The formation of the Alps started some 500 million years ago. In the then existing Tethyan Sea, the materials the Alps are made of [such as limestone], developed during many millions of years. The actual mountain-building began about 100 million years ago when the African tectonic plate started to move towards the more stable tectonic plate of Europe. Under the influence of this gigantic pressure the bottom of the sea rose and layers of rocks were thrusted on top of each other.
Eruptions in the interior of the earth resulted in the discharge of magma at several places in these newly formed mountains, leading to the formation of huge masses of granite. Subsequent erosion created the different shapes that are characteristic for the Alps we know today.
The Grimsel area is a landscape of stunning granite rock formations. A fine example is shown in today’s photograph. Please note the greenish color of the rocks in the foreground. I will get back to it in tomorrow’s post.