Glacial Geology

Glacial geology is important in Illinois' most recent geologic past, the Quaternary Period (also called the Ice Age), during which continental glaciers repeatedly plowed across the state eroding and redistributing material and creating new landforms. Today, Illinois is experiencing an interglacial episode, a relatively quiescent and warm interval of the Quaternary Period that allows the soil to form and crops to grow. Quaternary geology encompasses both the cold and warm intervals and the glacial and nonglacial processes of the past 2 million years.

Why we study glacial and Quaternary geology
Evidence for glaciation
Glacial sedimentary environments and deposits
Classification of Quaternary time and deposits
Maximum extent of glacier ice in North America
End moraines
Erratic rocks
Shilts' geological images
Ice Age residents

Maps

Quaternary Geology Section
Quaternary Geology Section staff

Current projects
Highlights archive