Mont Saint-Grégoire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mont Saint-Grégoire |
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Mont Saint-Grégoire
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 251 m (823 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Mont-Saint-Grégoire, 10 km (6 mi) east of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada |
| Parent range | Monteregian Hills |
| Topo map | NTS 031H/06 |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Early Cretaceous |
| Mountain type | Intrusive stock |
Mont Saint-Grégoire is a mountain in southern Quebec, Canada. It stands about 251 meters (823 feet) tall. The mountain is part of the Montérégie region.
The rocks that make up Mont Saint-Grégoire are special. They are called essexite and syenite. These rocks are very different from the softer sedimentary rocks around them. The area near the mountain is famous for making maple syrup. Some people also make wine there.
The mountain's name was changed in 1923. Before that, it was known as Mount Johnson.
How Mont Saint-Grégoire Formed
Mont Saint-Grégoire is a very old mountain. Scientists think it might be what's left of an ancient volcano. This volcano was probably active about 125 million years ago. Over millions of years, wind and water wore away the softer parts of the volcano. Only the harder core remained, forming the mountain we see today.
The Monteregian Hills Connection
Mont Saint-Grégoire is one of several mountains in Quebec called the Monteregian Hills. These mountains formed in a similar way. They were created when the North American Plate moved over a very hot spot deep inside the Earth. This hot spot is known as the New England hotspot.
As the Earth's plate moved, magma (molten rock) pushed up from the hot spot. This magma cooled and hardened underground, forming strong, tough rock. Later, erosion removed the softer rock layers above, revealing these hard mountain cores. Mont Saint-Grégoire is part of a long chain of these features. This chain is called the Great Meteor hotspot track.
Local Activities and Nature
The land around Mont Saint-Grégoire is very fertile. This makes it great for farming. One of the most important products from this area is maple syrup. Many sugar bushes (maple tree forests) are found here. People tap the maple trees in spring to collect the sweet sap. This sap is then boiled down to make delicious maple syrup.
Besides maple syrup, some vineyards also grow grapes on the mountain's slopes. These grapes are used to make local wines. The mountain is a natural landmark in the region. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
