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Stone Mountain, one of the "Seven Wonders of Georgia", is sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World because it is the largest exposed mass of granite in the world. Located about 15 miles east of Atlanta, Georgia, the structure is a type of igneous intrusion called a pluton. This marvel is believed to have formed over 300 million years ago when magma deep inside the earth tried to force its way out of the earth's center. Before the magma hit air, it stopped and cooled. Over time, the rock and soil that covered it was worn away exposing the 825 foot dome. The mountain's summit is 1,683 feet above sea level and it is more than five miles around the base. The top of the mountain is a surreal landscape of bare rock and rock pools. The clear freshwater pools found on the top are home to unusual "clam shrimp" and "fairy shrimp." These tiny shrimp only appear during the rainy season. The slopes of the mountain are wooded and the rare "Georgia Oak" can be found along the walk-up trail and the base of the mountain. The extremely rare "Confederate Yellow Daisy" flowers can be found on the mountain in the fall. They grow in the rock crevices and wooded areas.
The
mountains physical features are not the only interesting parts of Stone
Mountain. The world's largest high relief sculpture is found
on the north face of the mountain.
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Dodge County Middle School 5911 Oak Street, Eastman, Georgia 31023 ~ (478) 374 - 6492 ~ FAX (478) 374 - 6484 |
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