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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Scientists with the GMEG Science Center work on issues related to geologic processes, mineral and energy resource potential, and past climate, primarily in the Western United States. The science staff includes Geologists, Geophysicists, Geochemists, Biologists, and Geographic Information Systems specialists located in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Primary Research Direction - What we do.

GMEGSC focuses on Geologic Mapping, Mineral Resources and Mineral Environmental Health, Landslide Hazards, Energy Resources, Earthquake Hazards, and Land Change Science.

Innovation - How we help.

GMEGSC hosts the USGS Innovation Center, which sponsors work with public and private technology partners to design, test, and bring into operation a new generation of technical and engineering tools to address urgent national natural science issues.

Disciplinary Expertise - How we do it.

GMEGSC utilizes Geologic Mapping and Tectonics, Geophysics, Economic Geology, Geochronology, Sedimentary Basin Studies and Energy Assessments, Landslide Hazards, Geomorphology, Paleoclimatology, and many more processes to complete our work!

News

Join us on Sept 29 for the USGS Open House in Flagstaff!

Join us on Sept 29 for the USGS Open House in Flagstaff!

Art Illuminates the Grand Canyon: Exploring the Environmental Puzzle

Art Illuminates the Grand Canyon: Exploring the Environmental Puzzle

Illegal Oil and Gas Wastewater Dumps Disrupt Foundations of Fragile Desert Ecosystems

Illegal Oil and Gas Wastewater Dumps Disrupt Foundations of Fragile Desert Ecosystems

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Publications

New U-Pb geochronology and geochemistry of Paleozoic metaigneous rocks from western Yukon and eastern Alaska, cross-border synthesis, and implications for tectonic models

The tectonic evolution of and relation between the Yukon-Tanana terrane and the Lake George assemblage, as well as other associated tectonic assemblages in western Yukon and eastern Alaska, have been debated for decades. The Yukon-Tanana terrane is widely considered to be an allochthonous rifted fragment derived from the Laurentian continental margin, whereas the Lake George assemblage and associa
Authors
Cynthia Dusel-Bacon, James K. Mortensen
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Field evidence and indicators of rockfall fragmentation and implications for mobility

Rockfall fragmentation can play an important role in hazard studies and the design of protective measures. However, the current lack of modeling tools that incorporate rock fragmentation mechanics is a limitation to enhancing studies and design. This research investigates the fragmentation patterns of rockfalls and analyzes the resulting distribution of fragment sizes within corresponding rockfall
Authors
Camilla Lanfranconi, Paolo Frattini, Federico Agliardi, Greg M. Stock, Brian D. Collins, Giovanni Crosta
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Subduction zone geometry modulates the megathrust earthquake cycle: Magnitude, recurrence, and variability

Megathrust geometric properties exhibit some of the strongest correlations with maximum earthquake magnitude in global surveys of large subduction zone earthquakes, but the mechanisms through which fault geometry influences subduction earthquake cycle dynamics remain unresolved. Here, we develop 39 models of sequences of earthquakes and aseismic slip (SEAS) on variably-dipping planar and variably-
Authors
James Burkhardt Biemiller, Alice-Agnes Gabriel, Dave May, Lydia M. Staisch
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
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Science

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Map of the Hurricane Helene landslide hazard estimates with the highest hazard being around the mountains.

2024 Hurricane Helene Landslide Hazards

Hurricane Helene produced widespread and damaging landslides. The USGS is mapping landslides to support our partners. This page provides information about the extent and severity of landslide impacts. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on Thursday, September 26th, 2024. The hurricane continued across the southern Appalachian Mountains producing record rainfall. This...
By
Landslide Hazards Program, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
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2024 Hurricane Helene Landslide Hazards

Hurricane Helene produced widespread and damaging landslides. The USGS is mapping landslides to support our partners. This page provides information about the extent and severity of landslide impacts. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on Thursday, September 26th, 2024. The hurricane continued across the southern Appalachian Mountains producing record rainfall. This...
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Serpentinized peridotite that has been cut to reveal the serpentine minerals inside surrounded by a thin brown outer layer.

Ultramafic lands: Sustainability Challenges and Resource Opportunities

Ultramafic lands are geologically and ecologically diverse areas that host naturally elevated concentrations of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and scandium (Sc). While Cr is a potential carcinogen, Co, Mn, Ni, and Sc are considered critical minerals in the United States owing to their importance in current electric battery formulations. The research conducted...
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
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Ultramafic lands: Sustainability Challenges and Resource Opportunities

Ultramafic lands are geologically and ecologically diverse areas that host naturally elevated concentrations of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and scandium (Sc). While Cr is a potential carcinogen, Co, Mn, Ni, and Sc are considered critical minerals in the United States owing to their importance in current electric battery formulations. The research conducted...
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Image Collage of Landsat, pollinator, and volcanologist

Geophysical Imaging for Critical Mineral Resources in the Southern Basin and Range

Reliance on imports for many critical mineral commodities (including rare earth elements) puts the U.S. at high risk for supply disruption. Undiscovered deposits of some of these critical and strategic minerals undoubtedly exist in the United States, but a lack of modern geological, geophysical, and topographic data makes exploration challenging. This project plans to improve our knowledge of the...
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
link

Geophysical Imaging for Critical Mineral Resources in the Southern Basin and Range

Reliance on imports for many critical mineral commodities (including rare earth elements) puts the U.S. at high risk for supply disruption. Undiscovered deposits of some of these critical and strategic minerals undoubtedly exist in the United States, but a lack of modern geological, geophysical, and topographic data makes exploration challenging. This project plans to improve our knowledge of the...
Learn More
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