Northern Rocky Mountains Transect
Pioneer Mountains, ID
The goal of the Northern Rocky Mountains Transect (NRMT) project is to produce updated geologic maps of an important and understudied region of Idaho and western Montana that covers a wide array of distinct geologic terrains.
Science Issue and Relevance
Many geologic maps created throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains are outdated, incomplete, and do not properly adjoin neighboring maps. Objectives of the Northern Rocky Mountains Transect (NRMT) include: 1) converting available geologic maps into the digital standard Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) format, 2) updating these maps with any data already available, 3) conducting field studies to confirm or update prior mapping with new data, and 4) produce new maps where there currently are none. Intended products of the NRMT include seamless, up-to-date, and accurate digital maps and 3D framework models.
The NRMT is a supporting project under the U.S. GeoFramework Initiative and the National Geologic Synthesis. These programs were created to meet the 2020-2030 strategic plan for the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program of producing a seamless, variable scale, 2D and 3D geologic framework of the U.S. Accurate geologic maps and 3D framework models are necessary to help improve economic vitality and mitigate natural hazards.
The USGS Mineral Resources Program has committed considerable resources in a multi-decade effort to produce original geological, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral deposit studies of 1°x2° quadrangles in the conterminous U.S. The twelve quadrangles chosen for the NRMT are significant because they cover a large area of mining and ore deposit exploration activities and have significant resource potential. Several of these quadrangles include areas identified for detailed studies of critical minerals by State geological agencies, with funding from the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, as well as USGS Mineral Resources Program. By completing and updating the geologic maps and framework models chosen for this project, the NRMT can assist the exploration and resource assessment process in this area.
Methods to Address Issue
The NRMT will provide a regional north-south transect of 1:250,000-scale maps in the northern Rocky Mountains of Idaho and southwestern Montana that cover twelve 1°x2° quadrangles. Some overlapping 1:100,000-scale maps published by State agencies will be integrated into the 1:250,000 quadrangles. As well, newer unpublished USGS mapping will be added and two previously unavailable 1°x2° quadrangles will be completed to fill a central gap.
The process involves the steps
- Capture and compare data for geologic units across maps
- Convert maps to the digital formats and the Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) standard
- Update geology from more recent sources as available
- Gather new data where absent or in need of correction or updates
- Integrate geology among the quadrangles
- Produce interpretive cross sections for each quadrangle
National Geologic Synthesis
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB)
The goal of the Northern Rocky Mountains Transect (NRMT) project is to produce updated geologic maps of an important and understudied region of Idaho and western Montana that covers a wide array of distinct geologic terrains.
Science Issue and Relevance
Many geologic maps created throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains are outdated, incomplete, and do not properly adjoin neighboring maps. Objectives of the Northern Rocky Mountains Transect (NRMT) include: 1) converting available geologic maps into the digital standard Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) format, 2) updating these maps with any data already available, 3) conducting field studies to confirm or update prior mapping with new data, and 4) produce new maps where there currently are none. Intended products of the NRMT include seamless, up-to-date, and accurate digital maps and 3D framework models.
The NRMT is a supporting project under the U.S. GeoFramework Initiative and the National Geologic Synthesis. These programs were created to meet the 2020-2030 strategic plan for the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program of producing a seamless, variable scale, 2D and 3D geologic framework of the U.S. Accurate geologic maps and 3D framework models are necessary to help improve economic vitality and mitigate natural hazards.
The USGS Mineral Resources Program has committed considerable resources in a multi-decade effort to produce original geological, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral deposit studies of 1°x2° quadrangles in the conterminous U.S. The twelve quadrangles chosen for the NRMT are significant because they cover a large area of mining and ore deposit exploration activities and have significant resource potential. Several of these quadrangles include areas identified for detailed studies of critical minerals by State geological agencies, with funding from the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, as well as USGS Mineral Resources Program. By completing and updating the geologic maps and framework models chosen for this project, the NRMT can assist the exploration and resource assessment process in this area.
Methods to Address Issue
The NRMT will provide a regional north-south transect of 1:250,000-scale maps in the northern Rocky Mountains of Idaho and southwestern Montana that cover twelve 1°x2° quadrangles. Some overlapping 1:100,000-scale maps published by State agencies will be integrated into the 1:250,000 quadrangles. As well, newer unpublished USGS mapping will be added and two previously unavailable 1°x2° quadrangles will be completed to fill a central gap.
The process involves the steps
- Capture and compare data for geologic units across maps
- Convert maps to the digital formats and the Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) standard
- Update geology from more recent sources as available
- Gather new data where absent or in need of correction or updates
- Integrate geology among the quadrangles
- Produce interpretive cross sections for each quadrangle
National Geologic Synthesis