PROJECT ABSTRACT
Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
(Cooperative Agreement # H1200-004-0002)
Park: El Morro National Monument
Project Title: Laser Imaging of the Inscriptions at El Morro National Monument, Year 3
of 3 Years Total
Funding Amount: $23,000
CPCESU Partner Institution: The Center for Desert Archaeology, 300 E. University
Blvd., Suite 300, Tucson, AZ 85705; (520) 882-6946; (520) 882-6948 fax.
Principal Investigator (name, title, address, telephone, FAX, email): William Doelle,
Ph.D., President, The Center for Desert Archaeology, 300 E University Blvd, Suite 300,
Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 882-6946; (520) 882-6948 fax, bill@desert.com
Co-Investigator (name, title, address, telephone, FAX, email): Doug Gann, Ph.D.,
Preservation Archaeologist, The Center for Desert Archaeology, 300 E University Blvd,
Suite 300, Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 882-6946; (520) 882-6948 fax, dgann@cdarc.org
NPS Key Official (name, title, address, telephone, FAX, email): James W. Kendrick,
Ph.D., El Malpais National Monument, 123 E Roosevelt, Grants, NM 87020, 505-2854641 ext. 32, 505-285-5661 fax, Jim_Kendrick@nps.gov
Start Date: September 1, 2008 (Date is for tasks funded by Year 3 funds)
End Date: December 31, 2011 (Date is for tasks funded by Year 3 funds)
Continuation of CDA-003/004
Abstract:
The Center for Desert Archaeology will conduct high resolution laser scanning of El
Morro’s monitored historic inscriptions in various micro-environmental settings over a
three year period. Three dimensional surface models of the monitored inscriptions will be
created from the scanned images. Data from the surface models will be used to quantify
erosion rates both graphically and statistically. Baseline data collected in the first year of
scanning will be compared with laser scanning data from subsequent project years to
develop erosion models for the monitored inscriptions. During the Year 1 of the project
CDA conducted high resolution scanning of the northeast point of Inscription Rock and
produced a surface model and vertical topographic map of the cliff faces. The surface
model and topographic map will be used to identify areas of wind erosion and water
patterns over the rock surface and will allow the study of surface erosion factors along,
above, and below that portion of the rock that contains the highest concentration of
historic inscriptions at El Morro. The results will be used at the macroscopic level by
conservators working on inscription preservation projects over the next few years. This
project provides a non-destructive technological and methodological approach to
conservation monitoring that provides objective and quantifiable data about rock surface
erosion rates on and around the historic inscriptions.
Please see keywords list at: Modeling, Erosion, Management, Historic Sites, rock art,