Accurate reference pole information from stable cratonic areas are critical in paleomagnetic interpretations of rotation and translation. The fact that the Colorado Plateau has rotated with respect to the North American craton affects the reliability of one-third of the paleopoles used to define the apparent polar wander curve. The amount of rotation is not well defined, and recently acquired evidence suggests that two rotations, rather than one, occurred; both of these factors limit the accuracy with which the Colorado Plateau paleopoles can be corrected to be representative of North America. Omission of these one third of North American paleopoles leaves uncertainties and gaps in the apparent polar wander curve. This project will sample three formations from which important poles can be acquired with relative ease and minimal uncertainty. These are the Early Permian Cutler Formation of the Colorado Palateau and the Late Jurassic Morrison and Middle Triassic Santa Rosa Formations of the craton. Acquisition of these poles addresses the amount and number of rotations of the plateau and the lack of data from certain time periods.
