The objective of this virtual field trip is to help you learn how to interpret alpine glacial landscapes, including landform identification, geomorphic processes and glacial history, using information from photos, maps, surficial deposits, volcanic ash, stream flow and other data. Glacier National Park provides the backdrop for learning landscape interpretation. You should already know common alpine glacial landforms before embarking on this trip.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• relate information on topographic and geomorphic maps to each other and to the actual landscape
• explain how map scale and purpose affects the type and quantity of information presented on the map
• describe the basic glacial deposits found along the trail in Glacier National Park
• use information on landforms, surficial deposits and volcanic ash to reconstruct a simple glacial history of Glacier National Park
• explain the relationship between glacial moraine formation in conjunction with glacial mass balance
• integrate information on glacial mass balance with stream flow data

 

Geography

Climate

Vegetation

Geology

Glacial Information

Park Information

Let's go!

Created February 26, 1999 by Karen A. Lemke (klemke@uwsp.edu). Last updated March 15, 1999 by KAL.
The URL for this page is http:/www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/lemke/gnp_vft/introduction.html