THE JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY
November-December 1923
THE CHANNELED SCABLANDS OF THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU
J HARLEN BRETZ
University of Chicago
OUTLINE
Definition of "Scabland"
Physiographic Relations of the Channeled Scablands
Generalized Statement of the Origin of the Channeled Scablands
The Basalt Plain, North of the Scablands and the Mature Topography
The Mature Topography
Details of a Scabland Surface
Altitudes and Gradients of the Scabland Tracts
Depth of Glacial Stream Erosion in the Scablands
Criteria
Instances
Volume of the Glacial Streams
Deposits Made by the Glacial Streams
Depths of Snake and Columbia Valleys during the Epoch
The Glaciation
DEFINITION OF "SCABLAND"
The terms "scabland" and "scabrock" are used in the Pacific Northwest to describe areas where denudation has removed or prevented the accumulation of a mantle of soil, and the underlying rock is exposed or covered largely with its own coarse, angular debris.
The largest areas of scabland are on the Columbia Plateau in Wash-
