3D Geologic Models of Regions and Provinces
Perspective view of the Continental U.S. showing an elevation surface of the top of crystalline Precambrian “basement” rocks. Brown and orange colors depict the highest elevations; greens show the lowest elevations.
Illustration of NGS activities in bringing together national and continental-resolution 2D and 3D geologic data
View of an elevation surface of the top of crystalline Precambrian “basement”. Brown and orange colors are high elevations while greens show lows. Gaps occur where there are no published “basement” maps or where crystalline Precambrian rocks are absent.
Water, energy, mineral resource, hazard, and land-use assessments are central to the USGS mission and increasingly rely on subsurface data and 3-D geologic models. Watershed, regional, and national assessments are facilitated the availability of 3-D geologic data and models; in a typical assessment project, numerical simulations and process models cannot proceed without subsurface data and, ideally, a 3D geologic model. To meet the Federal need for subsurface data that support scientific discovery and informed decision-making, this task will develop new 3-D geologic models of geographic regions and provinces with the intent of progressively building the 3-D solid earth model of the nation.
The 3D Geologic Models of Regions and Provinces task seeks to compile, synthesize, and distribute 3D geologic data at varying scales. Task activities are focused on three primary objectives:
(1) developing an inventory and catalog of subsurface models and digital datasets,
(2) integrating and synthesizing subsurface geologic datasets into a seamless 3D geologic database, and
(3) making 3D geologic data accessible.
