Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Geology

First Advisor

Dr. Jaakko Putkonen

Abstract

Glacier National Park is located within a mountainous region in western Montana. Due to recent glaciation, moraines are present at the upper elevations throughout the park. These young moraines erode at a rapid pace when first exposed by melting ice due to: age, vegetation cover, local climate, and human/animal activity. Using repeat photography in conjunction with lab work I was able to determine that the Grinnell Glacier moraine’s crest is lowering at a much faster pace than previously published rates. Conservation policy within the park should be adjusted to reflect this information and additional research should be conducted to determine if the sediment being eroded is affecting other aspects of the park.

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