Palouse River
Great glacial water floods shaped the geography of the Palouse and Snake River canyons many thousands of years ago. Our excursion today would be by Zodiac, kayak, and foot to investigate and experience the great wonder that was the Bretz Floods. Named for J. Harlen Bretz, the water floods effect on the land was a mystery to many scientists until Bretz deciphered the many clues left behind by the cataclysms.
After the M/V Sea Lion was anchored, the group split up to see the Palouse Falls and the Palouse River. The 185 foot falls are a remnant of the Bretz floods. The plunge pool below the small ribbon of water was evidence of the great deluge to Bretz as he traveled the countryside in search of answers as to why the topography was uniquely marked and scarred.
Along with our pursuit of geographic wonder, there was also the biologic aspect to ponder. Lying alone along the banks was a fawn mule deer shaking off the rain drops and wondering itself, not of geologic questions, but where is mother? Knowledge is gained by many a different path.
Great glacial water floods shaped the geography of the Palouse and Snake River canyons many thousands of years ago. Our excursion today would be by Zodiac, kayak, and foot to investigate and experience the great wonder that was the Bretz Floods. Named for J. Harlen Bretz, the water floods effect on the land was a mystery to many scientists until Bretz deciphered the many clues left behind by the cataclysms.
After the M/V Sea Lion was anchored, the group split up to see the Palouse Falls and the Palouse River. The 185 foot falls are a remnant of the Bretz floods. The plunge pool below the small ribbon of water was evidence of the great deluge to Bretz as he traveled the countryside in search of answers as to why the topography was uniquely marked and scarred.
Along with our pursuit of geographic wonder, there was also the biologic aspect to ponder. Lying alone along the banks was a fawn mule deer shaking off the rain drops and wondering itself, not of geologic questions, but where is mother? Knowledge is gained by many a different path.
