Catacombs Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catacombs Mountain |
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 Catacombs Mountain
Location in Alberta
Catacombs Mountain
Location in Canada
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,290 m (10,790 ft) |
| Prominence | 870 m (2,850 ft) |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta |
| Geography | |
| Location | Jasper National Park Alberta, Canada |
| Parent range | Canadian Rockies |
| Topo map | NTS 83C/05 |
| Type of rock | Sedimentary |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | July 10, 1927 W.R. MacLaurin, Alfred. J. Ostheimer, Hans. Fuhrer, J. Weber |
| Easiest route | Scrambling |
Catacombs Mountain is a tall mountain in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. It stands about 3,290 meters (10,794 feet) high. This impressive mountain is part of the Canadian Rockies and is located in the beautiful Athabasca River valley.
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Why is it Called Catacombs Mountain?
The name "Catacombs Mountain" was given in 1921 by Arthur O. Wheeler. He named it because of a special rock formation on the mountain. This formation looks like an "alcove," which is a small, hidden space. It reminded him of the recesses found in catacombs, which are underground tunnels or rooms often used for burials.
Weather and Climate
Catacombs Mountain has a subarctic climate. This means it has very cold and snowy winters. Summers are usually mild, but not very hot.
How Cold Does it Get?
During winter, temperatures on the mountain can drop below -20 °C (that's -4 °F). With wind chill, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30 °C (-22 °F)! All the snow and rain that falls on the mountain eventually melts and flows into the Athabasca River through smaller streams.
How the Mountain Was Formed
Catacombs Mountain is made of sedimentary rock. This type of rock forms from layers of sand, mud, and tiny bits of sea creatures that settle at the bottom of ancient seas over millions of years.
What is Sedimentary Rock?
The rocks that make up Catacombs Mountain were formed during a very long period, from the Precambrian era all the way to the Jurassic period. Imagine these layers of rock slowly building up in shallow oceans. Later, a huge event called the Laramide orogeny happened. This was a time when massive forces pushed the Earth's crust. These forces pushed the older sedimentary rocks of Catacombs Mountain upwards and eastwards, creating the tall mountain we see today.
