Method Development

Project objectives are to (1) develop innovative analytical techniques for isotope geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and (2) apply these techniques to collaborative research projects of high priority to the Mineral Resources Program, including studies related to the formation of "critical mineral" deposits, and...

We provide support for geospatial analyses, mobile field data collection, management of geospatial collections including documentation, and distribution of all dataset types (geophysical, geochemistry, remote sensing (hyperspectral), etc.). GIS and data management support are provided including hyperspectral and geophysical studies that improve capabilities and applications for investigating...

This project develops and maintains state-of-the-art analytical laboratories, expertise, and methods for a broad range of elemental and mineralogical analyses in support of the research priorities of the Mineral Resources Program, USGS, and DOI.

The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...

Understanding the genesis of ore deposits and their behavior in the environment is a subject of great importance to the Nation. A relatively new tool to aid in these efforts to investigate the origin and environmental effects of ore deposits is the use of "heavy" metal stable isotopes. Our research objectives are to utilize various isotopic systems to advance our understanding of ore genesis and...

Critical elements are essential to the modern economy and have potential supply chain disruptions, but compared to most base and precious metals, little work has been done in understanding ore-grade enrichments. Carbonatites are the primary source of the worlds light rare earth elements and niobium, and a potential source for heavy rare earths, scandium, tantalum, and thorium. Project objectives...

The Geophysical Research and Development Project supported the development of new and existing geophysical techniques for addressing critical geological problems. Research conducted under this project included development of needed geophysical methods and software, development of new geophysical instrumentation, and applications of geophysical techniques to frontier areas of geology.

Geophysical Infrastructure Studies is comprised of a series of applied research projects focused on studying site-specific problems at earthen dams and abandoned mine lands. An appropriate suite of geophysical methods are chosen for each project and its particular goals and geologic environment. These projects are funded by the federal agencies in charge of the risk mitigation, assessment, or...

The USGS Denver Microbeam Laboratory provides chemical analysis and characterization of rocks, minerals, and environmental samples in support of a wide variety of USGS projects related to mineral resources, including research projects funded by the USGS Mineral Resources Program. The research applications for these projects range from mineral resource research and assessments, to geologic mapping...

Between 2003 and the present, 2.2 million U.S. military personnel have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. These deployers have been variably exposed to desert dusts, smoke from burn pits, and urban particulate matter, and some have developed constrictive bronchiolitis. A study was undertaken to determine what, if any, markers were statistically different among biopsied lung tissue sections...

The Integrated Methods Development Project (IMDP) was an interdisciplinary project to develop tools and conduct research requiring integration of geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and remote-sensing expertise.

USGS scientists conducted a remote sensing and mineralogical characterization study of lower Manhattan around the WTC after the September 11, 2001 attack.