Geology of the Pikes Peak Region

Some new facts I learned through research today about the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado:

• The Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs is just one of the many Colorado natural wonders that started taking form more than 1.8 billion years ago
• Colorado geologic history shows the Pikes Peak area was covered by a vast, shallow sea. The sediments accumulated until they reached 40,000 feet. With time, chemical concretion, and pressure, they became sedimentary rock.
• During a period of orogeny (mountain-building), metamorphic rocks were formed. These rocks are called the Idaho Springs Formation and are located nearby in Idaho Springs, Colorado
• Orogeny refers to forces and events leading to a severe structural deformation of the Earth's crust due to the engagement of tectonic plates.

Works cited: "Colorado Springs Geology | Cave of the Winds Colorado Geologic History." Cave of the Winds | Colorado Springs, Colorado Attractions. 2007. Web. 09 Apr. 2011. <http://www.caveofthewinds.com/PikesPeakRegion.aspx>.

By learning of the fascinating geological history of Colorado Springs, I am captivated by the beauty of the collision of earth with ocean and how rewarding it is to be able to learn of such creations. To hear about the Cave of Winds and it's origins that date back to 500 million years ago leaves me dumbstruck. The land we inhabit is so old and has so much history behind it, which is reason enough to consider your relationship with it. People have roamed throughout the Earth, seeking out its treasures and marvels, but if not questioned where this earth originated and the value it once had to people long ago, then we learn of it's mysterious past and reliability people once had for the land.