Dr. John C. Reed, Jr.: Pioneering Geologist, Mountaineer, and Author of Creation of the Teton Landscape

Abstract

Few geologists today possess the mountaineering skills to study rocks exposed in the topographically challenging terrain of the Tetons. Even fewer can claim the accomplishment of making the first geologic map of an entire mountain range. One of these pioneering geologists is John C. Reed, Jr., who joined the U.S. Geological Survey in 1953, and who is now scientist emeritus at the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver (Figure 1). In addition to his field geology expertise, Dr. Reed also has a special talent for communicating complex geologic concepts to the public. The purpose of this project was to profile this pioneering mountaineer-geologist and accomplished writer, and to archive his maps, field notes, and photographs for use by future scientists and for the public, particularly park visitors.