Wyoming Geological Survey Unveils Comprehensive Map of Firehole Canyon Region
The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) has released a new geological bedrock map titled Preliminary Geologic Map of the Firehole Canyon 30′ x 60′ Quadrangle, The Cheyenne Post reports.
Authored by Derek Lichtner and Colby Schwaderer, this map provides a detailed examination of the geological structures and historical formations in the Firehole Canyon area, encompassing parts of Sweetwater County, Wyoming; Daggett County, Utah; and Moffat County, Colorado.
“This map provides a detailed look at the unique geology of the Firehole Canyon region,” said Dr. Erin Campbell, WSGS Director and Wyoming State Geologist. “This publication is a valuable resource for researchers, land managers, industry professionals, and anyone curious about Wyoming’s geologic history.”
The map covers the southwestern portion of Wyoming, including notable features such as the Rock Springs Uplift, Bridger Basin, and the northern flank of the Uinta Mountains. It showcases a variety of geological formations, some dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, and traces significant events like the creation of the Sevier foreland basin and its eventual evolution into intermontane basins during the Laramide orogeny.
As part of WSGS’s initiative to map Wyoming’s geology at a 1:100,000 scale, this publication offers an invaluable resource for understanding the complex geological history of the region.
The Preliminary Geologic Map of the Firehole Canyon 30′ x 60′ Quadrangle (Open File Report 2024-1) is available as a free PDF download or as a hardcopy for purchase. A complementary 13-page report accompanies the map, providing an overview of the region’s geological history and a summary of field-verified mapping efforts.
This project was partially funded by the US National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (STATEMAP), which is managed by the US Geological Survey.
