T139 Geology in the National Parks: Research, Mapping, and Resource Management

Tuesday, 30 October 2007
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

APPLICATION OF NPS COASTAL MAPPING PROTOCOLS IN CONSTRUCTION OF “A GEOLOGIC MAP” FOR CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE, EAST-CENTRAL FLORIDA USA

Paper number: T139-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

A comprehensive geologic resource inventory and mapping program is necessary for the effective management of our coastal national parks, which encompass more than 7,300 miles of shoreline. However, standard methods used to map the geology of National Parks in the continental hinterland are not generally applicable to the coastal zone. To address this issue, the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory Program (GRI) hosted a Coastal Mapping Protocols Workshop in 2002 for the purpose of establishing mapping protocols tailored to the evolving landscapes of Atlantic- and Gulf-Coast National Parks. Participants agreed these protocols should include a list of new Coastal Landform Mapping (CLM) units defined and/or described using a uniform terminology. A very broad range of specific features were recommended as potential CLM units, including elements of the geologic framework, geomorphology, bathymetry, topography, sediment characteristics, benthic habitat, shoreline engineering structures, vegetation, threatened and endangered species habitat, oceanographic variables, park boundaries, cultural resources and park infrastructure, and miscellaneous features (i.e., cave and karst, springs, paleontological sites).

In 2005, the NPS contracted for the construction of a Canaveral National Seashore geologic map (1:24,000). This effort was one of the first to utilize the NPS GRI Coastal Mapping Protocols and new list of CLM units. A map was successfully produced using the general protocols described by workshop participants; i.e., filtering through existing GIS data provided by a broad array of Federal, State, and Local partners, each of whom are responsible for the mapping of specific resources contained in the park. However, problems quickly arose when attempting to map the landscape using elements of the new CLM list. A decision was made to generate a new list of mapping units based upon morphogenetic features typically associated with a barrier island system and cuspate foreland. These features were effectively delineated by blending GIS thematic layers and high resolution imagery. It is anticipated this new CLM list and associated mapping techniques can be successfully applied during efforts to map the geologic landscape of other Atlantic- and Gulf-Coast National Parks.