Matahpi Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matahpi Peak |
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Matahpi Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 9,370 ft (2,860 m) |
| Prominence | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Geography | |
 Matahpi Peak
Location in Montana
Matahpi Peak
Location in the United States
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| Location | Glacier County, Montana, U.S. |
| Parent range | Lewis Range |
| Topo map | USGS Logan Pass, MT |
Matahpi Peak is a tall mountain that stands 9,370 feet (2,856 m) high. It is found in the Lewis Range within Glacier National Park. This beautiful park is located in the state of Montana, in the U.S..
Just below the top of Matahpi Peak, you can find the Sexton Glacier. Another famous mountain, Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, is only about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Matahpi Peak.
How Matahpi Peak Was Formed
Like many other mountains in Glacier National Park, Matahpi Peak is made of sedimentary rock. This type of rock forms from layers of sand, mud, and tiny bits of plants and animals that settle at the bottom of ancient seas. Over millions of years, these layers get pressed together and turn into solid rock.
The rocks that make up Matahpi Peak were laid down a very long time ago, between the Precambrian and Jurassic periods. Imagine shallow seas covering this area! Then, about 170 million years ago, a huge event happened. A giant crack in the Earth's crust, called the Lewis Overthrust fault, pushed a massive slab of old rock over much younger rock.
This huge slab of rock was about 3 mi (4.8 km) thick, 50 miles (80 km) wide, and 160 miles (260 km) long. It slowly slid over the younger rock, creating the incredible mountains we see today, including Matahpi Peak. This process shows how powerful the Earth's forces can be!
