Contributions to Quaternary geology of the Colorado Plateau (San Juan County) G.E. Christenson (SS-64)

By: C. G. Oviatt, J. F. Shroder, and R. E. Sewell

The Colorado Plateau is a unique area for the study of Quaternary deposits and processes since it has been the site of continuous stream downcutting, cliff retreat, and landscape denudation during much of this period. As a result, the Quaternary record is incomplete and the history must be pieced together from detailed study of the isolated outcrops that remain. The record consists chiefly of glacial, periglacial, and mass-wasting deposits in high plateau areas and in mountain ranges that rise above the plateau surface, alluvial-fan and pediment gravels surrounding areas of high elevation, loess and eolian sand on plateau surfaces, and alluvium along stream courses and in canyons. Reconnaissance mapping of these deposits and detailed studies of certain specific localities have been completed in the Colorado Plateau, but many areas remain unstudied or await re-evaluation based on current concepts and utilizing new analytical techniques.

Papers presented in this volume include both detailed and reconnaissance studies representing new information in areas not previously studied and reinterpretations in areas previously studied in detail. Quaternary deposits of all types are addressed to some extent in these papers, with emphasis on alluvial and eolian deposits along the northern tributaries to the San Juan River and mass movement/glacial deposits in the La Sal Mountains.

Other Information:
Published: 1985
Pages: 85 p.
Location: Grand County and San Juan County
Media Type: Paper Publication