Clarence Edward Dutton was head of the Division of Volcanic Geology for the the United States Geological Survey with whom he worked between 1875 and 1891. He made detailed studies of the Rocky Mountains region, the high plateaus of Utah and the Grand Canyon and also studied volcanism in California, Hawaii and Oregon.

During his field work he corresponded with Sir Archibald Geikie sending comprehensive letters concerning current geological theoretical debates and his findings in the field. His letters also included news of the internal workings of the United States Geological Survey. Several of the letters express admiration for Geikie's work, and regret concerning failed attempts to meet him in person. There is no indication whether they did finally meet, nethertheless Geikie reviewed his major publication The Tertiary History of the Grand Canyon District, ( 1882) .