YouTube
Our videos explore the Ozarks' geologic setting, ecological diversity, and human history using on-the-ground visits, maps, data, historical photos, and more.
Ice Age history in an Ozark cave
This playlist explores the geologic history recorded in Arkansas' Fitton Cave. A fascinating 2025 study used various techniques to date sediments and speleothems within the cave, then used these dates to suggest correlations with broader climate and erosional patterns during the Ice Age. Part 1 establishes the setting, and Part 2 explores the study itself. A planned Part 3 will involve our own interpretations and ideas about some broader implications of the study.
Geology of the Ozarks
This ongoing series tells the complex and fascinating geologic story of the Ozark region, from PreCambrian volcanic calderas through Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, and eventually all the way to the development of modern karst and landscapes.
Geology and Ozark history
Videos in this playlist explore connections between Ozark geology and its human history. How did mineral resources shape the region’s landscape and economy? Why were mills built in certain places, and where did their millstones come from? Why is there a notable railroad tunnel along the Missouri River?
Exploring the Ozark landscape
These videos explore the Ozark landscape using various techniques, including lidar-derived hillshade maps, to highlight interesting natural and human-derived landscape features. Sinkhole plains obscured by vegetation in air photos suddenly stand out when viewed with lidar. Abandoned rail lines and other human traces reappear. Strange and fascinating stream patterns challenge the normal rules of how landscapes work. And sometimes the data themselves are wrong!
Geology and ecology
The Ozarks’ geologic setting has a significant influence on regional ecology. Glade ecosystems and other plant communities vary depending on their underlying bedrock type. Geologic structures like faults and joints can alter vegetation patterns. And plants can even influence geology in turn, such as mosses that encourage sediment and mineral deposition. Come explore the geologic backstory to Ozark ecology!
Tutorials for online resources
There are many fantastic online resources out there for accessing geologic data and mapping. These videos provide introductory tutorials for how to use these sites:
USGS National Geologic Map Database - digitized modern and historic geologic maps
USGS National Map - seamless digital map coverage of the US, including lidar
Missouri Geology Survey GeoSTRAT - public platform providing a wide variety of map-based geologic data including well logs, sinkhole/spring locations, water resources, dye traces, mapping layers, mining history, and much more!