Precambrian Farmington Canyon Complex overlain by CambrianTintic Quartzite above  Willard, UT.  Trace of Willard Thrust fault passes through Willard Canyon at left of image.  (Photo by R.Q. Oaks, Jr.)

Overview

Utah is a geologist's paradise. The purpose of this site is to provide earth science teachers in northern Utah with a resource to assist in exposing their students to the wonders of Utah Geology.  This site will be evolving so please visit frequently.

A Brief History of Utah Geology

Rocks in northern Utah span an age from more than 2.5 billion! years ago (the Farmington Canyon Complex exposed in the cliffs above Willard and in Weber Canyon) to a "mere" few thousand years ago (Lake Bonneville deposits comprising the "benches" of our valleys). The rocks encompass sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic types.   Many of the sedimentary rocks are highly fossiliferous.  These rocks were deformed by mountain building processes some 100 million years ago and relatively recently (15 my) uplifted.  Glaciation some 14,000 years ago sculpted them to their present form.

          The Geologic Time Scale

          Utah Geologic History

          Characteristics of Rock Types

           Glossary of Geologic Terms
 

Let's go On a Geology Field Trip!

Geoscience Resources

         Questions About Northern Utah Geology? - Ask a Geologist - Email: davel@cc.usu.edu
   
         Resources Available from Utah State University

         Fun AND Educational Geology Sites

         Links to Government Agencies and Universities

         Geologic Field Trips in Salt Lake City Area

          Titles of Interest

Comments/Suggestions

If you have comments or suggestions, would like to suggest additional links or provide your own images, please contact the authors.

Copyright

Unless noted otherwise, all images at this site are copyrighted by W. David Liddell. They may be utilized freely for educational purposes, however commercial use is strictly prohibited.

Suggestions for Users

Please note, if you click on a link or image and get an error message, please try clicking again and the link should work or the image should appear. 

Revised 11-01-05
 

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