Small-Scale Surficial Geologic Mapping in the Northern Plains
Small-scale surficial geologic maps depict the areal distribution of surficial deposits, rocks, and other materials of Quaternary age, and emphasize their physical properties.
A Task of the Greater Platte River Basins and Northern Plains Geologic Framework Studies Project.
Objectives
The primary objectives of this task are to publish surficial geologic maps (1:250,000 scale) that provide a regional overview with a level of detail useful for addressing climate issues and resolving changes in major river systems through time. Maps are being produced for four quadrangles adjacent to the U.S.-Canada boundary in Montana (Wolf Point, Glasgow, Havre, and Shelby quadrangles). Surficial deposits in the mapping areas include: glacial deposits that record multiple glaciations; glaciofluvial, lake, alluvial, eolian, and colluvial deposits that provide information relevant to reconstruction of climate changes and geologic history; and stable sand dunes, from which paleowind directions can be deduced. The mapping areas also include large buried bedrock valleys of the ancestral Missouri, Yellowstone, Marias, and Musselshell Rivers, valleys that potentially are major sources of groundwater.
Small-scale surficial geologic maps depict the areal distribution of surficial deposits, rocks, and other materials of Quaternary age, and emphasize their physical properties.
A Task of the Greater Platte River Basins and Northern Plains Geologic Framework Studies Project.
Objectives
The primary objectives of this task are to publish surficial geologic maps (1:250,000 scale) that provide a regional overview with a level of detail useful for addressing climate issues and resolving changes in major river systems through time. Maps are being produced for four quadrangles adjacent to the U.S.-Canada boundary in Montana (Wolf Point, Glasgow, Havre, and Shelby quadrangles). Surficial deposits in the mapping areas include: glacial deposits that record multiple glaciations; glaciofluvial, lake, alluvial, eolian, and colluvial deposits that provide information relevant to reconstruction of climate changes and geologic history; and stable sand dunes, from which paleowind directions can be deduced. The mapping areas also include large buried bedrock valleys of the ancestral Missouri, Yellowstone, Marias, and Musselshell Rivers, valleys that potentially are major sources of groundwater.