New England's Ancient Tropical Sea Floor is Built into our Cities

Did you know that a tropical sea once covered modern day New England? Now, that preserved seafloor is scattered all over the northeast as parts of buildings and monuments, like the Washington Monument. Come with me as I explore an abandoned quarry in Massachusetts that used to quarry rock for these stone structures.
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Disclaimer: The scientific topics I talk about in my videos are highly simplified, and usually there is a lot more details and nuance involved in these geologic processes and events. The purpose of these videos is to spark your interest in the wonderful world of geology and all the amazing things we are surrounded by all the time. They are not meant to act as lectures or fully-encompassing video essays about a topic. Thank you for keeping this in mind and for supporting me and my channel. I love making these videos and appreciate every person who watches them. Thanks for watching!
Here are some sources that you can take a look at if you’re interested in learning more in-depth about this topic:
www.google.com...
www.mindat.org...
geologywriter....
berkshireauctio...
repository.upe...
quarriesandbey...
academic.brookl...
• Plate Tectonics Basics 1
quarriesandbey...
usenaturalston...
Image credits:
Map of geologic provinces of New England: pubs.usgs.gov/...
Lee Historical Library, Lee MA: Historical Photos of Lee, MA Marble Quarries www.digitalcom...
www.digitalcom...
Subduction zone diagram: Robert Simmon, NASA GSFC. www.lpi.usra.e...
Plaza hotel: Alan Light commons.wikime...
Danby Marble Quarry, VT video: Vermont Quarries UA-cam Channel • Vermont Quarries Corp.
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[@67moosic]

I am a farmer in Sheffield Massachusetts the Housatonic valley here is all about the Stockbridge formation. Most of the ledge outcrops in fields are the white limestone you describe. There is evidence all around of the quarrying of limestone throughout Sheffield with intact blocks prepared for shipment and tailings from past operations. I am also familiar with the Briggs Quarry where the Washington monument has a significant segment built out of it. My Italian ancestors worked in the quarries here in the early 1900s. Northern Italy has the Dolomite mountains which are very similar to the rock here which must have been a taste of my ancestors homeland.

[@theinsane4469]

I love how you bring American history into geology!

[@Geobeck]

Thank you! Im no real historian but lately I’ve been very interested in this connection between geology and history - im glad it’s received well

[@ludlowworthington697]

Great video. I like all the layers of history you added in. Ancient sea floor, civil war, giant modern quarry.
And I’m kicking myself for not stopping at that park all the times I drove out that way.

[@Geobeck]

Thank you!! Now you have a reason to go visit !

[@stephengreiner8871]

As a retired photographer I would like to compliment you not only for your channel, but also your photography. Keep up the great work!

[@Andy-mm2us]

I came here to learn more about Connecticut geology since that is where I am from but I just wanted to say that I really like your mix of knowledge/history and your easy-going nature. This can be a dry subject making it easy for one to tune out but you make it very approachable. Kudos.

[@napsack2660]

Nice to see some geology from MA. Thanks

[@michaelabultman3209]

Lovely video! Your videos are my favorite geology vids and my two year old son also loves to watch them

[@Geobeck]

Aww thank you so much ! And say hello to your son for me 😊

[@dancooper8551]

Great video! My knowledge of geology in New England is sparse.

[@kaibalya6075]

Very informative 👍👍 👌

[@faaqcee3]

He's okay. He hopped right into his mattress.
Thanks for the video!

[@kyle2beats]

Great video. beautiful shots found very it interesting as someone from RI

[@bhutjolokia6990]

This is really cool. I started cutting opals a couple years ago and started moving to my local geology to look at and appreciate. I live in Connecticut and in the Manchester area. What's amazing is there are many different kinds of schist in a small area right around me. Garnets are everywhere. I have cut and polished some of the schist and it's really cool. Thanks for sharing!!👍👍😁

[@shawnfromportland]

Geo Beck channel 🔥🔥

[@nunyabiznes4471]

Splendid video! ❤😊

[@MatthewRendellGooglePlus]

Thank you for your informative video. TIL that marble is squashed limestone.

[@Bloodknok]

Very interesting - I enjoy you storytelling and enthusiasm for your subject

[@OnMeds1]

Cool video. Ty

[@noelplouffe6245]

This great, this is really, really great. Thank you Geo Beck

[@auburn6521]

Quality content

[@Clamming1234]

Very Interesting

[@shanemcdaniel1509]

I learned alot thank you

[@daveseddon5227]

Thanks, Becky!
Another gem of a video. 😊

[@noelplouffe6245]

Thank you Geo Beck

[@GodkingSlayer]

[@xxtravdamanxx]

YOU GIVE ME A BONIIHHH!!!!

[@jeffreybail353]

research petrification process, mudfloods and brickmeltage and be entlightenend

[@LoriPARK1111-u1b]

Amen!! ✝