BLM Utah GSENM Paleomagnetic Survey of Cretaceous Rocks, Kaiparowits Plateau Region, Southern Utah

Background: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument contains world class fossil resources. These fossils, called out in the enabling proclamation as an exemplary object for research, consist of whole new ecosystems of dinosaurs and other animals that are currently known only from the Monument area. In fact, over 20 new species have been identified in the last 15 years. Although not a part of the priority protection mission of the BLM, determining the age of these fossils to facilitate research and public interpretation is a shared goal with academic research institutions. Most age dating work so far has used radiometric techniques. However, there are substantial portions of the rock record that have no potential to yield results from such methods. Reading the magnetic reversal record in the rocks has potential to solve many unanswered questions about the age of the Straight Cliffs, Wahweap, and Kaiparowits formations, which all yield important dinosaur fossils. Such information would enhance public enjoyment through interpretation and facilitate additional research on the fossils. Objectives: The BLM is looking for a partner to assist with the documentation of the paleomagnetic signatures of Campanian age rocks in and around Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument via standard sampling and magnetometer analysis. Information obtained through this partnership will clarify the age relationships of important fossil bearing rock units. Public Benefit: Enhanced knowledge of rock ages provides context for fossil finds, which the public greatly enjoys and appreciates through many museum exhibits, published articles, and field based experiences. The general scientific community will also benefit from this new knowledge because the obscure age relationships of the Kaiparowits dinosaur finds will be clarified, allowing for more meaningful comparisons with other faunas elsewhere, a primary goal of current research.