Guadalupe Mountains
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Guadalupe Mountains National
Park preserves one of the finest examples of an ancient, marine fossil
reef on earth...
El Capitan |
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Thousands of years ago, a immense tropical ocean covered much of the area. Within this sea, lime-secreting marine organisms, including calcareous sponges and algae, along with lime from the seawater itself, formed a reef that followed the shoreline for about 400 miles. After the ocean evaporated, the reef was buried in thick blankets of sediments and mineral salts. The limestone formations were remained covered until uplift exposed massive portions of it. Today, geologists and scientists come from around the world to study this phenomenal natural resource. |
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Also featured are a remarkable earth fault, lofty peaks, unusual plants and animals, and a colorful record of the past. Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet and a massive limestone formation known as El Capitan are the most well known peaks. Many visitors explore McKittrick Canyon, with its unique flora and fauna. More adventurous "explorers" enjoy the "Bowl", located in a high country conifer forest. |
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