NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona

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.

In-depth geologic information is contained in the baseline inventory products of the Geologic Resources Inventory, see table below.

Geologic Features and Processes

[Site Under Development]

Tuzigoot National Monument is situated along a ridge on the eroded Verde Formation. The ancestral and present-day Verde River created the floodplain and deposited the terraces upon which the ruins are situated. Tavasci Marsh—one of the largest marshes in Arizona—and Peck’s Lake are the remains of an abandoned meander of the Verde River. Tavasci Marsh is on the outside of the meander and Peck’s Lake is a cutoff “oxbow” lake.

The major geologic components of the Verde Valley are:

• Basin sediments
• Lacustrine, swamp, and playa deposits of the Verde Formation
• Uplifted Paleozoic sedimentary rocks

Regional Geology

Tuzigoot National Monument is a part of the Basin and Range Physiographic Province and shares its geologic history and some characteristic geologic formations with a region that extends well beyond park boundaries.

Maps and Reports

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Geologic Resources Inventory

The Geologic Resources Inventory produces digital geologic maps and reports for more than 270 natural resource parks. The products listed below are currently available for this park, check back often for updates as many maps, reports, and posters are still in progress.

• 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 3186. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.

Soil Resources inventory

A NPS Soil Resources Inventory project has not been started for Tuzigoot National Monument. General information can be found on the NPS Data Store.

Source: Data Store Saved Search 3211. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.

View of south rooms and Verde River valley.

Related Links

• Tuzigoot—Nature and Science
• Tuzigoot—Rivers and Streams
• Tuzigoot—Disturbed Lands
• Tuzigoot—Park Home

• NPS—Geologic Time
• NPS—Explore Regional Geology
• NPS—Geology

• Arizona Geological Survey

Related Articles

Tuzigoot National Monument

National 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.