| USGS Navajo Nation Studies | ||
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USGS Navajo Nation Studies Map of Study Area Bedrock Mapping Surficial Mapping Land Surface Changes Vegetation Drought Conditions 1999-2005 Traditional Knowledge and the Native Perspective Project Participants Web Links Selected References Publications & Presentations |
Over 100 community-based governing bodies, the local Chapters on the 65,000 km2 Navajo Nation,
are in the process of developing land-use plans. This planning requires information on geologic
hazards, water availability, soils, plant habitats, topography, environmentally and culturally
sensitive areas. Limited, shallow water resources in the region are highly sensitive to
fluctuations in climate and over utilization. Water quality is often significantly affected by
the local geology or local system contamination. These findings underscore the need for more
accurate and detailed mapping of bedrock, surficial deposits, and geologic structures.
Soft bedrock lithologies dominate the region that is, therefore, highly sensitive to
fluctuations in precipitation intensity, percent vegetation cover, and local land use practices.
Geologic mapping is required in order to establish local conditions of landscape mobility
and stability, and their relation to local environmental conditions.
We will provide information for: -land use planning -Native plants and invasive species -Geologic controls on groundwater -Geologic hazards - sand and dust storms, flash floods, and earthquakes -Education - knowledge of Earth, ecosystem, and the role of native people -A Better understanding of ecosystem responses to land use and global warming See Maps of the 4 Corners Region including Navajo, Hopi, and other regional tribal lands. Maps include regional landscape features, water resources, climate, land use, and more! | |
U.S.
Department of the Interior - U.S.
Geological Survey - Geology
Discipline |
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