The Sierra Nevada Batholith is a large mass of granite rock located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of eastern California. It formed over millions of years through the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface. This geological feature is significant for its size, covering approximately 400 miles and contributing to the region's rugged landscape. The batholith is composed mainly of granodiorite and granite, and it is a key component of the Sierra Nevada geology. Its formation is linked to tectonic processes, including subduction, which played a crucial role in shaping the area's topography and mineral resources.