Earth Surface Processes

The Central Region Earth Surface Processes (ESP) Team conducts multi-purpose geologic mapping and topical environmental and climate change-related studies, primarily in the Central Region states, but also nationally and internationally, to address scientific issues concerning geologic, climatic, and environmental changes; human interactions with the environment; and characterization of the earth's surface and upper crust. The role of the Earth Surface Processes team is to use integrated studies of geology, biology, hydrology, and spatial analysis to understand the Earth's past and present changes. The research products of the ESP team have applications to a wide range of public policy concerns relating to management of public lands, assessing the influence of climate change on the environment (past, present and future), the definition of geologic framework for groundwater-related problems, and the mitigation of geologic and environmental hazards. Our team is composed of geologists, geophysicists, paleontologists, biologists, and support personnel stationed at the Central Region Headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and in field offices in other parts of the United States.