Entries by Utah Geological Survey

Molten magma less of a menace

jhnewsandguide.com New research from the University of Utah shows the magma chamber underlying Yellowstone National Park is less molten — and potentially more stable — than previously believed. READ MORE

POTD May 21, 2014: The “Tower of Silence” along Wahweap Creek, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Kane County, Utah

The “Tower of Silence” along Wahweap Creek, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Kane County, Utah Photographer: Gregg Beukelman; © 2013 Boulders of Cretaceous-age Dakota Sandstone act as protective caps and inhibit erosion of the soft Jurassic-age Entrada Sandstone beneath, allowing hoodoo spires to form. Water cascading over the Entrada Sandstone during rainstorms has carved an intricate […]

Desert Blocked Spread of Early Dinosaurs

news.nationalgeographic.com A huge desert created by global warming likely prevented early dinosaurs from migrating out of South America for millions of years, suggests an analysis of ancient rocks. (Related: “Oldest Dinosaur Found?“) READ MORE

POTD May 20, 2014: Long Canyon viewed from Pucker Pass, Grand County, Utah

Long Canyon viewed from Pucker Pass, Grand County, Utah Photographer: Gregg Beukelman; © 2013 At Long Canyon, stream erosion has carved a deep gorge into the east limb of the Cane Creek anticline. The canyon exposes dark-brown Triassic-age shale and sandstone of the Moenkopi and Chinle Formations capped by vertical cliffs of Triassic and Jurassic-age […]

Preliminary Isostatic Residual Gravity Map of the Tremonton 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Box Elder & Cache Counties, Utah, and Franklin & Oneida Counties, Idaho

By: V.E. Langenheim, R.Q. Oaks, H. Willis, A.I. Hiscock, B.A. Chuchel, J. Rosario, and C.L. Hardwick A new isostatic residual gravity map of the Tremonton 30′ x 60′ quadrangle of Utah is based on compilation of preexisting data and new data collected by the Utah and U.S. Geological Surveys. Pronounced gravity lows occur over North […]