Vol. 39 (2016)
Research Project Geology

Paleoseismic investigation of the Teton fault at Leigh Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Glenn Thackray
Department of Geosciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
Mark Zellman
Fugro USA Land, Inc., Denver, CO
Chris B. Duross
U.S. Geological Survey, Golden, CO
Two men next to and in Trench A

Published 2016-12-15

Abstract

To improve knowledge of the Teton fault’s ground-rupturing earthquake history, we excavated trenches across two fault scarps near the southwest shore of Leigh Lake. Detailed stratigraphic and sedimentologic analyses allow preliminary inferences regarding the fault history. The trenches exposed faulted glacial sediments and overlying hillslope colluvium sediments, documenting at least two fault ruptures since deglaciation of the range front at ~15 ka. Samples are currently being analyzed using radiocarbon and luminescence dating techniques to determine the ages of the sediments and constrain the timing of fault rupture.

 

Featured photo from Figure 3 in report.