Canada’s Ancient Amazon River and Its Rocky Mountain Headwaters

Date: Wednesday, December 11
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: $7 for MNHC members, $10 for non-members

Geologic evidence shows that before the ice age, a river the size of the Amazon once flowed from the Montana Rockies north to the Canadian Arctic. Continental glaciers overrode and destroyed the river in Canada, and diverted its Montana headwaters to the Mississippi. The great river’s delta survived the ice age in the Labrador sea ice, with tell-tale sediments eroded from its lost headwaters. At its greatest extent, about 18 million years ago, the river reached south to the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, but its headwaters were cut off piecemeal by tectonics, volcanism, and glaciation. This lecture, given by geologist Jim Sears, traces the Amazon’s twin from its origins to its destruction.

About the Instructor: Dr. James W. Sears received his PhD from Queen’s University, Canada, in 1979, and has taught at the University of Montana since 1982. He researches the structure and tectonics of the Rocky Mountain region. Jim has authored dozens of publications and geologic maps.

Ticket includes drinks – beer, fizzy water, and hot cocoa will be available.

What’s the refund policy?

The course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Nope! We will have a list of all the attendees.