Grand+Teton

INTRODUCTION The Grand Teton National park is located in the serene Wyoming, near Jackson. (3) It features the enormous, majestic Teton mountain range, with the highest peak- The Grand Teton reaching 13,770 feet in height. (3, 4) The most impressive features of this gorgeous national park are the Teton Range, Jackson Hole Valley, Snake river, and the 7 manorial lakes. (18) The Teton Crest Trail runs from the south boundary of the park to Paintbrush Canyon. (7, 8) If offers extensive views of the range and distant lands. Visitors unaccustomed to high elevations may descend to the Crest Trail from the top of the tram at Teton Village. (8) Rewarding trails in Granite, Death and Cascade Canyons connect the Crest Trail to the Valley Trail.(7) Self-guiding trails provide insight into the story behind the scenery. Booklets available at each trailhead describe prominent features bordering the two mile Colter Bay Nature Trail and the three mile Taggart Lake Trail and discuss history along the 1.2 mile Menor's Ferry and the .5 mile Cunningham Cabin Trail. (7, 8) Trailhead locations are shown on the park map. The Cascade Canyon trail begins at the south end of Jenny Lake, and the booklet explains natural features up to Lake Solitude, nine miles from the trailhead. (7) ** Trails traverse the valley and mountains for more than 200 miles. (7) They provide access to backcountry lakes, streams, canyons and camping zones. (8)Trail difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous, and lengths vary from hikes of a few minutes to several days. (7, 8)**   GEOLOGIC SECTION The beautiful teton range is located inside this gorgeous national park. (4) The main focus of the park, these mountains were created by earthquakes caused by convergent plate movement along the Teton Fault. (17, 18, 19, 20) These earthquakes caused the land on one side of the fault to move up (diplacement is 23,000 feet), while the Jackson Hole Vallet on the other side of the fault subsided (17, 18, 20). The mountains were then eroded by flowing water to create V-shaped gorges as they picked up eroded material and carried it in the dissolved load, suspended load, and bed load. ( 17) At the high altitude of the mountains when more snow fell then was melted valley glaciers formed and moved between the mountains using plastic flow when the the pressure of the ice causes ice crystals to melt and slide past eachother like a liquid and flow. (17) They also moved using basal slip, as the ice melted from pressure over bumps in the terrain it would slip. (17) These glaciers eroded the mountain when they pluck rocks up and freezes around the rocks, carrying them as the glacier move, the glacier also used abrasion when rocks already inside the glacier scraped the bed rock. (17) This erotion creates steep cirques, and U-shaped glacial troughs.(17, 18, 20) These rocks move through the glacier in a counveyer belt like motion. (17)When the melting at the snout of the glacier was equal to or more than the accumulation at the head, the glacier stops moving or retreats, the sediment continues to move through on the conveyer belt though, but as the sediment moves forward and the glacier doesn't, the sediment drops out. (17) Moraines are created by this sediment, forming natural dams, and lakes form. (17, 18, 19) Morainal lakes such as Leigh, Taggart, Bradley, Phelps were formed this way, Jackson Lake was formed from a lobe of the glacier moving and depositing. (18, 19, 20) Additional weathering of the rocks will be seen from frost wedging occcuring in the cold monthes of the year as water enters cracks in the rock as a liquid, then freezes and expands, breaking apart or creating bigger cracks in the rock. (17)

CLIMATE AND WEATHER SECTION If you plan to visit the Grand Tetons in the winter be sure to bundle up! The earth is on a constant axis of 23.5 degrees, and as it revolves around the sun on this axis, one hemisphere of the earth is tilted closer to the sun, while the other is tilted away. (19) On december 21st, it is the winter equinox, and the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. (19) By being tilted away, it recieves indirect sun rays which cause the same amount of heat to be distributed along a larger area, therefore it is cold. (19) On the summer solstice, June 21st, however The northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun and recieves direct rays, producing the summer fun enjoyed in this park. (19) The range in temperature of 50 degrees between the summer and winter months is caused by the latitude of this park. (19) It is located at 43.480N, closer to the poles, so there is a greater movement, it is closerto the sun in the summer than the equator, and farther from the sun in the winter. (19) **
 * In mid-April, May, and June, days are mild.(10) Cool nights alternate with rain and occasional snow.(11) Valley trails are snow covered until late May. (13) Throughout July and August, there are warm days and cool nights, with common afternoon thundershowers. (10, 11) As sun heats the earth throughout the day, the air warms and rises due to density differences with the surrounding cool air. (13) This air then cools adiabatically as it reaches heights with less air molecules allowing the molecules to spread apart. (10,13) As the molecules cool they begin to condense and if condensation nuclei are present, form clouds. (10,11) These clouds are tall cumulo-nimbus clouds because as the air condenses, it gives off heat warming the air and allowing it to continue to rise. (11) These tall cumulo-nimbus clouds often produce hail, rain, and thunderstorms. (11, 13) [[image:grand_teton_cumulo.jpg width="271" height="192" align="left" caption="Cumulo-Nimbus Clouds (4)"]]During September, October, and November sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snow storms. (11) **** December through mid-April there are many storms. Between storms though, the days are sunny and nights are frigid. (11, 12) Snow blankets the mountains and valley. (11) Vehicles with four-wheel drive or all-weather tires are recommended for winter travel- roads may be closed during blizzards. (11, 13) The southern end of the valley averages 15 feet of snow in the winter and often reaches balmy 80 degree temperatures in the summer. (11, 13) Temperatures in higher elevations average four degrees Fahrenheit cooler every 1,000 feet in rise. Winter doesn’t officially set in until December 21, but the first heavy snows may fall by November 1. (11) Between winter storms the days are sunny and the nights are frigid. Average temperatures range from a daily maximum of 26°F to a minimum of 1°F. (10, 11) In spring there are mild days and cool nights frequently come with rain or snow. (10, 13) The spring months average 11 days with measurable precipitation. (11, 13) Temperatures range from 22°F to 49° F during April. (10, 11, 13) Between the months of June through August the average daily temperature is 76°F, but high-elevation hiking trails don’t melt out until mid-July. (10,13) Nighttime temperatures can reach the lower 40s. (10, 13) Most of the year’s precipitation falls during the summer months; afternoon thunderstorms are common. Sun and occasional rain and snow fill the short fall days. (11) The average daily maximum is 54°F while the minimum average is a cool 25°F. (10) The fall months average 23 days that drop below freezing- bring layered clothing! (11)

 THE ROCK RECORD Jackson Hole's layers of rock give a glance into the past: begining from the bottom of the rock record 2.5 Billion years ago during the archaen period, with deposits of sand and volcanic sediment from an inland ocean, forming schist.(17, 20) Pressure from sediment burying this rock then metamorphosed the rock into banded gneissis. (17,20) Then magma flowed up do to density differences in the mantle and intruded in faults of the rock, cooling slowly because it now was away from the hot core to produce dikes of granite. (17,20, 19) Through uplift and erosion this igneous intrusion was exposed, and now forms the main peaks of the Tetons. (17, 19)Additionally, diabasse intrududed through this granite and sedimentary rock,and was exposed because gneiss erodes faster than the diabasse, this is located in the central peak of the grand teton mountains. (17, 19, 20)

BIOMES

The types of plants and animals in Grand Teton vary depending on where in the park you are. (1) High in the mountains, there are yellow-bellied marmots, golden eagles, insect larvae, and black bears. (9) Low in the valley there are bison and coyotes. (1,9) Along Snake River be on the watch for osprey and cutthroat trout. In the meadow there are moose. Animals relate to and shape the environment in which they survive. (1) Grand Teton National Park’s 310,000 acres lie at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. (9) Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem includes over eleven million acres considered one of the few remaining, nearly intact, temperate ecosystems on earth. (1,9) Animals depend on this vast area for survival, residing in and migrating to different areas depending on the season. (1) Over 1000 species of vascular plants grow in Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding area. (1,9) Soil conditions, availability of moisture, slope, and elevation all determine wher e plants grow. (12) Plants that require similar conditions are often found growing in the same area and form various plant communities. (1) These are categorized as sagebrush flats, riparian corridors and wetlands, forests, and alpine areas. (9) The valley floor of Jackson Hole is comprised of loose rocky soil through which water percolates easily and big leaf sagebrush grow. (1,9) Moisture-loving plants find suitable growing conditions along the Snake River, its tributaries, and other wetland areas. (17) Narrow leaf cottonwood and willows, both of which thrive in wet areas, grow along the watercourses, creating ribbons of light green across the landscape. (9) In the wet meadows there are grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. (1) In the canyons, mountainsides, and hills created by glacial debris (moraines) there are deeper soils that are capable of holding moisture. (1, 9) These conditions support the growth of trees. (9) Conifers dominate these areas and make the slopes appear dark green. (9) They may  appear gray and lifeless, but the high alpine reaches of the park support plants specially adapted to the harsh growing conditions found there. (1) Wind, snow, lack of soil, increased ultraviolet radiation, rapid and dramatic shifts in temperature, and a short growing season all challenge the hardy plants that survive here. (17) Most plants adapt by growing close to the ground in mats like the alpine forget-me-not. (1) Because of the plants and animals living in the park, it is apparent that it is in an alpine biome.(9) HUMAN IMPACT In order to protect these natural wonders, it is important to know the effect of experiencing this exquisite landscape. These include road construction, agriculture, and urban development disturbing the natural habitate due to an increased popululations. (8, 5) Though the threat isn't as great as before the natural park was established, these developments void lands of plant life allowing non-indigenous plants to thrive,or an imbalance in plant growth.(8) These plants can thrive in the new climate with no natural enamies- such as canada thistle. (8) Additionally this urbanization produced increased run-off when water cannot be absorbed into the cement. (19) This prevents underground water supplies from being replenished and can lead to compaction and cementation from the soil, preventing paths for future water supplies to move through. (19) This upsets the natural cycle in this wonderful natural park.

1.  "Alpine Biome." Blue Planet Biomes. Web. 10 June 2010. < @http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/alpine.htm >.

2. "Banded Gneiss." Web. < @http://www.tetonat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/hans-saari-in-front-of-classic-grand-teton-granite.jpg >.

3. "Camping in Grand Tetons - Grand Teton National Park, United States Travel Blog." Travel Blog - TravelPod™. Web. 10 June 2010. < @http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lahardee/1/1246154052/tpod.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

4. "Cumulo Nimbus Clouds." USA Today. Web. 8 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://images.usatoday.com/weather/photos/clouds/cumulus.jpg <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

5. "Grand Teton." The Cultured Traveler. Web. 09 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.theculturedtraveler.com/Parks/Archives/Grand_Teton.htm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

6. "Grand Teton Fault." Web. 08 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">//<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/images/lithosphere/tectonics/normal_fault_labelled_diagram.jpg&imgrefurl=@http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/uwsp_lectures/lecture_crustal_deformation. >. // //<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;"> 7. "Grand Teton National Park Hiking Trails, Hikes - ALLGrandTeton.com." Jackson Hole Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park Lodging & Vacations - ALLGrandTeton.com. Web. 09 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.jacksonholewy.net/hiking/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

8. "Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway - Environmental Factors (U.S. National Park Service)." U.S. National Park Service. Web. 08 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.nps.gov/grte/naturescience/environmentalfactors.htm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

9. "Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway - Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)." U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Web. 10 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

10. "Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway - Weather (U.S. National Park Service)." U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Web. 10 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.nps.gov/grte/naturescience/weather.htm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

11. "Grand Teton National Park Weather Page." Grand Teton National Park. Web. 09 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.grand.teton.national-park.com/weather.htm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

12. "Grand Teton National Park Wildlife." Hotels and Lodging in Americas National Parks. Find and Book Your Lodging and Activities in and around Americas National Parks. - National Park Reservations. Web. 10 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/grand-teton-national-park-wildlife.htm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

13. "Grand Teton Snowcaps." Web. 8 June 2010. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://patblansh.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/snow_capped2c_grand_tetons2c_wyoming2.jpg <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">

14. . "Jackson Hole." Web. 09 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">: //<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">www.jacksonholewy.com/GlobalAssets/Photos/Maps/valley_summer.jpg&imgrefurl=@http://www.jacksonholewy.com/maps.php&usg=__ZsMtI8up3IqqFakqlM8i6mpfEwQ=&h=461&w=650&sz=244&hl=en&start=5&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=dY7RWF2DIizaeM>.

15. . "Jenny Lake." Web. 8 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://farm1.static.flickr.com/67/220924252_d2936360af.jpg <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

16. "Outdoor Fun - Grand Teton Lodge Company." National Park Lodging: Mountain Resort - Grand Teton Lodge Company. Web. 10 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.gtlc.com/activities/outdoor-fun-overview.aspx <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

17. "Park Geology." NPS: Explore Nature. 2005. Web. 09 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/parks/grte/index.cfm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

18. Robert Smith. "Grand Teton National Park - Geology - US-Parks.com." US-Parks. 2010. Web. 09 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.us-parks.com/grand-teton-national-park/geology.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

19. Tarbuck, Edward, and Frederick Lutgens. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">//<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">Earth Science // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">. Prentice Hall. Print.

20. Uhler, John. "Grand Teton National Park Geologic History." Grand Teton National Park. 1997. Web. 08 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.grand.teton.national-park.com/info.htm <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

21. "Wildlife Watching in Grand Teton National Park - Vacation Idea.com." Vacation Idea.com - Weekend Getaway, Beach Vacation, Romantic Getaways, Spa, Family, Luxury and Honeymoon Vacation Ideas. Web. 10 June 2010. < <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">@http://www.vacationidea.com/grand_teton/wildlife_tetons.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10.35pt;">>.

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