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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1993

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Geography

First Advisor

Edward Patrick Hogan

Abstract

This study comprises the areal geology, and geography of a unique area that extends over a distance of 250 miles of glaciated terrain, from southwestern Minnesota to central South Dakota. It is limited exclusively to surface interpretations concerned with the Sioux Quartzite ridge. This report is not written for the geologist but rather the geographer and other reader who want to understand the quarrying industry of the Sioux Quartzite, over time. The author highlights the main physical features, and main events to illustrate, how simple field evidence, can be seen, interpreted, and understood by almost anyone. Ideally, this approach will provide the reader with a better understanding of the Sioux Quartzite. The primary reason for investigating this subject is to provide a general data base for future studies of the Sioux Quartzite. The uncertainty of the ages of the quartzite quarries, has excited the interest of the writer to attempt an elucidation of this difficult matter. The purpose of this study is to describe and explain the Sioux Quartzite quarries as accurately as the evidence will allow from the author's personal experience and field observations. Primary information sources include many of the people currently working in the quarrying industry, whom the author interviewed during work in the field. This study was done in the hope that it will be of value to readers or researchers who are interested in the Sioux Quartzite stone industry.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Quarries and quarrying -- Minnesota
Quarries and quarrying -- South Dakota
Sioux Quartzite -- Geography

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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