The Paine Massif
The Geology : The Torres del Paine mountain range has a core of igneous rock (granite), which crystalized in a slow process from molten rock, or magma. Later, about 12.5 million years ago, the magma caused the formation of dark sedimentary rocks. Today geologists can distinguish injection pulses of magma, or the distinct moments of injection (granites called Almirante, Fortaleza amd Catedral). Each pulse produces layers of granite several meters of thickness, which can be distinguished by variations in grey and red coloring, especially when the sun reflects on the mountains in the morning and at dusk. In this photo to the upper right is Formaccion Cerro Toro with dark hard granite. In the center the grey Almirante Granite and to lower left darker Catedral granite. The Geology: is from the Conaf Sede Administrativa natural history museum near the park administrative center. Torres del Paine National Park. Beautiful Chilean Patagonia.
The Paine Massif
The Geology : The Torres del Paine mountain range has a core of igneous rock (granite), which crystalized in a slow process from molten rock, or magma. Later, about 12.5 million years ago, the magma caused the formation of dark sedimentary rocks. Today geologists can distinguish injection pulses of magma, or the distinct moments of injection (granites called Almirante, Fortaleza amd Catedral). Each pulse produces layers of granite several meters of thickness, which can be distinguished by variations in grey and red coloring, especially when the sun reflects on the mountains in the morning and at dusk. In this photo to the upper right is Formaccion Cerro Toro with dark hard granite. In the center the grey Almirante Granite and to lower left darker Catedral granite. The Geology: is from the Conaf Sede Administrativa natural history museum near the park administrative center. Torres del Paine National Park. Beautiful Chilean Patagonia.