Surficial geologic mapping in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

As part of a cooperative program with the National Park Service, AZGS geologists Phil Pearthree, Jeri Young, Ann Youberg are currently working on 1:24,000-scale surficial geologic maps that will cover all of the area within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (ORPI) that was open to the public as of the middle of 2009 and some adjacent land north of the monument boundary [right].   Phil provided this update last week.

The map area includes all of the Armenta Well and Tillotson Peak quadrangles, and parts of the Gunsight, Mount Ajo, Lukeville, Diaz Peak, South of Lukeville, and Blankenship Well quads that were added in 2009. The team completed a draft version of the Tillotson Peak quadrangle and will complete a draft version of the Armenta Well by the end of this month.

The group will continue mapping in the adjacent areas to the east and south, and hope to complete all mapping by the Fall, 2010 . At that time, we plan to release final 1:24,000-scale color geologic maps (probably 3 map sheets, but precise layout to be determined), GIS data for the maps, and an accompanying report.