Geoscience Research

GeoScientist-in-the-Park

The National Park Service (NPS) has been very focused on facilitating meaningful research in parks, and the Geologic Resources Division (GRD) is helping to achieve that wherever possible. This is done with an understanding that research is needed to make informed decisions and keep the public informed.

The scope of “Geoscience” is often not well understood. It is hoped that the following list may help identify what could be covered in geoscience research.

Cave (Flora/Fauna) • Cave/Karst • Climatology • Coastal/Marine Systems • Disturbed Lands Restoration • Ecology • Environmental Monitoring • Erosion/Sedimentation • Geo-Hazard (Chemical) • Geo-Hazard (Physical) • Geochemistry • Geohydrology • Geology – Coastal • Geology – Fluvial • Geology – General • Geology – Structural • Geomorphology • Geophysics • Geothermal • Hydrology (Ground) • Hydrology (Surface) • Minerals Management • Oceanography • Paleontology • Petrology/Mineralogy • Restoration • Restoration - Natural • Sedimentology/Stratigraphy • Soil Science • Tectonics • Volcanology • Watershed Management

In addition, geoscience research may include an integrated-science approach, such as geology’s role in understanding wildfire direction and intensity, using geology to inventory threatened or endangered animals or plants, or examining fish spawning areas, the GRD may be able to help you evaluate the proposal.