Download 2015 NMGS Fall Field Conference The Geology of the

2015 NMGS Fall Field Conference
The Geology of the Meadowlands
CALL FOR PAPERS
After a nearly 30 year hiatus, the 2015 NMGS Fall Field Conference
will visit the geology of the Las Vegas area including the southern
Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the eastern High Plains. The
conference will present diverse geology, from the Proterozoic
crystalline basement through Phanerozoic stratigraphy to younger
igneous intrusive and extrusive rocks and showcase spectacular
views of Hermit’s Peak, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Mora
River Valley, and the High Plains grasslands. We encourage the
submission of papers pertaining to all aspects of the mountains and
basins of the Meadowlands region. Draft titles for minpapers and
technical papers for the 2015 guidebook are due to co-editors Jennifer
Lindline and Mike Petronis (both at New Mexico Highlands University)
by December 15th, 2014. Peer-reviewed technical papers are due
March 1st, 2015. Author instructions and reviewer forms are available
at: http://nmgs.nmt.edu/ffc/authors/home.html.
Jennifer Lindline: [email protected]; 505-426-2046
Mike Petronis: [email protected]; 505-454-3513
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Itinerary:
 Day 1 presents various Paleoproterozoic rock types and structural
relationships within the Las Vegas Range. The route includes a
drive to the mountains to investigate Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic
igneous and metamorphic rocks, examine a variety of igneous
intrusive relationships, discuss the timing of plutonism relative to
deformation, and consider the tectonomagmatic history of the
region.
The day also includes fossil-hunting stops within
Pennsylvanian-Permian stratigraphic sections, laying hands on
the 1.4 billion year time gap represented by the Great
Unconformity, and enjoying a barbeque on the grounds of the
Armand Hammer United World College with an optional soak in
the Montezuma hot springs.

Day 2 investigates the Paleozoic-Mesozoic stratigraphy and
structural development of the Las Vegas basin. The route
traverses the transition zone between the Southern Rocky
Mountains and High Plains physiographic provinces. Stops
include the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge to discuss the
geology of the Wind River Ranch, Turkey Mountains, and Fort
Union areas as well as select volcanic features of the Mora-Ocate
volcanic field. The route ends with a visit to Fort Union National
Monument to view remnants of the Southwest’s largest frontier fort
and ruts of the Santa Fe Trail. The conference regroups at the
Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas for the annual banquet.

Day 3 switches gears and investigates the hydrostratigraphy and
water budget of the Las Vegas region. The schedule includes an
introduction to the Storrie Project and surface water-ground water
management issues for the high desert town of Las Vegas. The
route traverses the Storrie Project conveyance system ending at
the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge for additional discussions
of water management problems and proposed solutions.
New Mexico Geological Society
2015 Fall Field Conference
September 30th-October 3rd