The Size and Geography of Colorado
Colorado spans 104,094 square miles, ranking as the 8th largest state in the US, as per the US Geological Survey. Unlike its eastern neighbors, Colorado boasts diverse geographical features, notably mountains.
One Coloradan, Howard Paul, a Denver-based photographer and editor, pondered if Colorado’s vastness was underestimated. Combining his love for the state’s landscapes and baked goods, he posed a unique question to Colorado Wonders.
“How expansive would Colorado be if flattened to 1 inch thickness using a giant rolling pin?” Paul’s curious inquiry prompted an intriguing perspective on the state’s size.
Colorado Fudge Brownie Recipe: A Sweet Comparison
Describing Colorado as resembling a “giant fudge brownie” due to being one inch thick is quite the delectable analogy.
The revelation left us both astonished.
Paul speculated that compressing Colorado in such a manner could potentially make it the largest state in the lower 48, surpassing Texas but falling short of Alaska.
During discussions with researchers at the US Geological Survey Denver office, it was determined that flattening the Rockies and other Colorado ranges would expand the state’s area by approximately 2,500 square miles, exceeding the size of Delaware and slightly larger than Brunei.
Exploring the Size of Colorado: A Scientific Perspective
Paul’s inquiry about the size of Colorado, if pulled flat, didn’t yield the dramatic results he anticipated. The distinction between his query and the actual question is crucial.
Consulting the Experts
The US Geological Survey’s capabilities have significantly evolved over the past two decades since the Ski Magazine article.
By 2016, the agency initiated a precise LIDAR scan of the entire country using aircraft-mounted technology. LIDAR, short for light detection and ranging, employs lasers for mapping. This comprehensive scan has covered approximately 95 percent of the United States, providing a vast dataset for addressing Paul’s inquiry.
USGS cartographer Sydney McCuiston reviews LIDAR scans from the agency’s 3D Elevation Program on March 28, 2024. The USGS illustration displays a shaded relief representation of Colorado’s topography, utilizing LIDAR data from the agency’s 3D Elevation Program.
Kim Mantey, the director of the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, described the issue as sparking “enthusiastic discussion.” She reflected on revisiting math classes from middle school and high school, pondering the appropriate formula to apply.
The initial step for Mantey’s team involved addressing inquiries and establishing parameters, as is customary for diligent scientists. They deliberated on whether to base their analysis on simple surface area or incorporate volume.
The team contemplated visualizing the state’s surface area and extending it as if it were a crumpled blanket being smoothed out. However, a reference to a rolling pin and a 1” thick fudge brownie prompted a shift in perspective. This led the researchers to opt for a comprehensive volumetric assessment, meticulously assessing all soil and rock beneath the surface. Their approach involved compressing the entire state’s volume for a thorough analysis.
Exploring Colorado’s Unique Geography
Unveiling Colorado’s Lowest Point
During a team discussion about exploring the depths of Colorado, the options ranged from the center of the earth to sea level. Eventually, the decision was made to investigate the state’s lowest elevation. As revealed in a previous Colorado Wonders expedition, Colorado’s lowest point sits at 3,315 feet above sea level, nestled in the typically arid floodplain of the Arikaree River.
Earth’s Surprising Topography
Let’s take a moment to ponder an intriguing fact: the Earth’s surface is more horizontally expansive than vertically towering. Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has even suggested that the planet is remarkably smooth, challenging the traditional perception portrayed by our elementary school globes. According to Tyson, the tallest mountains on Earth, when scaled down to a school globe, would barely register as deep as a fingerprint.
Delving Deeper into Colorado’s Landscape
Returning to our exploration of Colorado’s unique features, we wonder what lies beneath the surface when we metaphorically roll out the state like a fudge brownie recipe. Does it encompass vast stretches of land, dense forests, or towering cityscapes?
They decided to acquire only property.
The Exciting Outcome
They decided to acquire only property.
The Exciting Outcome
The responsibility of calculating the data was assigned to USGS scientist Barry Miller. Despite the significant computational resources required, he managed to develop the equation and obtain the solution using a common tool familiar to all: a simple Excel spreadsheet.
Reimagining Colorado’s Size: A Sweet Comparison
Barry Miller, a USGS researcher, conducted an intriguing experiment on March 28, 2024, by compressing Colorado’s vast expanse into a one-inch thick fudge brownie. To provide a meaningful perspective, let’s consider some key surface area measurements:
- Original Colorado surface area: 104,094 square miles
- Surface area of Texas: 268,596 square miles
- Surface area of Alaska: 665,384 square miles
- Total U.S. surface area: 3,796,742 square miles
- Surface area of Russia: 6,601,665 square miles
After the compression, Colorado’s new surface area was calculated by Miller, unrolling the state from the highest peak of Mount Elbert to the lowest elevation point, resulting in:
- Compressed Colorado surface area: 4,419,041,096 square miles
This post-compression area equates to nearly 4.5 billion square miles, which is a staggering 22 times larger than the entire surface area of Earth. This transformation indeed confirms Howard Paul’s assertion that Colorado would surpass Texas in size.
Paul expressed his awe, stating, “Astounding is an understatement. It’s hard to even picture that.” Miller further unraveled the 2005 methodology utilized in a Ski Magazine article, revealing a significant flaw in their approach. He explained that his predecessors employed a simplistic technique of spreading out the surface layer of Colorado’s mountainous regions, neglecting the vast plains.
The Devil Lies in the Details
Exploring Colorado’s Size in a Unique Perspective
Is the vast expanse of 4.5 billion square miles a reason for Colorado to boast? The answer lies with you. It’s essential to note that we’ve been juxtaposing a compressed Colorado against other geographical landmarks in this intriguing exercise. How would a compressed Colorado measure up against a squished Texas? That question remains unanswered, at least for now.
Expressing his curiosity, Mantey mentioned, “I would be intrigued to witness a comparative analysis involving all 50 states.”
Meanwhile, Paul’s contemplation on the stretched-out size of Colorado was both meaningful and in line with the topic at hand.
“That is one substantial fudge brownie,” he exclaimed.
Yes, it certainly is. If you wish to try making the Colorado fudge brownie recipe yourself, all the information is readily accessible. For a comprehensive guide on the USGS methodology, please click here.
