Monument Rocks are also called Chalk
Pyramids actually a series of large chalk formation in Gove County, Kansas. In
2008, Monument Rocks & Castle Rock was jointly named as one of 8 wonders of
Kansas. It is National Natural Landmark, rich in fossils. The chalk formation
height is up to 70 feet and it was first landmark chosen by the US Department
of the Interior as a national natural landmark.
Moreover, it also includes formations such as buttes and arches.
The archaeologist believes the estimated age is 80 million. The area is scientifically significant fossils these ancient chalk beds have formed highly eroded into unusual spires and shapes, making them spectacular landmarks on the plains of western Kansas! That over the eons have been eroded by the once much larger Smoky Hill River, wind and rain.
These days, it is hard to believe that this flat, arid, cactus and buffalo grass prairie was totally covered by water, yet these awe-inspiring rock outcroppings tell a different story. The arches and buttes of Monument Rocks are spread out more than ten acres. The Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Sioux, and Apache Indians utilized this area as hunting grounds when the buffalo and other game were plentiful here. The rising monoliths were also a spiritual site for the Native Americans.
The archaeologist believes the estimated age is 80 million. The area is scientifically significant fossils these ancient chalk beds have formed highly eroded into unusual spires and shapes, making them spectacular landmarks on the plains of western Kansas! That over the eons have been eroded by the once much larger Smoky Hill River, wind and rain.
These days, it is hard to believe that this flat, arid, cactus and buffalo grass prairie was totally covered by water, yet these awe-inspiring rock outcroppings tell a different story. The arches and buttes of Monument Rocks are spread out more than ten acres. The Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Sioux, and Apache Indians utilized this area as hunting grounds when the buffalo and other game were plentiful here. The rising monoliths were also a spiritual site for the Native Americans.
The carbonate deposits were laid down
during the Cretaceous Period in what was the Western Interior Seaway, which
were split the continent of North America into two landmasses. Monument Rocks,
& Castle Rock, and others sandstone bluffs collectively known as the
"Badlands of Kansas." Furthermore, the area is also known as the
source of some of the best Cretaceous marine fossils that have been found
anywhere in the world.
Therefore, underneath these bluffs and outcroppings lie thousands of feet of marine sediments that have provided paleontologists with a wealth of fossils and the leftovers of extinct animals, i.e. fish bones, oyster shells, turtles, swimming reptiles, coral dinosaurs, birds and sharks teeth. The local peoples say, after heavy rain, the region still smells like an ocean bay. Further, numerous wildlife continue to dwell in the region, including eagles, falcons, and other birds, wild deer, pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, coyotes, and careful rattlesnakes. These natural structures attract thousands of visitors every year.
At a distance they maintain a stately elegance as they tower above the plains over 100 feet into the air. Thus silent is still there, they bear a testimony to the ancient past of the inland sea that once covered them in water. There are number of things, which are not allowed like - no climbing, fossil hunting, camping, littering or bonfires. Do not honk at cattle, just take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Therefore, underneath these bluffs and outcroppings lie thousands of feet of marine sediments that have provided paleontologists with a wealth of fossils and the leftovers of extinct animals, i.e. fish bones, oyster shells, turtles, swimming reptiles, coral dinosaurs, birds and sharks teeth. The local peoples say, after heavy rain, the region still smells like an ocean bay. Further, numerous wildlife continue to dwell in the region, including eagles, falcons, and other birds, wild deer, pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, coyotes, and careful rattlesnakes. These natural structures attract thousands of visitors every year.
At a distance they maintain a stately elegance as they tower above the plains over 100 feet into the air. Thus silent is still there, they bear a testimony to the ancient past of the inland sea that once covered them in water. There are number of things, which are not allowed like - no climbing, fossil hunting, camping, littering or bonfires. Do not honk at cattle, just take only pictures and leave only footprints.
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