Student-Fund Research for Geologic Mapping
Geologic mapping of the protected Tecopa 7.5' quadrangle in California: A Pleistocene lake, a river and a canyon.
Dr. Daniel Larsen, professor in Earth Sciences, recently received an award from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for his project “Geologic mapping of the Tecopa 7.5' quadrangle, California: A Pleistocene lake, a river and a canyon.” This EDMAP award provides funding for a student to complete geologic mapping and research under a cooperative agreement contract. The present award follows a similar award in southeastern California in 2021 to complete mapping in an adjacent area. The award supports a graduate student and an undergraduate student assistant to complete geologic field work and assemble a geologic map using geographic information systems (GIS). A small amount of funding is also available for research. The faculty member usually applies some of their time to the project through a cost share. This type of project is very effective in getting geology students experience with a fundamental skill used by professional geologists in a variety of government, industry, and education employment sectors.
The Tecopa 7.5’ quadrangle in southeastern California includes the southeasternmost part of the Pliocene-Pleistocene Tecopa basin and the northern part of the Miocene China Ranch basin, both of which are exposed by deep incision of the Amargosa River to create Amargosa Canyon. The Amargosa River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the Bureau of Land Management and is currently being proposed as a National Monument. The proposed geologic mapping seeks to complete the Tecopa 7.5’ quadrangle and refine the geologic history of the China Ranch basin and its relationship to the Pleistocene Lake Tecopa beds and clarify the incision history of the Amargosa River in Amargosa Canyon.
The fundamental question addressed is how naturally dammed lakes breach their confinement and develop through-going river systems within associated canyons.
The result of this project will be a completed geologic map of Tecopa 7.5’ quadrangle map, which will ultimately be published by the California Geological Survey through funding from the United State Geological Survey and will become available through National Geologic Map Database. The Tecopa quadrangle is sensitive because it is in an area under protection and considered for further protection. Understanding the mineral and water resources in such areas is key to preservation and ensuring sustainable conditions are managed. In addition, several science questions will be addressed including processes related to lake and stream integration as well as tectonic basin configuration a dynamic strike-slip fault setting.
Contact Larsen at dlarsen@memphis.edu for more information on this research project.