Utah Geological Survey

2016 Crawford Award

The prestigious 2016 Crawford Award was presented to UGS geologist Bob Biek in recognition of his work in mapping the Panguitch 30’ x 60’ quadrangle (UGS Map 270DM). Bob’s mapping makes several significant contributions to our understanding of the geology of southwest Utah, including correcting significant aspects of Cretaceous and early Tertiary stratigraphy that have caused geologists problems for decades, and unraveling the enormous and complex Markagunt gravity slide. The Markagunt gravity slide study was initially published with co-authors Dave Hacker and Pete Rowley in Geology. Recognizing the significance of this work, the Geological Society of America recently agreed to fund a Thompson Field Forum on mega-gravity slides to be held in southern Utah in 2017. Additionally, UGS Map 270DM recently received the national Charles G. Mankin Award for geological mapping from the Association of American State Geologists.

The Crawford Award recognizes outstanding achievement, accomplishments, or contributions by a current UGS scientist to the understanding of some aspect of Utah geology or Earth science. The award is named in honor of Arthur L. Crawford, first director of the UGS.

Bob Biek Crawford Award

Utah Geological Survey

Go Deep: 5 Places on Earth to See Seriously Old Rocks

smithsonianmag.com

When’s the last time you laid hands on something billions of years old? (That old salsa jar at the back of your fridge doesn’t count.) If you answered “never,” you’re not alone.

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John Good

‘Flash flood chaser’ captures incredible footage after storms hit southern Utah

fox13now.com

Flash flood chaser David Rankin is an expert at tracking storms and catching the resulting floods on camera, and after a series of thunderstorms this week he has two new videos showing Mother Nature’s awesome power at work.

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Utah Geological Survey
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POTD July 5, 2016: Wilson Health Springs and the Deep Creek Range, Tooele and Juab Counties

6-28-16

Wilson Health Springs and the Deep Creek Range, Tooele and Juab Counties

Photographer: Rich Emerson; © 2016

Utah Geological Survey

Nature’s special effects: Travel in time at the best U.S. dinosaur sites

usatoday.com

Fossil hunters have been racing to the American West since the 1800s, and despite important and historic results, the contest to find new dinosaurs hasn’t always been pretty.

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Utah Geological Survey

Bryce Canyon National Park to hold the 10th Annual Geology Festival in July

kcsg.com

BRYCE, Utah – Bryce Canyon National Park will hold the 10th Annual Geology Festival July 15-16, 2016. This year’s theme is “Exploring the Eocene Epoch: Dawn of Modern Mammals”, which is the time when the rocks of Bryce Canyon were forming. Join guest speaker, Dr. L. Greer Price of the New Mexico Geological Survey as he presents “Earth Sciences for the 21st Century: Where we’ve been and where we’re going”.

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Utah Geological Survey

The latest Survey Notes is here!

Survey Notes v.48 no.1, January 2016

Survey Notes v.48 no.1, January 2016

Our latest issue of Survey Notes is here! Find articles on the new Ogden 30′ x 60′ geological map, the Markagunt Gravity Slide, and more among our regular feature columns.

VIEW THE LATEST ISSUE

Check out past issues of Survey Notes too!

Utah Geological Survey

Low water in Great Salt Lake reveals ‘rocks that are alive’

Some lakes are home to legendary monsters (here’s looking at you, Bear Lake), while others are home to other organisms. Great Salt Lake’s great lows have exposed microbialites, also known as bioherms, allowing scientists and researchers an uncommon opportunity to get a closer look.

thespectrum.com

As Utah’s Great Salt Lake continues to drop during recent years of drought, something strange and wonderful is coming into focus in the shallows and exposed lake bed.

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Utah Geological Survey

Utah Natural Resources Map & Bookstore holiday guide: Blood and Thunder

Blood and Thunder

The holidays are under way, have you found that perfect gift yet? Check out this great book from our Utah Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West.

“In Blood and Thunder, Hampton Sides gives us a magnificent history of the American conquest of the West. At the center of this sweeping tale is Kit Carson, the trapper, scout, and soldier whose adventures made him a legend. Sides shows us how this illiterate mountain man understood and respected the Western tribes better than any other American, yet willingly followed orders that would ultimate devastate the Navajo Nation. Rich in detail and spanning more than three decades, this is an essential addition to our understanding of how the West was really won.”

Order this book ONLINE HERE.

Find many other great gifts HERE.

 

Utah Geological Survey

Utah Natural Resources Map & Bookstore holiday guide: The Lost Tracks

The Lost Tracks Dinosaur

Last week we posted on photographer Andre Delgalvis’ recent book “The Lost Tracks” featuring the many dinosaur tracks found around Lake Powell. Give someone the chance the walk in a dinosaurs shoes this year with this breathtaking book.

Find it ONLINE HERE.