Reinterpreted history of latest Pleistocene Lake Bonneville: Geologic setting of threshold failure, Bonneville flood, deltas of the Bear River, and outlets for two Provo shorelines, southeastern Idaho, USA

2011 ◽  
pp. 195-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne U. Janecke ◽  
Robert Q. Oaks
Keyword(s):  
Lake Bonneville ◽  
History Of ◽  
Bear River ◽  
Geologic Setting

scholarly journals Alternative viewpoints on the nature and importance of a prominent syncline at the northeastern edge of Wyoming’s Hanna Basin

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-129
Author(s):  
Jason A. Lillegraven
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Fossil Plants ◽  
Geologic History ◽  
Carbon Isotope Excursion ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hanna Basin ◽  
Geologic Setting ◽  
Geological Work ◽  
Lacustrine Facies

ABSTRACT The geologic history of Wyoming’s Hanna Basin is still being written. Surprisingly, here appeared an opportunity to share insights from previously accomplished work with that conducted anew by other scholars. The area of study was in the southeastern quadrant of Wyoming, which exhibits the state’s most complex history with respect to the Laramide orogeny. Especially important for present purposes were the tectonic conditions of the late Paleocene and earliest Eocene, recorded within the Hanna Formation. Of central focus is the 2020 publication by Dechesne and her six co-authors. Geographically, the landscape they covered was a thin, synclinal slice of the northeastern margin of the Hanna Basin. Key goals for the present publication have been to illustrate positive linkages and to highlight discrepancies between Dechesne et al. (2020) and relevant prior geological work. A concern that permeates all facets of this approach is the ability to verify viability of brand-new geologic descriptions, data, and resulting conclusions. Essential graphical elements were introduced first into this present publication. Once that package of background information was available, more focused analyses were rigorously pursued on diverse issues within the Dechesne et al. (2020) publication. Dechesne’s team presented a significantly modified but adequately defended approximation of the Paleocene–Eocene boundary. Data from fossil plants (macro- and palynofloras), continental mollusks, and bulk organic-carbon isotopes all agree within one measured section (of five sections studied) with an approximated Paleocene–Eocene boundary along with a ‘carbon isotope excursion’ (CIE). Strength of available evidence seems questionable, however, in that the inordinately high variability in bulk organic carbon (characteristic of a CIE) has been demonstrated only in the Hanna Draw Section. Although fluvial, paludal, and lacustrine facies are considered in several contexts, in no sense does the publication’s organizational form provide a ‘detailed stratigraphic framework.’ One zircon-based U–Pb depositional date (54.42 ± 0.27 Ma) came from this study that matched early Wasatchian time. Participants in the Dechesne et al. (2020) project are to be commended in that their resulting paper ranged broadly across the geologic setting, stratigraphy, paleocurrents, paleobotany, continental mollusks, zircon geochronology, associated lithofacies, and paleogeography. Despite that breadth, there exists a plethora of unexpected and wholly avoidable inconsistencies, strong contradictions within what should be homogeneous datasets, and seemingly inexplicable omissions of obviously necessary and sometimes clearly existing but unutilized data, one must question the reliability of much of the information presented in their paper.

A field trip to observe features of Lake Bonneville, mountain glaciation, and Great Salt Lake near Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

2021 ◽  
pp. 71-94
Author(s):  
Charles G. (Jack) Oviatt ◽  
Genevieve Atwood ◽  
Benjamin J.C. Laabs ◽  
Paul W. Jewell ◽  
Harry M. Jol
Keyword(s):  
Great Basin ◽  
Salt Lake ◽  
Great Salt Lake ◽  
Salt Lake City ◽  
Field Trip ◽  
Lake Bonneville ◽  
Salt Lake Valley ◽  
Mountain Glaciers ◽  
History Of ◽  
Lake City

ABSTRACT On this field trip we visit three sites in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah, USA, where we examine the geomorphology of the Bonneville shoreline, the history of glaciation in the Wasatch Range, and shorezone geomorphology of Great Salt Lake. Stop 1 is at Steep Mountain bench, adjacent to Point of the Mountain in the Traverse Mountains, where the Bonneville shoreline is well developed and we can examine geomorphic evidence for the behavior of Lake Bonneville at its highest levels. At Stop 2 at the mouths of Little Cottonwood and Bells Canyons in the Wasatch Range, we examine geochronologic and geomorphic evidence for the interaction of mountain glaciers with Lake Bonneville. At the Great Salt Lake at Stop 3, we can examine modern processes and evidence of the Holocene history of the lake, and appreciate how Lake Bonneville and Great Salt Lake are two end members of a long-lived lacustrine system in one of the tectonically generated basins of the Great Basin.

scholarly journals Hydrologic Interdependencies and Human Cooperation: The Process of Adapting to Droughts

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Endter-Wada ◽  
Theresa Selfa ◽  
Lisa W. Welsh
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Contemporary History ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Resource Governance ◽  
Water Users ◽  
History Of ◽  
Bear River

Abstract The Bear River Basin, which includes portions of Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming in the United States, has a dynamic history of human hydrologic adaptations in relation to a highly variable water supply. These adaptations are embedded in a geographical setting highly influenced by the legal, policy, and institutional contexts that govern allocation of water in this generally arid region. In response to several years of drought and a historically low water year in 2004, water users in the Bear River Basin tested the efficacy of the “law of the river” and innovative agreements that they had negotiated in recent years to help mitigate impacts related to water shortages. Three innovations were identified as being key to a successful response to the 2004 drought: 1) a precedent-setting voluntary settlement agreement, 2) technical work in river modeling and instrumentation, and 3) extraordinary communication strategies employed throughout the drought. Based on case study research and utilizing a “ways of knowing” theoretical framework, the authors report on an unfolding contemporary history of how people in the Bear River Basin have learned to deal with uncertainties and risks associated with both droughts and floods. Their story has important implications for the understanding of conflict and cooperation in water systems, management of transboundary waters, and the promotion of sustainable water resource governance.

scholarly journals Road to earthquake mitigation: Lesson learnt from the Yogyakarta earthquake 2006

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Subagyo Pramumijoyo
Keyword(s):  
Aerial Photograph ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Moment Tensor ◽  
Earthquake Hazard ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Ground Acceleration ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Geologic Setting ◽  
Lake Deposits

At early in the morning of May 27, 2006, people of Yogyakarta was stroke by earthquake and mostly heavily damaged building are in lowland or Yogyakarta depression where is occupied by the Young Merapi sediments. The magnitude of earthquake is Mw = 6.2 and USGS rapid moment tensor shows that this earthquake was due to strike-slip fault movement.Seismic history of Yogyakarta area shows that Yogyakarta was stroke by several earthquakes with different epicenter location. At least two earthquakes stroke the area, that is in 1876 and 1943. The damages are similar to the damages of actual earthquake. Yogyakarta depression is mostly covered by Young Merapi sediments that consist of tuff, volcanic ash, breccias, agglomerate and lava with Quaternary in age. The thickness of this sediment is up to 100 m.Our reactive work was to establish firstly zone of damage. For this purpose, we made aerial photograph along the most damaged area. In the same time one of our teams go to the field to measure the cracks, and the other teams to observe liquefaction, hydro geologic measurement, and observation on landslide induce by earthquake. Secondly, we must understand the soil properties and its thickness, because in seismic history it was a similar damage on the same area due to earthquakes however the earthquake epicenters were different. For this purpose we utilize the method of micro-tremors. We also made some drilling until 60 m each, measuring seismic velocity on bore hole, and magneto telluric measurement. We also have helped by Kyushu University in installing micro seismic net work. The research was followed by either undergraduate and graduate students. Fortunately our research was financed by AUN/Seed Net – JICA. Some of the results were published in a book entitled The Yogyakarta Earthquake of May 27, 2006. Another outcome is the Maps of Microzonation and Earthquake Hazard of Bantul Area that dedicated to Bantul people.Based on aerial photograph observation and field observation on Bantul Regency, especially along the Opak River, and to Wonosari to the East, there was no surface ruptures, so there is no fault on surface. Interpretation of aftershock data was showing the difference cluster. There is still open problem in determining either epicenter or aftershock location. The damage building was interpreted as due to its geologic setting, non engineered building, and close to epicenter of earthquake. This heavily damaged building are located on the Young Merapi sediments at Bantul Regency and lake deposits at Gantiwarno and Bayat area where it can amplify the surface seismic wave. It implies that Peak Ground Acceleration according to Indonesian National Standard should be modified in Yogyakarta area.Keywords: Earthquake, seismic, epicenter, micro-tremor, microzonation

scholarly journals Rock Canyon near Provo, Utah County: A Geologic Field Laboratory

Geosites ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Bart Kowallis ◽  
Laura Wald
Keyword(s):  
Focal Point ◽  
Alluvial Fan ◽  
Thick Section ◽  
Mountain Building ◽  
Lake Bonneville ◽  
Field Laboratory ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sevier Orogeny ◽  
Paleozoic Rocks ◽  
Wasatch Fault

Rock Canyon near Provo, Utah is an ideal outdoor laboratory. The canyon has been known and explored for many years by scientists and students for its fascinating geology, biology, and botany. It is also a favorite location for rock climbers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Facilities near the mouth of the canyon including parking, restrooms, a lecture amphitheater, and a covered pavilion with picnic tables provide an ideal location for visitors. Geology is the focal point of this beautiful canyon with a history that stretches from the Precambrian (about 700 million years ago) to the Wasatch fault and Lake Bonneville, which covered much of western Utah at its peak roughly 18,000 years ago. Excellent exposures of the rocks allow visitors to see features clearly and piece together the history of the canyon. The oldest rocks are glacial deposits of the Mineral Fork Tillite. The tillite is overlain by a thick section of Paleozoic rocks of Cambrian to Permian age, all of which have been deformed into an asymmetric, overturned fold formed during the Sevier orogeny, a roughly 140 to 50 million year old mountain building event. The upper reaches of the canyon were sculpted by glaciers during the Pleistocene and deposits of the Provo and Bonneville levels of Lake Bonneville are found at the mouth of the canyon, now cut by a recent alluvial fan. Also, at the mouth of the canyon are excellent exposures of features associated with the Wasatch fault.

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