Research
in Arid Regions Climate
Dr. Larry Benson, Project
Chief
U.S. Geological Survey, Water
Resources Division, National Research Program
Needles Rocks located along the north shore of Pyramid Lake,
Nevada. These domes of calcium carbonate whose tops reach 100
m above the present lake surface were formed under the surface
of Lake Lahontan 40,000 to 10,000 years ago.
Project Description
- Research within this project covers a broad range of approaches
to understanding the physics and chemistry of lakes and the effects
of climate on the sedimentary record contained within lake sediments.
Research topics include studies of (1) chemical evolution of closed-basin
lakes, (2) light-isotope models of lake-size change, (3) timing
of changes in the hydrologic balance of lakes, and (4) determination
of drought and flood frequencies.
- A limited number of Research Associates for postdoctoral research
are funded by the Water Resources Division each year to bright,
highly motivated, recent doctoral graduates that are citizens
of the United States. The National Research Council conducts a
national competition to make awards to outstanding scientists
who wish to be guest researchers at U.S. Geological Survey Research
Centers. The Arid Regions Climate Project, located in Boulder,
Colorado, participates in this program. If you are interested
in applying for a Postdoctoral Research Associateship, please
contact Dr. Larry Benson at 303 541 3005.
Current Research Activities
Climate Records/Data
- Data Records from Mono Lake, California
- Data Records from Owens Lake, California
- Data Records from Pyramid Lake, Nevada
Larry Benson, Project Chief
United States Geological Survey
3215 Marine St.
Boulder, CO 80303-1066
lbenson@usgs.gov
Links to other USGS sites: