Monitoring bumble bees and flowering plants in alpine meadows at Glacier National Park, photo by Lindsay Dose (USGS contractor)
Where can I find information about the geology and natural history of National Parks?
Our National Parks are the showcases of our nation's geological heritage. The National Park Service has websites for most individual parks that include information about their geology and natural history.
A source of information from the USGS is our Geology and Ecology of National Parks website. The website has listings for regions of the country; selected parks are listed within each region.
Geologic maps for some national parks are available from the USGS through the USGS Store and the National Geologic Map Database.
As the science agency for the Department of the Interior, the USGS does a great deal of research in national parks. All of our related publications are listed in the USGS Publications Warehouse. You can also check our Science Data Catalog.
Learn more: Mapping the National Parks
Related
How did Half Dome, the massive rock monument in Yosemite National Park, acquire its unique shape?
At the head of the valley in Yosemite National Park - as if on a pedestal - stands Half Dome. It is smoothly rounded on three sides and a sheer vertical face on the fourth. Half Dome, which stands nearly 8,800 feet (2,682 meters) above sea level, is composed of granodiorite, and is the remains of a magma chamber that cooled slowly and crystallized thousands of feet beneath the Earth's surface. The...
Are there geologic maps or publications for where I live?
Detailed geologic mapping has not been completed for the entire United States, but maps are available for most locations. Geologic maps at many scales and from many sources are listed in the National Geologic Map Database. Some geologic maps can be purchased in hard copy through the USGS Store. Download digital geologic maps for entire states from the USGS Mineral Resources Online Geospatial Data...
What is the National Geologic Map Database?
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) is an archive of geoscience maps (including geology maps), reports, and stratigraphic information for the United States. The NGMDB contains information on more than 90,000 maps and related geoscience reports published from the early 1800s to the present day, by more than 630 agencies, universities, associations, and private companies. Much of the content...
Monitoring in Glacier National Park
Monitoring bumble bees and flowering plants in alpine meadows at Glacier National Park, photo by Lindsay Dose (USGS contractor)
USGS scientist doing weather station repairs in Glacier National Park.
USGS scientist Erich Peitzsch does repair on the Sperry Weather Station in Glacier National Park. Information gathered by the USGS managed Sperry Weather Station are being used by regional fire managers to forecast fire weather and future fire behavior during the 2017 fire season.
USGS scientist Erich Peitzsch does repair on the Sperry Weather Station in Glacier National Park. Information gathered by the USGS managed Sperry Weather Station are being used by regional fire managers to forecast fire weather and future fire behavior during the 2017 fire season.
Geologist collecting igneous rock samples in Lake Clark Nat'l Park
The photo was taken by Erin Todd during helicopter-supported geologic fieldwork in Lake Clark National Park this past summer.
The photo was taken by Erin Todd during helicopter-supported geologic fieldwork in Lake Clark National Park this past summer.
The majestic Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
The majestic Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. This work is part of the Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology project that takes place in the Arctic Network Parks.
The majestic Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. This work is part of the Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology project that takes place in the Arctic Network Parks.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Coral coring in Dry Tortugas National Park
A diver uses an underwater drill to take a core sample from a massive brain coral (Diploria strigosa) in Dry Tortugas National Park.
A diver uses an underwater drill to take a core sample from a massive brain coral (Diploria strigosa) in Dry Tortugas National Park.
Collecting macroinvertebrates in Glacier National Park.
Collecting macroinvertebrates in Glacier National Park.
Collecting macroinvertebrates in Glacier National Park.
Scientist Climbs Giant Sequoia, Sequoia National Park, CA
A scientist from the University of California, Berkeley climbs a giant sequoia to measure its drought stress.
A scientist from the University of California, Berkeley climbs a giant sequoia to measure its drought stress.
Canyonlands National Park as seen by Landsat 8
Canyonlands National Park was one of four national parks esatblished (1964) under the leadership of Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. Image, Landsat 8, 3/29/2015.
Canyonlands National Park was one of four national parks esatblished (1964) under the leadership of Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. Image, Landsat 8, 3/29/2015.
Sandstone Peaks in Zion National Park
Zion Canyon is characterized by its dramatic sandstone peaks.
Zion Canyon is characterized by its dramatic sandstone peaks.
Sandstone Formation in Arches National Park
A sandstone formation in Arches National Park.
A sandstone formation in Arches National Park.
USGS automated water-quality sampler in Sequoia National Park, 2010
USGS automated water-quality sampling equipment in Yosemite National Park, 2010. Photograph by Harrison Forrester, National Park Service
USGS automated water-quality sampling equipment in Yosemite National Park, 2010. Photograph by Harrison Forrester, National Park Service
Retreating Glacier in Denali National Park, Alaska
Retreating glacier viewed southward from Polychrome Mountain in Denali National Park, Alaska, on July 29, 2009.
Retreating glacier viewed southward from Polychrome Mountain in Denali National Park, Alaska, on July 29, 2009.
Old Faithful Erupting
Photograph of the Old Faithful Geyser erupting in Yellowstone Nationl Park. Old Faithful was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Yellowstone expedition and was the first geyser in the Park to be named.
Photograph of the Old Faithful Geyser erupting in Yellowstone Nationl Park. Old Faithful was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Yellowstone expedition and was the first geyser in the Park to be named.
Pine Marten in Glacier National Park
A pine marten climbs up and down a tree and onto the remote camera box. The camera is pointed at a bear rub tree.
A pine marten climbs up and down a tree and onto the remote camera box. The camera is pointed at a bear rub tree.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The orange and white cliffs, rock formations, and vegetation of Bryce Canyon National Park.
The orange and white cliffs, rock formations, and vegetation of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Related
How did Half Dome, the massive rock monument in Yosemite National Park, acquire its unique shape?
At the head of the valley in Yosemite National Park - as if on a pedestal - stands Half Dome. It is smoothly rounded on three sides and a sheer vertical face on the fourth. Half Dome, which stands nearly 8,800 feet (2,682 meters) above sea level, is composed of granodiorite, and is the remains of a magma chamber that cooled slowly and crystallized thousands of feet beneath the Earth's surface. The...
Are there geologic maps or publications for where I live?
Detailed geologic mapping has not been completed for the entire United States, but maps are available for most locations. Geologic maps at many scales and from many sources are listed in the National Geologic Map Database. Some geologic maps can be purchased in hard copy through the USGS Store. Download digital geologic maps for entire states from the USGS Mineral Resources Online Geospatial Data...
What is the National Geologic Map Database?
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) is an archive of geoscience maps (including geology maps), reports, and stratigraphic information for the United States. The NGMDB contains information on more than 90,000 maps and related geoscience reports published from the early 1800s to the present day, by more than 630 agencies, universities, associations, and private companies. Much of the content...
Monitoring in Glacier National Park
Monitoring bumble bees and flowering plants in alpine meadows at Glacier National Park, photo by Lindsay Dose (USGS contractor)
Monitoring bumble bees and flowering plants in alpine meadows at Glacier National Park, photo by Lindsay Dose (USGS contractor)
USGS scientist doing weather station repairs in Glacier National Park.
USGS scientist Erich Peitzsch does repair on the Sperry Weather Station in Glacier National Park. Information gathered by the USGS managed Sperry Weather Station are being used by regional fire managers to forecast fire weather and future fire behavior during the 2017 fire season.
USGS scientist Erich Peitzsch does repair on the Sperry Weather Station in Glacier National Park. Information gathered by the USGS managed Sperry Weather Station are being used by regional fire managers to forecast fire weather and future fire behavior during the 2017 fire season.
Geologist collecting igneous rock samples in Lake Clark Nat'l Park
The photo was taken by Erin Todd during helicopter-supported geologic fieldwork in Lake Clark National Park this past summer.
The photo was taken by Erin Todd during helicopter-supported geologic fieldwork in Lake Clark National Park this past summer.
The majestic Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
The majestic Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. This work is part of the Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology project that takes place in the Arctic Network Parks.
The majestic Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. This work is part of the Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology project that takes place in the Arctic Network Parks.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Coral coring in Dry Tortugas National Park
A diver uses an underwater drill to take a core sample from a massive brain coral (Diploria strigosa) in Dry Tortugas National Park.
A diver uses an underwater drill to take a core sample from a massive brain coral (Diploria strigosa) in Dry Tortugas National Park.
Collecting macroinvertebrates in Glacier National Park.
Collecting macroinvertebrates in Glacier National Park.
Collecting macroinvertebrates in Glacier National Park.
Scientist Climbs Giant Sequoia, Sequoia National Park, CA
A scientist from the University of California, Berkeley climbs a giant sequoia to measure its drought stress.
A scientist from the University of California, Berkeley climbs a giant sequoia to measure its drought stress.
Canyonlands National Park as seen by Landsat 8
Canyonlands National Park was one of four national parks esatblished (1964) under the leadership of Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. Image, Landsat 8, 3/29/2015.
Canyonlands National Park was one of four national parks esatblished (1964) under the leadership of Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. Image, Landsat 8, 3/29/2015.
Sandstone Peaks in Zion National Park
Zion Canyon is characterized by its dramatic sandstone peaks.
Zion Canyon is characterized by its dramatic sandstone peaks.
Sandstone Formation in Arches National Park
A sandstone formation in Arches National Park.
A sandstone formation in Arches National Park.
USGS automated water-quality sampler in Sequoia National Park, 2010
USGS automated water-quality sampling equipment in Yosemite National Park, 2010. Photograph by Harrison Forrester, National Park Service
USGS automated water-quality sampling equipment in Yosemite National Park, 2010. Photograph by Harrison Forrester, National Park Service
Retreating Glacier in Denali National Park, Alaska
Retreating glacier viewed southward from Polychrome Mountain in Denali National Park, Alaska, on July 29, 2009.
Retreating glacier viewed southward from Polychrome Mountain in Denali National Park, Alaska, on July 29, 2009.
Old Faithful Erupting
Photograph of the Old Faithful Geyser erupting in Yellowstone Nationl Park. Old Faithful was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Yellowstone expedition and was the first geyser in the Park to be named.
Photograph of the Old Faithful Geyser erupting in Yellowstone Nationl Park. Old Faithful was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Yellowstone expedition and was the first geyser in the Park to be named.
Pine Marten in Glacier National Park
A pine marten climbs up and down a tree and onto the remote camera box. The camera is pointed at a bear rub tree.
A pine marten climbs up and down a tree and onto the remote camera box. The camera is pointed at a bear rub tree.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The orange and white cliffs, rock formations, and vegetation of Bryce Canyon National Park.
The orange and white cliffs, rock formations, and vegetation of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Updated Date: May 2, 2025