By: Devon Yousif

What year did the park become an official National Park and why?

Big Bend became an official National Park in 1944. It was done so that an area along the Rio Grande would be a source of enjoyment for future generations. The park is rich in biological and geological diversity. It was also to protect scenery and protect wildlife.

How was the park formed? (From an earth science perspective)

The Big Bend was formed from the hard blowing wind that pushed materials such as gravel, sand, and clay that soon created sandstone and shale beds that will stay for years to come. Also, limestone's are now seen a lot in the Big Bend.

What Type of Rocks Are Found in Big Bend?

Some types of rocks that can be found in Big Bend include sedimentary, igneous, marine rocks, and ancient volcanoes.

What Special Landforms or Features Are Inside Big Bend

Some special landforms and features inside Big Bend are mineralization, faults, folds, and badlands. Lowlands and canyons can also be found there due to erosion.

How is the land in your park currently changing?

Geological forces are shaping Big Bend till this day. Forms of erosion also continue to create the park. Landscapes and features are made up from the organisms in the park.

What environmental issues are affecting your park?

Pollution is destroying some of Big Bend’s resources. Also, air quality is sometimes an issue. Haze is another problem too, because it affects the airflow. It is most frequent in late summer and early fall seasons.

How is technology being used to preserve and maintain your park?

Big Bend National Park uses an Aerosol Sampler which inhales air 24 hours twice per week. It helps camp geologists monitor sulfates, nitrates, organic carbon, and soil. It also has an automated camera system that takes photos of distant scene at nine AM, twelve noon, and three PM every day. Their Ozone Monitor checks for harmful oxygen in the atmosphere continually and the National Atmospheric Deposition Program monitors elements of metals and chemicals that are in the precipitation samples. The last piece of technology they use is a Particulate Monitor. They are two machines that determine very small particles in the air.

Big Bend Map

Big Bend National Park Diagram

Bibliography

• Big Bend Geology. Print. • "Big Bend National Park (U.S. National Park

Service)." U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Web. 27 May 2010. <http://www.nps.gov/bibe>.

• Big Bend Up In the Air. Print. • "Weather and Climate." Print.