Monument Rocks (Kansas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monument Rocks |
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View of the Monument Rocks
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Map showing location of Monument Rocks
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| Location | South of Oakley, Kansas, Gove County, Smoky Hills, Kansas, United States |
| Elevation | 802 m (2,631 ft) |
| Established | National Natural Landmark |
| Website | Washburn University website |
| Designated: | 1968 |
Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are amazing natural rock formations in Gove County, Kansas. These huge chalk structures are very old. They are also home to many fossils from ancient times.
The formations were the first landmark chosen by the United States Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark. This means they are very special and important to the natural history of the United States. The tallest parts of these chalk formations reach up to 70 ft (21 m) high. They include different shapes like tall, flat-topped buttes and natural arches.
How Monument Rocks Formed
These incredible chalk formations were created a very long time ago. About 80 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period, this area was covered by a huge ocean. This ocean was called the Western Interior Seaway. It actually split the continent of North America into two landmasses!
Over millions of years, tiny sea creatures and shells died and sank to the bottom of this ocean. Their remains piled up and turned into a type of rock called carbonate deposits. These deposits slowly hardened into the chalk we see today. Later, as the ocean disappeared, wind and water wore away the softer rock. This left behind the harder, towering Monument Rocks.
History and Recognition
Monument Rocks is a very important natural site. It was officially named a National Natural Landmark in 1968. This recognition helps protect the formations and their valuable fossils.
On January 29, 2008, Monument Rocks received another special honor. It was named one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas." This award was shared with Castle Rock, another amazing rock formation nearby. Monument Rocks is about 25 miles south of Oakley, Kansas. Castle Rock is about 31 miles east of Monument Rocks.
Exploring the Formations
When you visit Monument Rocks, you can see many unique shapes. Some parts look like giant pyramids, which is why they are also called the Chalk Pyramids. Other parts have natural arches that wind and water have carved out over time.
These formations are a great place to learn about geology and ancient life. Scientists have found many fossils here. These fossils include ancient fish, sharks, and even large marine reptiles that lived in the Western Interior Seaway. It's like looking back in time to when Kansas was covered by an ocean!
Images for kids
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Southernmost rock in the early 1890s
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Wide view from the west
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With car for scale
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Night view with Milky Way
