Saylorville Lake

Located just north of Des Moines, this senic area contains coal, limestone, sandstone, clay, and shale. These deopsits contain a record of Iowa's landscapes during the Pennsylvanian Epoch (310 million years ago)!

Want to learn more check out the Geologic Society of Iowa Guidebook #84

Ray Anderson introducing the Spring 2009 Geologic Society of Iowa Field Trip at Saylorville Lake This area of the gorge is restricted and permission to enter is mandatory!

Tom Marshall (IGWS) discussing the spillway's general stratigraphy (rock layers) and noting the mud cracks on a limestone suface.

Tom Marshall talking about Liesegang banding

Tom Marshall speaking about Pennslyvanian Lepidodendron and coal