Tripod Rock
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Tripod Rock is a
glacial erratic A glacial erratic is a glacially deposited rock (geology), rock differing from the type of country rock (geology), rock native to the area in which it rests. Erratics, which take their name from the Latin word ' ("to wander"), are carried by gla ...
, in this specific case a balancing rock, or perched boulder, located in Kinnelon,
New Jersey New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
in the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. This multi-ton
Precambrian The Precambrian ( ; or pre-Cambrian, sometimes abbreviated pC, or Cryptozoic) is the earliest part of Earth's history, set before the current Phanerozoic Eon. The Precambrian is so named because it preceded the Cambrian, the first period of t ...
gneiss Gneiss (pronounced ) is a common and widely distributed type of metamorphic rock. It is formed by high-temperature and high-pressure metamorphic processes acting on formations composed of igneous or sedimentary rocks. This rock is formed under p ...
boulder, located near the edge of a long ridge, is balanced on three smaller boulders. Tripod Rock is roughly long, wide, and high, weighing approximately . A triangular crest runs the length of its top. The boulder is balanced on three smaller stones roughly in diameter that raise it above the bedrock by about at its lowest point. The point of contact between the boulder and its support stones forms an approximate 3-4-5 triangle. About northwest of Tripod Rock are three other boulders comprising a triangle. The two larger boulders are partially balanced on smaller stones (see diagram). The apex rock is about to the northeast. Two smaller perched boulders are located northeast of Tripod Rock (not shown on diagram) measuring approximately in diameter. No specific calendar alignment has been noted. Tripod Rock stands on a ridge overlooking a long valley where a massive glacial erratic named Bear Rock is located near a brook. Bear Rock was thoroughly excavated for archaeological artifacts during the 19th century, some of which are reported to be owned by museums. Bear Rock has a large overhang making it a possible rock shelter.


See also

*
List of individual rocks The following is a list of notable rocks and stones. See also * List of largest meteorites on Earth * List of longest natural arches * List of rock formations * List of rock formations that resemble human beings * List of rocks on Mars * Lists ...


References


External links


Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
official website, with trail maps and visitor information for the park that contains Tripod Rock

a
New Jersey Skylands Visitor website

Trail description
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Trails.com


a
City University of New York, Department of Geography
{{coord, 40.9613, -74.385, type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-NJ, display=title Glacial erratics of the United States Landforms of Morris County, New Jersey Tourist attractions in Morris County, New Jersey