Quaternary history of Doña Ana County region, south-central New Mexico
— John W. Hawley

The region discussed in this paper comprises south-central New Mexico and adjacent parts of Trans-Pecos Texas and Chihuahua, Mexico (Fig. 1). Emphasis is on Quaternary events and alluvial deposits in the Dona Ana County area of the Mexican Highlands section, Basin and Range province. Many of the local features mentioned herein are described in the road log section of this guidebook, particularly at Day 2 and 3 tour stops. Aspects of Quaternary research in the area are also discussed in companion guidebook papers by Dick-Peddie, Hawley, Hoffer, Fox, Stone and Brown, and King and Hawley.

This paper is an outgrowth of cooperative studies of late Cenozoic and environmental geology by the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, New Mexico State University, University of Texas at El Paso, and U.S. Geological Survey. Many persons have been involved in this work. In particular, contributions by G. 0. Bachman, R. E. Clemons, L. H. Gile, J. M. Hoffer, C. B. Hunt, W. E. King, F. E. Kottlowski, A. L. Metcalf, W. R. Seager and W. S. Strain are gratefully acknowledged.