Geologic Resources Inventory
Overview
Geology's role in earth systems includes not only bedrock and surficial features but active earth processes as well. This powerful component of all ecosystems is often overlooked in natural resource management and interpretation. However, there is a growing awareness that better understanding of earth science is critical to successful park management.
The NPS recognizes that a thorough evaluation of the geologic resources within National Parks is needed for comprehensive management, interpretation, and understanding of park resources.
This site reviews the process, products, and status of the Geologic Resources Inventory Program. Examples of the programs applications for natural resource management are also included.
Process
Scoping Meetings
Scoping meetings are held in parks to inventory and review available data on park geology and discuss geologic issues. These meetings usually consist of one day in the field with USGS, state, local or academic experts to showcase park geologic resources and one day of round table discussions. Discussions center around the availability and quality of existing geologic information, park specific geologic management issues, and interpretive and research needs.
Products
Digital Geologic Maps
Digital geologic map data bring an exciting interactive dimension to traditional paper maps by providing geologic data for use in park Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These data facilitate the incorporation of geologic considerations into a wide range of resource management applications. The purpose of the GRI digital geologic mapping effort is to:
- Identify existing geologic maps in the vicinity of parks by extent and scale;
- Initiate digitizing or conversion of selected maps to the GRI data model and/or seek new mapping projects to fill gaps;
- Produce geologic GIS data in ESRI Geodatabase and Shapefile formats; and
- Provide completed digital geologic maps to the parks and the public through the NPS Data Store
Geologic Reports
Park specific geologic reports identify geologic features and processes that are important to park ecosystems and management, the impact human activities have on geologic features and processes, geologic research and monitoring needs, and opportunities for education and interpretation. In addition geologic reports provide a brief geologic history of the park and address specific geologic formation properties thus providing a critical link between the geologic map and the resource manager.
Status (October, 2008)
Scoping meetings have been completed in 221 NPS units.
Complete digital geologic maps have been produced for 138 NPS units and numerous park mapping projects are in progress. The GRI is partnering with the USGS, State Surveys, and academic institutions to complete field mapping in another 46 parks. Final maps are available for download at: http://science.nature.nps.gov/nrdata/
Final geologic reports are available for 50 parks. View or download PDF versions of the final reports from the publications portion of this web page: http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/inventory/gre_publications
Park Uses of Geologic Information
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks –Document glacial response to climate change
- Buffalo National River –Explore groundwater and karst interaction
- Dinosaur National Monument –Identify threatened plant habitat
- Coronado National Memorial –Locate threatened animal habitat
- Yosemite National Park –Identify areas with rockfall potential
GRI Contacts
Bruce Heise
GRI Coordinator
NPS e-mail format: firstname_lastname@nps.gov
Tim Connors
Mapping Lead
NPS e-mail format: firstname_lastname@nps.gov
Melanie Ransmeier
Report Lead
NPS e-mail format: firstname_lastname@nps.gov