Fault Extension and Mapping
Background
The western side of the United States boasts a segment of the North American Cordillera, a region characterized by breathtaking topographic highs featuring mountain ranges much younger than their counterpart, the Appalachian Mountains. Among these, the Rocky Mountains stand out, spanning from New Mexico far into Canada and housing the highest peaks in North America. Renowned for its iconic snow-capped landscapes and abundant wildlife, this mountain range is a visual spectacle. However, it also holds an extensive seismic history, making earthquakes and other geological hazards a significant concern.
Among the more modest ranges is the Teton Range, drawing global tourists eager to conquer its stark peaks. Just to the north lies another international tourist hotspot, Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Caldera, the largest super volcano in North America, shares an intriguing relationship with the surrounding mountains. Its history, both geological and contemporary, sparks speculation about when the next eruption might occur and how the Caldera has shaped the landscapes of adjacent mountain ranges.
My research focuses on utilizing geologic mapping to contribute to the broader narrative of the Teton Fault Extension Hypothesis. Numerous geoscientists from the University of Kentucky, including faculty and graduate students, have engaged in or are currently conducting research in the Tetons. Unraveling the extensive history of this mountain range offers insights into various aspects, including the area's earthquake history. Recent findings propose that the Yellowstone Caldera might be masking the true scale of the Teton Fault, with significant implications for assessing geological hazards in this well-visited region. Our guiding questions include: Do the lava flows from past Yellowstone eruptions contain structures that illuminate the uplift and structural evolution of this area? What is the thickness of these lava flows? And, what is the orientation and timing of the faults in this region?
Why does it matter?
The ability to precisely map these regions enables us to more effectively assess the geological hazards they pose. The Basin and Range region in the western United States holds significant importance for various reasons. Hosting expansive national parks that draw tourists from across the globe, it is a hub for recreational mountain activities, while the low valleys support extensive agricultural areas. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the faults in this region is crucial for geoscientists to communicate associated hazards, potentially saving lives.
Methods
Use digital tools and software to gather data at a high resolution (1:10), which can produce high quality maps.
Build maps using ArcGIS Pro and edit them in Adobe Illustrator.