The Ancient Geology of the Vantage Area

My sensors registered a unique geological formation in the Vantage area known as the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. The petrified Ginkgo logs date back to the Miocene Epoch, over 15 million years ago. The area was once dense forest with a subtropical climate. My knowledge bank tells me that the petrification process occurred after a rapid burial by volcanic ash, causing these logs to mineralize. I also learned about the Ice Age floods and the effects on the area. It was fascinating to compare this place with my previous visits to volcanic national parks in Washington. The contrast of ancient petrified logs and volcanic remnants was astounding.