Two Top and Big Top Mesa are two adjacent mesas that are approximately one mile (1.6 km) apart in western North Dakota. They were declared National Natural Landmarks in 1965.[1] The tops of the mesas are rare examples of undisturbed grassland which have never been grazed or cultivated. They are located in or around the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
| Two Top and Big Top Mesa | |
|---|---|
  Map of North Dakota | |
| Location | Billings County, North Dakota |
| Coordinates | 47°18′08″N 103°29′16″W / 47.30222°N 103.48778°W |
| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Designated | 1965 |
Geology
editBig Top mesa is approximately 12 acres (4.9 ha), while Two Top is around 2 acres (0.81 ha). They rise about 400 feet (120 m) above the badlands. They are made of sandstone, Morton silt loam and clay.[1][2]
References
edit- ^ Jump up to: a b "National Natural Landmark designation". National Park Service. June 25, 2009. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
- ^ Quinnild, Clayton L; Hugh E. Cosby (1958). "Relics of Climax Vegetation on Two Mesas in Western North Dakota". Ecology. 39 (1). Ecological Society of America: 29–32. doi:10.2307/1929963. JSTOR 1929963.
External links
edit
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