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Welcome to the Pioneer Valley Landform Observatory

Overview

This virtual portion of the observatory is a platform intended to be used by observers both at the actual site on Mt. Pollux or later remotely when more time is available or detail and access to other resources is desired.

About

Presenting the remarkable geo-historical (tectonic and glacial) story of the Pioneer Valley and surrounding areas of Western Massachusetts. It is recommended that observers read this section while at the observatory site atop Mt. Pollux.

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Landforms

Information is provided on the major landforms viewed from the observatory when looking west, south, east and north (refer to the compass rose on the observatory sign).

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VR Photos

Illustrations of what major landforms observed today may have looked like in the ancient past. It is recommended that observers look at the photos at the observatory site in order to compare the images with the view today.

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Resources

Links are provided to websites, videos, documents, etc. which provide further relevant information on present and geo-historic Pioneer Valley landforms.

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Field Trips

Providing interested parties with information and directions to locations in and around the Pioneer Valley to visit, observe and learn more about topics mentioned in this observatory platform.

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The Pioneer Valley Landform Observatory was created and is administered by a partnership among various institutions and organizations including the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Department of Earth, Geography and Climates Sciences, the Office of the Massachusetts State Geologist, Amherst College Beneski Museum of Natural History, Town of Amherst and Friends of Mt. Pollux.