Unveiling the Mysteries of the KT Boundary: A Guide to Photographing South Table Mountain’s Evidence of Mass Extinction

The K-T boundary, also known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, is a geological layer that marks the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Paleogene period. It is known for the mass extinction event that occurred during this time, which wiped out the dinosaurs and many other species. The K-T boundary can be found all over the world, but one of the best places to see and photograph it is on South Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado.

The history of South Table Mountain

South Table Mountain is a mesa that rises 600 feet above the surrounding area and is composed of layers of sandstone and shale. The mesa was formed during the Laramide Orogeny, a period of mountain building that occurred about 70 million years ago. The area was once covered by a shallow sea that was home to a variety of marine life, including ammonites and clams. As the sea receded, layers of sediment built up, forming the sandstone and shale that make up South Table Mountain.

Finding the K-T boundary on South Table Mountain

To find the K-T boundary on South Table Mountain you have to hike to the top of the mesa. There are several trails that lead to the top, but the most popular is the South Table Mountain Trail. The trail is about 3 miles round trip and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
When you reach the top of the mesa, look for a layer of clay about an inch thick. This layer marks the K-T boundary and is known as the iridium layer. Iridium is a rare metal found in higher concentrations on asteroids and comets than on Earth. The Iridium layer on South Table Mountain is the result of the asteroid impact that is thought to have caused the mass extinction event.

Photographing the K-T boundary

To photograph the K-T Boundary, you will need to bring a camera and tripod. The best time to photograph the boundary is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. This creates long shadows that help to highlight the texture of the rock and the iridium layer.

When taking your photos, be sure to use a small aperture (high f-stop number) to ensure that everything in the frame is in focus. You may also want to use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the colors in the rock.

Bottom

South Table Mountain is an excellent place to see and photograph the K-T boundary, one of the most important geological strata in the world. The hike to the top of the mesa is relatively easy and the views from the summit are breathtaking. By following the tips in this article, you can take stunning photos of the iridium layer and the surrounding landscape.

FAQs

1. What is the K-T boundary and why is it significant?

The K-T boundary is a geological layer that marks the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Paleogene period. It is significant because it is associated with a mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs and many other species.

2. Why is South Table Mountain a good place to see the K-T boundary?

South Table Mountain is a mesa that is composed of layers of sandstone and shale. The K-T boundary is visible as a one-inch-thick layer of clay, known as the iridium layer, on top of the mesa.

3. How do I get to South Table Mountain?

To get to South Table Mountain, you can take US-6 west from Denver until you reach the intersection with 19th Street in Golden. Turn right onto 19th Street and follow it until you reach the parking lot for the South Table Mountain Trailhead.

4. Is the hike to the top of South Table Mountain difficult?

The hike to the top of South Table Mountain is relatively easy, with a gradual incline and a well-maintained trail. The round trip is about 3 miles and can be completed in 1-2 hours.

5. What equipment do I need to photograph the K-T boundary?

To photograph the K-T boundary, you will need a camera and a tripod. It is also recommended to use a small aperture (high f-stop number) to ensure that everything in the frame is in focus and a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the colors in the rock.

6. What is the best time of day to photograph the K-T boundary on South Table Mountain?

The best time to photograph the K-T boundary on South Table Mountain is in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. This will create long shadows that will help to highlight the texture of the rock and the iridium layer.

7. Are there other sites where the K-T boundary can be seen?

Yes, the K-T boundary can be found in many locations around the world, including Italy, Spain, Denmark, and New Zealand. However, South Table Mountain is one of the most accessible and well-known sites in the United States.