The last few days have been spent collecting rock samples from the moraines contained within Dipboye Cirque (in the Olympus Range). Our goal is to date the rock samples to see how long ago the glaciers deposited these rocks. Determining these ages will help with our understanding of climate change in this region.
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| Picture of the terminal moraine (far right) and the second to last moraine (far left with all the large boulders). There is a subtle color difference in the moraines; the terminal moraine is redder than the second to last moraine. |
Kate and I collected 15 samples from each of the moraines in Dipboye Cirque. Previously (at Stocking Glacier) we were able to collect samples using a combination of methods, including a hammer and chisel and by drilling. Here in the Olympus Range each sample had to be taken using the drill. We accomplish this by drilling several holes into the sample rock and then use shims and wedges to pry off the part of the rock we want.
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| Picture of me using a hammer and chisel to collect a sample at Stocking Glacier. |
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Picture of Kate and Jen drilling holes in a boulder to collect a rock sample.
Video of me breaking off a sample using a hammer and wedges and shims. |
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