A video that can be used as a cultural guide for the Oregon Trail across Wyoming’s geology.
The Oregon Trail: WY Cultural Geology
Geology and Historic Trails
Geology is the science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing. Geology applied to historic trails refers to the earth’s naturally formed rocks that were used as landmarks by emigrants along the pioneer trail routes West.
An American Journey: An Excerpt From “Hard Road West”
As when some carcass, hidden in sequestered nook, draws from every near and distant point myriads of discordant vultures, so drew these little flakes of gold the voracious sons of men.
Part III: Geology and the Emigrant
Erosion of weathered rock material is an important landscape forming process, but along many parts of the trails volcanism and mountain building have occured so recently they are the dominant factors in landscape formation. However, between Ash Hollow and Scotts Read More …