The Mighty Rockies: Secrets of North America's Majestic Mountain Range

🏔️The Rockies stretch over 2,000 miles and are up to 300 miles wide, forming the backbone of North America.

🌊Ancient sea creatures now found in the Rockies lived and died in a shallow tropical sea over half a billion years ago.

🗻Thrust faulting pushed older layers of sedimentary rock up and over younger layers, forming the distinct peaks and valleys of the Rockies.

💦Erosion, including the power of glaciers, has sculpted the Rockies over millions of years, creating jagged cliffs and deep valleys.

🌄The Rockies continue to rise slowly and are constantly being shaped by tectonic forces and the elements.

How long are the Rockies and how wide are they?

—The Rockies stretch over 2,000 miles and are up to 300 miles wide.

How old are the fossils found in the Rockies?

—The fossils found in the Rockies are over half a billion years old.

How were the distinct peaks and valleys of the Rockies formed?

—Thrust faulting pushed older layers of sedimentary rock up and over younger layers, creating the distinct peaks and valleys.

What is the role of erosion in shaping the Rockies?

—Erosion, including the power of glaciers, has sculpted the Rockies over millions of years, creating jagged cliffs and deep valleys.

Are the Rockies still rising?

—Yes, the Rockies are still rising slowly due to ongoing tectonic forces.

00:06The Rocky Mountains stretch over 2,000 miles and are up to 300 miles wide, forming the backbone of North America.

03:30The fossils found in the Rockies are over half a billion years old and offer clues about the ancient sea creatures that lived and died in a shallow tropical sea.

09:48Thrust faulting pushed older layers of sedimentary rock up and over younger layers, creating the distinct peaks and valleys of the Rockies.

14:49Erosion, including the power of glaciers, has sculpted the Rockies over millions of years, creating jagged cliffs and deep valleys.

16:56The Rockies are still rising slowly due to ongoing tectonic forces.