Marvel Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marvel Peak |
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Marvel Peak seen from Wonder Pass area
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,708 m (8,885 ft) |
| Prominence | 488 m (1,601 ft) |
| Parent peak | Mount Byng (2965 m) |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta |
| Geography | |
 Marvel Peak
Location in Alberta
Marvel Peak
Location in Canada
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| Location | Alberta, Canada |
| Parent range | Blue Range Canadian Rockies |
| Topo map | NTS 82J/13 |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cambrian |
| Type of rock | Sedimentary rock |
Marvel Peak is a tall mountain in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It stands 2,708-metre (8,885-foot) high in the Canadian Rockies. This peak is part of the Blue Range and is about three kilometers from the Continental Divide. You can't see Marvel Peak from any main roads, which makes it a bit of a hidden gem. The closest taller mountain is Wonder Peak, located about 3.29 km (2.04 mi) to the north.
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How Marvel Peak Got Its Name
Many mountains in the Kananaskis Country area are named after ships and people from the First World War. Marvel Peak got its name in 1917. It was named by a survey team after HMS Marvel, a destroyer ship. This ship was involved in a very large sea battle called the Battle of Jutland in 1916.
However, some people think the name is simply because the mountain looks "marvelous" or "amazing," just like the nearby Wonder Peak. The name "Marvel Peak" became official in 1934, approved by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.
What Marvel Peak is Made Of
Like other mountains in Banff Park, Marvel Peak is made of sedimentary rock. This type of rock forms when layers of sand, mud, and tiny bits of sea creatures settle at the bottom of ancient seas. These layers then get pressed together over millions of years.
The rocks that make up Marvel Peak were formed a very long time ago, from the Precambrian to the Jurassic periods. Later, huge forces inside the Earth pushed these flat layers of rock upwards. This process, called the Laramide orogeny, created the tall mountains we see today.
Weather at Marvel Peak
Marvel Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very cold and snowy winters, but its summers are mild. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C (−4 °F) (which is about -4°F). With the wind chill, it can feel even colder, sometimes below −30 °C (−22 °F) (-22°F).
If you want to visit or climb Marvel Peak, the best time for good weather is usually from June through September. The water from melting snow and rain on the mountain flows into Owl Creek and Marvel Creek. These creeks eventually lead to the Spray Lakes Reservoir.
Images for kids
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Marvel Peak (left foreground) is near Marvel Lake (the long one) and Lake Gloria (behind).
