Contributions to Geology 1.1

Non-paleontological methods of correlation of rocks of Tertiary age in Wyoming: Part 1 - heavy elements in bone fragments

ROBERT S. HOUSTON Department of Geology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming

Pages
3-7

Keywords
heavy elements, bone fragments, Tertiary, Wyoming

Abstract
This paper is an outgrowth of a study undertaken by the writer in cooperation with J. D. Love of the United States Geological Survey and P. O. McGrew of the University of Wyoming to experiment with various techniques that might be used as an aid in correlating non-fossiliferous rock of Tertiary age in Wyoming. The use of heavy minerals, volcanic minerals and rock fragments, shards, and trace elements have been tried. This is the first in a series of reports on results of these studies and it will evaluate the use of heavy elements in bone fragments as an aid in correlation.

Gulf and Atlantic coast mollusks in the Late Cretaceous Mesaverde Formation of Wyoming

HEINRICH TOOTS Department of Geology, University of Wyoming, Laramie
JOHN F. CUTLER Department of Geology, Columbia University, New York

Pages
7-12

Keywords
mollusks, Late Cretaceous, Mesaverde Formation, Wyoming

Abstract
The presence of distinct faunal provinces during the Cretaceous Period is a generally accepted conclusion. The Cretaceous seaway that extended from Texas through the Western Interior Region (Rocky Mountains and Great Plains) to Canada showed at various times affinities with either the boreal or Mediterranean faunal provinces. At other times the seaway contained a fairly distinct endemic fauna (Reeside, 1957); during these times it may be properly regarded as a separate faunal province.

The purpose of this paper is documentation of the geographic ranges of certain species of mollusks which appear to be significant for comparisons of late Cretaceous (Campanian and Maestrichtian) faunal provinces.

Precambrian agmatites of the Wind River Range, Wyoming

RONALD B. PARKER Department of Geology, University of Wyoming, Laramie

Pages
13-20

Keywords
agmatites, Precambrian, Wind River Range, Wyoming

Abstract
This report is the result of study of an area in the central Wind River Range, Wyoming during four weeks of the summer of 1960. The area studied (Pl. 1) ranges from approximately 9000 to 12,500 feet above sea level, and is included within the U. S. Geological Survey Moccasin Lake and Mt. Bonneville quadrangles. It is a wilderness area and is accessible only by foot or horseback. Mapping was done on an enlarged 1:62,500 base at a scale of 1:24,000. Mineral optical data mentioned in text were determined with a four-axis universal stage. Plagioclase was identified by the method of Turner (1947) or Troger (1956, p. 101).

The study was partly supported by a grant from the Research Council, Graduate School, University of Wyoming for which thanks are here expressed. The manuscript was kindly reviewed by R. S. Houston.

Glaciation of Libby Creek Canyon, east flank of Medicine Bow Mountains, southeastern Wyoming

M. E. MCCALLUM Department of Geology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

Pages
21-30

Keywords
Glaciation, Libby Creek Canyon, Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming

Abstract
This investigation represents a study of a very small portion of the rather extensive glacial deposits in the Medicine Bow Mountains of southeastern Wyoming. The area studied, Libby Creek Canyon, is located on the east flank of the Medicine Bow Mountains near Centennial, Wyoming, about 30 miles west of Laramie (Plate 1). Although only a single canyon of some 35 square miles is considered, terminal moraines are here probably better developed and more readily subdivided than anywhere else in the Range.

The area was mapped in the summer of 1959 while the writer was working on a project involving mapping of the Precambrian basement complex in the east central portion of the Medicine Bow Mountains (McCallum, 1962). This work was made possible through a Wyoming Geological Survey Precambrian Project Grant.

Data for the Pm3 drift in the extreme northern area near Brooklyn Lake are based on the mapping of R. S. Houston.

Mechanical analysis of the Lake Agnes landslide

ROBERT W. SCOTT Department of Geology, University of Kansas, Lawrence

Pages
31-40

Keywords
Lake Agnes, landslide, Colorado

Abstract
Until very recently principles of physics have rarely been used by geologists in analyzing geomorphic phenomena. Geologists have described landslides, but civil engineers have applied the concepts of physics to them. A quantitative approach to geological phenomena is essential, but it must be accompanied by a qualitative approach also. This paper is part of the results of a Master's thesis investigation (Scott, 1961). It is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Lake Agnes landslide near Rabbit Ears Pass on U. S. Highway 40 in north-central Colorado (Plate 1).

The origin of Precambrian crystalline rocks in the Pelton Creek area; Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming

MONTE N. SWETNAM Amerada Petroleum Corporation, Durango, Colorado

Pages
41-47

Keywords
Precambrian, Pelton Creek, Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming

Abstract
The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation to: Dr. Robert S. Houston for his advice and constructive criticism during the course of this investigation, to Dr. Horace D. Thomas for financial aid rendered by the Geological Survey of Wyoming, and to Dr. S. H. Knight for use of the facilities of the Department of Geology of the University of Wyoming.

During the summer of 1960, the author mapped an area in the southwestern corner of the Medicine Bow Mountains (Pl. 1). The Precambrian rocks were examined with the hope of determining their origin and relationship with adjoining, previously mapped areas.