Paleontological Inventory and Geologic Framework of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Project ID: J8W07100031
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Oregon State University
Fiscal Year: 2010
Initial Funding: $18,448
Total Funding: $37,759
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Physical
National Park: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Principal Investigator: Blodgett, Robert
Agreement Technical Representative: Sharman, Lewis
Abstract: This project is a collaborative effort between Oregon State University (OSU) and the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a detailed paleontological inventory of the fossil resources of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GLBA). GLBA hosts an excellent suite of Paleozoic, Triassic, and Cenozoic age rocks exposed at both sea level and in the hills and mountains that border the park’s fjords. The project has three phases: Phase I consists of a field reconnaissance and visit to the park library, literature archives, and curated fossil and rock collections. OSU will then generate a comprehensive bibliography and create digital (pdf) files of all relevant reports publications. OSU will also develop a tabular spreadsheet representation of fossil localities, accompanied by GIS maps of these localities. Phase II (2011) consists of a 2-week intensive field investigation by OSU and NPS during which spatial distributions and faunal compositions will be refined in the context of improved biostratigraphic age control and a strengthened geologic framework. New fossil specimens will be collected to complement the existing collection and to fully represent the fossil fauna of all major relevant stratigraphic units in the park. In Phase III, OSU will revise and update the Phase I inventory and generate a comprehensive final report. The final report will be written to be accessible to technical and non-technical audiences, allowing park interpretive and educational programs to utilize the project’s findings.
Deliverables: