The Mojave Desert occupies an important position in models for the geologic evolution of the southwestern United States during the Mesozoic and Tertiary. These models have been difficult to test because the nature of Mesozoic and Cenozoic deformation of the Mojave block is poorly known. This work, in collaboration with workers at the University of North Carolina and the University of Kansas, will address the extent, kinematics and timing of deformation at three localities in the Mojave - the Cronese Hills, Alvord Mountain and Waterman Hills. Results will help provide constraints on Mesozoic compression and Cenozoic extension in this region.
