The Sierra Nevada in 100 Million Years: Uplift, Volcanoes, Erosion & Climate

Over the next 100 million years, the Sierra Nevada will be shaped by:

1. Continued Uplift: Pacific–North American plate convergence pushes the range higher via orogenic uplift.
2. Volcanic Activity: Subduction-driven volcanism persists; new volcanoes may form, existing ones (Shasta, Lassen) may erupt.
3. Erosion: Wind, water, ice will carve valleys/canyons, gradually lowering peaks.
4. Climate Change: Earlier snowmelt reduces water supply; increased wildfire risk threatens forests/ecosystems.

These forces create a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape.