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Ren Thompson, PhD

Ren Thompson is a Research Geologist with the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Science and Products

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Close up view of metagreywacke

Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
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Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
Learn More
link
National geologic map of the U.S.

The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative

The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative (USGI) is constructing a multi-resolution, seamless national 2D and 3D geologic maps and framework models by leveraging previous and existing geologic mapping efforts by both the USGS and State Geological Surveys to provide new regional- to National-scale geologic syntheses and support digital databases for 21st Century geologic mappers and many end users. By...
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
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The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative

The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative (USGI) is constructing a multi-resolution, seamless national 2D and 3D geologic maps and framework models by leveraging previous and existing geologic mapping efforts by both the USGS and State Geological Surveys to provide new regional- to National-scale geologic syntheses and support digital databases for 21st Century geologic mappers and many end users. By...
Learn More
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Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
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Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
Learn More
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USGS science for a changing world logo

Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data

Geochronological data provide essential information necessary for understanding the timing of geologic processes and events, as well as quantifying rates and timescales key to geologic mapping, mineral and energy resource and hazard assessments. The USGS’s National Geochronological Database (NGDB) contains over 30,000 radiometric ages, but no formal update has occurred in over 20 years. This proj
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
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Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data

Geochronological data provide essential information necessary for understanding the timing of geologic processes and events, as well as quantifying rates and timescales key to geologic mapping, mineral and energy resource and hazard assessments. The USGS’s National Geochronological Database (NGDB) contains over 30,000 radiometric ages, but no formal update has occurred in over 20 years. This proj
Learn More

Whole rock geochemistry for the Central Death Valley volcanic field, California

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides whole rock major, minor, and trace element geochemical data for Neogene rocks in the Central Death Valley volcanic field (CDVVF), California. Samples from the CDVVF were collected in order to constrain the temporal and compositional magmatic evolution of the area.
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Bedrock geologic map database for the Blanca Peak, Walsenburg, Trinidad, and Alamosa 30' x 60' quadrangles, Colorado

This data release presents geologic map data for the bedrock geology of the Blanca Peak, Walsenburg, Trinidad, and Alamosa 30' x 60' quadrangles, Colorado. Geologic mapping incorporates new interpretive contributions and compilation from published geologic map data sources primarily ranging from 1:24,000 to 1:50,000 scale. Much of the geology incorporated from published geologic maps is adjusted b
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Bedrock geologic map database for the Durango 1-degree x 2-degree quadrangle, southern Colorado: Contributions to the National Geologic Map (ver. 2.0, June 2024)

This data release presents geologic map data for the bedrock geology of the Durango 1-degree by 2-degree quadrangle. Geologic mapping incorporates new interpretive contributions and compilation from published geologic map data sources primarily ranging from 1:24,000 to 1:50,000 scale. Much of the geology incorporated from published geologic maps is adjusted based on digital elevation model and nat
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data (ver. 3.0, May 2024)

USGS Geochron is a database of geochronological and thermochronological dates and data. The data set contains published ages, dates, analytical information, sample metadata including location, and source citations. The following analytical techniques are represented in the data set: 40Ar/39Ar, K-Ar, U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, Lu-Hf, fission track, and luminescence. This data set incorporates data prev

By
Community for Data Integration (CDI), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data release for geochronology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Southern Rocky Mountains and Taos Plateau volcanic fields and other Oligocene to Pleistocene volcanic rocks within the southern San Luis Basin and San Juan Mountains, southern Colora

The dataset includes whole-rock geochemistry and 40Ar-39Ar geochronology for Pleistocene to Oligocene volcanic and intrusive rocks. These data support figures and tables in days 2 and 3 of the Field-trip guide to continental arc to rift volcanism of the southern Rocky Mountains-Southern Rocky Mountain, Taos Plateau, and Jemez Mountains volcanic fields of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico (
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data Release for Geologic Map of Petroglyph National Monument and Vicinity, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

This geologic map depicts and briefly describes geologic units underlying Petroglyph National Monument and immediately adjacent areas in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The Monument is underlain dominantly by Quaternary basalts of the Albuquerque Volcanoes volcanic field, a series of basin-filling volcanic flows and associated vents from a monogenetic volcanic highland along the eastern margin of t
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data release for Middle Pleistocene formation of the Rio Grande Gorge, San Luis Valley, south-central Colorado and north-central New Mexico, USA: Process, timing, and downstream implications

This dataset includes tables of 3He-isotopic data used to calculate surface exposure ages for samples of basalt, and U- and Th-isotopic data used to calculate uranium-series age estimates (230Th/U method) and initial 234U/238U activity ratios for samples of pedogenic carbonate formed in soils on alluvial fans in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA. These data are included in the publication: Rule
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data release of geospatial map database, argon geochronology and geochemistry data for: Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado

This dataset accompanies publication "Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado". Data presented here include the digital geologic database, 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and major and trace element chemistry from lava flows and an ignimbrite. The geologic database includes spatial feature classes and non-spatial tables that collectively contain the geologi
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Filter Total Items: 14

Geologic map of Petroglyph National Monument and vicinity, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

This geologic map depicts and briefly describes geologic units underlying Petroglyph National Monument and immediately adjacent areas in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The Monument is underlain dominantly by Quaternary basalts of the Albuquerque Volcanoes volcanic field, a series of basin-filling volcanic flows and associated vents from a monogenetic volcanic highland along the eastern margin of t
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado

The geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado is located along the west-central part of the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is the geomorphic expression of the San Luis Basin, an extensional basin associated with the northern Rio Grande rift. Deposits within the map area record volcanic, sedimentary, and tectonic processes over the last ~33 mil
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Alamosa 30’ × 60’ quadrangle, south-central Colorado

The Alamosa 30'× 60' quadrangle is located in the central San Luis Basin of southern Colorado and is bisected by the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande has headwaters in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and ultimately discharges into the Gulf of Mexico 3,000 kilometers (km) downstream. Alluvial floodplains and associated deposits of the Rio Grande and east-draining tributaries, La Jara Creek and Conejos
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Ute Mountain 7.5' quadrangle, Taos County, New Mexico, and Conejos and Costilla Counties, Colorado

The Ute Mountain 7.5' quadrangle is located in the south-central part of the San Luis Basin of northern New Mexico, in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and contains deposits that record volcanic, tectonic, and associated alluvial and colluvial processes over the past four million years. Ute Mountain has the distinction of being one of the largest intermediate composition eruptive center
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Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Sunshine 7.5' quadrangle, Taos County, New Mexico

The Sunshine 7.5' quadrangle is located in the south-central part of the San Luis Basin of northern New Mexico, in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and contains deposits that record volcanic, tectonic, and associated alluvial and colluvial processes over the past four million years. Sunshine Valley, named for the small locale of Sunshine, is incised by a series of northeast-trending dra
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Cochiti Dam quadrangle, Sandoval County, New Mexico

The Cochiti Dam quadrangle is located in the southern part of the Española Basin and contains sedimentary and volcanic deposits that record alluvial, colluvial, eolian, tectonic and volcanic processes over the past seventeen million years. The geology was mapped from 1997 to 1999 and modified in 2004 to 2008. The primary mapping responsibilities were as follows: Dethier mapped the surficial deposi
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic map of the Montoso Peak quadrangle, Santa Fe and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico

The Montoso Peak quadrangle is underlain by volcanic rocks and associated sediments of the Cerros del Rio volcanic field in the southern part of the Española Basin that record volcanic, faulting, alluvial, colluvial, and eolian processes over the past three million years. The geology was mapped from 1997 to 1999 and modified in 2004 to 2008. The geologic mapping was carried out in support of the U
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic Map of The Volcanoes Quadrangle, Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico

This geologic map, in support of the U.S. Geological Survey Middle Rio Grande Basin Geologic Mapping Project, shows the spatial distribution of surficial deposits, lava flows, and related sediments of the Albuquerque volcanoes, upper Santa Fe Group sediments, faults, and fault-related structural features. These deposits are on, along, and beneath the Llano de Albuquerque (West Mesa) west of Albuqu
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic Map of the San Luis Quadrangle, Costilla County, Colorado

The map area includes San Luis and the primarily rural surrounding area. San Luis, the county seat of Costilla County, is the oldest surviving settlement in Colorado (1851). West of the town are San Pedro and San Luis mesas (basalt-covered tablelands), which are horsts with the San Luis fault zone to the east and the southern Sangre de Cristo fault zone to the west. The map also includes the Sanch

Rebuilding Mount St. Helens

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, Washington exploded in a spectacular and devastating eruption that shocked the world. The eruption, one of the most powerful in the history of the United States, removed 2.7 cubic kilometers of rock from the volcano's edifice, the bulk of which had been constructed by nearly 4,000 years of lava-dome-building eruptions. In seconds, the mountain's summit elevation
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Mount St. Helens

Geologic map of the Agua Fria quadrangle, Santa Fe County, New Mexico

No abstract available.

Geologic map of the La Mesita Negra SE Quadrangle, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Geologic mapping, in support of the USGS Middle Rio Grande Basin Geologic Mapping Project, shows the spatial distribution of artificial-fill, alluvial, colluvial, and eolian deposits, lava flows and related sediments of the Albuquerque volcanoes, and upper Santa Fe Group sediments. These deposits are on, beneath, and along the West Mesa (Llano de Albuquerque) just west of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Filter Total Items: 29

Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs

Basin analysis and tectonic reconstructions of the Cenozoic history of the Death Valley region, California, USA, are hindered by a lack of volcanic (tuff) age control in many stratigraphic successions exposed in the Grapevine and Funeral Mountains of California, USA. Although maximum depositional ages (MDAs) interpreted from detrital zircon U-Pb data may be a promising alternative to volcanic ages
Authors
Theresa Maude Schwartz, Amanda (Kate) Souders, Jens-Erik Lundstern, Amy K. Gilmer, Ren A. Thompson
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

The Seamless Integrated Geologic Mapping (SIGMa) extension to the Geologic Map Schema (GeMS)

Geologic maps are the fundamental building blocks of surface and subsurface three-dimensional geologic framework models of the Earth’s crust. However, as the production and availability of geologic map databases continues to increase, inconsistent data models and the lack of synthesized, national geologic map data at scales appropriate for informed decision making negatively affect the functional
Authors
Kenzie J. Turner, Jeremiah B. Workman, Joseph P. Colgan, Amy K. Gilmer, Margaret E. Berry, Samuel Johnstone, Kathleen F. Warrell, Marieke Dechesne, D. Paco VanSistine, Ren A. Thompson, Adam M. Hudson, Kristine L. Zellman, Donald S. Sweetkind, Chester A. Ruleman
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Field-trip guide to continental arc to rift volcanism of the southern Rocky Mountains—Southern Rocky Mountain, Taos Plateau, and Jemez Mountains volcanic fields of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico

The southern Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado preserve the Oligocene to Pleistocene record of North American continental arc to rift volcanism. The 35–23 million year old (Ma) southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field (SRMVF), spectacularly preserved in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, records the evolution of large andesitic stratovolcanoes to complex caldera
Authors
Ren A. Thompson, Kenzie J. Turner, Peter W. Lipman, John A. Wolff, Michael A. Dungan
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Postcaldera intrusive magmatism at the Platoro caldera complex, Southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field, Colorado, USA

The Oligocene Platoro caldera complex of the San Juan volcanic locus in Colorado (USA) features numerous exposed plutons both within the caldera and outside its margins, enabling investigation of the timing and evolution of postcaldera magmatism. Intrusion whole-rock geochemistry and phenocryst and/or mineral trace element compositions coupled with new zircon U-Pb geo-chronology and zircon in situ
Authors
Amy K. Gilmer, Ren A. Thompson, Peter W. Lipman, Jorge A. Vazquez, Amanda (Kate) Souders
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Renewing the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program as the Nation’s authoritative source for modern geologic knowledge

This document presents the renewed vision, mission, and goals for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP). The NCGMP, as authorized by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-285, 106 Stat. 166 and its reauthorizations), is tasked with expediting the production of a geologic database for the Nation based on modern geologic maps and their supporting d
Authors
John Brock, Karen Berry, James Faulds, Richard Berg, Kyle House, Michael Marketti, Darcy McPhee, Kevin M. Schmidt, James Schmitt, David R. Soller, David Spears, Ren A. Thompson, Harvey Thorleifson, Gregory J. Walsh
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

A shallow rift basin segmented in space and time: The southern San Luis Basin, Rio Grande rift, northern New Mexico, U.S.A.

Interpretation of gravity, magnetotelluric, and aeromagnetic data in conjunction with geologic constraints reveals details of basin geometry, thickness, and spatiotemporal evolution of the southern San Luis Basin, one of the major basins of the northern Rio Grande rift. Spatial variations of low-density basin-fill thickness are estimated primarily using a 3D gravity inversion method that improves
Authors
Benjamin J. Drenth, V. J. Grauch, Kenzie J. Turner, Brian D. Rodriguez, Ren A. Thompson, Paul W. Bauer
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Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Middle Pleistocene formation of the Rio Grande Gorge, San Luis Valley, south-central Colorado and north-central New Mexico, USA: Process, timing, and downstream implications

The Rio Grande is the fourth longest river in North America extending over 3,000 km from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The Pleistocene evolution of this river from individual subbasins into a coalesced fluvial system has been long debated. Herein, we constrain the middle Pleistocene evolution of the northernmost and largest Rio Grande basin, the San Luis basin, and the timing of incis
Authors
Chester A. Ruleman, Adam M. Hudson, Ren A. Thompson, Daniel P. Miggins, James B. Paces, Brent M. Goehring
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

A supervolcano and its sidekicks: A 100 ka eruptive chronology of the Fish Canyon Tuff and associated units of the La Garita magmatic system

Establishing temporal constrains on major volcanic eruptions is limited by the precision of existing geochronometers. Prior work on the La Garita caldera, created by the eruption of the Fish Canyon Tuff, failed to resolve temporal differences between pre-, syn-, and post-collapse eruptive units. Here, we report 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic data supporting a ca. 100 ka eruptive history of the La Garita
Authors
Leah E. Morgan, Samuel Johnstone, Amy K. Gilmer, Michael A. Cosca, Ren A. Thompson
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Establishing chronologies for alluvial-fan sequences with analysis of high-resolution topographic data: San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA

On active alluvial fans, debris-flow deposits and frequent avulsions produce a rough topographic surface. As is the case in many initially rough landforms produced by catastrophic processes, the topography of alluvial fans is progressively smoothed, producing textural differences useful in establishing relative age criteria for fans. Here, we outline an approach for defining a quantitative, numeri
Authors
Samuel Johnstone, Adam M. Hudson, Sylvia Nicovich, Chester A. Ruleman, Robert M. Sare, Ren A. Thompson
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geomorphic evolution of the San Luis Basin and Rio Grande in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico

The San Luis Basin encompasses the largest structural and hydrologic basin of the Rio Grande rift. On this field trip, we will examine the timing of transition of the San Luis Basin from hydrologically closed, aggrading subbasins to a continuous fluvial system that eroded the basin, formed the Rio Grande gorge, and ultimately, integrated the Rio Grande from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. Waning P
Authors
Chester A. Ruleman, Michael Machette, Ren A. Thompson, Dan M Miggins, Brent M Goehring, James B. Paces
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic cross sections and preliminary geologic map of the Questa Area, Taos County, New Mexico

In 2011, the senior authors were contacted by Ron Gardiner of Questa, and Village of Questa Mayor Esther Garcia, to discuss the existing and future groundwater supply for the Village of Questa. This meeting led to the development of a plan in 2013 to perform an integrated geologic, geophysical, and hydrogeologic investigation of the Questa area by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resourc
Authors
Paul W. Bauer, V. J. S. Grauch, Peggy S. Johnson, Ren A. Thompson, Benjamin J. Drenth, Keith I. Kelson
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Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Preliminary geophysical interpretations of regional subsurface geology near the Questa Mine Tailing Facility and Guadalupe Mountain, Taos County, New Mexico

This report presents geophysical interpretations of regional subsurface geology in the vicinity of the Tailing Facility of the Questa Mine near Guadalupe Mountain, Taos County, New Mexico, in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department. The interpretations were developed from aeromagnetic data, regional gravity data, data from four ground magnetic traverses, geologic mapping, a digital
Authors
V. J. S. Grauch, Benjamin J. Drenth, Ren A. Thompson, Paul W. Bauer
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Science and Products

link
Close up view of metagreywacke

Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
Learn More
link
National geologic map of the U.S.

The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative

The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative (USGI) is constructing a multi-resolution, seamless national 2D and 3D geologic maps and framework models by leveraging previous and existing geologic mapping efforts by both the USGS and State Geological Surveys to provide new regional- to National-scale geologic syntheses and support digital databases for 21st Century geologic mappers and many end users. By...
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
link

The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative

The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative (USGI) is constructing a multi-resolution, seamless national 2D and 3D geologic maps and framework models by leveraging previous and existing geologic mapping efforts by both the USGS and State Geological Surveys to provide new regional- to National-scale geologic syntheses and support digital databases for 21st Century geologic mappers and many end users. By...
Learn More
link
Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data

Geochronological data provide essential information necessary for understanding the timing of geologic processes and events, as well as quantifying rates and timescales key to geologic mapping, mineral and energy resource and hazard assessments. The USGS’s National Geochronological Database (NGDB) contains over 30,000 radiometric ages, but no formal update has occurred in over 20 years. This proj
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data

Geochronological data provide essential information necessary for understanding the timing of geologic processes and events, as well as quantifying rates and timescales key to geologic mapping, mineral and energy resource and hazard assessments. The USGS’s National Geochronological Database (NGDB) contains over 30,000 radiometric ages, but no formal update has occurred in over 20 years. This proj
Learn More

Whole rock geochemistry for the Central Death Valley volcanic field, California

This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides whole rock major, minor, and trace element geochemical data for Neogene rocks in the Central Death Valley volcanic field (CDVVF), California. Samples from the CDVVF were collected in order to constrain the temporal and compositional magmatic evolution of the area.
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Bedrock geologic map database for the Blanca Peak, Walsenburg, Trinidad, and Alamosa 30' x 60' quadrangles, Colorado

This data release presents geologic map data for the bedrock geology of the Blanca Peak, Walsenburg, Trinidad, and Alamosa 30' x 60' quadrangles, Colorado. Geologic mapping incorporates new interpretive contributions and compilation from published geologic map data sources primarily ranging from 1:24,000 to 1:50,000 scale. Much of the geology incorporated from published geologic maps is adjusted b
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Bedrock geologic map database for the Durango 1-degree x 2-degree quadrangle, southern Colorado: Contributions to the National Geologic Map (ver. 2.0, June 2024)

This data release presents geologic map data for the bedrock geology of the Durango 1-degree by 2-degree quadrangle. Geologic mapping incorporates new interpretive contributions and compilation from published geologic map data sources primarily ranging from 1:24,000 to 1:50,000 scale. Much of the geology incorporated from published geologic maps is adjusted based on digital elevation model and nat
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data (ver. 3.0, May 2024)

USGS Geochron is a database of geochronological and thermochronological dates and data. The data set contains published ages, dates, analytical information, sample metadata including location, and source citations. The following analytical techniques are represented in the data set: 40Ar/39Ar, K-Ar, U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, Lu-Hf, fission track, and luminescence. This data set incorporates data prev

By
Community for Data Integration (CDI), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data release for geochronology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Southern Rocky Mountains and Taos Plateau volcanic fields and other Oligocene to Pleistocene volcanic rocks within the southern San Luis Basin and San Juan Mountains, southern Colora

The dataset includes whole-rock geochemistry and 40Ar-39Ar geochronology for Pleistocene to Oligocene volcanic and intrusive rocks. These data support figures and tables in days 2 and 3 of the Field-trip guide to continental arc to rift volcanism of the southern Rocky Mountains-Southern Rocky Mountain, Taos Plateau, and Jemez Mountains volcanic fields of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico (
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data Release for Geologic Map of Petroglyph National Monument and Vicinity, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

This geologic map depicts and briefly describes geologic units underlying Petroglyph National Monument and immediately adjacent areas in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The Monument is underlain dominantly by Quaternary basalts of the Albuquerque Volcanoes volcanic field, a series of basin-filling volcanic flows and associated vents from a monogenetic volcanic highland along the eastern margin of t
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data release for Middle Pleistocene formation of the Rio Grande Gorge, San Luis Valley, south-central Colorado and north-central New Mexico, USA: Process, timing, and downstream implications

This dataset includes tables of 3He-isotopic data used to calculate surface exposure ages for samples of basalt, and U- and Th-isotopic data used to calculate uranium-series age estimates (230Th/U method) and initial 234U/238U activity ratios for samples of pedogenic carbonate formed in soils on alluvial fans in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA. These data are included in the publication: Rule
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Data release of geospatial map database, argon geochronology and geochemistry data for: Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado

This dataset accompanies publication "Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado". Data presented here include the digital geologic database, 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and major and trace element chemistry from lava flows and an ignimbrite. The geologic database includes spatial feature classes and non-spatial tables that collectively contain the geologi
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Filter Total Items: 14

Geologic map of Petroglyph National Monument and vicinity, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

This geologic map depicts and briefly describes geologic units underlying Petroglyph National Monument and immediately adjacent areas in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The Monument is underlain dominantly by Quaternary basalts of the Albuquerque Volcanoes volcanic field, a series of basin-filling volcanic flows and associated vents from a monogenetic volcanic highland along the eastern margin of t
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado

The geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado is located along the west-central part of the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is the geomorphic expression of the San Luis Basin, an extensional basin associated with the northern Rio Grande rift. Deposits within the map area record volcanic, sedimentary, and tectonic processes over the last ~33 mil
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Alamosa 30’ × 60’ quadrangle, south-central Colorado

The Alamosa 30'× 60' quadrangle is located in the central San Luis Basin of southern Colorado and is bisected by the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande has headwaters in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and ultimately discharges into the Gulf of Mexico 3,000 kilometers (km) downstream. Alluvial floodplains and associated deposits of the Rio Grande and east-draining tributaries, La Jara Creek and Conejos
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Ute Mountain 7.5' quadrangle, Taos County, New Mexico, and Conejos and Costilla Counties, Colorado

The Ute Mountain 7.5' quadrangle is located in the south-central part of the San Luis Basin of northern New Mexico, in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and contains deposits that record volcanic, tectonic, and associated alluvial and colluvial processes over the past four million years. Ute Mountain has the distinction of being one of the largest intermediate composition eruptive center
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Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Sunshine 7.5' quadrangle, Taos County, New Mexico

The Sunshine 7.5' quadrangle is located in the south-central part of the San Luis Basin of northern New Mexico, in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and contains deposits that record volcanic, tectonic, and associated alluvial and colluvial processes over the past four million years. Sunshine Valley, named for the small locale of Sunshine, is incised by a series of northeast-trending dra
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Cochiti Dam quadrangle, Sandoval County, New Mexico

The Cochiti Dam quadrangle is located in the southern part of the Española Basin and contains sedimentary and volcanic deposits that record alluvial, colluvial, eolian, tectonic and volcanic processes over the past seventeen million years. The geology was mapped from 1997 to 1999 and modified in 2004 to 2008. The primary mapping responsibilities were as follows: Dethier mapped the surficial deposi
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic map of the Montoso Peak quadrangle, Santa Fe and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico

The Montoso Peak quadrangle is underlain by volcanic rocks and associated sediments of the Cerros del Rio volcanic field in the southern part of the Española Basin that record volcanic, faulting, alluvial, colluvial, and eolian processes over the past three million years. The geology was mapped from 1997 to 1999 and modified in 2004 to 2008. The geologic mapping was carried out in support of the U
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic Map of The Volcanoes Quadrangle, Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico

This geologic map, in support of the U.S. Geological Survey Middle Rio Grande Basin Geologic Mapping Project, shows the spatial distribution of surficial deposits, lava flows, and related sediments of the Albuquerque volcanoes, upper Santa Fe Group sediments, faults, and fault-related structural features. These deposits are on, along, and beneath the Llano de Albuquerque (West Mesa) west of Albuqu
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic Map of the San Luis Quadrangle, Costilla County, Colorado

The map area includes San Luis and the primarily rural surrounding area. San Luis, the county seat of Costilla County, is the oldest surviving settlement in Colorado (1851). West of the town are San Pedro and San Luis mesas (basalt-covered tablelands), which are horsts with the San Luis fault zone to the east and the southern Sangre de Cristo fault zone to the west. The map also includes the Sanch

Rebuilding Mount St. Helens

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, Washington exploded in a spectacular and devastating eruption that shocked the world. The eruption, one of the most powerful in the history of the United States, removed 2.7 cubic kilometers of rock from the volcano's edifice, the bulk of which had been constructed by nearly 4,000 years of lava-dome-building eruptions. In seconds, the mountain's summit elevation
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Mount St. Helens

Geologic map of the Agua Fria quadrangle, Santa Fe County, New Mexico

No abstract available.

Geologic map of the La Mesita Negra SE Quadrangle, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Geologic mapping, in support of the USGS Middle Rio Grande Basin Geologic Mapping Project, shows the spatial distribution of artificial-fill, alluvial, colluvial, and eolian deposits, lava flows and related sediments of the Albuquerque volcanoes, and upper Santa Fe Group sediments. These deposits are on, beneath, and along the West Mesa (Llano de Albuquerque) just west of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs

Basin analysis and tectonic reconstructions of the Cenozoic history of the Death Valley region, California, USA, are hindered by a lack of volcanic (tuff) age control in many stratigraphic successions exposed in the Grapevine and Funeral Mountains of California, USA. Although maximum depositional ages (MDAs) interpreted from detrital zircon U-Pb data may be a promising alternative to volcanic ages
Authors
Theresa Maude Schwartz, Amanda (Kate) Souders, Jens-Erik Lundstern, Amy K. Gilmer, Ren A. Thompson
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

The Seamless Integrated Geologic Mapping (SIGMa) extension to the Geologic Map Schema (GeMS)

Geologic maps are the fundamental building blocks of surface and subsurface three-dimensional geologic framework models of the Earth’s crust. However, as the production and availability of geologic map databases continues to increase, inconsistent data models and the lack of synthesized, national geologic map data at scales appropriate for informed decision making negatively affect the functional
Authors
Kenzie J. Turner, Jeremiah B. Workman, Joseph P. Colgan, Amy K. Gilmer, Margaret E. Berry, Samuel Johnstone, Kathleen F. Warrell, Marieke Dechesne, D. Paco VanSistine, Ren A. Thompson, Adam M. Hudson, Kristine L. Zellman, Donald S. Sweetkind, Chester A. Ruleman
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Field-trip guide to continental arc to rift volcanism of the southern Rocky Mountains—Southern Rocky Mountain, Taos Plateau, and Jemez Mountains volcanic fields of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico

The southern Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado preserve the Oligocene to Pleistocene record of North American continental arc to rift volcanism. The 35–23 million year old (Ma) southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field (SRMVF), spectacularly preserved in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, records the evolution of large andesitic stratovolcanoes to complex caldera
Authors
Ren A. Thompson, Kenzie J. Turner, Peter W. Lipman, John A. Wolff, Michael A. Dungan
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Postcaldera intrusive magmatism at the Platoro caldera complex, Southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field, Colorado, USA

The Oligocene Platoro caldera complex of the San Juan volcanic locus in Colorado (USA) features numerous exposed plutons both within the caldera and outside its margins, enabling investigation of the timing and evolution of postcaldera magmatism. Intrusion whole-rock geochemistry and phenocryst and/or mineral trace element compositions coupled with new zircon U-Pb geo-chronology and zircon in situ
Authors
Amy K. Gilmer, Ren A. Thompson, Peter W. Lipman, Jorge A. Vazquez, Amanda (Kate) Souders
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Renewing the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program as the Nation’s authoritative source for modern geologic knowledge

This document presents the renewed vision, mission, and goals for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP). The NCGMP, as authorized by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-285, 106 Stat. 166 and its reauthorizations), is tasked with expediting the production of a geologic database for the Nation based on modern geologic maps and their supporting d
Authors
John Brock, Karen Berry, James Faulds, Richard Berg, Kyle House, Michael Marketti, Darcy McPhee, Kevin M. Schmidt, James Schmitt, David R. Soller, David Spears, Ren A. Thompson, Harvey Thorleifson, Gregory J. Walsh
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

A shallow rift basin segmented in space and time: The southern San Luis Basin, Rio Grande rift, northern New Mexico, U.S.A.

Interpretation of gravity, magnetotelluric, and aeromagnetic data in conjunction with geologic constraints reveals details of basin geometry, thickness, and spatiotemporal evolution of the southern San Luis Basin, one of the major basins of the northern Rio Grande rift. Spatial variations of low-density basin-fill thickness are estimated primarily using a 3D gravity inversion method that improves
Authors
Benjamin J. Drenth, V. J. Grauch, Kenzie J. Turner, Brian D. Rodriguez, Ren A. Thompson, Paul W. Bauer
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Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Middle Pleistocene formation of the Rio Grande Gorge, San Luis Valley, south-central Colorado and north-central New Mexico, USA: Process, timing, and downstream implications

The Rio Grande is the fourth longest river in North America extending over 3,000 km from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The Pleistocene evolution of this river from individual subbasins into a coalesced fluvial system has been long debated. Herein, we constrain the middle Pleistocene evolution of the northernmost and largest Rio Grande basin, the San Luis basin, and the timing of incis
Authors
Chester A. Ruleman, Adam M. Hudson, Ren A. Thompson, Daniel P. Miggins, James B. Paces, Brent M. Goehring
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

A supervolcano and its sidekicks: A 100 ka eruptive chronology of the Fish Canyon Tuff and associated units of the La Garita magmatic system

Establishing temporal constrains on major volcanic eruptions is limited by the precision of existing geochronometers. Prior work on the La Garita caldera, created by the eruption of the Fish Canyon Tuff, failed to resolve temporal differences between pre-, syn-, and post-collapse eruptive units. Here, we report 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic data supporting a ca. 100 ka eruptive history of the La Garita
Authors
Leah E. Morgan, Samuel Johnstone, Amy K. Gilmer, Michael A. Cosca, Ren A. Thompson
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Establishing chronologies for alluvial-fan sequences with analysis of high-resolution topographic data: San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA

On active alluvial fans, debris-flow deposits and frequent avulsions produce a rough topographic surface. As is the case in many initially rough landforms produced by catastrophic processes, the topography of alluvial fans is progressively smoothed, producing textural differences useful in establishing relative age criteria for fans. Here, we outline an approach for defining a quantitative, numeri
Authors
Samuel Johnstone, Adam M. Hudson, Sylvia Nicovich, Chester A. Ruleman, Robert M. Sare, Ren A. Thompson
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geomorphic evolution of the San Luis Basin and Rio Grande in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico

The San Luis Basin encompasses the largest structural and hydrologic basin of the Rio Grande rift. On this field trip, we will examine the timing of transition of the San Luis Basin from hydrologically closed, aggrading subbasins to a continuous fluvial system that eroded the basin, formed the Rio Grande gorge, and ultimately, integrated the Rio Grande from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. Waning P
Authors
Chester A. Ruleman, Michael Machette, Ren A. Thompson, Dan M Miggins, Brent M Goehring, James B. Paces
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Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic cross sections and preliminary geologic map of the Questa Area, Taos County, New Mexico

In 2011, the senior authors were contacted by Ron Gardiner of Questa, and Village of Questa Mayor Esther Garcia, to discuss the existing and future groundwater supply for the Village of Questa. This meeting led to the development of a plan in 2013 to perform an integrated geologic, geophysical, and hydrogeologic investigation of the Questa area by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resourc
Authors
Paul W. Bauer, V. J. S. Grauch, Peggy S. Johnson, Ren A. Thompson, Benjamin J. Drenth, Keith I. Kelson
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Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Preliminary geophysical interpretations of regional subsurface geology near the Questa Mine Tailing Facility and Guadalupe Mountain, Taos County, New Mexico

This report presents geophysical interpretations of regional subsurface geology in the vicinity of the Tailing Facility of the Questa Mine near Guadalupe Mountain, Taos County, New Mexico, in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department. The interpretations were developed from aeromagnetic data, regional gravity data, data from four ground magnetic traverses, geologic mapping, a digital
Authors
V. J. S. Grauch, Benjamin J. Drenth, Ren A. Thompson, Paul W. Bauer
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
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