The Iron Range

Title: Formation of the Mesabi Range
Type: Book
Date: 1894
Source: Orson C. Gillett

Description: Mr. Gillett wrote this description of the geological processes that formed the Mesaba Iron Range.
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Activities:

1. What proof does this writer have that the rocks he says are on the Mesabi are actually there?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: He has seen them, and comments that he picked up some examples of the ancient rocks between the cities of Gilbert and Virginia.
2. What do the frequent references to God tell you about the writer?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: He is probably a man of some strong religious beliefs who has found a way to combine his religion with his knowledge of science.
3. How were the rocks on the Mesabi Range formed?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The writer mentions igneous rocks which means volcanoes must have been involved. He also mentions sedimentary rocks, which are formed when layers of sediment are pressed into rock.
4. Since the area is dry now, how does the writer explain how sedimentary rocks could have formed?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: He suggests that the area at one time was probably covered by the waters of an ancient sea.