Geodiversity refers to the full variety of natural geologic (rocks, minerals, sediments, fossils, landforms, and physical processes) and soil resources and processes that occur in the park. A product of the Geologic Resources Inventory, the NPS Geodiversity Atlas delivers information in support of education, Geoconservation, and integrated management of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the ecosystem.
Introduction
[Site Under Development]
Indiana Dunes National Park has an incredible variety of geologic features and processes including glacial deposits, dunes, beaches, wetlands, and more!
Geologic Features and Processes
Features visible within the park, all within about 50 miles of Chicago and surrounded by myriad of industrial, urban, suburban, and rural settings, include the following:
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Coastal/lacustrine features and processes
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Eolian features and processes
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Fluvial features and processes
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Glacial features and processes
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Paleontological resources
Geoconservation
Those varied geologic features and processes also create a multitude of resource management issues for park staff, including:
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Shoreline erosion
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Disturbed lands
- Geologic hazards: slope movements, sand collapses, and earthquakes
Learn more about NPS programs for geologic resource management on these websites: [Geoconservation Programs] [Geohazards] [Fossil Stewardship] [Cave Resources Stewardship]
Regional Geology
Indiana Dunes National Park is a part of the Central Lowland Physiographic Province and shares its geologic history and some characteristic geologic formations with a region that extends well beyond park boundaries.
- Scoping summaries are records of scoping meetings where NPS staff and local geologists determined the park’s geologic mapping plan and what content should be included in the report.
- Digital geologic maps include files for viewing in GIS software, a guide to using the data, and a document with ancillary map information. Newer products also include data viewable in Google Earth and online map services.
- Reports use the maps to discuss the park’s setting and significance, notable geologic features and processes, geologic resource management issues, and geologic history.
- Posters are a static view of the GIS data in PDF format. Newer posters include aerial imagery or shaded relief and other park information. They are also included with the reports.
- Projects list basic information about the program and all products available for a park.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 2905. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
A NPS Soil Resources Inventory project has been completed for Indiana Dunes National Park and can be found on the NPS Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 2977. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Related Articles
Indiana Dunes National ParkNational Park Service Geodiversity Atlas
The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on geoheritage and geodiversity resources and values within the National Park System. This information supports science-based geoconservation and interpretation in the NPS, as well as STEM education in schools, museums, and field camps. The NPS Geologic Resources Division and many parks work with National and International geoconservation communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available.
For more information on the NPS Geodiversity Atlas, contact us.