Geologic Mapping of the Lower Colorado River System
Colorado River Delta, Lake Havasu
Varnished River Gravel
Sediment in the Colorado River
The Bouse Formation
Chemehuevi Valley, CA
This project is a comprehensive scientific investigation into the stratigraphic, structural, and geomorphic framework of the Grand Canyon and the lower Colorado River corridor. We are using multiscale surficial and bedrock geologic mapping in combination with stratigraphic, geochronologic, and geophysical studies to develop a stronger understanding of the of the river, its iconic landscapes, and types and extents of its natural resources. The mapping and associated research efforts provide important insights into fundamental river behavior, landscape evolution, natural hazards, groundwater resources, and earth material resources.
This project is supported by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.
Science Issue and Relevance:
The lower Colorado River study area includes one of the world’s most iconic landscapes (Grand Canyon) and embodies a water resource that is essential to the water and electric power requirements of more than 40 Million people in the southwestern United States.
- There is wide-reaching cultural relevance in simply explaining the Grand Canyon, and we can’t begin to do that without understanding how the lower river corridor evolved.
- Regional crustal extension and associated sedimentary deposits created the characteristics of modern-day aquifers
- Detailed geologic mapping investigations build knowledge and provide deep insights into geologic processes and related natural hazards endemic to the lower Colorado River.
- Maps of the lower Colorado River will be integrated into National geologic map datasets.
Methodology to Address Issue:
Geologic mapping is the foundational method employed in this project. Mapping is a means of documenting, synthesizing and portraying scientific observations and interpretations of geologic deposits that record important episodes and timing of geologic activity. Our project is based primarily on surficial geologic mapping and regional-scale geologic maps but, will also conduct bedrock mapping and related structural studies. Our workflow involves characterizing and portraying a complex stratigraphic record at intermediate scale (e.g., 1:100,000). This process includes new geologic mapping in addition to compilation and refinement of existing maps, using a common stratigraphic nomenclature. These efforts are rely on modern GIS technology.
Geochronologic studies will focus on the ages of key Colorado River strata and underlying bedrock units and geologic structures that have influenced the river’s evolution. Structural and stratigraphic analysis of the geologic framework of the basins that hold voluminous water resources will be critically important in coming years and decades.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Luminescence Dating Laboratory
Argon Geochronology Laboratory
Denver Radiogenic Isotope Lab
Western Basin & Range - Eastern California Shear Zone
USGS Tephrochronology (Tephra) Project
This project is a comprehensive scientific investigation into the stratigraphic, structural, and geomorphic framework of the Grand Canyon and the lower Colorado River corridor. We are using multiscale surficial and bedrock geologic mapping in combination with stratigraphic, geochronologic, and geophysical studies to develop a stronger understanding of the of the river, its iconic landscapes, and types and extents of its natural resources. The mapping and associated research efforts provide important insights into fundamental river behavior, landscape evolution, natural hazards, groundwater resources, and earth material resources.
This project is supported by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.
Science Issue and Relevance:
The lower Colorado River study area includes one of the world’s most iconic landscapes (Grand Canyon) and embodies a water resource that is essential to the water and electric power requirements of more than 40 Million people in the southwestern United States.
- There is wide-reaching cultural relevance in simply explaining the Grand Canyon, and we can’t begin to do that without understanding how the lower river corridor evolved.
- Regional crustal extension and associated sedimentary deposits created the characteristics of modern-day aquifers
- Detailed geologic mapping investigations build knowledge and provide deep insights into geologic processes and related natural hazards endemic to the lower Colorado River.
- Maps of the lower Colorado River will be integrated into National geologic map datasets.
Methodology to Address Issue:
Geologic mapping is the foundational method employed in this project. Mapping is a means of documenting, synthesizing and portraying scientific observations and interpretations of geologic deposits that record important episodes and timing of geologic activity. Our project is based primarily on surficial geologic mapping and regional-scale geologic maps but, will also conduct bedrock mapping and related structural studies. Our workflow involves characterizing and portraying a complex stratigraphic record at intermediate scale (e.g., 1:100,000). This process includes new geologic mapping in addition to compilation and refinement of existing maps, using a common stratigraphic nomenclature. These efforts are rely on modern GIS technology.
Geochronologic studies will focus on the ages of key Colorado River strata and underlying bedrock units and geologic structures that have influenced the river’s evolution. Structural and stratigraphic analysis of the geologic framework of the basins that hold voluminous water resources will be critically important in coming years and decades.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.