Rocky Mountain National Park By: Matt Jackson

When the park was founded January 26, 1915, President Wilson signed a bill naming part of the Rocky Mountains to Rocky Mountain National Park It has been written but never proved, that man came to this mountain region 10,000 years ago. They hunted bison on the plains. There were scientific expeditions, fort building and mining for gold and silver.

How park was formed Rocky Mountain National Park was formed when the Rocky Mountains were formed. Some parts were formed by glaciers, volcanoes and when the earth tilted and formed mountains.

Formation of the park Rocky Mountain National Park was formed when the Rocky Mountains were formed. Some parts were from by glaciers, volcanoes and when the earth tilted and formed mountains. This created plains, meadows, valleys and huge mountain peaks. Melting ice from the glaciers created the streams and rivers.

Type of rocks found in park Most of the rocks are siltstone, shale and sandstone. There also are some volcanic stone and different types of granite. New rock forms are created by temperature changes and stress from within the crust of the mountain. Shale turns to slate and limestone turns to marble.

What landforms and special features There are many special landforms found inside the park. There are huge mountains for climbing, streams and rivers for excellent fishing, valleys carved by glaciers and trails for hikers. These landforms are home to many plant and animal species. Tourists take advantage of the many campgrounds located through out the Rocky Mountain National Park. Roads have been made for scenic drives.

How is land currently changing The land in the Park is currently changing when new roads are made to handle all the tourists who visit the park. When roads are built trees, rocks and plants are taken away to clear the roads for hikers and off road vehicles. The land is also changing from the elk eating the aspen and willow trees, killing them. Another problem is the pine beetles that burrow into the pines and kill those trees. Parts of the Park are now closed to tourists because the trees are gone and the land is bare.

Environmental issues A huge environmental issue affecting the Park is that too much nitrogen is being deposited and is affecting the ecosystem. There is more nitrogen than the plants can use and it is ending up in the streams and lakes causing algae to grow. Nitrogen oxide that comes from cars on the highway, nearby power plants and smokestacks is becoming toxic for plants and animals. The good thing is that the glaciers are not melting yet.

Technology in the Park. Cameras are used to track and determine glacier characteristics, motion and volume. Photographs from cameras also help to keep an eye on the ever changing Park landscape. Security cameras also help to keep an eye on tourists to make sure they are following the Park rules. Tax dollars are being spent to upgrade the fire stations. New monitors and special fire equipment has been bought to locate and put out fires faster. This saves thousands of trees from being destroyed by fire each year. Energy efficient equipment like trucks and all terrain vehicles are now helping to reduce fossil fuel consumption. This is helping to keep the Park air fresh. Special devices are now used to measure nitrogen and nitrogen oxide that comes from highways, smokestacks and fertilizer plants and keep it at safe levels.

Topographic Map

Bibliography "Google Images." Google. Web. 02 June Hewitt, Sally. Explore & Learn. Nashville, Tenn.: Southwestern, Print. Radlauer, Ruth, and Rolf Zillmer. Rocky Mountain National Park. Chicago: Childrens, Print. "Rocky Mountain National Park - History." Estes Park On-Line - Video Guide and Internet TV for EP and RMNP. Web. 02 June Snedden, Robert. Mountains. North Mankato, Minn.: Smart Apple Media, Print.

Pictures This is one lakes out of many.

Campers rock-climbing in Rocky Mountains.

A deer eating grass in the Rocky Mountains.

One of the many waterfalls in Rocky Mountains National Park.

Wild Basin swimming in one of the lakes in Rocky Mountains.

Wild ram roaming the Rocky Mountains.

People skiing in the Park.

People fly fishing in one of the many rivers in the Park.

Hiking map of the Park

A lake and Mountains in the Park.