Figure 2. A moss-covered rock pavement near the parking area clearly illustrates the bedding style and differences in weathering and erosion of the layers in the metamorphic rocks. Beds are generally thin and fairly continuous at this locality. The ribs here are the quartzite beds – made up mostly of quartz which generally does not weather (break down on exposure to the atmosphere) and thus is resistant to erosion. The valleys between the ribs are schist composed primarily of mica, which is highly susceptible to weathering. Micas generally break down to clay minerals that are easily eroded. Originally horizontal bedding is now turned up on edge.

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Last updated on January 28, 2008

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