PICTURE of the MONTH a High-Resolution Lightning Map Of

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

PICTURE of the MONTH a High-Resolution Lightning Map Of VOLUME 142 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW JULY 2014 PICTURE OF THE MONTH A High-Resolution Lightning Map of the State of Colorado BRANDON J. VOGT University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado STEPHEN J. HODANISH NOAA/National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colorado (Manuscript received 18 October 2013, in final form 4 February 2014) ABSTRACT For the state of Colorado, 10 years (2003–12) of 1 April–31 October cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning stroke data are mapped at 500-m spatial resolution over a 10-m spatial resolution U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) digital elevation model (DEM). Spatially, the 12.5 million strokes that are analyzed represent ground contacts, but translate to density values that are about twice the number of ground contacts. Visual interpretation of the mapped data reveals the general lightning climatology of the state, while geospatial analyses that quantify lightning activity by elevation identify certain topographic influences of Colorado’s physical landscape. Elevations lower than 1829 m (6000 ft) and above 3200 m (10 500 ft) show a positive relationship between lightning activity and elevation, while the variegated topography that lies between these two elevations is characterized by a fluc- tuating relationship. Though many topographic controls are elucidated through the mappings and analyses, the major finding of this paper is the sharp increase in stroke density observed above 3200 m (10 500 ft). Topography’s role in this rapid surge in stroke density, which peaks in the highest mountain summits, is not well known, and until now, was not well documented in the refereed literature at such high resolution from a long-duration dataset. 1. Introduction 2011; Barker Schaaf et al. 1988) and can support and re- fine empirically derived conclusions that result from In map form, lightning climatologies reveal variations shorter-duration datasets and/or from a more coarse in lightning activity across an area. This cartographic spatial analysis. information benefits a wide range of entities including A primary motivating factor for this work is that there those that maintain networks and infrastructures vul- is no comprehensive cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning nerable to lightning and those with interests in hydrology climatology for the state of Colorado in the formal lit- and wildland fire management. In Colorado and other erature. The most formal comprehensive work that an- mountainous regions with abundant summertime out- alyzes CG lightning in Colorado was published by Lopez door recreation opportunities, a high-resolution lightning and Holle (1986). The authors examine a single year climatology map is particularly relevant from a lightning (1983) of CG lightning data collected over the state’s hazards perspective. In meteorology and regional cli- northeast region where they found the lightning activity matological studies, the ability to document lighting to be mainly a warm season event, with a large majority attachment patterns at fine scales across a variegated of the flashes occurring June through September. Other landscape contributes a deeper understanding of thun- results of the work by Lopez and Holle (1986) show that derstorm behavior (Cummins 2012; Hodanish and Wolyn lightning activity ranges from extremely intense with some days experiencing 5-min flash rates in excess of 100, to thunderstorms producing less than 10 flashes in Corresponding author address: Brandon J. Vogt, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a 5-min period. Geographically, Lopez and Holle (1986) 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. found that maximum flash concentrations were aligned E-mail: [email protected] north–south along the eastern slopes of the Colorado DOI: 10.1175/MWR-D-13-00334.1 Ó 2014 American Meteorological Society 2353 Unauthenticated | Downloaded 09/29/21 08:27 AM UTC 2354 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW VOLUME 142 Front Range, and then southeast to east along the north (DEM) terrain surface roughness in a lightning study, facing slopes of the Palmer Divide. our approach is made possible through the use of a suite In another investigation, Reap (1986) analyzed two of geospatial tools that are managed in a geographic in- years (1983 and 1984) of June through September formation system (GIS). A GIS is a mapping technology lightning data and other remotely sensed meteorological that enables users to interact with and analyze maps and variables over the western United States, including other sources of data. In this study, we used GIS and its Colorado, using a grid size of 47 3 47 km2.Ahigh sophisticated analytical methods to visualize the relation- correlation was found between terrain elevation and ship between lightning activity and elevation and to the hour of maximum frequency of lightning: the higher quantify this relationship in 152 m (500 ft) elevation the elevation, the earlier the onset of lightning activity. classes. The paper first discusses the data and the data The author concluded that a fairly stable seasonal dis- processing. This is followed by a brief discussion of the tribution and a generally homogeneous geographical lightning climatology of Colorado. Next, the focus shifts distribution of lightning activity exists over the western to a demonstration of the utility of GIS in quantitative United States, generally west of 1038W longitude. The lightning climatology studies through the characteriza- consistent spatial and temporal distribution observed tion of lightning activity by elevation. was likely the result of the strong control exerted by the underlying topographical features characteristic to that 2. Data part of the United States. Building on the successes of the works of Lopez and Lightning detection in the state of Colorado has been Holle (1986), Reap (1986), and others who have exam- ongoing since the 1970s. The Bureau of Land Manage- ined components of lightning activity in some or all of ment (BLM) was first to use such a system in order to the Colorado landscape (e.g., Orville and Huffines 2001; provide early warning of fire starts and to direct re- Zajac and Rutledge 2001; Boccippio et al. 2001; Barker sources to potential fire initiation locations (Krider et al. Schaaf et al. 1988), a lightning climatology paper by 1980). Throughout the 1980s, the BLM system was up- Hodanish and Wolyn (2011) comprehensively analyzed graded (Reap 1986), and in 1989 it was combined with lightning patterns over Colorado. This informal paper other regional lightning detection systems across the (e.g., not peer reviewed) analyzed 17 yr of CG flash data United States (Orville et al.1983; Mach et al. 1986)to on a 1-km spatial resolution map. The authors found form the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network that mountainous regions that had access to a continued (NLDN; Orville 2008, 1991). The NLDN itself has gone source of low-level moisture had the largest concentra- through numerous upgrades and expansions through the tions of CG lightning. These areas included the mountain– 1990s and 2000s (Cummins et al. 1998, 2006), and is now plains interface and the southern exposure of the known as the North American Lightning Detection San Juan Mountains. Mountainous terrain that did not Network, operated by Vaisala (Orville et al. 2002). The have access to a continued source of available moisture NLDN detects CG lightning flashes and strokes over experienced significantly less CG activity. It was also North America with a stroke detection efficiency of hypothesized that a certain meteorological regime, 60%–80% (during 2003–12), a flash detection efficiency known as the Denver Cyclone vorticity zone (DCVZ; of 90%–95%, and a spatial accuracy of 250 m (Cummins Szoke et al. 1984), plays a key role in both enhancing and and Murphy 2009). limiting the lightning activity across the greater north- Most negative CG flashes consist of multiple strokes, and east Colorado region. The authors also noted that large about half of these flashes have multiple ground contact valley regions surrounded by mountains show notice- points (GCP; Stall et al. 2009; Cummins and Murphy able minimums in lightning activity. 2009). On average, a negative CG flash will have from 1.45 The purpose of the current paper is to demonstrate to 1.7 GCP per flash (Valine and Krider 2002). These in- that a set of geospatial analytical tools can be used to dividual GCPs can be separated over a range of tens to build upon the Hodanish and Wolyn (2011) findings hundreds of meters. In this paper, stroke data are ana- and ultimately create a high-resolution statewide light- lyzed. Spatially, strokes characterize the GCP distribution, ning climatology. Advantages of our approach lie in the but represent about twice the number of actual GCPs. opportunity to visually explore vast datasets in map Recognizing the significant 2002–03 NLDN improve- form, a research format that facilitates visual thinking ments in stroke detection efficiency (Cummins and (MacEachren et al. 2004), and in the ability to generate Murphy 2009), the dataset examined in our study ex- quantitative results over discrete geographical regions. cludes the years prior to 2003. The dataset examined in Similar in methodology to the work of Cummins (2012) this paper covers the 10-yr period 2003–12. The 2002–03 who incorporated measures of digital elevation model NLDN upgrades are evident when comparing stroke Unauthenticated | Downloaded 09/29/21 08:27 AM UTC JULY 2014 P I C T U R E O F T H E M O N T H 2355 FIG. 1. Stroke density by elevation histograms for two sets of years: (top) 1996–2002 and (bottom) 2003–12. By comparing the two histograms, the 2002–03 upgrades to the NLDN are clearly discernible. Most notably, the later years (2003–12) show a marked increase in stroke density in the higher elevations, above about 3200 m (10 500 ft). density by elevation class between two periods (1996– 2011). The resulting number of strokes examined over the 2002 and 2003–12) over the state of Colorado (Fig.
Recommended publications
  • (719)846-1515
    The Chronicle-News Trinidad, Colorado “Weekend Edition” Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 28-30, 2021 Page 5 431 University Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 (719)846-1515 www.cotwrealestate.com TBD Vacant Land, Trinidad, 200 E Main St, Aguilar, CO 81082 | Listing Price $85,000 CO 81020 | Listing Price $199,000 214 E Kansas Ave, Trinidad, Beautiful Lot in Gated Fisher Peak Ranch Subdivision - Majestic 25110 N Ridgeline, Trinidad, Are you looking for a great place to run a successful business, look CO 81082 | Listing Price $119,000 Views of Colorado’s Newest State Park ‘’Fishers Peak’’. Views of the CO 81082 | Listing Price $795,000 no further than the Historical, Reputable and Famous Sunset Tavern Classic 1919 Bungalow in HistoricTrinidad. This Home is in a great Sangre De Cristo & Spanish Peaks Mountains along with views of the Large Acreage Hunting & Horse property located in the mountains NW in Aguilar, CO. This establishment has been in continual operation location just across from a beautiful park and walking distance to City of Trinidad. Build your Dream home, Hike on almost 55 acres. of Trinidad. This top of the mountain home sits at 7400’ in elevation for over 75 years. It has been recently renovated. The property has a downtown. New carpet, fresh paint and a Bright Spacious kitchen Close to Town, Trinidad Lake State Park and Highway of Legends offering a 360 degree vantage point, seclusion, tranquility and the quaint Bar/Restaurant on one side for your everyday operations and Scenic Byway. it adjoins the enormous Dance Hall with an additional large covered with traditional saltillo tiles and even a mudroom.
    [Show full text]
  • Colorado Birds the Colorado Field Ornithologists’ Quarterly
    Vol. 43 No. 1 January 2009 Colorado Birds The Colorado Field Ornithologists’ Quarterly Lamar’s Snow Goose Festival Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Past and Present A Fifteen-Year Bird Census at Chatfield State Park Colorado Field Ornithologists PO Box 643, Boulder, Colorado 80306 www.cfo-link.org Colorado Birds (USPS 0446-190) (ISSN 1094-0030) is published quarterly by the Colo- rado Field Ornithologists, P.O. Box 643, Boulder, CO 80306. Subscriptions are obtained through annual membership dues. Periodicals postage paid at Lyons, CO. POSTMAS- TER: Send address changes to Colorado Birds, P.O. Box 643, Boulder, CO 80306. Officers and Directors of Colorado Field Ornithologists: Dates indicate end of current term. An asterisk indicates eligibility for re-election. Terms expire 5/31. Officers: President: Bill Schmoker, Longmont, 2009*; [email protected]; Vice President: Jim Beatty, Durango, 2009*; [email protected]; Secretary: Allison Hilf, Den- ver, 2009*; [email protected]; Treasurer: Maggie Boswell, Boulder, 2009*; trea- [email protected] Directors: Rachel Hopper, Ft. Collins, 2009; Bill Kaempfer, Boulder, 2011*; Connie Kogler, Loveland, 2011*; Larry Modesitt, Greenwood Village, 2009*; Mark Peterson, Colorado Springs, 2010*; Brad Steger, Manitou Springs, 2010*. Colorado Bird Records Committee: Dates indicate end of current term. An asterisk indicates eligibility to serve another term. Terms expire 12/31. Chair: Larry Semo, Westminster, 2010; [email protected] Secretary: Doug Faulkner, Arvada, 2010; Committee Members: Coen Dexter, Nucla,
    [Show full text]
  • Mosaic of New Mexico's Scenery, Rocks, and History
    Mosaic of New Mexico's Scenery, Rocks, and History SCENIC TRIPS TO THE GEOLOGIC PAST NO. 8 Scenic Trips to the Geologic Past Series: No. 1—SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO No. 2—TAOS—RED RIVER—EAGLE NEST, NEW MEXICO, CIRCLE DRIVE No. 3—ROSWELL—CAPITAN—RUIDOSO AND BOTTOMLESS LAKES STATE PARK, NEW MEXICO No. 4—SOUTHERN ZUNI MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO No. 5—SILVER CITY—SANTA RITA—HURLEY, NEW MEXICO No. 6—TRAIL GUIDE TO THE UPPER PECOS, NEW MEXICO No. 7—HIGH PLAINS NORTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO, RATON- CAPULIN MOUNTAIN—CLAYTON No. 8—MOSlAC OF NEW MEXICO'S SCENERY, ROCKS, AND HISTORY No. 9—ALBUQUERQUE—ITS MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS, WATER, AND VOLCANOES No. 10—SOUTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO No. 11—CUMBRE,S AND TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD C O V E R : REDONDO PEAK, FROM JEMEZ CANYON (Forest Service, U.S.D.A., by John Whiteside) Mosaic of New Mexico's Scenery, Rocks, and History (Forest Service, U.S.D.A., by Robert W . Talbott) WHITEWATER CANYON NEAR GLENWOOD SCENIC TRIPS TO THE GEOLOGIC PAST NO. 8 Mosaic of New Mexico's Scenery, Rocks, a n d History edited by PAIGE W. CHRISTIANSEN and FRANK E. KOTTLOWSKI NEW MEXICO BUREAU OF MINES AND MINERAL RESOURCES 1972 NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING & TECHNOLOGY STIRLING A. COLGATE, President NEW MEXICO BUREAU OF MINES & MINERAL RESOURCES FRANK E. KOTTLOWSKI, Director BOARD OF REGENTS Ex Officio Bruce King, Governor of New Mexico Leonard DeLayo, Superintendent of Public Instruction Appointed William G. Abbott, President, 1961-1979, Hobbs George A. Cowan, 1972-1975, Los Alamos Dave Rice, 1972-1977, Carlsbad Steve Torres, 1967-1979, Socorro James R.
    [Show full text]
  • Coal Resources of Western Colorado D
    New Mexico Geological Society Downloaded from: http://nmgs.nmt.edu/publications/guidebooks/32 Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) coal resources of western Colorado D. Keith Murray, 1981, pp. 233-240 in: Western Slope (Western Colorado), Epis, R. C.; Callender, J. F.; [eds.], New Mexico Geological Society 32nd Annual Fall Field Conference Guidebook, 337 p. This is one of many related papers that were included in the 1981 NMGS Fall Field Conference Guidebook. Annual NMGS Fall Field Conference Guidebooks Every fall since 1950, the New Mexico Geological Society (NMGS) has held an annual Fall Field Conference that explores some region of New Mexico (or surrounding states). Always well attended, these conferences provide a guidebook to participants. Besides detailed road logs, the guidebooks contain many well written, edited, and peer-reviewed geoscience papers. These books have set the national standard for geologic guidebooks and are an essential geologic reference for anyone working in or around New Mexico. Free Downloads NMGS has decided to make peer-reviewed papers from our Fall Field Conference guidebooks available for free download. Non-members will have access to guidebook papers two years after publication. Members have access to all papers. This is in keeping with our mission of promoting interest, research, and cooperation regarding geology in New Mexico. However, guidebook sales represent a significant proportion of our operating budget. Therefore, only research papers are available for download. Road logs, mini-papers, maps, stratigraphic charts, and other selected content are available only in the printed guidebooks. Copyright Information Publications of the New Mexico Geological Society, printed and electronic, are protected by the copyright laws of the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • Co-Raton-Mesa-Nm.Pdf
    D-5 I I I~ ..--- ~..,.....----~__O~~--- I I I UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL SE I I I I II I Cover painting "FISHERS PEAK" by Arthur Roy Mitchell, commissioned for the Denver Post's Collection of Western Art, reproduced through the courtesy of Palmer Hoyt, Editor. I I.1 I I SYNOPSIS NOT FOR FU~LIC l{ELEASJ Raton Mesa near Trinidad, Colorado, about 200 miles south of Denver, I is the highest, most scenic, impressive and accessible of a scattered group of lava-capped mesas straddling the eastern half of the Colorado- I New Mexico boundary. It and its highest part, Fishers Peak, are well I known landmarks dating back to the days of the Santa Fe Trail which~ traverses Raton Pass on its southwest flank, today crossed by an interstate high- I way. Three distinct, easily recognized vegetative zones, mostly forest, lay on its slopes; the Mesa top is a high mountain grassland. I Ancient lava flows covered portions of this region, the Raton I section of the Great Plains physiographic province, millions of years ago when the surface was much higher. These flows protected the mesas from subsequent erosion which has carried away the surrounding territory, • leaving Fishers Peak today towering 4,000 feet above the City of Trinidad. I Lavas at Capulin Mountain, a National Monument located nearby in New I Mexico, though at a lower elevation, are thought to be much more recent. Raton Pass was a strategic point on the Mountain Branch of the I Santa Fe Trail during the Mexican and Civil Wars, and to travelers past and present a clima~~ gateway to the southwest.
    [Show full text]
  • Scenic Trips to the Geologic Past No. 7: High Plains
    HIGH PLAINS northeastern new mexico scenic trips to the geologic past capulin mountain clayton raton SCENIC TRIPS TO THE GEOLOGIC PAST No. 1 - Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1955 (25 Cents). No. 2 - Taos-Red River-Eagle Nest, New Mexico, Circle Drive, 1956 (25 Cents), No. 3 - Roswell-Capitan-Ruidoso and Bottomless Lakes Park, New Mexico, 1958 (25 cents). No. 4 - Southern Zuni Mountains, New Mexico, 1958 (25 cents). No. 5 - Silver City-Santa Rita Hurley, New Mexico, 1959 (25 cents). No. 6 - Trail Guide to the Upper Pecos, New Mexico, 1960 ($1.00). No. 7 - High Plains - Northeastern New Mexico, Raton-Capulin Mountain- Clayton, 1961 (50 cents). SCENIC TRIPS TO THE GEOLOGIC PAST NO. 7 High Plains Northeastern New Mexico Raton Capulin Mountain -Clayton BY WILLIAM R. MUEHLBERGER BREWSTER BALDWIN AND ROY W. FOSTER 1961 STATE BUREAU OF MINES AND MINERAL RESOURCES NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING & TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS STATION SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING & TECHNOLOGY E. J. Workman, President STATE BUREAU OF MINES & MINERAL RESOURCES Alvin J. Thompson, Director THE REGENTS MEMBERS EX OFFICIO The Honorable Edwin L. Mechem Governor of New Mexico Tom Wiley Superintendent of Public Instruction APPOINTED MEMBERS William G. Abbott Hobbs Holm O. Bursum, Jr, Socorro Thomas M. Cramer Carlsbad Frank C. DiLuzio Albuquerque Eva M. Larrazolo (Mrs. Paul F.) Albuquerque PREFACE Geology, the science of the earth, embraces many specialized fields. Among these are petrology, stratigraphy, geophysics, mineralogy, paleontology, geochemistry, and volcanology. Several or all of these specialized fields may be utilized to interpret the geologic history of any particular locality.
    [Show full text]
  • Papilio (New Series) #12, Some O
    (NEW Dec. 3, PAPILIO SERIES) 2008 GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION AND NEW TAXA OF WESTERN NORTH AMERICAN BUTTERFLIES, ESPECIALLY FROM COLORADO By James A. Scott & Michaels. Fisher, with some parts by David M. Wright, Stephen M. Spomer, Norbert G. Kondla, Todd Stout, Matthew C. Garhart, & Gary M. Marrone Introduction and Abstract Michael Fisher is currently updating the 1957 book Colorado Butterflies, by F. Martin Brown, J. Donald Eff, and Bernard Rotger (Fisher 2005a, 2005b, 2006). This project has emphasized the necessity of naming certain butterflies in Colorado and vicinity that are distinctive, but currently have no name, as part of our goal of applying correct species/ subspecies names to all Colorado butterflies. Eleven of those distinctive butterflies are named here, in the genera Anthocharis, Neominois, Asterocampa, Argynnis (Speyeria), Euphydryas, Lycaena, and Hesperia. New life histories are reported for species or subspecies of Neominois & Oeneis & Euphydryas & Lycaena that were recently described or recently elevated in status. Lycaena jlorUs differs in hostplant, egg morphology, and somewhat in a seta on 151 -stage larvae. We also report the results ofresearch elsewhere in North America that was needed to determine which of the current subspecies names should be applied to other butterflies in Colorado, in the genera Anthocharis, Neominois, Apodemia, Callophrys, At/ides, Euphilotes, PlebeJus, Polites, & Hylephila. This research has added additional species to the total of Colorado butterflies. Nomenclatural problems in Colorado Lycaena & Calloph1ys are settled with lectotypes and designations of type localities and two pending petitions to suppress toxotaxa. Difficulties with the ICZN Code in properly applying names to clines are explored, and new terminology is given to some necessary biological solutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Occasional Papers Museum of Texas Tech University Number 311 24 October 2012
    Occasional Papers Museum of Texas Tech University Number 311 24 October 2012 MA mm ALS OF SUGARITE CANYON STATE PARK , COLFAX COUNTY , NEW MEXI C O JENNIFER K. FREY AND ZACHARY J. SCHWEN K E ABSTRA C T Little is known about the mammalian fauna of northeastern New Mexico. We conducted an inventory of mammals at Sugarite Canyon State Park, Colfax County, New Mexico, during summers of 2006 and 2007. The park is located on the Raton Mesa Group, a region of high-elevation habitat east of the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains. Elevations within the park range from 1,890 to 2,536 m and dominant biotic communities include coniferous forests, montane grasslands, montane scrublands, coniferous woodland, and diverse riparian associations. We documented 40 species, of which seven were the first records for Colfax County: meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius), brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis), western small-footed myotis (M. ciliolabrum), cougar (Puma concolor), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The state-endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse (Z. h. luteus) was distributed widely and relatively abundantly in riparian habitats within the park. Another notable capture was an ermine (Mustela erminea), which is a species previously thought to be confined to the higher elevations of the main mass of the Rocky Mountains. Key words: Colfax County, inventory, mammals, Mustela erminea, New Mexico, Raton Mesa, Sangre de Cristo Range, Sugarite Canyon State Park, survey, Zapus hudsonius luteus INTRODU C TION Sugarite Canyon State Park (SP) is located in New Mexico.
    [Show full text]
  • THE COLORADO MAGAZINE Published by the State Historical Society of Colorado
    THE COLORADO MAGAZINE Published by The State Historical Society of Colorado VOL. VI Denver, Colorado, November, 1929 No. 6 Early Pueblo and the Men Who Made It1 Address of Judge Wilbur F. Stone at Pueblo, July 4, 18762 The object of the proclamation of the President of the United States in requesting the preparation of a historical sketch of each town and village in the United States, to be read on this Centennial Fourth of July and a copy to be filed in the public archiws as data for the future historian, is in every way wise and commendable. But in an outdoor, promiscuous assemblage, surrounded with all the existing circumstances attending the celebration, it is impossible to carry out the scope of the proclamation without making tedious what under other circumstances would only be interesting, and I shall, therefore, content myself with presenting a very brief outline of a few of the more interesting incidents of the earliest history of our city. The word Pueblo (Spanish ) means originally people; thence it came to be applied to various tribes or peoples of the conquered Indians of New Spain who lived chiefly in villages; afterwards the word became a generic term for a village in which people resided, and lastly made the name of a few particular towns, as is the case with ours. It is, however, pertinent to remark here that this city cf ours never was a Spanish or Mexican town in any sense, nor at any time in all its history. The Spanish conquerors of New l\Iexico never established a settlement north of the waters of the Rio Grande 'This is an important and interesting sketch or early Pueblo history pre­ pared by one who played a prominent part in the making of the city.
    [Show full text]
  • Physical Landscape / Page 2
    The Atlas of Colorado: A Teaching Resource - 2003 Edition Physical Landscape / Page 2 Elevation Zones 3,346 to 5,000 ft. 5,001 to 7,000 ft. Miles 7,001 to 9,000 ft. 0 15 30 60 90 120 9,001 to 11,000 ft. 11,001 to 13,000 ft. 13,001 to 14,433 ft. ELEVATION The Atlas of Colorado: A Teaching Resource - 2003 Edition Physical Landscape / Page 3 Wyoming North Middle GreatGreatGreatGreat Plains Plains PlainsPlains Rockies Basin Park Colorado Piedmont Colorado Piedmont Middle Park Great Uinta Basin Plains Great Plains South Palmer Park Divide Western Plateaus Rocky Mountains Section ColoradoColorado Piedmont Piedmont Rocky Mountains San Luis Valley Great Plains Great Plains The Plateaus Section Western Plateaus Raton Section Miles 0 15 30 60 90 120 Source: U.S. Geological Survey LANDFORM REGIONS TOPOGRAPHY-LANDFORM REGIONS-ELEVATION Cartographers have always been challenged to depict the Earth's varied surface features on a flat sheet of paper. While representing areas of plains would seem comparatively easy, it is when one considers the numerous hills, valleys, gorges, plateaus, and mountains that constitute Earth's topography, and especially Colorado, that the problem comes a bit more into focus. The three maps titled Colorado Topography, Landform Regions, and Elevation represent three ways to depict the surface features of Colorado. READING THE MAPS The simplest depiction of the physical geography of the state is to label the major landform features and group them into regions. Notice that eight distinct terms are used to classify the nature of Colorado's surface: mountain, plain, valley, park, plateau, basin, piedmont, and divide.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Landmark Highlights Report 1 Connections, and Honor Those Working Hard to Manage and Conserve These Significant Places, Even in the Face of Great Challenge
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Stewardship & Science National Natural Landmarks Program Figure 1. Bear Rocks and Allegheny Front Preserve, WV, photo by Kent Mason. INSIDE THIS ISSUE WELCOME .................................................................................................................. 1 SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION IN ACTION ................................................................... 2 COLLABORATION AND CONNECTED CONSERVATION .................................................. 5 NNLs MAKING A SPLASH ............................................................................................. 9 CELEBRATING LANDMARKS....................................................................................... 10 RAISING AWARENESS ............................................................................................... 10 NNL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................... 16 There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature— the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” — Rachel Carson WELCOME There is no way to sum up the world in 2020 that would even come close to encapsulating the multitude of ways everyone experienced the events of the year. Perhaps the one common thread felt by all was change. Heartfelt condolences go out to everyone whose change included loss. This report hopes to inject pinpoints of light, stories of success, hard work that aided conservation, reminders
    [Show full text]
  • Geology of the Igneous Rocks of the Spanish Peaks Region Colorado
    Geology of the Igneous Rocks of the Spanish Peaks Region Colorado GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 594-G GEOLOGY OF THE IGNEOUS ROCKS OF THE SPANISH PEAKS REGION, COLORADO The Spanish Peaks (Las Cumbres Espanolas). Geology of the Igneous Rocks of the Spanish Peaks Region Colorado By ROSS B. JOHNSON SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 594-G A study of the highly diverse igneous rocks and structures of a classic geologic area, with a discussion on the emplacement of these features UNITED STATES GOVERNl\1ENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1968 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR STEWART L. UDALL, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY William T. Pecora, Director For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 CONTENTS Page Page Abstract__________________________________________ _ G1 Petrography-Continued Introduction ______________________________________ _ 1 Syenite_______________________________________ _ G19 Geologic setting ___________________________________ _ 3 Porphyry _________________________________ _ 19 General features _______________________________ _ 3 Aphanite---------------------------------- 20 Sedhnentaryrocks _____________________________ _ 4 Lamprophyre _____________________________ _ 20 Structure _____________________________________ _ 4 Syenodiorite __________________________________ _ 22 Thrust and reverse faults ___________________ _ 5 Phanerite_________________________________ _ 22 Normal faults _____________________________
    [Show full text]