Geologic Field Mapping in an Area Eight Miles North of Three Forks, Montana

The Three Forks are includes parts of Jefferson, Madison, Broadwater Pond Gallatin counties, Montana. Sedimentary formations lie at the surface nearly everywhere in the area, and the rugged surface topography has been developed through the folding and tilting of these formations and their dif­ferential erosion.

Upper Cretaceous Sediment in Montana

Cretaceous sediments in Montana record events during a period of unusual geologic interest. After a long period of extensive submergence of the area during Jurassic time, came a period of varying continental and marine deposition with consequent variations in the types of sediments laid down. A study of these variations, their extent, and their cause has been the primary object of this thesis.

Expert-novice Differences in Geologic Field Mapping and Related Cognition

The geosciences are often characterized as a visuospatial field - that is, one in which success depends upon the ability to mentally manipulate, rotate, project, and bend objects. To what extent is the assumption of strong spatial visualization skills among geoscientists correct? This talk will discuss two studies that investigated geoscience expert and novice spatial visualization, both in laboratory experiments and in a novel field study.

Archiving Montana’s Geologic Data

Since the 19th century, enormous amounts of time and money were invested in the exploration and development of Montana’s natural resources. These investments generated tremendous volumes of geologic, geophysical, and environmental data. Over the years, many of these data have been stored, forgotten, lost, or destroyed. In this lecture, Peggy discusses the steps the Bureau is taking to rescue and make the data available to the public.