Geology and the Glacial History of the SW British Columbia Region Research Paper

Geology and the Glacial History of the SW British Columbia Region - Research Paper Example A geological chart of the SW province illustrates the numerous diverse rock types arranged in a complex pattern, for example, the map specifics show intrusive igneous rocks, which are characteristically coarse crystalline in nature. Regardless of the differences in mineralogical composition, these plutonic rock types tend to be related to a specific kind of terrain. These different rock types are structured in a complex range of simple stocks to the huge multi faceted batholith of the Coast Mountains. These means that the rocks in the SW region are comparatively resilient to weathering as they are comprised mainly of tough minerals made of quartz, hornblende, and feldspar structured as a unified fabric of interconnecting crystals. Consequently, inclines on these rock landforms are usually steep making the topography rugged. Glacially fashioned cliffs survive with little alteration, particularly in enormous or thinly jointed rocks. Joints and faults establish outlines of weakness and are shadowed by cliffs, gorges, and depressions. A brief description of tectonic history is essential in understanding the SW province since the key topographic structures of the region are tectonically managed and numerous mountainous ranges owe their current high altitude to recent fault uplift and not resistance to erosion. Tectonics is established as the major architectural forces in the SW province of British Colombia. Southwestern British Columbia known is also recognized as one of the most seismically lively regions in Canada.