Summary
In New Mexico, STATEMAP and NGGDPP are producing critical geologic data that directly informs volcanic and seismic hazard assessments, water security, space exploration training, and data preservation. These efforts protect national infrastructure, support public safety, and contribute to broader federal and scientific missions.
STATEMAP
- Valles Caldera (Northern NM):
- One of only three active calderas in the U.S., ranked a moderate threat and the most significant volcanic hazard in the American Southwest.
- New mapping revealed multi-phase eruptions and, combined with high-precision dating, indicates a more active recent past than previously recognized.
- Used by Los Alamos National Laboratory for seismic and volcanic hazard assessments—critical to national security and public safety.
- Supported at least four student-led studies, training the next generation of geoscientists.
- Products applied by the National Park Service (visitor center redesign) and even local businesses (puzzles, cups, socks), linking science to local economies.
- Elephant Butte Reservoir (Southern NM):
- Largest reservoir in New Mexico, vital for water supplies in southern NM and Texas.
- Mapping of the Hot Springs–Walnut Canyon fault, only a few miles from the dam, determined it does not offset 2.5-million-year-old lava flows.
- Result: low probability of future activity, reducing seismic risk concerns for water storage infrastructure.
- Astronaut Training Grounds:
- Northern NM is one of two sites in the U.S. where NASA trains astronaut candidates in Earth sciences.
- Region selected because its volcanic and geologic features resemble lunar landing sites.
- Extensive STATEMAP-supported mapping made the site an ideal training ground—highlighting the program’s indirect national impact on space exploration.
NGGDPP (Data Preservation)
- Photo Archive Repository:
- Scanned and uploaded historic documents to photoarchive.nmt.edu, supporting federal remediation and state economic studies.
- Hyperspectral Core Imaging:
- NGGDPP funding enabled acquisition of hyperspectral imaging instrumentation for core analysis
- New capability enhances mineral exploration and geoscience research in NM and nationwide.
Impact for New Mexico:
- Supports national security through volcanic hazard assessments at Los Alamos National Lab.
- Protects water resources at Elephant Butte, the state’s largest reservoir.
- Contributes to NASA’s astronaut training program, linking geology to space exploration.
- Modernizes historic data preservation while equipping the state with cutting-edge core analysis technology.