Utah geologists showcase state’s scenic wonders through yearly calendar

Lake Blanche sits at an elevation of 8,300 feet up Big Cottonwood Canyon at the base of Sundial Peak amid glacier carved deposits. | Marshall Robinson

2020 Utah Geological Survey Calendar now on sale

SALT LAKE CITY — If you’ve never explored Utah’s youngest volcanic field known as Black Rock Desert and taken a gander at the Devil’s Kitchen scarp, geologist Adam McKean takes you there through his photographs of some of its features scattered throughout 700 square miles.

Chances are you’ve never seen a drone view of a delta along the mud flats occupying the southeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, where Lee Creek twists and turns before giving up to the largest salt water lake in the Western Hemisphere.

You can now, thanks to Adam Hiscock, another geologist.

The Utah Geological Survey’s 2020 Calendar of Utah Geology is out, featuring an array of Utah’s most stunning landscapes documented via photographs by employees while they worked in the field over the last year.

Adam Hiscock

A delta forms as Lee Creek winds through mudflats along the southeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake

The annual tradition, in its 14th year, features a new online, interactive component with a story map and more detailed descriptions of the specific areas than in years past. People can check out the cover photo and accompanying details now, and each month will be showcased as the year unfolds. The online component also includes more photos and lessons in geology on particular formations unique to Utah. Topics this year include ancient deserts and microbialites

Typically, dozens upon dozens of photos compete for inclusion in the calendar and a screening committee picks those that document the stark differences in Utah’s geology. This year, there were 211 entries.

Bryce Canyon and its stunning hoodoos are always popular, and the scenically intriguing Great Salt Lake offers some pictorial beauty in its own way.

The calendar is available for $5.95 or $4.95 for orders of 10 more at the Utah Department of Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City.

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/37WO36C