GEOTRAVERSE: AN INTEGRATED GEOLOGIC FRAMEWORK FOR EARTHSCOPE'S USARRAY

GeoTraverse is a cross-continent, transect-based research framework that supports integrated, multidisciplinary (geologic and geophysical) study of the three-dimensional structure and temporal evolution of the crust and uppermost mantle of the United States. The GeoTraverse concept – in either its literal or flexible form - takes full advantage of the unique opportunities provided by EarthScope, providing a synoptic, integrative and four-dimensional view of the North American continent. Among various models, the flexible form has the logistical advantage that it is a more organized form of how the geological community has done science in the past. The GeoTraverse concept has the possibility of fully integrating the geological component into EarthScope and thereby broadening how the geological community does research. It also provides for the possibility of significantly enhancing the education and outreach components of EarthScope, potentially with collaboration of the National Parks. Adoption of a GeoTraverse concept will require compromises with other research activities, but the benefits are huge. GeoTraverse would fully integrate geology into EarthScope, distribute geologic investigation throughout the United States, transform the scientific approach of the geologic community, and provide a synoptic view of the North American continent that will become an unprecedented example of continental structure and evolution.