Nick Fischietto ’07

Provenance of deformed conglomerate in the McHugh Complex mélange Anchorage quadrangle, Alaska

The goal of this project is to determine the origins of the diverse clasts within the conglomerate member of the Mesozoic McHugh complex. By determining the origin of these clasts, we will then be able to gain a better understanding of the location and nature of the sedimentary environment in which this unit was deposited. Data suggests that the source of the clasts is the Triassic-Jurassic Peninsular terrane, located on the north side of the Border Ranges fault. Funding for this project was provided by the Class of ’39 fund and the Professor Louis Jefferson Long Student-Faculty Research Fund of Allegheny College.

Performing field work in Alaska was one of the most incredible learning opportunities I have ever experienced. The vast landscape of Alaska contains an incredible number of geologic stories that have yet to be explored and studied. The incredible diversity of Alaskan geology along with the incredible exposures makes it truly one of the best geological classrooms that I could possibly imagine.