Yosemite National Park

On October 1, 1890, an act of Congress creates Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park, California - Half-Dome is the classic and jaw-dropping example of an exfoliation dome. Located in perhaps the world's best example of a glacially carved canyon, Half-Dome's rounded appearance is due to sheet jointing (or exfoliation). The granitic pluton that formed the Sierra Nevada was slowly eroded, releasing pressure and causing the expansion of the underlying rock. Joints formed parallel to the earth's surface, which have since been exhumed and exposed. The sheer vertical face of Half-Dome, parallels regional joints and was carved out by glaciers.

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Photo Credits: Credit photographs to the National Park Service.