Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West
The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material resources critical for economic development, energy independence, and national security. The database synthesizes new and existing geologic map data into a spatially consistent geologic framework, serving the compiled geologic map data at scales ranging from 1:100,000 to 1:50,000. This innovative geologic map database improves queryability of map unit information that benefits private, indigenous, and public lands stakeholders by supporting informed decisions addressing resource assessments, exploration and extraction, and is foundational data to geoscience research. The database utilizes modern data delivery through web-hosted feature service layers that support advanced GIS data users. Geologic map data is more accessible to the public using the Intermountain West Geologic Map Explorer.
The stratigraphic framework that underpins the geologic map database is constructed dynamically using a process-based, time-dependent, hierarchical classification of geologic map units. Development of this framework requires thorough understanding of the complicated geologic history of the Intermountain West region, much of which remains inconsistently mapped, and accordingly, poorly understood. To fill critical knowledge gaps, topically focused research groups within the IMW Project investigate the various tectonic, magmatic, stratigraphic, and geomorphic processes that have shaped the Intermountain West region and created resources critical to the nation’s security and economic future. This stratigraphic framework and data structure is designed to simplify use of the map data in complex resource and hazard management applications.
The Intermountain West Seamless Geologic Map Explorer is now live!
The USGS Geochron Database Explorer is now live!
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project Working Groups
Below are publications associated with the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project.
North-south dipole in winter hydroclimate in the western United States during the last deglaciation North-south dipole in winter hydroclimate in the western United States during the last deglaciation
A supervolcano and its sidekicks: A 100 ka eruptive chronology of the Fish Canyon Tuff and associated units of the La Garita magmatic system A supervolcano and its sidekicks: A 100 ka eruptive chronology of the Fish Canyon Tuff and associated units of the La Garita magmatic system
Geologic map of the Hartsel Quadrangle, Park County, Colorado Geologic map of the Hartsel Quadrangle, Park County, Colorado
The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material resources critical for economic development, energy independence, and national security. The database synthesizes new and existing geologic map data into a spatially consistent geologic framework, serving the compiled geologic map data at scales ranging from 1:100,000 to 1:50,000. This innovative geologic map database improves queryability of map unit information that benefits private, indigenous, and public lands stakeholders by supporting informed decisions addressing resource assessments, exploration and extraction, and is foundational data to geoscience research. The database utilizes modern data delivery through web-hosted feature service layers that support advanced GIS data users. Geologic map data is more accessible to the public using the Intermountain West Geologic Map Explorer.
The stratigraphic framework that underpins the geologic map database is constructed dynamically using a process-based, time-dependent, hierarchical classification of geologic map units. Development of this framework requires thorough understanding of the complicated geologic history of the Intermountain West region, much of which remains inconsistently mapped, and accordingly, poorly understood. To fill critical knowledge gaps, topically focused research groups within the IMW Project investigate the various tectonic, magmatic, stratigraphic, and geomorphic processes that have shaped the Intermountain West region and created resources critical to the nation’s security and economic future. This stratigraphic framework and data structure is designed to simplify use of the map data in complex resource and hazard management applications.
The Intermountain West Seamless Geologic Map Explorer is now live!
The USGS Geochron Database Explorer is now live!
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project Working Groups
Below are publications associated with the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project.