Title
How Does Geology Inform Conservation/Restoration Actions in the Clark Fork Basin?
Abstract
The geologic framework of the Clark Fork Basin is as diverse as any watershed in the West. The geologic events that are recorded in this region span most of recorded geologic time. The preserved rock units and geologic features help explain what natural processes and events have occurred and are occurring in the basin. The geology of the Clark Fork watershed provides challenges and it suggests solutions; it can be a nemesis or a partner.
The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology has recently mapped most of the Clark Fork watershed. These geologic maps are available on the Bureau’s website. Maps are at several scales -- some focused primarily on the bedrock of the higher elevations of the watershed, others focused primarily on deposits on the basin floor. In the Deer Lodge area, new houses located on the high benches on the valley’s east side must drill deep wells to obtain ground water. The geologic information shows why. In the Bitterroot Valley south of Missoula, geologic maps identify specific deposits that are prone to land sliding, others that contribute anomalous arsenic to ground water, others that are poor or good aquifers, and others that would not support a road bed. Along the upper Clark Fork, deposits of potential economic value are identified, thus providing opportunity to plan to avoid the clash of conflicting land use values.
Geologic information can minimize unexpected results of land use. It is efficient and cost-effective to add the component of local geology to the planning process for virtually all plans to build, excavate, tunnel, pave, bury, subdivide, extract, irrigate, establish easements, or otherwise engage the land surface.
Start Date
1-4-2005 1:00 PM
End Date
1-4-2005 3:00 PM
Document Type
Poster
How Does Geology Inform Conservation/Restoration Actions in the Clark Fork Basin?
The geologic framework of the Clark Fork Basin is as diverse as any watershed in the West. The geologic events that are recorded in this region span most of recorded geologic time. The preserved rock units and geologic features help explain what natural processes and events have occurred and are occurring in the basin. The geology of the Clark Fork watershed provides challenges and it suggests solutions; it can be a nemesis or a partner.
The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology has recently mapped most of the Clark Fork watershed. These geologic maps are available on the Bureau’s website. Maps are at several scales -- some focused primarily on the bedrock of the higher elevations of the watershed, others focused primarily on deposits on the basin floor. In the Deer Lodge area, new houses located on the high benches on the valley’s east side must drill deep wells to obtain ground water. The geologic information shows why. In the Bitterroot Valley south of Missoula, geologic maps identify specific deposits that are prone to land sliding, others that contribute anomalous arsenic to ground water, others that are poor or good aquifers, and others that would not support a road bed. Along the upper Clark Fork, deposits of potential economic value are identified, thus providing opportunity to plan to avoid the clash of conflicting land use values.
Geologic information can minimize unexpected results of land use. It is efficient and cost-effective to add the component of local geology to the planning process for virtually all plans to build, excavate, tunnel, pave, bury, subdivide, extract, irrigate, establish easements, or otherwise engage the land surface.