Contents

• Introduction
• Bedrock
  • Description
  • Geologic history
  • Structural geology
  • Summary
• Glacial geology
• Geologic features
• Acknowledgments
• Glossary
• References
• Plates

The Geology of Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin

Bedrock Geology

Bedrock. Much of the basic information which a geologist uses in the interpretation of the geologic history of a region comes from his examination of bedrock outcrops. Bedrock is the solid rock which underlies loose material such as soil, sand and gravel. An outcrop is exposed bedrock.

In a very general way, the descriptions and discussions of the bedrock geology of Baxter State Park will follow the procedure used by many geologists in presenting the results of their investigations. We will first consider the various kinds of bedrock which outcrop in Baxter State Park, showing how these rocks may be recognized. A geologic map is presented which shows the distribution of the most important rock types. Certain easily accessible outcrops which illustrate an interesting feature or have particular bearing on the geologic history will be described in some detail. With this background it will then be possible to discuss the geologic history recorded in the bedrock of Baxter State Park. Finally, at appropriate places in these discussions, the ways in which the rocks were formed will be considered.

Description and distribution of bedrock types

• Katahdin granite
• Traveler rhyolite
• Sedimentary rocks
• Fossils
• A recommended geologic field trip

Geologic history of the Baxter State Park area

• Relative age and absolute age of the rocks
• Geologic time scale
• Older sedimentary rocks
• Traveler rhyolite
• Younger sedimentary rocks
• Katahdin granite

Structural geology

Summary of the bedrock geology

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Introduction   Bedrock   Glacial geology   Geologic features   Acknowledgments   Glossary   References   Plates

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Last updated on January 11, 2008

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