In the same year the Basin celebrates the 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powell’s expedition of the area, it seems fitting that he would be the topic of the final lecture of the year offered by the Utah Field House of Natural History. The lecture is on “The Curious Course of the Green River and the Ideas of John Wesley Powell” by Doug Sprinkel, Utah Geologic Survey Senior Geologist. The expedition left Green River, Wyoming on May 24th in 1869 to explore the uncharted waters of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Through the many adventures, journeys and explorations a number of the geologic features of the area were named and still retain those names today. With all that they discovered, one feature completely mystified Powell: the fact that the Green River flowed to and through the Uinta Mountains. It was such a mystery that it sparked the imagination of Powell to explore numerous geologic theories to explain it, some that are still used today. It should truly be a night of discovery; both historically and scientifically, as a 150 year old mystery is discussed, explored and maybe even explained. The lecture will be at the Utah Field House of Natural History on Thursday, August 15th starting at 7pm. If you have any questions contact the museum at 435-789-3799.
