The data collection will be conducted through the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a partnership between the USGS and state geological surveys that is revolutionizing our understanding of the nation’s geology and critical mineral resources that are vital to the U.S. economy, national security, and clean energy technology. 

“The United States is under mapped, lacking sufficient high-quality data needed to understand our nation’s geologic resources,” said David Applegate, USGS director. “Earth MRI is changing that by transforming and modernizing our nation’s mapping and collecting an unprecedented volume of foundational data.” 

The survey footprint was designed in collaboration with the Colorado Geological Survey to further study the Colorado Mineral Belt, a large area containing historical mining districts that stretches from the San Juan Mountains to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. 

Tien Grauch, the lead USGS geophysicist for this survey, explained the data collected over the mineral belt will allow USGS and state scientists to better understand the distribution of rock units and faults that may hold important and potentially valuable information about critical mineral deposits. 

“If we’re able to understand how the continent formed in this region, that information can inform our view of which mineral resources we could expect to find, the potential for earthquakes, and potential groundwater flow pathways,” said Patricia MacQueen, a USGS geophysicist. 

This survey of the northeastern block of the mineral belt is one of three Earth MRI surveys covering the entire mineral belt. The previous survey included a southwestern block which was completed in 2023 and a central block, which resumed this spring following a hiatus over the winter months. 

Officials at the Colorado Geological Survey have described the ongoing Earth MRI surveys as a partnership success story.

“This survey would never have been possible without collaboration with our partners at the USGS,” said Matt Morgan, state geologist and director of the Colorado Geological Survey. “Collaborations like this are key for advancing our understanding of these critical mineral systems and producing valuable studies that will undoubtedly be used by future scientists and engineers to locate and extract critical minerals to meet societal needs.” 

These airborne geophysical surveys will collect a combination of magnetic and radiometric data. These data can be used to map rocks from just beneath vegetation and shallow sediment cover down to several miles underground. Magnetic data can be used to identify unrecognized faults, igneous intrusions, and ancient lava flows. Radiometric data indicate the relative amounts of potassium, uranium and thorium in shallow rocks and soil. 

Scientists use this information to help map rocks that may contain mineral deposits, faults that may rupture during an earthquake, areas that may be prone to increased radon, and geologic features that affect groundwater- or energy resources.

The initial airborne geophysical survey may be followed by additional investments including new geologic maps, topographic surveys, geochemical sampling, and other products and techniques to better understand the region’s geologic framework.

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