USGS: Science Topics: rocks and deposits

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Rocks and deposits

Solid masses that make up the earth's crust as well as accumulations of materials. Use for major rock types and unconsolidated deposits. For deposits of economic value, see related terms.

Subtopics:
Permafrost (2 items)
Fossils (14 items)
Igneous rocks (10 items)
Metamorphic rocks (2 items)
Sedimentary rocks (14 items)
Unconsolidated deposits (20 items)
Petroleum (79 items)

Lithologic maps (17 items)

Related topics:

Results 101 - 110 of 156 listed alphabetically [list by similarity]

Geology of the Devonian Marcellus Shale--Valley and Ridge province, Virginia and West Virginia--a field trip guidebook for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Eastern Section Meeting, September 28-29, 2011 [More info]: Detailed background information with descriptions of sites and photos explaining the geology of this organic-rich shale unit that has recently become a significant source of natural gas resources.
Geology, geochemistry and geophysics of sedimentary rock-hosted gold deposits in China [More info]: Second report of a joint project with the Tianjin Geological Academy to study sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits in China.
How do geologists date rocks? Radiometric dating! [More info]: Explanation of how geologists date rocks (to determine the ages of the Earth, fossils, mineral deposits, and other geologic events) and processes using radiometric dating techniques based on radioactive isotopes of carbon and potassium/argon.
Identification of tsunami deposits in the geologic record; developing criteria using recent tsunami deposits [More info]: Characteristics of recent tsunami deposits, with the knowledge we have about the events that caused them, give us ways to recognize ancient deposits of this type and infer characteristics of those ancient tsunamis as well.
In-place oil shale resources examined by grade in the major basins of the Green River Formation, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming [More info]: We estimated a total of 4.285 trillion barrels of oil in-place in the oil shale of this area using a geology-based assessment methodology.
Kilauea--an Explosive Volcano in Hawaii [More info]: Explains how explosive eruptions occur here, shows the history of its eruptions, and describes the effects and hazards that accompany them.
Laboratory manual for x-ray powder diffraction [More info]: Report presents an abridged guide for laboratory technicians and students using X-ray powder diffraction methodology to study crystalline structure and to determine the mineralogy of finer grained sediments, especially clays.
Limestone - A crucial and versatile industrial mineral commodity [More info]: Uses and availability of limestone and related commodities such as lime and portland cement. Hazards of limestone terranes due to erosion and sinkhole formation.
Major fossil groups [More info]: Discusses how fossils can be grouped and studied by size, habitat type, and phylogenetic groups. Shows how fossil classification groups are used to solve geologic problems at the USGS.
Marine aggregate resources and processes [More info]: Regional studies mapping the seafloor sedimentary character and assessing marine sand and gravel resources around the United States, to inform beach nourishment and coastal restoration, benthic habitat and sediment transport studies

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