Ahtanum Ridge facts for kids
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Ahtanum Ridge is a long mountain ridge in Yakima County, Washington. It is located just south of the city of Yakima. A large part of the ridge forms the northern edge of the Yakama Indian Reservation.
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Ahtanum Ridge: A Natural Landmark
Ahtanum Ridge is a significant natural feature in Washington state. It is known for its unique shape and important role in the local landscape.
What is Ahtanum Ridge?
Ahtanum Ridge is a type of mountain ridge called an anticline. This means it was formed when layers of rock folded upwards, like a giant arch. It stretches for many miles across the area.
Where is Ahtanum Ridge Located?
This ridge is found in Yakima County, Washington. It sits right below the city of Yakima. A big part of the ridge also borders the Yakama Indian Reservation to the north.
How Ahtanum Ridge Got Its Name
The name "Ahtanum" comes from the Sahaptin language. Sahaptin is spoken by some Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. The original word is [átanɨm].
How Ahtanum Ridge Was Formed
Ahtanum Ridge is part of something called the Yakima Fold Belt. This belt is a group of long ridges that run mostly east to west. These ridges were created by the folding of ancient rock layers.
- Ancient Rocks: The main rocks that make up the ridge are basalt flows. Basalt is a type of volcanic rock. These flows happened during the Miocene epoch, which was millions of years ago.
- Folding Process: Over a very long time, powerful forces in the Earth's crust caused these flat basalt layers to bend and fold upwards. This created the arch-like shape of Ahtanum Ridge.
A Natural Divider
Ahtanum Ridge acts like a natural wall in the landscape.
- It separates the Yakima Valley to its south.
- It also separates the Ahtanum Valley to its north.
At the eastern end of the ridge, the Yakima River flows through a narrow pass called Union Gap. The ridge then continues eastward from Union Gap. This eastern part is known as the Rattlesnake Hills.
