Geological Monitoring

Monitoring changes in dune profile at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan.

Geological monitoring involves taking repeated measurements in order to detect long term change. Monitoring data can be used to help land managers assess whether changes in a geologic resource are within a normal range of variation, or if the observed changes dictate a corrective action in management practices.

Geological Monitoring Book

The Geologic Resources Division of the National Park Service initiated and funded the development of a geologic monitoring manual to provide guidance for resource managers seeking to establish the status and trends of geologic resources within the National Park System, and to further the understanding of how geologic processes impact dynamic ecosystems. Printed copies of the monitoring manual are available from the Geological Society of America bookstore. Contact us at the link below to request a PDF copy of the manual or individual chapters.

There are 12 critical geologic resources discussed in the manual:

• Aeolian
• Caves & Karst
• Coastal
• Fluvial
• Geothermal
• Glaciers
• Marine
• Paleontology
• Permafrost
• Seismic Activity
• Slope Movements
• Volcanoes

Contact us to request PDF copies of the manual or individual chapters.