Article Title
A GIS model to predict the location of fossil packrat (Neotoma) middens in central Nevada
Abstract
Fossil packrat (Neotoma) middens provide an important source of paleoecologic data in the arid West. This study describes and tests a predictive GIS model that uses the eights-of-evidence method for determining areas with a high probability of containing fossil middens in central Nevada. Model variables included geology, elevation, and aspect. Geology was found to be the most important variable tested. We produced a map of 4 probability classes validated by field-checking 21 randomly selected 1-km2 sites throughout the study area. Our high-probability category reduced the search area to only 3.5% of the total study area. Fossil middens were found on 8 of 21 sites (38%). Geologic types that contained middens were granite, limestone, and volcanic tuff. A 2nd run of the model with the new midden localities added to the training set helped narrow the total search area even further. This analysis demonstrates that the weights-of-evidence method provides an effective tool both for guiding research design and for helping locate midden sites within specific localities. With only a limited training dataset and a simple set of mapped criteria, a model can be constructed that is both predictive and testable. We intend to continue development of the model to improve our ability to predict the location of Pleistocene-age middens and to locate middens on low-probability sites. This method, designed for mineral exploration, has wide potential application within the natural sciences.
Recommended Citation
Mensing, Scott A.; Elston, Robert G. Jr.; Raines, Gary L.; Tausch, Robin J.; and Nowak, Cheryl L.
(2000)
"A GIS model to predict the location of fossil packrat (Neotoma) middens in central Nevada,"
Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 60:
No.
2, Article 1.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol60/iss2/1