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135 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Paleoproterozoic vein graphite mineralization caused by decarbonation in the Ruby Range, Montana, USA

Hydrothermal graphite veins are a possible source for modern battery materials and require better understanding of their carbon source(s) and absolute timing to develop mapable criteria for exploration models. We present new observations of graphite vein and alteration paragenesis and U-Pb LA-ICP-MS titanite age data from the Ruby prospect, Montana, USA, that constrain mineralization timing and source. The graphite veins cut high-temperature metamorphic rocks of the lower Christensen Range suite and are associated with intense diopside (Di0.69Hd0.27Jo0.04) alteration of marble. The oldest titanite ages in fresh marble and partially altered calc-silicate gneiss are ca. 2,500 – 2,450 Ma, show elevated REE values, and Eu/Eu* <1.5, consistent with growth during early regional metamorphism. Titanite in diopside-graphite alteration, interpreted as part of the hydrothermal vein-forming episode, cluster around 1,750 Ma, are characterized by lower REE values, and show Eu/Eu* >2; suggesting a low fO 2 fluid generated from metamorphism during the Big Sky orogeny. Our paragenetic observations and titanite ages indicate graphite vein formation via skarnoid decarbonation reactions in marble late in regional orogenesis. Granulite-facies, carbonate-bearing, supracrustal rock terranes are thus favorable for hydrothermal graphite vein deposits.

Montana

Fingerprinting magmatic REE deposit sources with zircon petrochronology

Carbonatites and associated alkaline silicate rocks are of considerable economic interest due to their enrichments in rare earth elements. The petrogenesis and source(s) of these complexes, however, are poorly understood. Models propose either mantle plume-derived carbon-rich melts or a mantle source enriched by subduction-related metasomatism. We use zircon trace elements to fingerprint carbonatite-alkaline complex sources, focusing on the economically significant 1.4 Ga Mountain Pass intrusive suite (MPIS). Autocrystic zircon from MPIS alkaline silicate rocks are enriched in Th and U relative to Nb suggesting a subduction influenced, oxidized source region. Lower Sc/Yb, higher Ti concentrations, and the absence of Eu anomalies in autocrystic zircon suggest derivation from a less hydrous, hotter, and deeper mantle source relative to arc-related 1.8–1.6 Ga inherited zircon. These data are best explained by syn- to post-collisional Mesoproterozoic reactivation of a subduction-metasomatized mantle source. The source and tectonic setting of the MPIS contrasts with Mesoproterozoic Gifford Creek and Bayan Obo carbonatites which exhibit plume-like compositions and are associated with rifts, suggesting different sources and tectonic settings for these economically significant deposits. We demonstrate that zircon petrochronology is a robust method for distinguishing carbonatite sources and can inform more targeted exploration strategies for critical mineral resources.

Conference Paper

USGS addresses needs for lithium calibration and quality control materials for pLIBS analysis

Lithium (Li) is a globally important commodity used for energy storage, national defense, human health, and advanced technologies. Lithium resource development requires identifying deposits with elevated concentrations and optimal mineralogy, typically associated with select clays and pegmatites. Lithium is a light, highly reactive alkali metal with low atomic mass that is difficult to detect and quantify using conventional portable geochemical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF). However, portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (pLIBS) is a powerful analytical technique for lithium exploration due to its ability to analyze solids quickly with minimal preparation. The expanded utility of pLIBS is hampered by the lack of matrix-matched calibration and quality control (QC) materials. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has developed in-house lithium calibration and QC materials for lithium in clay and pegmatite matrices to address this limitation. We present the workflow and implementation of a custom-built matrix specific calibration on a SciAps Z-300 pLIBS, using proprietary Profile Builder software. The implementation of the custom calibration and quality control standards enables us to collect semiquantitative results directly from the pLIBS while in the field. Ultimately, this calibration has improved confidence in sample selection and collection in the field, providing more efficient site characterization.

Conference Paper

Combining scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence to characterize shear zones at the Pogo gold deposit, Alaska

This study employs a multi-method analytical approach to characterize the mineralogical, geochemical, and textural properties of fault rocks from the Pogo gold mine in the Yukon-Tanana Upland, central Alaska. Specifically, we examine cataclasites, to document the structural and geochemical evolution of shear zones and their associations with gold mineralization. To investigate the shear zone, we integrate portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), scanning electron microscopy-based automated mineralogy (SEM-AM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) mapping. These methods collectively provide insights into bulk and trace element chemistry, mineralogical composition, and deformation-related textures across multiple scales. Handheld pXRF enables rapid geochemical screening, guiding SEM-AM and XRD analyses to ensure consistent mineralogical interpretation. X-ray diffraction identifies and quantifies crystalline phases, while SEM-AM produces high-resolution mineral maps, revealing mineral abundances, grain-scale textures, and gold associations. Micro-XRF mapping further refines our understanding by showing visual trace element distributions at sub-millimetre resolution. By integrating these techniques, we improve our understanding of the nature and geochemistry of Pogo shear zones, their role in gold mineralization, and support metallurgical processing strategies. This approach enhances exploration models and resource characterization for structurally complex gold deposits.

Alaska

Enhancing mineral systems exploration through geochronology, thermochronology, and isotope analysis: USGS Geochron and USGS Isotope databases

A mineral systems approach to mineral exploration provides a comprehensive framework for understanding ore deposit formation by examining the geodynamic, magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary processes responsible for mineralization, alteration, and remobilization of economic mineral deposits. Temporal and thermal constraints on ore genesis are crucial for refining mineral system models and guiding predictive exploration strategies. Geochronology and thermochronology offer invaluable insights into the timing and thermal evolution of ore-forming processes, whereas isotopic analyses provide critical information on the source and geochemical history of ore-forming fluids. Combining these methodologies have proven highly effective for mineral exploration in regions like Australia, however, their combined application has been limited in the United States. To apply these tools to mineral systems-based exploration, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed two products: (1) The USGS Geochron Database, and (2) the USGS Isotope Database. These databases provide centralized repositories of geo/thermochronological dates and data (Geochron Database) and both radiogenic and stable isotope data (Isotope Database) generated by the USGS and partners over the past decades. Integrating these datasets together and with traditional exploration approaches provides the mineral exploration community with powerful tools for determining the temporal and thermal histories of ore systems and identifying metallogenic source provinces.

Continental United States

Development of USGS NSHMs: Do small changes in hazard imply small changes in risk?

One of the flagship products from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM). Since 1976, the NSHM has been periodically updated to reflect newly published earthquake science and provide probabilistic estimates of seismic hazard for the United States. During each update cycle, alternative models are deliberated, analyzed, and documented through logic trees and their corresponding logic tree branch weights. For example, the decision to modify a logic tree branch weight may be influenced by sensitivity analyses of the logic tree branches in their effects on the mean hazard. However, do small changes in traditional measures of hazard imply small changes in risk? In this study, we make use of two update cycles of the USGS NSHMs and a National Bridge Inventory (NBI) from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to explore the preceding question. Specifically, we first identify geographic locations in the conterminous United States in which the change in hazard from one cycle to another is relatively small. Next, we model the seismic risk to highway bridges for these locations and for each update cycle, while simultaneously distinguishing low hazard environments from high hazard environments. These data enable quantitative analysis of how much changes in risk can be expected given small changes in hazard, investigating the importance of risk models in decision-making during development of the USGS NSHMs.

Conference Paper

Evidence for offset of Cretaceous plutons by the Tintina fault in eastern Alaska: Implications for regional metallogeny

Cretaceous magmatism in eastern interior Alaska is voluminous, but temporally and spatially diverse – suggestive of varying sources and drivers. More than 150 new U-Pb zircon and more than 500 geochemical analyses of Cretaceous plutonic units allow for the grouping of distinct plutonic suites. Magmatism was continuous from 120-66 Ma but can be grouped into temporally distinct pulses from ca. 115-100 Ma, 100-90 Ma, and 75-66 Ma. Geochemical diversity occurs during each pulse, further distinguishing multiple suites. Diverse metallogenic epochs are strongly correlated to pluton chemistry. Mineralization is largely absent prior to 108 Ma. From 108-100 Ma, plutonism is coeval with sparse, but notable Au-quartz veins with variable Bi, As, W, and Mo. From 100-90 Ma, intrusion-related mineralization zones from Au-Cu(-Bi) and U-Th in the northwest to central Au- Bi-As-Te(-W), and Mo-W to the southeast. Porphyry style Cu-Mo(-Au) occurrences occur with the latest Cretaceous plutons emplaced from 75-66 Ma . Restoration of ~450 km of dextral movement on the Tintina fault and comparison of metallogenic and geochemical characteristics of Alaska plutons suggest 100-90 Ma plutons may be the continuation of the metallogenically significant Tombstone, Mayo, and Tungsten suites from the Yukon.

Alaska

U.S.-Mexico Borderland & vegetation community map

People on both sides of the United States-Mexico border need a high-resolution, binational vegetation community map that spans the entire United States-Mexico borderlands. Traditionally, mapping efforts in this region were impeded by complex logistics related to the international border, differing national needs and plans, and resource allocations and priorities. To address this need, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center partnered with the Sonoran Joint Venture, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Migratory Bird Program, data engineers from the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Arizona, and collaborators from the Wildlands Network, the Borderlands Program to produce the first prototype land cover map within the overlapping Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, and the North American Bird Conservation Initiative’s Bird Conservation Region 33 (BCR33) using Landsat satellite data . BCR33 is an area of high biodiversity, providing habitat for bird species of concern and other wildlife. The land cover map supports FWS recovery plan efforts related to conservation planning activities for many species, including Yellow-billed Cuckoo ( Coccyzus americanus ), Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl ( Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum ), Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus ), Yuma Ridgway’s Rail ( Rallus obsoletus yumanensis ), Bendire’s thrasher ( Toxostoma bendirei ), LeConte’s thrasher ( Toxostoma lecontei ), Masked Bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus ridgwayi ), jaguar ( Panthera onca ), and endangered plants such as Bartram’s stonecrop ( Graptopetalum bartramii ) and the Pima pineapple cactus ( Coryphantha robustispina ssp. robustispina ). In 2024, a Phase-II map for the full BCR33 region was completed, increasing the understanding of the binational nature of natural communities. The published map and associated paper can be found here .

Borderland

Avak Creek oil occurrence, North Slope, Alaska: Newly discovered oil seep on Native lands, near village of Utqiagvik

An unknown occurrence of oil was detected near Avak Creek on Native lands on the North Slope of Alaska. Determining the source of oil was imperative for allowing stakeholders (Federal, State, and local government agencies and the landowner, an Alaska Native corporation) to make timely and informed decisions and mount a mitigation response, if required. The regional and local geological framework of the Avak Creek site was constructed using seismic surveys, well data, and basin modeling results, to identify local petroleum systems, map structural geometry and faults, define source rock thermal maturity distributions, and infer likely oil-migration pathways. Molecular hydrocarbon fingerprints (biomarkers, diamondoids, compound-specific isotopes) of the oil were compared to those of local and regional oil seeps, exploration well tests, and produced oils. Biomarker acid distributions characterized the history and extent of petroleum biodegradation. Integrating subsurface and geochemical parameters, the oil is interpreted to be a natural seep generated locally, predominantly from the Brookian Lower Cretaceous Hue Shale/gamma-ray zone, rather than an anthropogenic source of pollution. Results highlight sophisticated analytical technologies used to characterize complex, compositionally altered hydrocarbons. Results also advance our understanding of Brookian source rock distribution, subsurface petroleum migration pathways, and Arctic Alaska petroleum systems.

Alaska

In-situ geochronology using LA-ICP-MS/MS: Application of the Lu-Hf system in carbonate, apatite and fluorite

Geochronology is a fundamental tool for reconstructing earth history and constraining the timing of ore deposit formation. Traditionally, U-rich minerals like zircon, titanite, monazite and apatite have been analysed to determine the timing of mineralization and alteration events. However, not all deposits or alteration assemblages contain these minerals, and the U-Pb system can be disturbed due to open system behaviour. We present a methodology for obtaining in-situ Lu-Hf dates from various minerals to demonstrate the potential for dating ore deposits that lack U-rich minerals. Carbonate, apatite and fluorite minerals from different tectonic settings and geological environments were analysed. We acquired Lu-Hf and REE (rare earth element) data from carbonate minerals from a carbonatite orebody and dike samples from the Mountain Pass REE carbonatite deposit in California, USA. We also tested a ‘double-dating’ method, where U-Th-Pb dates and Lu-Hf dates were obtained from the same analysis of apatite from rocks in the Michigan’s Great Lakes Tectonic Zone. Preliminary results for Lu-Hf dating of fluorite from carbonatite rocks in the Lemitar Mountains of New Mexico are also included. The analytical methodology shows promising results in each of these cases where there is sufficient parent Lu and U and measurable daughter Hf and Pb respectively.

Conference Paper

Tracing fluid evolution during batholith and deposit formation: In-situ and bulk rock Mo isotopes from the Questa porphyry Mo deposit, New Mexico, USA

The Oligocene Questa porphyry Mo deposit, located in New Mexico, USA, is a well-characterized system that formed over 400 kyr, punctuating the 8 Myr formation of the Questa-Latir batholith. Detailed sampling of the intrusions and minerals associated with magmatichydrothermal mineralization, as well as bookending barren intrusions, allows for examination of the Mo isotope record of the deposit and its host batholith. Through this established chronologic framework, such data can yield insights into the metallogenesis of deposit formation and long-term magma genesis evolution for upper crustal magmatism. The Mo isotopic compositions of barren intrusions yield a younging trend towards lighter δ 98 Mo. However, intrusions associated with Mo deposit formation yield heavier δ 98 Mo relative to barren magmatism, by up to 2.0‰. This indicates that they were affected by an isotopically heavy and Mo-rich fluid. The in-situ data from molybdenite covers the range observed in mineralized bulk rocks. However, individual samples consistently yield Mo isotopic variations of 0.4‰ to 0.5‰. The consistency of the δ 98 Mo variation in in-situ analyses of molybdenite within hand samples and individual mineral grains is likely the result of MoS 2 crystallization in a closed system and reflects an almost complete precipitation of Mo.

New Mexico

The effects of line simplification on planform geometry

Data on maps should retain accuracy regardless of scale. Yet, as cartographic lines are generalized, there can be impacts on properties such as topology, density, and planform geometry. Here, we investigate the use of the Scale Specific Sinuosity (S3) metric (Stanislawski et al., 2023) to evaluate the effects of line simplification on planform geometry, which is the bends of streams in map view. We employ an open-source Python S3 workflow to characterize the geometry of five diverse stream channels in the United States. The original data are extracted from the U.S. Geological Survey National Hydrography Dataset 1:24,000-scale vector data (U.S. Geological Survey, 2000) (Table 1), and the simplification is done using the Visvalingam and Whyatt method (2017) with a simplification tolerance of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 km. The S3 analysis is calculated at each level of simplification and S3 derivatives are generated. Derivatives include measures of sinuosity, fractal dimension, and the dominant bend wavelength. The findings show that the change in planform geometry is scale-dependent, though simplification will have little effect on straighter lines. The change becomes more apparent in complex lines as the degree of simplification aligns with the scale of the dominant bend geometries. These logical conclusions are evidence that the S3 is a useful metric for automated characterization of bend geometry regardless of line complexity.

Conference Paper

Detecting hidden sedimentary geothermal systems in the Upper Colorado River Basin

Geothermal resources exist in sedimentary rock where circulation of water for efficient extraction or storage of heat is possible. Except in rare instances where hot water is expressed at the land surface, sedimentary geothermal resources are hidden, so the identification of these systems is optimally accomplished using predictive subsurface modeling. An integrated approach using detailed paleogeographic interpretations, subsurface geologic mapping, and numerical modeling has produced regional geologic and temperature models for the Upper Colorado River Basin, a large watershed in central North America that contains many sedimentary basins. These models identify areas of hidden sedimentary geothermal resource potential in low temperature (<90°C), moderate temperature (90–150°C), and high temperature (>150°C) fairways across the study area. These models incorporate maps of key horizons in outcrop and the subsurface to create a robust structural framework that can be used to target favorable geology for natural or engineered permeability. This framework is populated with lithologies derived from detailed palaeogeographical maps and over 40,000 bottom hole temperature (BHT) values were used to create a calibrated three-dimensional (3D) temperature model across the region. The resulting maps serve as a regional sedimentary geothermal play fairway screening tool for evaluating different grades of sedimentary geothermal resources and for identifying areas of interest where more detailed, prospect-scale studies can be undertaken.

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming

The role of alkali bicarbonate-sulfate brines in the genesis of carbonatite REE resources at the Bear Lodge Alkaline Complex, Wyoming

Rare-earth element (REE) resources in the Bear Lodge Alkaline Complex, Wyoming, are hosted in a variably leached carbonatite dike swarm spatially related to bodies of diatreme breccia. This study examines fluid inclusions in carbonatite dikes, peripheral fluorite breccias, and smoky quartz veins to reconstruct the physiochemical conditions of REE mineralization. Results reveal a multi-stage evolution of carbonatitic fluids: 1) high-temperature (330–432°C), CO 2 -rich magmatic fluids, 2) REE-enriched alkali bicarbonate-sulfate brines, and 3) low-temperature meteoric (117–182°C) or diluted magmatic fluids. Multiphase inclusions (stage-2) contain burbankite, nahcolite, and alkali sulfate daughter crystals, linking the brines to early burbankite [(Na,Ca) 3 (Sr,Ba,REE) 3 (CO 3 ) 5 ] mineralization in carbonatite. REE mobility has been linked to the stability of aqueous complexes with ligands such as Cl-, SO 4 2- , and HCO 3 - . However, light REEs were not initially transported significant distances, rather they crystallized as burbankite from brines or brine-melts associated with the carbonatite magma. Crystallization of burbankite removed Na from the system, leaving residual fluids with high K/Na ratios and promoting potassic fenitization throughout the complex. Fractionation of light and heavy REEs and involvement of low temperature (<300°C), high K/Na bicarbonate brines may have facilitated transport and formation of peripheral occurrences that are more enriched in heavy REEs at Bear Lodge.

Wyoming

Constraining large magnitude event source and path effects using ground motion simulations

The purpose of this study is to use ground motion simulations to investigate ways in which source and path effects for large magnitude events can be represented in non-ergodic GMMs. While we initially developed computation techniques using CyberShake simulations, the range of magnitudes and source-site combinations is not adequate to replicate what is observed empirically. We therefore designed a new ground motion simulation study, which includes earthquakes with a large range of magnitudes distributed uniformly on a fault plane, and sites covering a large range of rupture distances and azimuths. After running a large suite of simulations (M4-M7), we then develop a non-ergodic GMM with the simulation data. We find that the within-site residuals are dominated by the radiation pattern, rupture directivity, and slip patterns. Next, we modify an existing rupture directivity model to fit and remove the observed radiation pattern and rupture directivity from the residuals. We also minimize the contributions of slip patterns by averaging the within-site residuals among multiple source realizations. Finally, after removing the source effects from the within-site residuals, we compare the path effects computed with different magnitude groups using two approaches. The first approach only considers the small events that have the same shortest path to a site with the large events, while the second approach considers all small events on the fault plane. The results indicate that the path effects of large events cannot be satisfactorily approximated with that of small events using either approach.

Conference Paper

Quantitative mineral resource assessment of lithium pegmatite deposits in the Appalachian Orogen, USA

Lithium is classified as a U.S. critical mineral commodity, and its demand is projected to drastically increase through 2040, driven by electric vehicle production and energy storage applications (IEA 2021).Most global lithium production is not in the United States increasing vulnerability to a supply disruption. The U.S. Geological Survey is actively assessing domestic lithium deposits including lithium-bearing pegmatites in the Appalachian orogen. Permissive tracts for lithium pegmatite deposits were delineated by integrating lithological, tectonic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral occurrence data. The geospatial data and permissive tracts were used to estimate the number of undiscovered lithium pegmatite deposits. Estimates were then integrated into probabilistic simulations along with a new global lithium pegmatite grade and tonnage dataset to quantify potential contained undiscovered lithium resources. An economic filter was used to estimate the amount of potentially recoverable undiscovered resources. Preliminary computations for the northern Appalachians, including application of the economic filter to the median recoverable contained resource, yields 900,000 metric tons of Li 2 O that correspond to enough Li 2 O to replace 127 years of import reliance at the current rate (7,100 t Li 2 O/yr; USGS, 2025). For the southern Appalachians, preliminary computations yielded 1,430,000 metric tons of Li 2 O, which corresponds to 201 years of import reliance.

Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Ma

Stepovers and beyond: Structural control of The Geysers geothermal system and the broader Clear Lake region

Fault geometry exerts a first-order control on geothermal systems by governing stress localization, fracture development, and permeability, yet in complex fault networks or broader shear zones, the relative influence of individual geometric features is often difficult to resolve. In the northern California Coast Ranges, The Geysers geothermal field is commonly interpreted to occur within a releasing stepover, although no single, clearly defined stepover is identified in published studies. To investigate the structural controls on The Geysers and the broader Clear Lake region, a two-dimensional elastic boundary element model is developed to evaluate spatial patterns of dilational strain associated with progressively more complete fault geometries. Model results show that dilation in the region is not controlled by a single structure but instead reflects the combined effects of multiple interacting fault elements. Three primary controls are identified: (1) opposing bends in the regional strike-slip fault system, including a releasing bend along the Maacama fault; (2) the southern fault tip of the Collayomi fault, which generates a prominent dilational lobe beneath the southern Geysers; and (3) a releasing stepover between the Collayomi fault and the Geyser Peak–Mercuryville–Big Sulphur Creek fault system, inferred to collectively behave as a right-lateral shear zone bounding the western margin of The Geysers. Predicted dilational strain magnitudes are sufficient to localize permeability between faults. These results highlight that incorporating complete fault networks and bedrock geological mapping can enhance geothermal assessments and provide a transferable framework for evaluating structurally controlled permeability in tectonically active regions.

California

Preliminary depth to basement modeling at Salton Sea, California

The San Andreas Fault – Imperial Fault (SAF-IF) transtensional step-over zone along the southern margin of the Salton Sea hosts substantial geothermal production and lithium brine resources. Recent volcanism at the Salton Buttes and active seismicity along the SAFIF fault system highlight active tectonic and magmatic processes that pose natural hazards and may impact energy and mineral production. Characterizing the subsurface architecture and extent of concealed alteration associated with this tectono-magmatic system enhances understanding of these active processes, associated hazards, and resources. We have compiled a gravity database, consisting of new and re-processed existing data, from which we have constructed a new isostatic residual gravity anomaly map of the Salton trough. We have used this new gravity dataset together with a compilation of publicly available borehole data to develop new depth to basement inversion models for the region. These depth to basement models help to constrain basin geometries, inform alteration mapping, and reveal variations in basement rocks. Due to the concealed nature of the complex tectonic framework at the Salton trough, it is necessary to utilize geophysical methods for subsurface characterization. These new depth to basement models are a first step toward constructing 2D and 3D geophysical and geologic models of the Imperial Valley and Salton Sea geothermal area. This analysis complements other geophysical initiatives, including magnetotelluric (MT) modeling (Tokmakoff et al., 2024), magnetic mapping (Glen and Earney, 2023, 2024) and potential field modeling, and seismic studies focused on hazard and resource investigations in the Imperial Valley.

California