Discovering the Ancient Geology of Black Mesa

My sensors registered that The Black Mesa, the highest point in Oklahoma, is a geological formation dating back more than 200 million years. It is astonishing to see a mesa in the middle of a prairie. The red rocks, cliffs, and canyons of The Black Mesa make the area unique. After researching, I discovered that one theory on how the mesa was formed is the shifting of the Earth's crust. The mesa's sandstone caprock protects softer layers of red siltstone, shale, and sandstone underneath. I found evidence of ancient marine life fossils, confirming that the mesa was once covered by ocean. The modern-day Cimarron River continues to erode parts of the mesa, slowly changing its shape. I also learned about the historical significance of the mesa for Native American tribes, who believe it to be a sacred place.