I have also noticed the huge granite boulders sitting on the summit appear to me to be not the same granite comprising the Needles nor the Alabama Hills. I already know that the AH are older and were higher than Mt. Whitney millions of years ago.
When my wife and I, along with Steve C, Bob R and Jay, hiked to the top of Thor Peak in June 2010, I notice the same types of granite boulders on Thor's summit.
Afterwards, I told my wife that at one time Thor and Whitney were maybe were one. Just look at Thor's west (three "needles") and compare to the Needles that now exist along Whitney's flank.
Steve, there was also a picture you took of the Sierras as you flew over them. What intrigued me was the concentric "breaks" that appear as if there was an impact or collapse in the granite block that comprises of the Sierras. I have that picture on my desktop. I wish I knew how to post that picture and you can see what I mean. You may have it stored somewhere. I will send you an email with the picture as an attahment.
That's why I am intrigued by all of this.
Steve, aren't you a geologist?
I haven't seen the links (we get "bluecoated" at work)...Will look when I get home.
I have visited the escarpment just west and outside the city limits of Lone Pine. There exist the escarpment of a heighth of more than 40 feet. You can also see the escarpment along 395 just south of Lone Pine. I am sure if you Google Earth, you can see it from above. Wow!
I just find this stuff fascinating.
