Rocks and Lichen in Beehive Basin, Montana

The geology of this region is fascinating and the relationship between rocks and lichen is one that I always take time to photograph. A series of fault systems come together to create the landscape of mountains and valleys. These faults in turn, are responsible for the altitudes these mountains reach. Along with the unique rock formations that are present only here.

As a result, much of the metamorphic rock in the Spanish Peaks can be identified as having once been as deep as 30 km beneath the earth’s surface. Forced upwards over billions of years. In fact, at various points along the trails one has the opportunity to step across two billion years of time.

This is America: Beehive Basin, Diptych 1.

See the entire collection and learn more about the series, including sizing, framing and edition number here. Follow along to learn about this and other projects via daily posts on Instagram.