Tablelands, Newfoundland Series
While on a visit to Newfoundland in 2004, Judith was struck
by the formations of the famous Tablelands. These three paintings
capture her impression of the experience.
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The barren Tablelands, geologic formations of global
significance, sit on the west coast of Newfoundland between
Trout River and Woody Point in Gros Morne National Park.
They look more like Arizona than forested Newfoundland. This
is due to the ultramafic rock - peridotite - which makes up
the Tablelands. It is thought to originate in the earth's mantle
and was forced up from the depths during a plate collision several
hundred million years ago. Peridotite lacks the usual nutrients
required to sustain most plant life, hence its barren appearance.
The rock is very low in calcium, very high in magnesium, and
has toxic amounts of heavy metals. Peridotite is also high in
iron, which accounts for its brownish colour. Underneath this
weathered zone, the rock is really a dark green colour.
Due to their lack of vegetation, unusual shapes and snow caps
throughout most or all of the year, the Tablelands stand out
for miles around, drawing tourists and geologists alike.
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