Musings on the Golden Fault and the Front Range Zone of Flank Deformation

The Golden Fault on the west side of Golden, Colorado has been the subject of debate in the geological community for several years. The source of the basalt that caps North and South Table Mountain is also of interest to the scientific community as the source of the basalt has never been identified. There may very well be a connection between these two major geological features. In addition, the structure of the Front Range Zone of Flank Deformation itself is of interest as it contains mineral resources that have helped to shape the economic development of the region. This natural resource setting also shaped the Colorado School of Mines from its creation in 1874 to become one of the most famous engineering universities in the world.