Introduction to Idaho Geology Web Course
The "Digital Geology of Idaho" systematically divides Idaho geology into individual teaching modules. The modules correspond with a 15-week Geology of Idaho course (Geol 456-556 for 2 credits).
The Digital Atlas of Idaho is written at a more accessible level, and is a resource that also contains exercises for K-12 teachers.As of August 2007, all modules are complete and can serve as a source of information, reference, maps and photographs of Idaho geology.
New Idaho Geologic Map
Another component of this project was preparation of a new Geologic Map of Idaho by the Idaho Geological Survey. The map on the left is a simplified version of this new geologic map. Each of the modules on this web site contain derivative geologic maps showing specific map units. The new Geologic Map of Idahos is presently under peer review.
Fly-throughs 
Most modules have fly-throughs where geology is draped over topography to provide a graphic visualization of the geology along Idaho rivers. They are .mov format and require QuickTime.
Bonneville Flood Visualizations
The Lake Bonneville Flood, module 14, has extensive visualizations showing the various lake levels, prepared by Dr. Shuhab Khan and students at the University of Houston.
Slide Shows 
Slide shows used in the modules include pictures by Paul Link, and by Jim Cash of Moscow High School and Reed Lewis of the Idaho Geological Survey. A pdf reader is needed to view slide shows and many of the images which enlarge to pdf format. If you wish to view the pdf slide shows in full screen slide show mode, use the keyboard strokes "ctrl+l" when viewing in the pdf reader. Push "esc" key to exit the full screen mode.
Acknowledgements
This web site was developed by Paul K. Link of Idaho State University, Reed S. Lewis of the Idaho Geological Survey, Shuhab Khan of the University of Houston, and Keegan Schmidt of Lewis-Clark State College, These were prepared by students of Dr. Dan Ames, Idaho State University, Idaho Falls,with funding from the National Science Foundation Geoscience Education Program - NSF GEO-0331174. Contributors to content and design are: Laura DeGrey, Lori Tapanila,
Nate Arave, Kristen Straub, and Diana Boyack and many students in various classes at Idaho State University.
The site will improve as student projects from the Geology of Idaho and Idaho Historical Geography classes are included on the site. If you find errors or have questions please contact Paul K. Link at linkpaul@isu.edu.
Geologic Overview of Idaho
Idaho has a complicated geologic history which is reflected in its physical geography. A shaded relief map of Idaho shows the mountain ranges, and the major cities to give an idea of how the state is subdivided by its geography.
"Idaho from the Air" pdf slideshow is a compilation of aerial photos taken by Paul Link. They give a unique perpective of the Idaho landscape.
The geologic provinces of Idaho are briefly summarized in the table below. A geologic time scale is included to help with the perspective of the great amount of time that geologic history spans..
Idaho River Drainages
Below are links to animations of the drainages in Idaho, broken down by
regions of Idaho.
Click here for an animation of Southern
Idaho Rivers.
Click here for an animation of Central
Idaho Rivers.
Click here for an animation of Northern
Idaho Rivers.
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Supplemental Reading
Resources recommended to accompany the Idaho Geology course are listed below. Many are included as pdf files throughout the website.
- Alt, D. and Hyndman, D., 1989, Roadside Geology of Idaho, Mountain Press, Missoula, Mt.
- Digital Atlas of Idaho: http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas
- Link, P. K. and Phoenix, E. C., 1996, 2nd Edition, "Rocks, Rails, and Trails" , Idaho Museum of Natural History. (available digitally on the Digital Atlas of Idaho website)
- Orr, W. N. and Orr, E. L., 2002, (2006 reissue), Geology of the Pacific Northwest , Waveland Press, Long Grove, Il, 337 p.
- Vallier, T., 1998, Islands and Rapids: A geologic story of Hells Canyon, Confluence Press, Lewiston, ID 151p.
Publications resulting from this NSF grant include:
- James R. Cash, J.R., Lewis, R.S., and Sturgis, D.J., Photographs of the Geology of central and northern Idaho : Idaho Geological Survey Information Circular I-62 http://www.idahogeology.org/
- Link, P.K., Lewis, R.S., and Stanford, L., 2008 in review, Geologic Map of Idaho, Idaho Geological Survey, scale 1:500,000.
- Long, Sean P. and Link, Paul K., 2007, Geologic Map Compilation of the Malad City 30 x 60 Minute Quadrangle, Idaho, Idaho Geological Survey Map: T-07-1, scale 1:100,000.
- Rodgers, D.W., et al., 2006. Geologic Map of the Inkom Quadrangle, Bannock County, Idaho, Idaho Geological Survey Map: T-06-2, Scale: 1:24,000.
Specific research papers and field trip guides are listed under each module.
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