Geologic Influences on Ecological Geologic Influences on Ecological Sites Along Mountain Fronts Sites Along Mountain Fronts A Case Study in Cochise County, AZ A Case Study in Cochise County, AZ Elizabeth Desser, Geosciences Undergraduate – University of Arizona Elizabeth Desser, Geosciences Undergraduate – University of Arizona Mentor: Philip Heilman, USDA/ARS - Southwest Watershed Research Center Mentor: Philip Heilman, USDA/ARS - Southwest Watershed Research Center Photo by Philip Heilman, USDA- ARS
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Geologic Influences on Ecological Sites Along Mountain Fronts A Case Study in Cochise County, AZ
Geologic Influences on Ecological Sites Along Mountain Fronts A Case Study in Cochise County, AZ. Elizabeth Desser, Geosciences Undergraduate – University of Arizona Mentor: Philip Heilman, USDA/ARS - Southwest Watershed Research Center. Photo by Philip Heilman, USDA-ARS. Topics to cover. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Geologic Influences on Ecological Geologic Influences on Ecological Sites Along Mountain FrontsSites Along Mountain Fronts
A Case Study in Cochise County, AZA Case Study in Cochise County, AZ
Elizabeth Desser, Geosciences Undergraduate – University of ArizonaElizabeth Desser, Geosciences Undergraduate – University of ArizonaMentor: Philip Heilman, USDA/ARS - Southwest Watershed Research CenterMentor: Philip Heilman, USDA/ARS - Southwest Watershed Research Center
The unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants. (NRCS)
Soil Formation Equation: S = f (P,C,R,B,T)(Hans Jenny, 1941)
S = soilP = parent material (geology)C = climateR = relief (topography)B = biotaT = time
MAPPING ERROR:50% (due to secondary soil and inclusions)
OVERALL MAPPING ERROR FOR AZ 671: ~ 33%
^Tombstone, AZ
Selected Map Unit: Elgin-Stronghold Complex
Elgin-Stronghold Complex
Granitoid Rock
Sedimentary Rock
Geologic I nfluences
Sedimentary Rock
Elgin-Stronghold Complex
Granitoid Rock
ConclusionsConclusions There is a need to improve Arizona-wide
mapping and grouping of ecological sites and relating SSURGO map units may help in this regard.
For certain areas, the underlying geology may be useful in sorting out soils in given GIS polygons.
Continued research into Cochise County may set an example for the rest of Arizona.
Acknowledgements NASA Space Grant Anthony Pitucco, Pima Community
College Philip Heilman, USDA-ARS, SWRC Chandra Holifield Collins, USDA-ARS,
SWRC Jesse Wood, NRCS Emilio Carrillo, NRCS Phil Pearthree, AZ Geological Survey Donald Pool, USGS Jared Buono, USDA-ARS, SWRC Tobias Finke, USDA-ARS, SWRC