Tabletop mountain is the product of a volcanic event known to geologists as the Mehrten formation. This formation was not necessarily one geologic incident, but a series of volcanic eruptions that took place approximately 10 to 14 million years ago. For nearly 4 million years, lava flows frosted California's landscape, diverting rivers and altering the Motherlode's topography. One such lava flow- comprised of a rock known as Table Mountain Latite filled the ancient Tuolumne River Canyon from the top of Sonora pass to present day Lake Tulloch. Over time sediments were eroded by wind and water and they produced a virtual cast of the ancient Tuolumne River Canyon.
Table Mountain reaches vertical heights of over 200 feet near Jamestown and stretches the entire distance of the Sonora Pass.
Written by, Sierra Lodestar journalist Dean Fleming issue 1-26 to 2-1-11.
Permission for use provided by Mike Taylor.
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