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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Split Rock Creek and Corn Farm



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11 comments:

  1. EdJune 24, 2012 at 7:19 AM

    Very interesting geology there. As you know, I'm fascinated by rocks and geology. Do you know anything of the origins of this formation? It doesn't look like the creek eroded through the rocks, but rather the formation was split. Very interesting....

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    1. Taken For GrantedJune 24, 2012 at 9:48 AM

      Ed, I only know a little about local rocks and geology. The underlying Precambrian rock is Sioux Quartzite, 1.2-1.6 billion years old which was formed from iron rich silica sand most likely at the bottom of a sea. The Split Rock Creek rock formation consisting of Cretaceous course grained silicicastics, shale, and opline mixed with chert. These were laid down under organic rich sea water or along the shore of a sea. The Creek itself has cut down through this softer "mudstone" rock. For detailed information see: http://www.sdgs.usd.edu/pubs/PAPERS_PUBLICATIONS/Sedimentology,%20Stratigraphy%20and%20Depositional%20History%20of%20the%20Createous%20Split%20Rock%20Creek%20Formation,%20Minnehaha%20County,%20South%20Dakota.pdf

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  2. MartinaJune 24, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    Different landscapes - same colouring.
    Again a thoughtful diptych.

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    1. Taken For GrantedJune 24, 2012 at 9:53 AM

      These two shots were taken about 50 miles apart, but this is the season of green growing plants and blue sky. Local corn is now about fence post high and growing rapidly.

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  3. marthainviennaJune 25, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    Sounds like you know more than a little about geology, Jeff....Judging from the foreground limbs, it appears you were on the bank when you captured that image. Would love to raft, canoe, kayak or float in that beautiful spot...assuming there are no nearby waterfalls.

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    1. Taken For GrantedJune 25, 2012 at 10:31 AM

      A Google search can make anyone sound like an expert. Yes, I did know about our local Sioux Quartzite as this rock was used in many historic buildings. It is a dark red, hard stone, quite pretty.

      I shot from the banks of Split Rock Creek. Kayaks and canoes often go down this part of the usually fast flowing creek. There is a dam perhaps a mile down stream, but it can be portaged. Rock climbers and repellers use these cliffs in the park on a daily basis.

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  4. LowellJune 25, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    These are both outstanding photos. That split rock is unique and tantalizing...what happened to create such a scene? The farm scene is iconic and perfectly composed!

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    1. Taken For GrantedJune 25, 2012 at 10:38 AM

      Thanks, Lowell. Split Rock Creek drains a large area of land, and over the ages cut down through the rock to create these formations. Local legend says Jessie James jumped this creek on his horse making a getaway from a pursuing posse. He must have been riding Pegasus.

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  5. JamesJune 25, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    I like both of these but the bottom is my favorite!

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  6. BirgittaJune 26, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    Beautiful places. Excellent photos!

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  7. MarjorieJune 26, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    Nice to see green corn and a cool place to swim

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