well over 460 miles long with one magnificant view
after another? NOTE: During the winter before
heading to the Park, please call the Park's Information Line for
weather conditions and road closings. The number is:
828-298-0398.
Alternative Attic Window Viewing Area
from Highway 221
This Earthcache was approved by the
Geological Society of America
| We have earned GSA's highest level: |
 |
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Qba'g 'crnx' gbb rneyl!