What Happened to the Spokane Ice Sheet?

Nick Zentner | April 4, 2024
2024 Downtown Geology Lecture Series. Lecture 1 of 3. Recorded at Morgan Auditorium in Ellensburg, Washington, USA.
• Ice Age Floods A to Z ...
www.nickzentner.com/
0:00 Chalkboards
30:22 Slides

[@angelacret]

"I am just a teacher". To your worldwide audience, you are a lot more than that. You are the accomplished storyteller of times long gone, as seen through the window of the science of geology. Thank you for taking me to see the beauty of your state.

[@GregInEastTennessee]

Very well put.

[@jodiuhron1979]

Well said!

[@mpetersen6]

I for one am glad Nick is modest. IMO Nick is one of the true KZbin superstars. And unlike most so called superstars he has never let his fame destroy his modesty. I think someone in the near future should nominate Nick for the Penrose Prize for his work not in field geology. But for his work in bringing a further understanding of geology to the public.

[@leightodd7335]

Perfect response Angela!

[@angelacret]

@@leightodd7335 Thank you.

[@kczcb4697]

Nick has now hit the big time with not two but four chalkboards. Thanks for your time and dedication Nick. Was almost disappointed that John Stockton’s house wasn’t mentioned, thankfully was patient.

[@HappyFunNorm]

You KNOW he's loved when a college will buy you TWO more chalkboards!!

[@AnnoyedBowtieCat-jj9mb]

⁰⁰😅the p8i⁰⁰😊⁰p⁰⁰😊has ⁰0⁰p900⁸⁷

[@charlesward8196]

@@HappyFunNormI am guessing that the college did NOT buy the extra chalk boards for Prof. Nick. If I remember correctly the first two were dug out of dusty storerooms and headed for a landfill when they got pipelined to Nick. These classroom aids have probably not been manufactured since Richard M. Nixon was erasing tapes in the Oval Office. There might be more people from the ZENTNERD community on the lookout for vintage ash or oak framed “green” chalk boards from the 1970’s to donate to the cause.

[@markholm7050]

Four chalkboards on stage! Even before Nick says a word, you know it’s going to be a great lecture!

[@poilboiler]

Blowing the budget. :D

[@Reziac]

This explains the worldwide chalkboard shortage ;)

[@CarlFrankBJJ]

Honey, come quick! Nick just dropped a new lecture.

[@lorrainewaters6189]

You are hilarious, Carl! If I had a honey living with me, I would have said the same thing.🤩

[@charlesward8196]

I made a batch of popcorn and sat down after lunch to watch this one. This was the format that go me hooked on Nick’s lectures.

[@jameskilpatrick7790]

Seeing 26 explorative episodes, 2-3 hours each, get condensed and refined into three 1 hour lectures is exciting. I've already internalized most of what will be presented, but the genius here is in the presentation itself. A master storyteller is a pleasure even, and sometimes especially, when the story is an old friend. Thank you Nick!

[@Valkyrie801]

I stopped watching television in 2013. One turned to educational posts on youtube. Around 2016, One found "Nick, On The Rocks. Then one found lectures about Washington State geology by Nick Zentner. Then? 2019 rolled around and someone was keeping me safe from the raging epidemic with their "Cozy Fort", and I met Biju. Now? I have an education about the local geology, and had met all sorts of interesting and erudite individuals. Thank You, Nick Zentner, for being phenomenal! 🙂

[@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd]

Ya I have a similar story. Learning new stuff when you are old is way more fun than TV. Thanks Nick

[@richb2229]

I miss this format. Not that I don’t like the home or field formats, but this is what got me watching Nick in the first place.

[@mettenna2635]

I wasn't able to be there in person, but this first lecture is an absolute celebration of all that was wonderful about being there live for all 26 episodes of the A to Z series. You managed to hit every high point of the geology, the history and the amazing energy of viewer participation. To all those looking for a welcoming community for learning about our world through geology, consider yourself invited!

[@farmermark2067]

Bravo Nick! An excellent presentation. One of, if not your best I think, You deserve accolades for what you have done with this subject. The dominant paradigm will be rewritten because of your dedication to this work. We are blessed to have you as our teacher. Shed a few tears with this one, not sure why...

[@daytonlights-peterwine468]

Nick, you are more than a teacher. Much more. You're an inspiration to new generations that there are still new discoveries to be made, even using 100 year old notes. You're also a bridge between "the olden days" which you (and I) find fascinating, and current day science. Thank you.

[@BryanJohnson-mn9ed]

Thank you for a free college education! I love sitting in on your lectures. I've always had a fascination for geology. I'm a rock climber and I always have questions, you help me answer them! Thank you!

[@shaycraigo7187]

This was such a treat to see live! Thanks again Nick, you made my son’s night. He was star-struck!

[@chesterfieldthe3rd929]

26,000 great people wanting to learn from a GREAT teacher. Geology taught from Nick is amazing and keeps you wanting more. ❤

[@sheilatruax6172]

Oh, my Lord, the chalkboards are breeding! Hi, Professor!Outside the Pacific Northwest here!

[@GregInEastTennessee]

I was just wondering when these would show up. Great minds think alike! 😉 Be well. 😀

[@pathorgan8643]

What a blessing to be able to gain the benefit of a passionate teacher! Thank you Ned!

[@isaacislaughter]

Lol, another zinger from Ned!

[@jeandorsey7991]

Boy, Nick I feel like I'm at a concert. Well done, love it. ❤ 😉

[@cohomologygroup]

Wooo, another Downtown Geology! These are my favorite, when all the work from the A-to-Z series culminates in a polished public lecture.

[@dianespears6057]

Nick just gets better and better in his topics and energy for his work. Thank you, Professor.

[@catibree1]

You never disappoint me Nick. Again another spectacular presentation. I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you.

[@raenbow66]

Just wonderful! (Great getting the responses included; that was important) I'm so impressed by your lecture skills Nick. Just a joy to listen and learn. ❤

[@LoreTunderin]

Now I can't wait for the Spokane Flood lecture!

[@trentgay3437]

Yay new nick lecture

[@sketchybuilder]

This was 'classic' Zentner. It is also the format that hooked me many years ago and has me 'hooked' once again. All I can say is......MORE please.

[@InterestedAmerican]

Since the time during the A-Z series when you said you'd be doing the community lectures, I have been anticipating them. Thank you. I thoroughly enjoy watching and learning about the forces that shaped our lanscape to become what it is today.

[@sharonseal9150]

Was great to watch this lecture live and even better to have it available to watch over and over again! Thank you for the passion and energy you put into your lectures, and your youtube channel. You make the subject not only accessible but inspire us all to learn more and more. I can just imagine the countless young people you have inspired over the years to pursue geology as a career option.

[@danlowe8684]

Nick, I love your work and thank you. As a MN boy, I thought I had heard all of the MN/WI jabs - but the license plate one is new and hilarious!!!

[@patrickmcavinney1526]

Hooray!!

[@pamhawkins4698]

Thank you Nick!

[@nancylindroth6336]

Oh how I have missed A-Z. Love how you wove the story together. Thanks again to all the folks that found stuff. What an incredible effort by all. Looking forward to session #2.

[@pasulliv1]

Wow. Great lecture!

[@dwightmansburden7722]

Nick, I have never been anywhere near that part of the country, and am unlikely to ever do so. Thank you for showing it to me. Your lectures have led me to start studying the geology of my home state of Kansas, and it’s fascinating. Thank you!

[@TheHillbillyEngineer]

For an old guy that has lived out here by Coulee Creek and Deep Creek, this is starting to make a lot of sense to me about why my 10 acres of clay/basalt is so strange compared to the Spokane area that I grew up in. Keep on Rockin Nick! :)

[@jaymerjaymer]

The only bad thing about catching a video in the first couple hours is that I’m ready for part two and three and now I have to wait. 😮 Nick, I don’t mind one bit the personal touch and the old photos . It adds a lot to the overall story, so it’s not just numbers and data. I remember watching a KZbin video about the Seattle regrade and had no idea they were washing away geologic history. Cheers

[@leightodd7335]

Man did I enjoy coming to the conference. Thanks Nick, helpers, Ellensburg business owners and employees, teachers at Central, my fellow Zent Nerds at the Icon Inn, and the 700 are so wonderful people that traveled from near and far! Oh and thanks to the Middle School in Ellensburg for allowing us the use of your beautiful auditorium.

[@raymarshall6721]

You sor are an absolute legend. Stumbled across many of these lectures a while back. Figured you moved on and didn't do them anymore yet here is your own channel. Thank you so much for these, I swear these videos of your teachings are the only things on here that catch and keep my attention

[@cyc7lops]

Nick, when you've exhausted WA, there's the rest of the states, and then the world. Hoping for more lectures for many years to come!

[@MellnikMary]

Thanks as usual. Loved it.

[@bkfishing5650]

These lectures are on my inner youtube rotation.

[@ksea9146]

Just as impactful the second time around! It feels almost like a dream that I was able to watch it live. Great job, Nick, and great job to all contributing Zentnerds!

[@davidfox-bc1qm]

AWESOME! all the a to z connections laid out in one night. Well done Nick, your delivery was a 10 out of 10 and the content made it all come together for me personally.

[@charleswelch249]

I love it when you use the chalkboard in your teaching. For me growing up in the 70-80s that is what I'm used to lol. The way you teach makes me wish I could be part of your class and learn from someone who doesn't stop learning. At least you want to keep digging until you find the truth. Keep up the great work please.

[@cyc7lops]

Nick is BACK...YAY!🙏

[@auntiejen5376]

Nick Zentner is one of those rare people who make learning fun!! I'm watching the second part right now!

[@lovetoyoutube5412]

Just started watching, I'm glad you're covering this. In A to Z you touched on the Spokane ice sheet melt water creating the Scablands. I remember a drawing/map, the second I saw that my mind echoed....of course. Can't wait to finish this lecture. ❤

[@dannymccarty6680]

Pretty good Nick. The usual excellence. (WOW!) 🆒

[@Steviepinhead]

Fantastic energy and density of information, Professor!

[@TrainLordJC]

Nick Zentner the awesome teacher geologist who has the respect of so many people who are eager to take in all this wonderful knowledge and further understand the geologic processes of this absolutely awesome planet. And having watched all your videos for several years now I ask myself if there are not only other excellent teacher geologists out there using KZbin as a platform to discuss the geology of Europe and particularly of Siberia in relation to the formation of the Siberian Traps and how the advances and retreats of glaciation affected Europe and Russia. It seems that there are so many educated Americans who are able to describe the absolutely wonderful and spectacular geology of North America (which I appreciate greatly, I note here Shawn Willsey and Myron Cook) but as someone who has had the privilege of having travelled extensively around the world in the 70's and 80's and seen so much diverse and interesting scenery I thirst for more. As a retired 73 year old I thank you for your tremendous effort.

[@philodendron6]

As usual, perfect.

[@lb8848]

Thank you, Nick. The excitement of discovery drives everything you do. And you are bringing all of us together for the ride. Harley would be so proud of you.

[@bearowen5480]

Another brilliant lecture, Nick! It was a tour de force synopsis of the early Bretz story from "Glacial Floods From A To Z". If some viewers of tonight's presentation have not watched "A to Z", they owe it to themselves to do so immediately! Your work on Bretz, the Channeled Scablands, the Palouse of my own birth and childhood, the Spokane Glaciation, the Floods, and the fascinating human interest back story is riveting. Who would have ever thought that a huge audience of non-geologists would find the story of North American glacial history so incredibly exciting? The indispensible secret sauce is the infectious enthusiasm of a truly world class teacher! Your boundless curiosity, energy, earthy humanity, and joy of teaching is what enthralls your worldwide audience. Bless you, man, you're the best! I can't wait for tomorrow's lecture. Better than "Sunday Night Football"! 🐻🇺🇲

[@frankbarnwell____]

The question of this day.

[@mbvoelker8448]

It's great to have these summaries of the massive info-flood that left me bewildered last winter.

[@sallys1570]

Captivating! Living in and traveling around Eastern WA has gotten me more interested in our geology. I love our landscape. Thanks for the education, Nick!

[@briankepner7569]

Thank you professor. Everything you put out is interesting and informative and making me understand my world just that little bit better.

[@wendygerrish4964]

Caulky Board I love you.

[@mrmcphilsconfidential8562]

The biggest open-door of science I've seen. Every lecture and presentation has taught me too much to not love every moment.

[@londonliz]

Excellent talk by Nick. Brought it all together for a new audience to connect. I think some of this story has relevance on my side of the pond.

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Really enjoyed this lecture as a summary of the wonderful series you gave us last winter! Your work is amazing professor! Thank you for all you do for us and for sharing your passion for geology!

[@bryancurry1898]

This is Nick at his best. I discovered his lecture on flood basalts a number of years ago, and thought that he is the best lecturer I have ever seen. He is at his best with a roomful of enthusiastic community members in a packed hall. Great work condensing a year of thought, research and KZbin session into this presentation! Thank you, Nick. I look forward to what is to come.

[@kimklinzman2919]

This is thrilling! Thank you for being a fabulous educator! 👏👏💙💙💙👌👌

[@LeahC208]

You are really doing something here Nick. I am so happy I get to be here for it in real time. I have tried to watch other geology on KZbin....tried being the main word. The way you explain and engage is special.

[@tlnguyen9098]

I really like how you present all the lectures to educate people like me who did not fulfill the education when we were young. Thanks very much for your time to do these!

[@pmgn8444]

Thanks Nick! Excellent summary of Spokane Ice Sheet part of the Bretz story. Looking forward to the others.

[@hiker1658]

What a great presentation! A worthy summary of an amazing series this winter. Bravo! 🎉

[@JamesRussell1969]

An amazing lecture. Its fascinating how our understanding of how the earth has evolved. I qish i had been able to have been there in person. Maybe one day. Great work.

[@frankbarnwell____]

He's jumping the continental divide, when it was a speed bump? Nice!

[@cyndikarp3368]

Great presentation. You are a very good teacher and ask good questions. Wish I could have been there to meet everybody.

[@scottowens1535]

👍 Thanks Nick I was having major withdrawals and this is just what the doctor ordered. I'm so glad you are asking these questions and it seems that you have come to some conclusions which in watching the series I like the thought of multiple events....mostly because that's the way it works....not a one and done world. Anything that is happening likely has happened and will likely happen again. To consider a Spokane ice lobe is well within reason and I'm with you..I'll Believe Bretz. Super thanks to everyone who helped bring the notes and photos!! That's awesome and very well done! Not to forget all your guests who's specialities brought diverse pieces of evidence and perspectives into a discussion about a evolving idea.. So great to watch real time and go through the process with you...truly addictive... Peace to you All

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Thank you

[@Vickie-Bligh]

I wanted to be there for this so very much but was on my way to Mexico that day to see the eclipse. Looking forward to the next 2 lectures.

[@syfrettsj]

At dinner tonight, after I had watched maybe the first 10 minutes of this new video, I told my wife about the 3-lecture series Nick had done April 4, 5 ,& 6, and that the first lecture had just been posted on-line. I didn't need to say anything else. She knew exactly what I'd be doing for the next hour or so after dinner! Great lecture, Nick! Maybe one year we'll make it out to Washington from SW Georgia! Meanwhile, thanks to everyone who participated in the community research that made the A-to-Z series so interesting, informative, and inspirational all of us, as well as to those currently-practicing geologists who will be carrying the torch that J Harlan Bretz lighted 100 years ago!

[@richardbatistelli7280]

After listening to the great informative and entertaining presentations of Prof. Nick and his brother professor in Idaho, I have this insatiable appetite to move from SoCal, a former paradise, but now sewer. My plan to move to Idaho within two years, if the locals do not close the border to farther California refugees. So please, Professors, continue with your outreach to us wannabes to your wonderful classes. Richard from SoCal, PS, I wish there was a Red Cross Chapter in could assist in Idaho.

[@BrienWood7.3]

Golden!!! Well done sir!

[@lorriecheshire6471]

Geology buddies are the best friends to hang with! Thank you OR peeps! 💕

[@yukigatlin9358]

Amazing, Nick did amazing job setting the stage, hooking us in thinking about multiple glaciations and the Ice Age Floods, showcasing J Harlen Bretz's life, and showcasing how our community got together for the deeper historical understanding of the Ice Age geologists' works!!✨ 1 hour lecture, just amazing, thank you nick!!😃💗

[@sunbird7349]

NIck.. Your infectious enthusiasm and gifted ability to tell a very good story about your journeys into ice ages of long long ago, have not only opened my eyes to just what can be done with the time we are given on this good Earth. Because of you my days in these Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa are becoming filled with new adventures into our own geological history, I look up,,, and I stoop to look closely into these ancient landscapes, filled with questions I recently did not know how to ask.. Thank you Prof.. There is adventure ahead! Keep up the good work. Kind regards Keith Fey.

[@danlowe8684]

Nick, I am from MN but only an hour from Bayfield, WI. I just learned about their devastating 1942, '46, '51 and '53 floods on their historical page. Crazy!!!

[@geoffreynewton5839]

Nick I almost didn’t watch this because I thought it would be a revisit of the Ice Age flood stories from last winter (summer here in Australia) and it was. But it was so much more! It was an unfettered display of passion, admiration and diligence on your behalf and delivered in an unfaltering manner so that even without the Geology, it was worth watching.

[@davidwood351]

Back to the board(s)! I love it.

[@gloryliberty]

My family has farmland in the Scablands just outside Harrington, and although the Channeled Scablands are something I’ve been interested in for years, it was amazing to see Bretz’ maps of the channels and be able to overlay it with the land features I recognize when I’ve been down there to visit. Thanks for these lectures, Nick! They’re greatly appreciated!

[@johnplong3644]

You know I have been around long enough to remember North Woods3D Making a pice with her 3D printer to help fix the black chalkboard way back when Nick was doin live streams from his backI yard.The first time I viewed Nick was one of his Downtown lectures It was the one about Mount Rainier’s Mud flows.I am glad I stumbled into this community of people . This is a special group of people we have here

[@georgegrader9038]

Traveling between Moscow, Seattle, Spokane and Missoula forever, this weight has been grinding on me for years!

[@KSparks80]

I've been waiting for these. Thanks, Nick!

[@OVTraveller]

Comment written 15 minutes into the lecture: It would be interesting to know if Vic Baker has identified various ice advances from 150,000 years ago to 20,000 Y A. in his study of international ice sheets

[@jamesdriscoll_tmp1515]

Thanks for reworking the audio. I can feel some of the vibe from the audiance during your talk. I'm happy you could recover it. Also, great roll up of the JHB saga and the teamwork that revealed it. Thank you for taking the time and effort to put this together. I can't wait to see what you do next!

[@rmsnwbrdr]

I love how "Google Earth by Glenn" is using Geology texts as a monitor stand. 😆🤣

[@charlesward8196]

This was a GREAT presentation! Well organized, illustrated, and delivered with enthusiasm and clarity. Nick was talking about JHB’s days in the field and at 1:09:31 showed a map with the square studied area 600 miles on a side, and called it “600 square miles.” If you do the math 600 miles SQUARED is 360,000 square miles, which is a phenomenal area to cover by rail and on foot. Easy to make a slip like that when you are talking, thinking on your feet, after talking non-stop for over 1-hour.

[@shlby69m]

I saw that too. To think he also had to go up mts, in NW weather & plan the next train or livery stop.

[@pjbth]

Yes back to the classic three green chalkboards!

[@causeitsthere]

Great lecture! With the chalk board showing the ice further almost touching Kentucky, could the possibility of the Great Year have something to do with the angle of the earth, the wobble earth makes back and forth every 26k years while circulating in our viewing platform. Thanks Mr. Zentner.

[@barrym4079]

Captivating lecture Nick. Im looking forward to the remaining lectures. It's like a summary of last winters Bretz series. Your ability to connect all the major geologists, as well as engage the public to spend hundreds of hours contributing data and photos is priceless. Well done. This story is far from over.

[@DeebeeNonya]

Another great lecture that presented a lot of information that made me think! I can hardly wait for the next one!

[@brianlaschkewitsch2855]

Simply outstanding

[@lorrainewaters6189]

Oh Boy! The lecture at last!

[@sidbemus4625]

Outstanding Sir. Some academics may continue to ignore or criticize JHB's analysis and conclusions.... so be it. JHB's legacy is a Giant Horse Trough full of rocks; each rock is a valid question that requires attention.

[@stephen627]

Fantastic presentation by Nick. Having followed the 2023-24 A-Z series this was an excellent review. A toast to you professor and to those who lent you a hand.

[@craighoover1495]

Thank you for putting this up here for us.

[@georgerisberg8830]

Beyond inspiring, Nick! Thank you.

[@jayolson578]

It is always great to see a new video. Awesome lecture as always.

[@rowankrencik]

As a former resident of Spokane county, this video is cool

[@JohnnnyPete]

The simplest and most sincere comment I can make is: Thank You.