QCA Underfoot

Geologic Features and Sites in the Quad Cities Area

The purpose of this web page is to provide residents and visitors to the Quad Cities Area a look at some of the geologic features and sites in the cities and surrounding region. While not as diverse or spectacular as some regions of the country, there are still geologic locations of interest to the geologist, amateur rock hound, or nature enthusaist.

A Word of Warning

The sites described in this web page are for the most part viewable from public highways, or city and state property. In some cases the feature is located on private property. Access to these sites in particular requires prior permission from the owner. Visitors to city or state property are reminded to follow all rules and regulations while on that land. Collecting samples from the various locations is discouraged. It is illegal in some cases, and harmful in others. The best policy while visiting these site is the one endorsed by the National Park Service - "Take only pictures, leave only footprints." Enjoy these sites, but leave them in a state that others can enjoy as well.

Ben Butterworth Parkway, Moline

Features Summary: Silurian aged Racine fossiliferous dolostone; Mississippi River

Centennial Bridge, Rock Island/Davenport

Features Summary: Mississippi River

Southeast of Moline Airport, Moline

Features Summary: Glacial loess deposit

Blackhawk State Historical Site

Features Summary: Glacial loess deposit; Quarry operation; Pennsylvanian shale; Mass Wasting

Geologic Features and Sites outside of the Quad Cities Area

Makoketa caves

Caves

Pikes Peak State Park, IA

Confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin River

Thompson-Fulton Sand Praire

Sand Praire; Blowout Dunes

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi River; Bluffs; Sink Holes