Where can I find papers on the geology of the Wastach Range in Utah

Digging Deep: Your Guide to Finding Geology Papers on the Wasatch Range

The Wasatch Range. Just the name conjures up images of jagged peaks, ski slopes, and that incredible view from I-15. But beneath all that beauty lies a fascinating geological story, one that’s kept scientists busy for decades. So, you want to dive into the nitty-gritty of Wasatch geology? Awesome! Finding the right research papers is key, and trust me, there’s a lot out there. Let’s break down where to look.

First things first: hit the academic databases. Think of these as your geological libraries.

• Geological Society of America (GSA) publications: The GSA? They’re kind of a big deal in the geology world. Their GSA Bulletin and GSA Today are packed with research, often focusing on the American West. I usually start here. Search for keywords like “Wasatch Range,” “Utah geology”—you get the idea.
• American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG): Okay, I know what you’re thinking: oil? But hear me out! The AAPG often publishes regional studies, and those can include some seriously valuable geological info on the Wasatch. Worth a look, definitely.
• Web of Science and Scopus: These are your big, catch-all databases. They index tons of journals. Cast a wide net here using those same keywords. Pro tip: track the citations. See who’s citing whom to find the latest and greatest research.
• JSTOR: Don’t underestimate JSTOR! It’s not just for history buffs. They’ve got a surprising number of older science journals, which can be goldmines for historical perspectives on Wasatch geology.

Now, let’s talk about local knowledge: universities and government agencies. Utah’s got some serious geological brainpower.

• University of Utah and Utah State University: These schools have top-notch geology departments. Check their websites and online repositories for dissertations, theses, and papers by their professors. You might stumble upon some real gems.
• Utah Geological Survey (UGS): This is the place to go for Utah-specific geology. Their website is loaded with geological maps, reports, and publications. Seriously, it’s a treasure trove. Plus, they publish Survey Notes, which often has articles on the Wasatch.
• United States Geological Survey (USGS): The feds have been all over the Wasatch, especially when it comes to earthquake hazards and water resources. The USGS Publications Warehouse is your friend here.

And don’t forget those specialized journals and conferences. They can be surprisingly useful.

• Quaternary Research: Glaciers and earthquakes? The Wasatch has ’em both! This journal is a good bet.
• Tectonics: If you’re into the nitty-gritty of how the Wasatch Range actually formed, check this one out. It’s all about structural geology.
• Environmental & Engineering Geoscience: Thinking about landslides or other geological hazards? This journal might have what you’re looking for.
• Rocky Mountain Geology: Pretty self-explanatory, right? Dedicated to the geology of the whole Rocky Mountain region, including our beloved Wasatch.
• GSA Cordilleran Section Meetings: Geologists love to get together and talk shop. Check out the programs and abstracts from these meetings. You never know what you might find.

A few search tips from someone who’s been there:

• Get specific! The more precise your keywords, the better.
• Boolean operators are your friends. “AND,” “OR,” “NOT”—learn to use them!
• Follow the rabbit hole. When you find a good paper, check its references.
• Don’t be shy! If you’re stuck, reach out to the researchers themselves. Most geologists are happy to help.

Happy hunting, and enjoy digging into the fascinating geology of the Wasatch Range! It’s a story written in stone (literally!), and it’s waiting to be discovered.