A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE PINACATE VOLCANIC FIELD OF SONORA, MEXICO AND EXAMPLES OF SOME APPLICATIONS

GIS was used to develop an electronic model of the Pinacate Volcanic Field and to integrate key data sets. The system was tested for its capability of producing derivative geologic maps. GIS was used to query and analyze the data to address the question of sequential development of the volcanic field. GIS was used to analyze and highlight some aspects of the petrography and geochemistry.

GIS analysis of the volcanic sequences suggests that principal centers of volcanic activity are progressing to the east and southeast. GIS analysis reveals no significant systematic chemical evolution of the rocks making up the volcanic sequences. The Pinacate Volcanic Field GIS is a prototype; future versions will improve georeferencing accuracy and extend database capabilities. The Pinacate Volcanic Field GIS is a powerful and extensible tool that provides the scientific community with a common database and an analysis system for an area of great scientific interest.