Plutonism in three dimensions: Field and geochemical relations on the southeast face of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California

A detailed geologic mapping of El Capitan's southeast face in Yosemite National Park reveals a complex intrusive history involving multiple granitic units, with no significant post-emplacement deformation. New U-Pb zircon geochronologic data shows that the El Capitan Granite and associated diorites formed between approximately 106 and 103 million years ago (Ma), overlapping with the intrusion of other plutons like Taft, Leaning Tower, and Bridalveil. These findings suggest a distinct order of emplacement, providing insights into the geological processes shaping this iconic landscape.

Putnam, R., Glazner, A. F., Coleman, D. S., Kylander-Clark, A. R. C., Pavelsky, T., & Abbot, M. I. (2015). Plutonism in three dimensions: Field and geochemical relations on the southeast face of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California. Geosphere, 11(4), 1133–1157. https://doi.org/10.1130/ges01133.1