Publications
Listed below are publication products directly associated with the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center:
Filter Total Items: 1252
Synergy between geology and geophysics in graphite mineral resource assessment Synergy between geology and geophysics in graphite mineral resource assessment
Graphite is designated as a critical mineral by the U.S. Government due to its essential role in modern technology and its vulnerability to supply chain disruption. To evaluate domestic graphite resources, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted two airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys as part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) over prospective areas in the...
Authors
Patricia Grace Macqueen, George N.D. Case, Paul A. Bedrosian, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Susan M. Karl, Graham W. Lederer, Elizabeth M. Bollen, John Whitmore, Dane VanDervoort, Abraham M. Emond, Logan Fusso, Philip J. Brown, Gregory J. Walsh, Keith A. Labay, Martha Stokes, Andrew Arnold Stewart
Evaluating mass flow meter measurements from chambers for greenhouse gas emissions from orphan wells and other point sources Evaluating mass flow meter measurements from chambers for greenhouse gas emissions from orphan wells and other point sources
This study evaluates the performance of a rigid gas flux chamber equipped with a mass flow meter (MFM) for measuring gas emissions from leaking orphan wells and similar pressure-driven gas point sources. We conducted a series of laboratory and field experiments to evaluate the sensitivity, stability, and dynamic range of an MFM chamber system and found an optimal method for sealing the...
Authors
Karl B. Haase, Nicholas J. Gianoutsos
Avak Creek oil occurrence, North Slope, Alaska: Newly discovered oil seep on Native lands, near village of Utqiagvik 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...
Authors
Palma J. Botterell, David W Houseknecht, Jody Brae Wycech, J. Mike Moldowan, Paul G. Lillis, Rebecca A. Smith, Kimberley Maher
New constraints on location and timing of the Great Lakes tectonic zone, central Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA New constraints on location and timing of the Great Lakes tectonic zone, central Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA
The Great Lakes tectonic zone (GLTZ) forms the boundary between the Wawa–Abitibi and Minnesota River Valley subprovinces within the Archean Superior Province. The GLTZ is concealed for all of its 1100 km length, except for a segment in the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There, it is exposed as a northwest-striking mylonite zone along a 11 km segment, extending to the onlap of...
Authors
Benjamin J. Drenth, Amanda Souders, William F. Cannon, Jay M. Thompson
Seismic anomalies expand Alaska’s Umiat Anticline potential Seismic anomalies expand Alaska’s Umiat Anticline potential
Recent seismic advancements, including AVO analysis, have redefined Alaska's Umiat field potential, revealing deeper reservoirs and increasing estimated oil in place.
Authors
Paul McColgan, Nilesh Dixit, Jacob T. Murchek
Waning greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. Federal lease coal production by the mid-21st century Waning greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. Federal lease coal production by the mid-21st century
This study presents estimates of future years (2024–2051) United States Federal lease coal production and the resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the combustion, transport, and mining of that fuel. Results from the coal production estimate indicate a decline in production from Federal leases; with known production of 240 million short tons (mtn) in 2023 and a projected decline...
Authors
Matthew D. Merrill, Paul E. Pierce, Chad C. Meister, Matthew M. Jones, C. Ozgen Karacan, Ashton M. Wiens, Peter D. Warwick, Brian N. Shaffer
Extracting data from maps: Lessons learned from the artificial intelligence for critical mineral assessment competition Extracting data from maps: Lessons learned from the artificial intelligence for critical mineral assessment competition
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA), NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and MITRE ran a 12-week machine learning competition aimed at accelerating development of AI tools for critical mineral assessments. The Artificial Intelligence for Critical Mineral Assessment Competition solicited innovative solutions for two challenges: 1)...
Authors
Margaret A. Goldman, Graham W. Lederer, Joshua Mark Rosera, Garth E. Graham, Asitang Mishra, Alice Yepremyan
Reaction kinetics and accelerant effects of sulfides in early mature hydrocarbon generation using hydrous pyrolysis Reaction kinetics and accelerant effects of sulfides in early mature hydrocarbon generation using hydrous pyrolysis
Hydrocarbon generation in organic-rich sediments is influenced by the molecular organic composition and relative abundance of associated minerals. Certain mineral-derived elements act as catalysts and reaction intermediaries, facilitating early-stage hydrocarbon formation in potential source rocks. This study investigated the role of sulfur contributed from pyrite as an accelerant in...
Authors
Tushar Adsul, Paul C. Hackley, Javin J. Hatcherian, Ryan J. McAleer, Carlin J. Green, Alan K. Burnham, Santanu Ghosh, Josef P. Werne, Atul K. Varma
Land application of drill waste: A scope analysis Land application of drill waste: A scope analysis
Drilling fluid waste land application, a process where drilling wastes are spread and tilled into the land surface, has become common in some petroleum-producing states, however, the potential benefits and risks of this practice are not well studied. Drilling fluids can be water- or oil-based and can have high concentrations of total soluble salts and total petroleum hydrocarbons...
Authors
Matthew S. Varonka, Melissa A. Lombard, Todd M. Preston, Timothy T. Bartos, Jason R. Masoner, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli
Component identification of solid biomass fuels using reflected light microscopy: Interlaboratory study 2 Component identification of solid biomass fuels using reflected light microscopy: Interlaboratory study 2
As nations transition toward sustainable energy systems, biomass has become a vital component of global energy portfolios. Derived from organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, forestry byproducts, and organic waste, biomass is a renewable energy source with significant environmental and economic benefits. Responsible biomass energy production can improve waste management...
Authors
Agnieszka Drobniak, Maria Mastalerz, Zbigniew Jelonek, Iwona Jelonek, Menandro Acda, Tushar Adsul, Neža Malenšek Andolšek, Lorenzo Animali, Omid Ardakani, Telma Ataide, Demberelsuren Batbold, Mohd Younus Bhat, Tara Congo, Bryon S. Donohoe, Olugbenga Ehinola, Deolinda Flores, Carolina Fonseca, Santanu Ghosh, Paula Gonçalves, Paul C. Hackley, James C. Hower, Luvsanchultem Jargal, Michelle N. Johnston, Stavros Kalaitzidis, Sławomir Kędzior, Wayne Knowles, Susheel Kumar, Jolanta Kus, Grzegorz Lis, Kacper Lis, Bei Liu, Bangjun Liu, Qingyong Luo, Meili Du, Alessio Mencarelli, Divya Mishra, Magdalena Misz-Kennan, Nicola Mitillo, Roksana Muzyka, Jennifer Nedzweckas, Jennifer M.K. O'Keefe, Silvia Omodeo-Salé, Luvsannyam Oyunjargal, Jackie Park, Aulia Agus Patria, Richard Pearson, Henrik I. Petersen, Georgeta Predeanu, Ganzorig Ranjin, Julito Reyes, Joana Ribeiro, Genaro de la Rosa Rodríguez, Arka Rudra, Marcin Sajdak, Margaret M. Sanders, George Siavalas, Piotr Sosnowski, Atul K. Varma, Małgorzata Wojtaszek-Kalaitzidi, Mateusz Wolszczak, Zhanjie Xu, Alexander Zdravkov, Lei Zhao, Magdalena Zielińska, Konrad Ziemianin
Critical minerals in mine waste Critical minerals in mine waste
Introduction Critical minerals are commodities with vulnerable supply chains that play a vital role in supporting the United States’ economy, national defense and security, emerging technologies, and energy independence. The prosperity of our Nation depends on generating a resilient supply of domestic critical minerals; mine waste may be an untapped source of these commodities. Mine...
Authors
Nadine M. Piatak, Sarah Jane White, Sarah M. Hayes, Robert R. Seal,
Using peak geometry and shifts in the x-ray spectrum of carbon from electron probe microanalysis to determine thermal maturity of organic matter Using peak geometry and shifts in the x-ray spectrum of carbon from electron probe microanalysis to determine thermal maturity of organic matter
During the burial of mudstones, the associated organic matter undergoes gradual thermal maturation, a key process that can influence the reactivity of organic matter during catagenesis, the formation of hydrocarbon deposits and the chemical weathering of mudstones. Conventional methods for assessing the thermal maturity of organic matter often fail to reflect the geochemical...
Authors
Haolin Zhou, Gelu Costin, Justin E. Birdwell, Paul C. Hackley, Daniel Minisini, Tanguy Terlier, Mark A. Torres