Status of three-dimensional geological mapping and modeling activities in the U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), created in 1879, is the national geological survey
for the United States and the sole science agency within its cabinet-level bureau, the
Department of the Interior. The USGS has a broad mission, including: serving the Nation by
providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of
life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral
resources; and enhance and protect quality of life. USGS scientific activities are organized
around major topics, or Mission Areas, aligned with distinct science themes; three-dimensional
(3-D) modelling typically supports research and project work within a specific Mission Area. The
vastness, diversity, and complexity of the geological landscape of the United States has
resulted in the creation of 3-D geological framework models that are local or regional in scale; a
National-scale 3-D model is only beginning to evolve. This paper summarizes 3-D geological
modeling at the USGS and does not discuss 3-D modeling that is conducted by other Federal
agencies, state geological surveys, academia, or industry within the U.S. This paper updates
and expands upon a similar status report of USGS 3-D modeling activities of Jacobsen et al.
(2011).