Scott Bennett, US Geological Survey, sekbennett@usgs.gov
Michael Darin, Northern Arizona University, michael.darin@nau.edu
The distribution and patterns of several non-geologic processes are well documented within the Gulf of California and surrounding Sonoran Desert. Many of these processes are strongly controlled by the local or regional geology, but this relationship is not always examined. The purpose of this session is to draw together an interdisciplinary collection of physical, biological, and anthropological scientists to share known patterns in their fields of study and draw connections between observations and the underlying geologic conditions. For example, how does the distribution of fault-related basins and ranges control climate patterns and the formation of sky islands, and how do these play a role in the isolation or evolution of flora and fauna? How does the distribution of Colorado River delta sand control lizard or cactus habitat? How have water resources influenced pre-historic and historic human migration and settlements? Do deep bathymetric troughs related to plate tectonics effect the migratory paths of large marine mammals or the distribution of sea-floor fauna? How can earthquake hazards influence shorebird habitat or cave preservation? Answers to these questions can stimulate a more holistic research approach in the Sonoran Desert and equip scientists with predictive tools for modern-day and future patterns.
Prior to the Summit, session participants should:
– synthesize regional spatial and temporal patterns related to their field of study
– assemble a list of outstanding questions regarding these patterns
– familiarize yourself with the physical processes at play in the Sonoran Desert
– compile hypotheses that call upon geologic history to explain observed patterns
– familiarize yourself with the geologic time scale:
www.geosociety.org/science/timescale/
– read/view background information:
animation of plate tectonic reconstruction back to 11 million years ago
simplified geologic/tectonic/physiographic map of NW Mexico
conveners will provide this map(s) prior to meeting
in-press NGEN manuscript in Journal of the Southwest:
“Assessing the geological and climatic forcing of biodiversity and evolution surrounding the Gulf of California”
Tangible Outcomes of Session:
– organize processes into research themes and develop tests for leading hypotheses
– identify research collaborations that could lead to new findings and publications
