Surficial Geologic Map of Mesa Verde National Park, Montezuma County, Colorado

A detailed surficial geologic map of Mesa Verde National Park reveals critical geological features that shaped the landscape for the Ancestral Puebloan people (A.D. 550–1300) and continue to influence modern conservation efforts. The map identifies key bedrock units like the Cliff House Sandstone, which formed deep alcoves ideal for cliff dwellings, and loess deposits on mesa tops that provided fertile soil for agriculture. It also highlights hazards such as landslides, debris flows, and flash floods, which threaten archaeological sites and infrastructure today. Covering 100 mi² (260 km²), the map includes surficial deposits like alluvium, colluvial materials, and rockfall debris, alongside Oligocene-age minette dikes. This comprehensive mapping integrates geological hazards with historical resource use, offering insights for both archaeological preservation and land management.

Carrara, P. E. (2012). Surficial Geologic Map of Mesa Verde National Park, Montezuma County, Colorado. Scientific Investigations Map. https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3224