The geological formation of the mountain of the 7 colors, caused many of us a question, perhaps without an answer at that moment, today we will inform you about its geological formation of this natural wonder.
The mountain of the 7 colors or Vinicunca mountain, is unique for its particular coloration, surrounded by mountains, snowy peaks, small Andean towns, above all, by an immense picturesque and colorful landscape, before informing us about the geological formation of the mountain of the 7 colors or Vinicunca mountain, we must understand how a mountain is formed.
Geological Formation of a Mountain
The formation of a mountain is due to the alterations of the earth's layer and the movement of tectonic plates, in these alterations the environment, the climate and other external factors have a lot to do with it. Have you ever wondered why mountains are conical? The conical shape of mountains is because ice usually forms at the top of the mountain.
Then, due to climate change, the ice melts and this causes the mountains to drain and generate streams of water that flow down to the lower area until they meet rivers or lagoons until they mix with the ocean depending on the climatic factors and because of this process the mountain wears down and takes its cone shape.
There is no doubt that mountains are a masterpiece of nature, from the top of a mountain we can appreciate everything that surrounds us and be able to enjoy it.
After learning about the causes of the formation of a mountain, it is time to find out about its geological formation of the mountain of the 7 colors and why its particular coloration.
Geological Formation of the Mountain of the 7 Colors
To talk about the geological formation of the mountain of the 7 colors or Vinicunca mountain we will first have to go back in time at least approximately 24 million years ago, at that time there were movements of the tectonic plates due to the alterations of the earth's layers, then during the movement there were different changes between the layers of mineralogical or types of soil with a tremendous wealth of minerals, rock sediments such as sandstones, halites, gravels, coves that range in color from ochre, green, mustard yellow, white among others. These minerals were pushed together one on top of the other until they were in the form of layers of different colors and mineralogical types. The formation of these layers was depending on the weight of each layer, at the base was the heaviest layer and so on the layers were placed according to their weight.
Coloration of the Mountain of the Seven Colors or Vinicunca Mountain
The geological formation of the Mountain of the Seven Colors or Vinicunca Mountain manifested itself in its current form about 24 million years ago. The layers of sedimentary rock that make up the earth's crust in the sector were deformed by the effect of shifting tectonic plates and were subsequently exposed when cut by erosion, so the layers of clay, phyllite, mudstone, sandstone and marl have different colors due to the presence of oxides of various metals such as iron, magnesium, sulfide minerals and others, with the strata remaining superimposed according to the time in which their sedimentation occurred. The colors become even more contrasted by the variations in humidity
that the layers reach when they dry.
This information is according to the research of the Landscape Office of the Decentralization of Culture Directorate of Cusco.
The information was revealed in this way The colors of the mountains are due to their mineralogical composition: the pink color is due to red clay, mudstones (mud) and arillites (sand). The whitish color is due to quartz sandstone and marl, rich in calcium carbonate.
The red is composed of claystones (iron) and clays belonging to the upper tertiary. The green is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in ferromagnesian. The earthy brown is the product of fanglomerate composed of rock with magnesium belonging to the quaternary era. And the mustard yellow color is due to calcareous sandstones rich in sulphurous minerals.
Why is it called the Mountain of the 7 Colors?
The Vinicunca Mountain, known as the "Mountain of the 7 Colors" or "Rainbow Mountain", owes its nickname to the multicoloured stripes on its slopes. These vibrant hues are due to the presence of different minerals, such as red clay, sandstone, marl and copper oxide, which were formed 65 million years ago. Thawing and erosion have revealed this natural wonder that today attracts thousands of visitors.
Geology and Cultural Significance
Vinicunca is a fascinating display of geology and natural history. Each color reveals the composition of the soil and geological processes. It also has a deep cultural and spiritual significance for local communities, connecting them to Pachamama, or Mother Earth.
