Just outside of Bayard, Nebraska on Highway 92, stands
Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock was a recognizable landmark for many pioneers when
traveling on the Oregon, Mormon and California trails. Prior to the pioneers
heading West, Native Americans called the rock ‘Elk Penis’ for its earlier
curved appearance… Aside from its historical presence, it is one of the areas
tallest rock formations, standing just approximately 286 feet.
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| 1841 |
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| 1993 |
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| 1902 |
http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/rock/moreinfo.htm
When viewing Chimney Rock from the Southwest, it is evident
that it was formed by standing through erosion and weathering from much larger
bluffs. Although it still stands being apart from the bluffs, it is quite soft
being composed of Brule clay interleaved with volcanic ash and sandstone. The
erosion of weathering has come into effect by ways of debris flows and general
earthly creep that have left colluvium or loose sediment in between the bluffs
and Chimney Rock. The rock’s cylindrical base is evidence of this type of
weathering.
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| Detail of Joints |
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/family-vacations-in-nebraska5.htm
Chimney Rock has many large joints or deep cracks in the
rock that are most likely caused by multiple types of physical weathering
including frost weathering and general wetting and drying. In the very cold
winter months, parts of the rock will freeze and melt during the day, causing
liquid to seep deep into the joints, then later freeze and expand. As further
soil erosion happens, these joints will undoubtedly run further down the rock.
These weaknesses will make Chimney Rock’s encounters with lightning (which is
quite common) much more devastating.
http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/rock/moreinfo.htm
http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/markers/texts/chimney_rock2.htmhttp://www4.uwsp.edu/geo/projects/geoweb/participants/dutch/vtrips/ScottsBluff.HTM
