Gamma-ray spectrometry measurements in the Juniata Formation through Wills Creek Formation, Cumberland, Maryland

This dataset includes gamma-ray spectrometry measurements from Ordovician through Silurian strata comprising the Juniata Formation, Tuscarora Formation, Rose Hill Formation, Keefer Formation, McKenzie Formation, Bloomsburg Formation, and Wills Creek Formation exposed along the Great Allegheny Passage trail passing through The Narrows, a geographic feature five miles west of the town of Cumberland, Maryland. Gamma-ray measurements were collected using a continuous assay mode with a 30-second collection interval while walking approximately one to two meters from the outcrop face using the GF Instruments Gamma Surveyor Vario handheld gamma-ray spectrometer. Through this survey, 61 measurements were collected to characterize the radiometric signature of mixed lithotypes including shale, mudstone, and sandstone. Geologic units were assigned from published map sources (Glaser and Brezinski, 1994; Brezinski and others, 2025) and from ongoing map compilation of the Cumberland 30 x 60-minute quadrangle. These data will also serve as ground truth-measurements for published and ongoing airborne radiometric surveys within the region. The files contained in this data release include a data file in CSV format, a graphic image showing the measurement locations, and a metadata file.

References:

Brezinski, D.K., Vincett III, W.K., and Kavage Adams, R., 2025, Bedrock and Surficial Geologic Map of Garrett and Allegany Counties, Maryland: Maryland Geological Survey, County Geologic Map GAAL2025.1.1, scale 1:100,000

Glaser, J.D., and Brezinski, D.K., 1994, Geologic map of the Cumberland quadrangle, Allegany County, Maryland: Maryland Geological Survey, Quadrangle Geologic Map, scale 1:24,000