GRAND TETON GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKNATIONAL PARK

The Killer FaultThe Killer Fault

IntroductionIntroduction

During the past 13 million years, the During the past 13 million years, the Teton mountain range has risen Teton mountain range has risen upward and the valley has dropped upward and the valley has dropped by about 23,000 feet.by about 23,000 feet.

Perhaps as many as 20 magnitude 7.3 Perhaps as many as 20 magnitude 7.3 quakes since the glaciers receded quakes since the glaciers receded about 14,000 years ago have about 14,000 years ago have contributed to the changing contributed to the changing topography of Teton. topography of Teton.

The Teton FaultThe Teton Fault

Topography

Jackson Lake DamJackson Lake Dam

The dam impounds irrigation water The dam impounds irrigation water for agriculture downstream of the for agriculture downstream of the Snake River and also provides flood Snake River and also provides flood control.control.

The dam was upgraded in the late The dam was upgraded in the late 1980s and is now believed to be able 1980s and is now believed to be able to withstand the “maximum credible to withstand the “maximum credible earthquake”- a magnitude 7.5 quake.earthquake”- a magnitude 7.5 quake.

Signal Mountain Part 1Signal Mountain Part 1

Panoramic views of Teton Range, Panoramic views of Teton Range, Jackson Lake, Jackson Hole’s Jackson Lake, Jackson Hole’s glaciated landscape, and the Snake glaciated landscape, and the Snake River drainage can be seen.River drainage can be seen.

The overlook where we stood would The overlook where we stood would have been under more than 1000 feet have been under more than 1000 feet of ice in the last glacial stage, which of ice in the last glacial stage, which ended about 14000 years ago. ended about 14000 years ago.

Signal Mountain Part 2Signal Mountain Part 2

The bumpy plains viewed from this The bumpy plains viewed from this spot are known as knob-and-kettle spot are known as knob-and-kettle topography - small hills of glacial topography - small hills of glacial debris, plus ponds, or potholes left debris, plus ponds, or potholes left when the glaciers receded.when the glaciers receded.

Also, a dozen small glaciers still Also, a dozen small glaciers still persist on the tops of the the Tetons. persist on the tops of the the Tetons.

Mount Moran Mount Moran

The northernmost of the high peaks The northernmost of the high peaks in the Teton Range, it reaches a in the Teton Range, it reaches a height of 12,605 feet.height of 12,605 feet.

The peak is topped by a thin layer of The peak is topped by a thin layer of rock called Flathead sandstone, rock called Flathead sandstone, formed when the area was once a formed when the area was once a seafloor. seafloor.

Yang Yang

Long Anticipated Arrival at…

The Tram!!!

On the Way to Rendezvous Mountain

See the Glacial Features

Internal Waves

The “Avalaunchers”

The Snake River

Cathedral: ScarpCathedral: Scarp

What is a Scarp?

How are they created?

Physical Description?

Paleoseismology?

The End!The End!