GLACIAL GEOLOGY OF THE EASTERN PIONEER MOUNTAINS
A field research project for Geology 378 -- Surficial Processes directed by Dr. Sheila Roberts
Presentation December 11, 1997
In the fall of 1997, students in Dr. Robert's Surficial Processes class studied glacial deposits of the eastern Pioneer Mountains, southwest Montana. The purposes of the project were: (1) to map and describe deposits in two different areas (Birch Creek and Tendoy Lake) of the eastern Pioneers, (2) to attempt to identify and characterize deposits of different ages, and (3) to initiate a longer-term study of the glacial history of the Pioneer Mountains and vicinity. Students presented the results of their research in a seminar on campus at the end of the semester. Data is being compiled for presentation at a professional meeting in the near future. Please click on photos for larger view.
	Remnants of (Bull Lake?) glacial outwash that choked the valley of Birch Creek are preserved over 20 m above the present creek bottom.
Glacial erratic in Pinedale till, near the terminus of the Birch Creek lobe. View is west into the Pioneer Mountains.
View southwest from Tendoy Lake. We are exploring this area for evidence of Younger Dryas or Little Ice Age events.
Stone stripes are among the modern periglacial features at Tendoy Lake.	Small hanging valley opens onto the cirque basin that is partly filled by Tendoy Lake.
Students presented their work at an open seminar in December.	Students with some of their cross sections. From left to right: John Braut, Ryan Hoerner, Dave Krank, Sonja Steffan, Sherrie Landon, and Dave Herman.
Presentation Schedule:
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT AND DISCUSSION OF YOUNGEST GLACIAL EVENTS -- Ryan Hoerner
REGIONAL GLACIATION DURING THE PLEISTOCENE -- John Braut
DISTINGUISHING BULL LAKE AND PINEDALE GLACIAL DEPOSITS -- Sonja Steffan
GLACIAL DEPOSITS OF THE EASTERN PIONEER MOUNTAINS -- INFORMATION FROM ROCK COUNTS -- Dave Krank
GLACIAL DEPOSITS FROM TWO AREAS IN THE EASTERN PIONEER MOUNTAINS -- MAPS AND CROSS SECTIONS -- Sherrie Landon and Dave Herman