Coastal Geology in our National Parks

Research in Coastal National Parks

There are virtually unlimited opportunities for scientific research in coastal National Parks. The relatively unspoiled natural resources found in these areas provide a unique setting for the investigation of coastal features and processes. Research greatly benefits coastal park managers by providing the scientific information necessary to protect and preserve coastal resources.

The National Park Service is currently involved in numerous research partnerships with the private sector, universities, and other government agencies. In addition, the park service's GeoScientists-in-the-Parks program places experienced students and professionals in scientific research positions in parks. (To learn more about the Geoscientists in the Parks program and some of it's contributions to coastal research in the National Parks continue reading below.)

It is very important that coastal park managers be actively involved in the research conducted within their park boundaries. To facilitate this researchers and park managers should form close working relationships. Unfortunately, much of the scientific research that could benefit National Park management is lost due to a lack of communication between organizations.

If you are interested in conducting research in the National Parks, or establishing collaborative studies, please link to the following fact sheet, Geologic Research Opportunities in the National Parks, and contact the natural resource manager of the park in which you would like to conduct research.

GeoScientists-in-the-Parks

The GeoScientists-in-the-Parks (GIP) program places experienced students, professionals, and retired geologists in parks with geo-science personnell needs. These positions include research, resource management, interpretation, and education. Most GIP jobs range from 2-6 weeks in duration and are classified as seasonal or temporary positions. GIP's work with park staff to investigate park specific needs and in some cases design their own projects. Research that results from GIP efforts is often used to assist park managers in making decisions concerning resource management issues.

If you are interested in participating in the GIP program please visit the GIP website for more information.

Coastal parks and park managers interested in requesting GIP assistance with a geo-science based project should submit proposals through the NPS intranet site http://www2.nrintra.nps.gov/grd/cfprojects/Job_AddEdit(New)/Post_Job.cfm

Examples of GIP projects in coastal park units:

	William Capps was an enormous asset to the staff at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore during his eleven week tenure in 2001. William wrote a geologic history of the area entitled "Sand On The Move: A Geologic Story Of The Indiana Dunes". He then constructed a large geologic map to be used for staff training. William also participated in various programs with students. Park staff would contact William with their questions about basic geology and the specific local geologic features.
	Melody Wright had just finished her junior year in a Massachusetts college with studies in geology and botany. At Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin), she developed and gave guided walks to visitors. The information focused on the geology as part of the ecology of the park. While the junior ranger program helps young children understand the natural resources, Melody developed a fun geology program for older children. She drafted a self guided tour brochure for the new trail that leads to the park's sea caves. It focuses on the geology and ecology of the area. She also created a new visitor center display that explains the numerous types of rock specimens found in the park.
	In 2002, Adam Stein worked with the Surfrider Foundation (www.surfrider.org) and the National Park Service to inventory and categorize all surfing resources in NPS managed lands. The main goal of this program is to obtain information on surfing locations within park boundaries, as well as adjacent locations that may be affected by park management decisions. Thus far, the project has had positive results, identifying surfing areas in over 25 NPS managed sites from the San Juan National Historic Site to Redwood National Park.

Additional GIP projects in coastal National Park units: