Quartz Mountain

Infobox Mountain
Name = Quartz Mountain
Elevation = convert|2040|ft|m|0
Location = Oklahoma, USA
Range = Wichita Mountains
Prominence =
Topographic
[http://www.wichitamountains.org/quartzimg/quartzmap1b.jpgTopo map] ]

Quartz Mountain is located in southwest Oklahoma. It is the namesake of Quartz Mountain Nature Park on which it is located, and is open to the public year round for Rock Climbing, Hiking, Nature Observation and Photography, and Environmental Education and Interpretation.

Geology

The geologic history of Quartz Mountain, as with the wichita mountain region, began with the deposition of late Precambrian to early Cambrian sandstones. These sandstones were intruded by coarse gabbro sills of about 575 million years ago as the region began to rift apart in a failed continental breakup. The gabbro intrusion was followed by erosion and further intrusion of granite accompanied by volcanic eruptions of rhyolite lava and explosive volcanic breccias some 50 million years later. Following these igneous episodes the region subsided and shallow sea sediments were deposited over the area consisting of sandstones and limestones. [http://www.quartzmountain.org/geohistory.html Geologic History of Quartz Mountain] ]

During the Pennsylvanian Period (330-290 million years ago) the region was subjected to intense pressure during the continental collision. This resulted in faulting and folding along with up to 20,000 feet of local uplift. This uplift created rugged mountains which have been reduced to their present state by subsequent erosion.

Climbing

Climbing using modern techniques at Quartz Mountain began in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Between 1978 to 1982 the majority of climbing routes were established. The property where the mountain is located was privately owned by Ted and Margaret Johnson, who had allowed access the mountain for several decades. In an effort to ensure the area was preserved, it was purchased in 2001 and donated to the State of Oklahoma. In 2002 the area was designated Quartz Mountain Nature Park. [http://www.wichitamountains.org/quartzhistory.html History of Quartz Mountain] ]

ee also

* Quartz Mountain Resort Arts and Conference Center

References