Insights from Surfical Geologic Mapping in NW Wyoming 

Presented by Dr. James Mauch
Wyoming State Geological Survey
Northwest Wyoming is a region renowned for its dynamic and well-preserved Quaternary geology. For the past three years the Wyoming State Geological Survey has been mapping the surficial geology of the Jackson Lake and Ramshorn 30’ x 60’ quadrangles in an effort to better understand the region’s Quaternary geology and geologic hazards. This work is part of a broader effort to complete statewide surficial geologic mapping at scale of 1:100,000.
This talk will cover several of the notable findings from this mapping effort. Focus will be placed on the less-geologically famous, but equally remarkable, parts of the quadrangles, including easternmost Jackson Hole, the Gros Ventre River valley, the Union Pass to Togwotee Pass corridor, and the southern Absaroka Range. Key results include updated landslide mapping, newly documented Quaternary faults, and a reinterpretation of ice extents during the penultimate (Bull Lake) glaciation. These findings have implications for landslide susceptibility analyses and seismic hazard modeling, and they contribute to the growing body of knowledge about this region’s rich geologic history.