Yosemite is National Park that covers an area of 3 million km2, across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, Giant Sequoia groves, and biological diversity.

The geology of the Yosemite area is characterized by granitic rocks and remnants of older rock. About 10 million years ago, the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and then tilted to form its relatively gentle western slopes and the more dramatic eastern slopes. The uplift increased the steepness of stream and river beds, resulting in formation of deep, narrow canyons.

About 1 million years ago, snow and ice accumulated, forming glaciers at the higher alpine meadows that moved down the river valleys. Ice thickness in Yosemite Valley may have reached 1,200 m during the early glacial episode. The downslope movement of the ice masses cut and sculpted the U-shaped valley that attracts so many visitors to its scenic vistas today.

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Yosemite adalah taman nasional seluas 3 juta km2, di lereng barat pegunungan Sierra Nevada. Ditetapkan sebagai Situs Warisan Dunia, Yosemite terkenal tebing granit yg spektakuler, air terjun,pohon Sequoia raksasa, dan keanekaragaman hayatinya.

Geologi Yosemite ditandai oleh batuan granit. Sekitar 10 juta tahun yang lalu, Sierra Nevada terangkat dan terlipat miring ke barat membentuk lereng landai dan lereng timur yg terjal. Sungainya curam dan ngarainya yg dalam dan sempit.

Sekitar 1 juta tahun yang lalu, salju dan es yang terkumpul, membentuk gletser alpine bergerak menuruni lembah. Ketebalan es di lembah Yosemite Valley mencapai 1.200 m selama awal jaman glasial. Massa es yg bergerak mengukir lembah berbentuk U yang menghasilkan pemandangan indah.