VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK
INTRODUCTION
WEBSITE OUTLINE
Introduction
· Introduction
· Motivation
· Location
- Physiographic Provinces of Pennsylvania
- Topographic Map
Geologic History
·
Geologic Time
·
Paleozoic
·
Mesozoic
·
Cenozoic
Sedimentary Features
· Erosional Features
- Dissolving rock
- Breaking rock
- Running Water
- Unconformity
·
Depositional Features
- Layering
- Cross-bedding
- Ripples
- Sediment Size
More Geologic Features
·
Springs
· Creep
Valley Forge National Park represents an important part of our nation’s history as it honors the memory of the thousands of American soldiers that died here during America's War for Independence. The park also illustrates a significant part of the region’s geologic history, as it contains rocks that formed as far back as 525 million years ago. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the Earth’s internal and surface forces have worked to produce a resource of practical value and scenic beauty. The lush, fertile hills have supported agriculture for most of our nation’s history. Topographic features furnished protection from attack for General George Washington and his troops during the long winter of 1777-78. Rocks within the park have been the source of industrial raw materials and scientific specimens. By understanding the geologic history of Valley Forge, we may understand the significance of some of the park’s most interesting features and landforms.
Valley Forge National Park Virtual Field Trip is designed to be a guide to the geological history and landscape features of the Valley Forge National Park area. The website was created by Jennifer Lindline, a Post-Doctoral Teaching Fellow in the Geology Department at Bryn Mawr College, to serve as a resource to earth science enthusiasts and those curious about the local geology.
For more information about Valley Forge National Park, contact the National Park Service at:
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Post Office Box 953
Valley Forge, PA 19482
(610) 783-1077