Post-Laramide Uplift and Erosional History of Northern Wind River Basin, Wyoming: ABSTRACT

Abstract

Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) multispectral scanner images together with aerial photographs have been used to infer Laramide to Holocene tectonic events along the northern fringe of Wind River basin near Wind River Canyon, Wyoming. TM images reveal the presence of a large system of alluvial fans, terraces, and residual tongue-shaped debris deposits covering an area of 90 mi2 at the base of Copper Mountain. The debris system contains predominantly dark metasedimentary clasts. Both Eocene (Wind River and Wagon Bed Formations) and Quaternary deposits are present, and some Eocene gravel has been reworked into the later units. These deposits contrast sharply in brightness and color with rocks in adjacent areas. Detailed topographic analysis of the terraces and fan remnants disclosed an episodic history of post-Wagon Bed (upper to middle Eocene) End_Page 245------------------------------ uplift and pediment cutting. At least 3 principal stages covering a vertical interval possibly as great as 1,300 ft have been identified. Soil profiles in Quaternary gravels capping the pediments show increase in maturity consistent with age inferred from topographic elevations. These local erosional stages may record tectonic events of regional significance. Their absolute ages need to be determined. End_of_Article - Last_Page 246------------