Geology

Question 1

Tell the story of MN geology from precambrian to recent glaciation

Answer 1

The precambrian consisted billions of years ago, leaving behind the Morton Gneiss and Canadian Shield.
Paleozoic era occurred about 500 million years ago and consisted of many oceans that created a lot of limestone and sandstone.
The cenozoic was a glaciation that happened within the last 2 million years and had 4 major glaciations with the most recent being Wisconsin and covering most of Minnesota.

Question 2

Where in MN can you find ancient mountains?

Answer 2

Northeast (by Lake Superior)

Question 3

What is Morton Gneiss?

Answer 3

World’s most oldest rock in Morton, MN.

3.8 bya

Question 4

How and when did sandstone form in St. Peter?

Answer 4

Paleozoic era (500 million years ago)
From the oceans

Question 5

What is the name of the most recent glaciations in MN?

Answer 5

Wisconsin

Question 6

Where did the most recent glaciation in MN cover?

Answer 6

Most of MN

Question 7

What is glacial till?

Answer 7

Unsorted sediment deposited directly from glacial ice

Question 8

What kinds of vegetations retreated with the glacier as it receded?

Answer 8

Tundra

Taiga

Question 9

What are prairie potholes?

Answer 9

Pond-like collections of water

Question 10

For what group of wildlife are prairie potholes important?

Answer 10

Important to waterfowl because of sponge effect and water purification

Question 11

How did prairie potholes form?

Answer 11

Wisconsin glaciation activity

Question 12

Explain Glacial Lake Agassiz, Glacial River Warren, and how the Minnesota River Valley was formed

Answer 12

Glacial Lake Agassiz took up a lot of Canada and some of MN after the glaciers melted. It drained through the MN River Valley and carved it out over the years. This river was then called Glacial River Warren