THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE STRATOTYPE INVENTORY PROJECT: PRESERVING HISTORICALLY AND SCIENTIFICALLY IMPORTANT GEOLOGIC HERITAGE RESOURCES

Documentation of stratotypes (i.e., type sections/type localities/type areas) that occur within National Park Service (NPS) boundaries represents a significant stewardship endeavor as these stratigraphic designations serve as standards for defining and recognizing geologic units. The goals of the NPS stratotype inventory project are to systematically catalog stratotype occurrences in NPS administered areas, increase appreciation of the historical and scientific merit of these stratigraphic designations, and help NPS staff safeguard these important geologic landmarks for future research. This inventory fills a current void in basic geologic information not currently compiled by the NPS for most parks or at the service-wide level.

Determination of whether a stratotype occurs within an NPS area involves multiple steps. First, an evaluation of park-specific Geologic Resource Inventory (GRI) maps is performed to prepare a list of recognized geologic units. Each map unit is queried using the U.S. Geologic Names Lexicon online database ("GEOLEX”) for published stratotype locations. Stratotype information from GEOLEX is mapped using Google Earth, with imported digital GRI geologic maps draped over the geolocation points. This method accurately locates the stratotype while validating the geologic unit polygon for agreement with GEOLEX nomenclature. A detailed spreadsheet is populated for each national park with information pertinent to the geologic unit and its stratotype attributes.

A preliminary stratotype inventory assessment and initial internal report has been completed on the Greater Yellowstone Inventory & Monitoring Network (GRYN), which includes Yellowstone National Park (YELL), Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA), and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Highway (JODR). The initial report details 32 stratotype occurrences within the GRYN, with 26 located in YELL, 4 in GRTE, 2 in JODR, and zero in BICA. This report is intended as a model for similar investigations and reporting of other inventory and monitoring networks, and is developed as a reference document that supports science, resource management, and provides a historic framework for geologic information associated with NPS areas.