IGS Selects Map of Idaho Wilderness Area for National Geologic Map Day
Thursday, October 9 2014
MOSCOW, Idaho – Oct. 8, 2014 – The Idaho Geological Survey at the University of Idaho has selected a map of one of Idaho’s most wild areas as its map of the year in honor of Geologic Map Day, celebrated nationwide Oct. 17.
The map shows the geology of the Big Creek drainage in the heart of the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, which includes UI’s remote Taylor Wilderness Research Station. It is available digitally, including a GIS version, or in print form through the Idaho Geological Survey (IGS).
The map is the first its kind in decades.
“There’s not been much mapping in there since the late 1960s, early 1970s, when the USGS was tasked under the Wilderness Bill to go in and look at proposed wilderness areas, and there hasn’t really been much since,” said Reed Lewis, an Idaho Geological Survey geologist who co-authored the map. “A lot of the interesting geologic discoveries are going to be made in the wilderness areas, since there are a lot of things that just haven’t been seen.”
Geologists with IGS and Idaho State University worked for nearly 15 years to gather data needed for the map. Their work included hiking miles of the area’s rugged and roadless terrain – and it paid off, as they discovered previously unidentified geologic formations, including ancient faults in the area’s northeast side and near the Taylor site.
Lewis said the Big Creek Drainage is of particular interest to researchers and the general public because it showcases an enormous diversity of rocks, sediments and formations, ranging in age from fairly modern to ancient.
“It’s a very complex area,” Lewis said. “It’s a good resource for understanding the last 1.4 billion years.”
IGS Director Ed Ratchford said the agency is dedicated to the geologic investigation of Idaho’s resources and to providing that information to the citizens of Idaho.
“IGS geologic mapping of the Big Creek drainage in the Frank Church Wilderness is an important scientific contribution that can be utilized and integrated into a wide range of ongoing and future research projects associated with ecology, wildlife and fish biology, forestry and other important disciplines,” Ratchford said.
To learn more about the map’s creation, visit www.uidaho.edu/research/featuredresearch/featured-stories/fs-mapping.
National Geologic Map Day is part of Earth Science Week, during which geoscience organizations around the world promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth sciences. To learn more, visit www.earthsciweek.org. The Earth Science Week website includes free resources and activities for students and teachers.
To download a digital version of the Geologic Map of the Central and Lower Big Creek Drainage, Central Idaho, click here. To order a print copy of the map, email igs@uidaho.edu or call (208) 885-7991.
About IGS
The Idaho Geological Survey is a public service and research agency at the University of Idaho. Idaho statute directs the survey to collect, interpret and disseminate geologic and mineral data for the state. Members of the Idaho Geological Survey staff acquire geologic information through field and laboratory investigations and through cooperative programs with other governmental and private agencies. Learn more: www.idahogeology.org.
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Contact
Tara Roberts
UI Communications
(208) 885-7725
troberts@uidaho.edu
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.