Geologist J Harlen Bretz's Flood Theory Finally Vindicated in 1979
In the 1920s, geologist J. Harlen Bretz revolutionized the understanding of the Channeled Scablands in eastern Washington by proposing that they resulted from massive floods. His insightful fieldwork began in 1922 and culminated in published findings in 1923, where he described an overwhelming disaster that reshaped the Columbia Plateau. Initially met with significant skepticism, his ideas gained traction in the 1940s. By the 1970s, satellite imagery confirmed his theories regarding the catastrophic flooding linked to the failure of Glacial Lake Missoula’s ice dam, which released approximately 500 cubic miles of water. Bretz received the Penrose Medal in 1979 at age 96.
Key facts
- J Harlen Bretz was a geologist who proposed the flood theory in the 1920s.
- The Channeled Scablands in eastern Washington State feature dry canyons, basalt, and ancient waterfall cliffs.
- Bretz began exploring the area on foot in 1922 and continued for seven years.
- He published his theory in 1923, describing a 'debacle which swept the Columbia Plateau.'
- Critics rejected his theory, with one calling it an 'outrageous hypothesis.'
- In the 1940s, other geologists began presenting evidence supporting Bretz.
- Glacial Lake Missoula in Montana burst its ice dam, releasing about 500 cubic miles of water.
- NASA satellite imagery in 1974 confirmed the prehistoric flooding.
- In 1979, Bretz received the Penrose Medal from the Geological Society of America.
- Bretz was 96 years old when he received the Penrose Medal.
Entities
Artists
- J Harlen Bretz
Institutions
- Geological Society of America
- NASA
Locations
- Washington State
- Montana
- Channeled Scablands
- Columbia Plateau
- Glacial Lake Missoula