New Ice Age Floods map now available
When 500 cubic miles of water break loose from an ice dam and ravage the land, what you’re left with is the southeastern Washington geology – scab lands, boulder fields, dry cataracts, gravel bars and ‘erratics’
May 21, 2007
RICHLAND, Wash. –
Wednesday morning, May 23, reporters are invited to see the debut of a new map that depicts how our local geology was significantly altered 10,000 to 15,000 years ago by the great ice age floods that raced through central Washington.
Click here for an electronic version of the new Ice Age Floods Map.
This large colorful map (18”x32”), which will be made available free to the public features two self-guided road tours that identify many geologic highlights such as ‘The Badlands’ of Benton City, gigantic erratics (boulders) that hitchhiked on ancient icebergs, and the Chandler Butte landslide. Brief narratives identify the significance of Wallula Gap, the impacts the historic floods made to local soils and how that benefited our agriculture and wine industry, a list of two dozen wineries in the vicinity, plus many full color photos and useful graphics.
The map was prepared as a community project by Team Battelle, an employee-driven program of Battelle volunteers, their families and retirees.
A Team Battelle spokesperson will be available to point out the unique features of the map, and how and where residents can get one.
Please join us:
• 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 23.
• Richland Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1515 Geo. Washington Way, Richland.
• For more information contact Geoff Harvey at 372-6083 office, or 308-9275 cell.