Formation of the American Southwest (including Nevada) Basin and Range Geology.
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Transcript of Formation of the American Southwest (including Nevada) Basin and Range Geology.
Formation of the American Southwest (including Nevada)
Basin and Range Geology
Hundreds of Millions of Years Ago The American Southwest was under water.Sediment piled creating layers of Sedimentary Rock. The Land was uplifted creating a flat plateau.
Plateau:very Flat land
15 million Years ago• The land begins to stretch. • Creates normal faults• Causing some fault block to sink.• High points = Ranges(mountains)• Low points = Basins (valleys)
RangeBasin
Where are the faults? Which direction is the land stretching?
This pattern is seen all over
the Southwest as North-South Running Basins
and Ranges
This is how Las Vegas Valley FormedWest side of Valley (Red Rock)
North-South Running Range
North-Southrunning Basin
More Evidence around town
Fault Blocks weather and erode overtime, so there are not always sharp drops
Las Vegas Alluvial Fansweathered fault blocks
Arial View of an Alluvial Fan