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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

The Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center (GECSC) delivers critical science that supports Administrative and Departmental priorities. Through geologic mapping and Earth system research, GECSC provides essential data on the nation’s geologic resources, landscape dynamics, and surface processes—informing resource development, hazard mitigation, and land-use planning.

News

Earth Science Matters - Vol. 21 | Issue 1

Earth Science Matters - Vol. 21 | Issue 1

USGS Unveils New National Geologic Map

USGS Unveils New National Geologic Map

The Next Fueling Discovery Webinar Takes Place May 29

The Next Fueling Discovery Webinar Takes Place May 29

Publications

Reconstructing the Quaternary depositional history using geologic mapping and three-dimensional modeling of the subsurface near Fort Morgan, northeastern Colorado Reconstructing the Quaternary depositional history using geologic mapping and three-dimensional modeling of the subsurface near Fort Morgan, northeastern Colorado

Centered on Fort Morgan, Colorado, this study is intended to build from previous work by adding a three-dimensional (3D) view of the subsurface to better understand the depositional history of Quaternary deposits. A 1:100,000 scale geologic map was made by combining previous geologic maps, regional soil maps, and recent field investigations. In addition to the geologic mapping, drill...
Authors
Emily M. Taylor, Margaret E. Berry, Shannon A. Mahan, Jeremy C. Havens

Hierarchical mixture models and high-resolution monitoring data can inform siting and operational strategies to mitigate bat fatalities at wind turbines Hierarchical mixture models and high-resolution monitoring data can inform siting and operational strategies to mitigate bat fatalities at wind turbines

Bats provide critical ecosystem services, but bat fatalities due to wind energy development may imperil some bat populations. Statistical models are used to estimate the total fatalities that occur based on carcasses observed during monitoring surveys. Current models often estimate fatalities aggregated across species, time, and/or turbines, but fall short of reliably informing siting...
Authors
Charles J. Labuzzetta, Arnold (Contractor) Johnsen, Amber Andress, Teresa Bohner, Alejandro Grajal-Puche, Megan Seymour, Bethany R. Straw, Wayne E. Thogmartin, Bradley James Udell, Ashton M. Wiens, James Diffendorfer

Out with the old: Empirical trends in U.S. land-based wind turbine decommissioning and repowering Out with the old: Empirical trends in U.S. land-based wind turbine decommissioning and repowering

A growing number of wind turbines (WTs) across the globe are now reaching or exceeding their expected service lifetime; WT decommissioning is on the rise. Accordingly, questions pertaining to WT end-of-life have risen in importance in policy and practice. Yet, research on the various factors relating to WT decommissioning is relatively sparse. Moreover, the key assumptions underpinning...
Authors
Joseph Rand, Louisa Kramer, Ben Hoen, James Diffendorfer, Christopher Garrity
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