The unique geological systems in Yellowstone provide insight to the park s geothermal, volcanic, seismic, hydrogeological, and geomorphic behavior and history. The geologic wonders in the world s first national park are some of its primary resources, yet Yellowstone National Park has been without staff geologists for over three years. In 1997 Yellowstone convened a panel including academic, USGS, and NPS scientists to recommend the form and function of a physical science program that could address daily and long-term, physical science needs of the Park. Those recommendations became reality in 1999 with establishment of a Physical Sciences Program. Examples of daily events include new paleontological discoveries, addressing accelerated erosion at picnic pullouts, wetland mitigation at construction sites, containing diesel spills and mudflows along roadways, and reviewing trail-guides for geological accuracy.
Protection involves paleontological, geothermal, and geological resources.
Geological research by external investigators focuses on dynamic geothermal fields in the park, geochemistry and chronology of volcanism, seismicity, dynamics of the Yellowstone Caldera, geomorphic regimes, and environmental impacts of historical mining, and makes up approximately 50 of 250 permitted research investigations. Geothermal monitoring is mandated by law and also provides one important measure of caldera behavior. The Water Rights Compact works to protect hydrogeological resources, in part, by monitoring water uses outside the park. Perhaps more importantly, the program must develop a comprehensive, integrated mission and an institutionally accepted Geologic Resources Management Plan. The plan must be consistent with all relevant mandates, must closely coordinate with research conducted by the USGS and other external investigators, and must provide applicability and relevance to park management.