Mountain Geology in Pocahontas County

While the sources primarily focus on the Cranberry Glades' unique ecosystem, they do offer insights into the geological formations of the surrounding mountains, particularly through the discussion of anticlines. These formations contribute to the distinctive landscape and the presence of specific rock types in Pocahontas County.

Anticlines and Their Influence

The sources mention several major anticlines, which are upward folds in layers of rock, present in Pocahontas County:

• Deer Park Anticline: Entering Pocahontas County from Randolph County, this anticline extends in a south-southwest direction to the end of Red Lick Mountain.
• Blackwater Anticline: Originating in Mineral County, it runs roughly parallel to the West Virginia-Maryland line and extends through Tucker and Randolph Counties before reaching Pocahontas County.
• Browns Mountain Anticline: This prominent anticline is described as the most conspicuous structural feature in Pocahontas County. It originates from smaller folds near Bartow and continues southwestward, roughly paralleling the state road to Green Bank. Evidence of "squeezing" in the rock formations can be observed in this area. The anticline's main axis connects with the core of Mitchell Mountain.
• Horton Anticline: The sources mention its existence but don't provide details about its location or extent.

The sources highlight the Browns Mountain Anticline as a significant geological feature. It runs along Knapp Creek, between Huntersville and Minnehaha Springs, and extends southwestward along Brushy and Beaver Lick Mountains into Greenbrier County. To the north, it extends along Browns and St. Michael Mountains through Green Bank.

Rock Formations and Exposures

The presence of these anticlines has resulted in the exposure of various rock types, shaping the local topography and influencing the types of vegetation that can thrive in the area.

The sources mention the following:

• Tuscarora quartzite: Found along the crest of St. Michael Mountain, brought to the surface due to the Browns Mountain Anticline. The same series is exposed east of Dunmore and in the Knapp Creek gorge between Huntersville and Minnehaha Springs. It is also the principal ridge rock in Beaver Lick Mountain.
• Clinton quartzites: Form a number of ridges within the area of the Browns Mountain Anticline.
• Oriskany Series: Makes up the entire anticline on either side of the ridge to the Lower Devonian shale depression.
• Red Medina Series of the basal Silurian: Found in the core of the Browns Mountain Anticline, exposed in the gorge of Knapp Creek between Huntersville and Minnehaha Springs. Also exposed east of Dunmore.
• Pocono Series: Found along the western side of Browns Mountain, specifically in the gorge of Knapp Creek.

The sources mention that much of the Browns Mountain Anticline is composed of Tuscarora sandstones, with some ridges formed by Clinton quartzites. This indicates that these rock types are prevalent in the area.

Visual Representation

A sketch illustrating the anticline along the cross-section of Browns Mountain, following Knapp Creek, was attached to the original document, but it's not included in the provided excerpt. This sketch would likely provide a more detailed visual understanding of the anticline's structure and the rock layers involved.

The information presented in the sources offers a glimpse into the complex geological history of Pocahontas County. The presence of anticlines, the resulting rock exposures, and the specific rock types mentioned contribute to our understanding of the mountainous landscape and its influence on the region's unique ecosystem.