Among the geological phenomena in Vikten, we
find the rocks and boulders near the Glassblower’s Cabin, the local moraines,
and a number of other items that may be observed when following the two
interesting paths known as the Morenestien and the Tangrandstien.
The estimated age of the bedrock in the Vikten area is approx. 2 billion
years. The mountains and landscape have later been shaped by the ice ages, the
last of which occurred approx. 20,000 years ago. One can clearly see how the
ice has carried sediment of rock and gravel from the mountains down towards
the sea, where moraines and cirques have been formed. The plateau, 20-30
metres above the settlement, consists of typical morainic deposit. The lower
moraine is a lateral moraine formed by the erosive action of the waves. On top
of this, there is a lateral moraine deposited by a local glacier, which
encircles the glacial cirque that now constitutes Vasskrokvatn lake.
The rocks near the Glassblower’s Cabin have been named the Giant (Jetten), the
King (Kongen), Creation (Tilblivelsen), the Jewel (Smykket) and the Mammuth’s
Ear (Mammutøret).
The Giant (Jetten): A rock originating from the shore zone. It was first
shaped in a glacial waterfall, and then further “refined” by waves and sand.
The King (Kongen): Also originates from ther shore zone near Vikten. It was
dedicated to the King and Queen on their visit to Vikten during their 60th
birthday celebrations in 1997.
Creation (Tilblivelsen): The compound minerals in this rock have clearly
undergone a chemical reaction with seawater and sand.
The Jewel (Smykket): Bedrock gneiss, worked and ground by waves and shingle.
The Mammuth’s Ear (Mammutøret): This stone is the one in the collection that
has been most forcefully treated by the elements in the shore zone.
The Morenestien
Post 1: Shows stratified delta sediment over moraine deposits.
Post 2: View overlooking Mjåneset.
Post 3: Large erratic boulders.
Post 4: The moraine has been formed by a mighty glacier that lay in the
Laurdalen valley stretching towards the mountainside in the south.
Post 5: Large slabs of stone created by congelifraction in the mountainside
and carried off by the glacier.
Post 6: Bedrock gneiss with a marked structure.
Post 7: The rock glacier consists of water and rock that have been frozen
together and subsequently slid down the mountainside.
Tangrandstien
The path follows the beach at Elvøyra (mostly limestone fragments), continues
past the houses and along the shore below the cultivated areas.
Post 1: The beach at Elvøyra.
Post 2: Shoreline embankment and exfoliation (c. 5000 years).
Post 3: Lanscape sculpted by the sea.
Post 4: Coromorant Rock (Storskarvsteinen) – erratic boulder.
Post 5: Lanscape sculpted by the sea.
Post 6: Skrea – a large rock glacier.
Post 7: Slab of rock on the rock glacier to the north (The old lady of
Finnkonebakk)
See illustrations and English summary in the
booklet "Morenene på Vikten" on sale at the Glassblower's cabin.
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