Santis Peak, Switzerland

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

Santis peak Switzerland AMNH/R. Mickens

A model of the Santis peak in eastern Switzerland, constructed from the original by Albert Heim (1849-1937), a Zurich geology professor. The original model was made in 1899.

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A view up the Glarus Valley in Eastern Switzerland, near the tiny town of Schwenden.
photo credit: Craig Chesek, © American Museum of Natural History
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View through the trees at a cliff face that exposes evidence of the Glarus Thrust, a geologically renowned, low-angle fault. During the formation of the Alps, approximately forty million years ago, the crust along this fault was crumpled and thrust upwards by tectonic forces, pushing old rocks up and over younger ones.
photo credit: Craig Chesek, © American Museum of Natural History
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Ed Mathez helps prepare the section of cliff face for the surface of the rock must be cleared of debris which might interfere with the accuracy of the cast.
photo credit: Craig Chesek, © American Museum of Natural History
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A close-up view, about a meter across, of the complexly deformed and folded rocks that make up the cliff face. Running through the center of this image is a trace of the Glarus Thrust.
photo credit: Craig Chesek, © American Museum of Natural History
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Phil Fraley, (left), museum preparator, applies a coat of latex to a section of cliff face. After several layers are applied, forming a thick coat, the latex is allowed to dry.
photo credits: Craig Chesek © American Museum of Natural History