Connecticut River Valley Rift Simulation

Cross-Section Legend

Pre-Mesozoic Basement (Schist/Gneiss)

Arkose / Brownstone (Portland Fm)

Basalt Lava Flows (Metacomet Ridge)

Glacial Till / Modern Soil

Geologic Time

220 Ma

Late Triassic

Tectonic Timeline

Investigate how the supercontinent Pangea rifted apart, forming the landscape of Central Connecticut, including the famous Portland brownstone and the volcanic ridges of Middletown.

Time (Millions of Years Ago) 220 Ma

Present 220 Ma

Pangea Intact

Central Connecticut is situated near the center of the supercontinent Pangea. The region is characterized by ancient, highly metamorphosed basement rocks from earlier mountain-building events (like the Appalachians).

Middletown Connection

The metamorphic rocks beneath Middletown today (like the Bolton Schist) were formed deep underground long before the dinosaurs.