Proffit Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Proffit Mountain |
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 Proffit Mountain
Location in Missouri
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,700 ft (518 m) |
| Prominence | 361 ft (110 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Reynolds County, Missouri |
| Parent range | St. Francois Mountains |
Proffit Mountain is a cool mountain found in Reynolds County, Missouri. It's the highest point in the whole county, standing tall and proud! This mountain is part of a much older mountain range called the St. Francois Mountains.
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Discovering Proffit Mountain
Proffit Mountain reaches an elevation of about 1,700 feet (which is about 518 meters) above sea level. It might not be as famous as some giant mountains around the world, but it's a really important landmark in Reynolds County. Imagine standing on top and looking out over the beautiful Missouri landscape!
Where is Proffit Mountain?
You can find Proffit Mountain in the southeastern part of Missouri. It's located deep within Reynolds County, an area known for its forests and natural beauty. The mountain is a key part of the local scenery and environment.
The St. Francois Mountains: An Ancient Range
Proffit Mountain is part of the St. Francois Mountains, which are super old! These mountains are some of the oldest in North America. They formed billions of years ago, long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Unlike many mountains that are made from folded rock layers, the St. Francois Mountains are made of igneous rocks. This means they were formed from ancient volcanoes.
What Makes Them Special?
The St. Francois Mountains are unique because they are made of very hard, ancient volcanic rock like granite and rhyolite. Over millions of years, wind and water have worn them down, but their tough cores remain. This is why they look like rounded hills today, rather than jagged peaks. They are like the ancient grandparents of mountains!
How Mountains Are Formed
Mountains like Proffit Mountain and the St. Francois range are formed in different ways. Some mountains are created when huge pieces of the Earth's crust, called tectonic plates, crash into each other. This pushes the land upwards, forming tall peaks.
Volcanic Mountains
Other mountains, like the St. Francois Mountains, are formed by volcanic activity. Long, long ago, hot melted rock (magma) from deep inside the Earth pushed its way to the surface. When it cooled and hardened, it formed these tough, igneous rocks. Over time, erosion shaped them into the mountains we see today. It's a slow but powerful process!
Exploring the Area Around Proffit Mountain
The area around Proffit Mountain is full of natural wonders. It's covered in forests, which are home to lots of different plants and animals. If you love nature, you'd enjoy exploring the trails and seeing the wildlife. It's a great place for hiking, enjoying fresh air, and learning about Missouri's natural history.
