Proceedings of Conference on Status of Geologic Research and Mapping in Death Valley National Park

Slate, Janet

Welcome to this conference on the "Status of Geo- logic Research and Mapping in Death Valley National Park." We organized this conference in an effort to foster communication and increase awareness among parties con- ducting geologic research in and around the park. Addi- tionally, we hope to assess the status of geologic mapping efforts within the park boundaries in an effort to provide a framework for future discussions regarding the impact and merits of the development of a park-wide geologic map. The topics presented at this meeting reflect the breadth of recent and ongoing geologic research in and near Death Valley National Park. Sessions include (1) regional structure, tectonics, and bedrock geology; (2) Neogene basin stratigraphy, geophysics, and hydrology; (3) posters on mapping in the Death Valley region and top- ical ones on Death Valley National Park; (4) imagery, Quaternary stratigraphy and geomorphology, and Quater- nary geochronology; and (5) paleoclimate and active tec- tonics. On a one-day field trip to Death Valley, we will visit areas of "type locality" status as well as areas of new research. The meeting has three goals: Compile up-to-date information on the status of geologic research and mapping in Death Valley National Park and surrounding areas. We hope you agree that this volume and the accompanying diskette, which contains citations of geologic references for the area, meet this goal. Establish a network of active researchers to create synergy for cooperative research endeavors. Geologic complexities observed in the Death Valley region require interdisciplinary approaches. Present recent and current research results in an informal setting, thus encouraging dialogue. Much of the meeting time will be dedicated to poster sessions and field trip discussions. The academic, government, and private-sector earth scientists assembled at this conference are a veritable Who's Who of geologists who have worked in Death Valley National Park, many over several decades. We look forward to your input and participation, and we hope you renew or make acquaintances that further your research and understanding of Death Valley geology. We would like to acknowledge those agencies and indi- viduals who have helped to make this conference a success. The support of the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, Department of Energy, and Death Valley Natural History Association made this conference possible. We appreciate the services of Lorna M. Carter and Gayle M. Dumonceaux, of the USGS-Geologic Division, Central Region, Publications Group. Lee-Ann Bradley and Christopher M. Menges, both USGS, provided logistical support. Angela S. Jayko, Melanie Moreno, and Bonnie Murchey-Setnicker, all USGS, developed the conference web site.

Proceedings of Conference on Status of Geologic Research and Mapping in Death Valley National Park

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