|
|
|
|
We're reaching out to ask for your help. As we work toward our mission of promoting public awareness and education about the Ice Age Floods our chapters have been facing a significant challenge: a shortage of active member volunteers willing to step into leadership roles or assist with essential chapter functions.
|
Many of our current leaders are in their 70s and 80s, and the demands of their roles are becoming challenging. While our dedicated leaders works to maintain our organization's momentum, we need support to ensure our continued growth and success. Your involvement will be crucial in helping to:
|
- Organize events: Assist with planning field trips, chapter functions, and speaker series.
- Provide administrative support: Help with recordkeeping, website updates, and newsletter contributions.
- Engage with the community: Connect with local schools and media outlets to spread awareness about our mission.
- Contribute fresh perspectives: Share your ideas and expertise to help us adapt to a changing world.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
|
- Volunteer for events: Help plan and execute field trips, workshops, and conferences.
- Join a committee: Contribute to our leadership team and help make important decisions.
- Share your expertise: Offer your skills in areas like marketing, communications, or technology.
|
|
By becoming more involved, you can:
|
- Strengthen your chapter: Contribute your time and skills to make your local chapter more vibrant and effective.
- Share your knowledge: Bring new ideas and contemporary skills to our organization.
- Support the organization: Help IAFI achieve its goals and become the foremost provider of Ice Age Floods information.
No matter your level of experience or commitment, we welcome your participation. Whether you can volunteer a few hours a month or are interested in taking on a leadership role, your involvement will make a significant difference. The involvement of many will lighten the load on the few, and also bring a much-needed infusion of energy and fresh perspectives.
|
We believe that by working together, we can strengthen our organization and better serve our mission of promoting public awareness and education about the Ice Age Floods. Your participation is essential. To get involved, please contact your local chapter
|
|
|
|
|
|
More Ways to Explore the Ice Age Floods
|
In this newsletter we give you some more ideas and inspirations for where to go and what to see while exploring Ice Age Floods landscapes!
|
For more information and suggestions visit our website at IAFI.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two glacial erratics in the Bitterroot Valley, the Lone Rock School erratic and the Rome Lane erratic, were deposited during the last high stand of Lake Missoula about 13,000 years ago. Both these glacial erratics are easy to visit
|
|
|
Lone Rock School Erratic The Lone Rock School erratic is 69” tall, 58” wide, 85” long, and weighs in at about 8.5 metric tons or about 18,700 lbs. This large erratic is a type of granite called quartz monzonite. The minerals that make up this rock type are, in order of abundance, plagioclase (calcium and/or sodium rich) feldspar, orthoclase (potassium rich) feldspar, biotite (dark mica), and quartz. If you look closely you will see that the quartz typically stands out in relief with respect to the other minerals and that its surface has been polished to a smooth finish. This is the result of dense glacial ice grinding over the surface of the rock.
|
|
At the extreme Southern end of the Bitterroot Valley is beautiful Lake Como named after its Italian alpine counter part by Father Ravalli a Jesuit Black Robe tasked with bringing literacy and Jesus to the native Salish people in 1845 via St Mary’s Mission in nearby Stevensville. Lake Como is a beautiful place for lunch and a hike/bike on the trail around the lake including a beautiful waterfall at the head of the lake.
|
Several mountain glaciers coalesced here and the neighboring drainage to make the largest mass of ice calving into the lake south of the Flathead lobe of the Cordilleran ice sheet at Polson. This mass exited the mountains, floated into and calved into glacial Lake Missoula. This was the primary iceberg generator for the Bitterroot Valley. As they floated out into the lake and melted they dropped large rocks called erratics onto the lake floor, which is now the surface of the valley.
|
|
|
Rome Lane Erratic The Rome Lane erratic measures 47” tall, 117” long, 96” wide, and weighs in at about 13 metric tons or about 28,600 lbs. The Rome Lane erratic is almost identical to the Lone Rock School erratic; it too is quartz monzonite granite with approximately the same minerals and mineral proportions.
|
|
|
|
We've created a Google Map with locations and directions to both erratics. The easiest erratic to find is the large boulder behind the fence on the south side of the Lone Rock School.
|
Where did they come from?
|
The observation that both erratics are of similar rock type suggests that they came from a similar source region. There are sources of quartz monzonite granite in both the Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains, which is the source of these erratics? Since we know that the erratics were carried to the shores of glacial Lake Missoula by glaciers, we can rule out the Sapphires as a possible source because we know that no glaciers in the Sapphire Mountains ever reached the shores of Lake Missoula. So, the erratics had to come from the Bitterroot Mountains where the quartz monzonite granite lies anywhere between 5 and 20 miles from the ancient shoreline of Lake Missoula. That means glaciers carried the erratics for distances of up to 20 miles (32.2 km) before reaching the shores of glacial Lake Missoula. Which at an average velocity of 5 meters per day (normal for most valley glaciers with the exception of rare bursts in velocity up to 75 meters per day) would take about 18 years.
|
Which Erratic is Oldest? The quartz grains on the surfaces of the Rome Lane erratic are polished to a smooth shine and stand out in relief above the other minerals, similar to the Lone Rock School erratic. However, the quartz grains exposed on the top surface of the Rome Lane erratic seem to exhibit higher relief than the quartz grains exposed on any other side of the Rome Lane erratic and/or the top surface of the Lone Rock School erratic. Why is this? Rainwater is slightly acidic and acidic fluids can break down some minerals, such as feldspar, and turn them into clay. Quartz, however, is very resistant to acidic fluids and as a result takes longer to break down or weather. It is this difference in weathering rates between feldspar and quartz that causes the quartz grains to stand higher than the feldspar grains. So, based on this relationship we can say that the greater the relief between quartz and feldspar on a rock surface, the longer that surface has been exposed to the elements i.e. rain and wind. With that in mind, which erratic's top surface has been exposed longer? If you answered Lone Rock, you are correct. As it turns out the Lone Rock School erratic was dug up and moved from its original location, about ¾ of a mile to the south of where it sits today, to commemorate the Lone Rock Schools’ centennial in 1985, in fact upon its excavation portions of the erratic broke off and remain buried. So what is the top surface of the Lone Rock School erratic today may well not have been the top surface before 1985, and our mineral weathering hypothesis fits the facts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Coyote Canyon Mammoth Dig is an active paleontological excavation site in the Horse Heaven Hills near Kennewick, Washington. It's a significant project that sheds light on the history of the Ice Age floods in the Tri-Cities area.
|
|
|
The dig focuses on the unearthed remains of a Columbian mammoth that lived approximately 17,500 years ago. The mammoth's carcass was buried in Touchet beds, a geological formation laid down by ancient floods. The site sits at an elevation of 1040 feet above sea level, which is considerably higher than the current elevation of the Columbia River, which is only 350 feet above sea level about 7 miles north.
|
Scientists estimate that Lake Lewis, a massive glacial lake that existed during the Ice Age, reached a maximum surface elevation of over 1200 feet above sea level at the time the mammoth perished. This substantial difference in elevation hints at the immense power of the Ice Age floods that swept across the region.
|
|
|
Another fascinating aspect of the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Dig is the discovery of a vast pile of erratic rocks. Initially thought to be a small cluster, the collection of these displaced rocks has grown to extend into several adjacent dig units. A dig unit, for those unfamiliar with archaeological and paleontological fieldwork, is a standardized square measuring 2 meters by 2 meters that archaeologists and paleontologists use to meticulously excavate and collect data.
|
The MCBones Research Center, a non-profit organization, spearheads the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Dig. They offer educational tours for schools and other groups, providing a firsthand look at this significant paleontological excavation. These tours are a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age floods, mammoths, and the meticulous work of paleontologists.
|
For more information about the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Dig, including details about tours, visit the MCBones Research Center website at www.mcbones.org
|
Article by Gary Kleinknecht
|
|
|
|
|
|
Justin Radford, Program Manager for the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, has just returned from his temporary assignment as Acting Park Manager at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area with a great article about the area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lake Roosevelt and Grand Coulee Dam
|
The Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area serves as a striking landmark that narrates a dramatic geological history shaped by colossal natural forces. Greatly influenced by the Missoula Floods, this area, part of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, reveals not only stunning landscapes but also insights into the Earth's geological story. Understanding this region offers a glimpse into the powerful events that occurred between 13,500 and 18,500 years ago, as well as the enduring environmental significance of these features.
|
|
|
Granite anchors Grand Coulee Dam
|
Lake Roosevelt & Grand Coulee Dam Lake Roosevelt, created by the Grand Coulee Dam in the 1930s, serves multiple purposes: from water storage and hydroelectric power generation to recreation and wildlife preservation. The lake provides a crucial habitat for various species and supports a vibrant ecosystem and is home to a range of fish species, including walleye, rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon. The surrounding lands offer habitats for birds and other wildlife, contributing to ecological balance. With over 400 miles of scenic shoreline, the 150 mile long goes from Grand Coulee nearly to the Canadian board and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake offers expansive waters perfect for various forms of boating. Anglers can enjoy abundant fishing opportunities year-round. 32 different campgrounds such as Spring Canyon close to Grand Coulee, WA offer numerous places to extend your overnight stays with these stunning landscapes.
|
|
|
Ice sheets covered the hills above
|
Historical Heritage The Lake Roosevelt area holds historical significance for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians, highlighting the intertwined relationship between Native heritage and the natural landscape. The National Park Service (NPS) supports Bureau of Reclamation management of Bakes Lake, Coulee Dam, and Lake Roosevelt. NPS works with Washington State Parks throughout the Grand Coulee Corridor and along with the Tribes and Washington Department of Natural Resources, oversees recreation on the water and lands of Lake Roosevelt NRA. Our collective efforts work to ensure that these natural treasures are preserved for future generations. Visitors to the area can engage with a variety of programs and informational resources that enhance their understanding and respect for the environment.
|
|
|
Ice sheets transported boulder
|
There's Power in Nature The Grand Coulee and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area stand as remarkable examples of nature’s power and the intricate tapestry of geological history. From the cataclysmic Missoula Floods that sculpted the landscape to the thriving ecosystems supported by Lake Roosevelt, this region offers an unparalleled opportunity for exploration and discovery. Whether you are an avid hiker, a passionate angler, or a curious geology enthusiast, this area provides not only recreational activities but also a deeper connection to the Earth’s history.
|
|
|
Columbia River at Grand Coulee Dam
|
|
|
|
As we delve into the breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage of this national recreation area, we are reminded of the dynamic forces that shape our world. The Grand Coulee and Lake Roosevelt invite each visitor to engage with the past while understanding the importance of stewardship for future generations. This stunning landscape not only captivates the eye; it expands our knowledge of nature and our place within Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail.
|
|
|
|
|
Interesting articles and answers to questions about things related to the Ice Age Floods
|
Use our online form to submit an article or question to our Question Corner page
|
|
|
|
|
|
It's generally accepted that a massive Cascadia earthquake occurred along the British Columbia-Washington-Oregon-N. California coast on January 26, 1700. The earthquake was a result of a rupture of the plate boundary between the North American plate overriding and subducting the Juan de Fuca plate. The evidence for the magnitude and precise timing of the quake includes tsunami deposits and dendrochronology dating at many places along that coastline, and records of a "ghost" tsunami at several locations in Japan.
|
|
|
Cascadia "Ghost" Tsunami Records
|
In a Sept. 24, 2024 presentation for Central Oregon Geoscience Society, Diego Melgar of University of Oregon explained earthquake modeling that is seeking to match the earthquake evidence. It turns out there may be millions of possible scenarios where an initial 8.1 to 9.2 magnitude quake followed by up to 5 lesser magnitude aftershocks up to months later could potentially fit the data. That's not really good news for the Cascadia region, because multiple giant quakes would be no less hazardous than one enormous one.
|
|
|
The geological history of the Cascadia subduction zones suggests that it experiences very large earthquakes every few centuries (between every 240 years and every 500 years). The question now is whether these temblors always occur as a single huge earthquake or if sometimes they're a series of very big ones.
|
|
|
Cascadia Tsunami Deposits
|
Better understanding the nature of the earthquake(s) is important for estimating future tsunami hazards and for developing building codes, disaster response plans, and other critical earthquake-dependent planning.
|
Researchers expect continued modeling that considers data from deep-sea turbidites and tsunami deposit thicknesses may help narrow the possible scenarios, but they stress that even an 8.1 magnitude quake can be quite devastating. "The tsunami might not be as large from an 8.1, but the shaking can be really intense," Diego Melgar said. "It's just dangerous in a different way. Indeed, a decade in which giant quakes hit every two or three years might even be more devastating to people living in the region than a single quake hitting every few hundred years. That's why it's important to get to the bottom of which scenario is more likely."
|
|
|
|
|
Ice Age Floods Institute (IAFI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit educational organization (EIN 91-1658221), founded in 1995 and recognized as an official authority on the Ice Age Floods, providing accurate, scientific-based advice to members and the public. We were instrumental in 2009 Federal legislation authorizing National Park Service designation of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail (IAFNGT).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|