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Status of three-dimensional geological mapping and modeling activities in the U.S. Geological Survey

Donald S. Sweetkind·Russell Graymer·D.K. Higley·Oliver S. Boyd
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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), created in 1879, is the national geological survey for the United States and the sole science agency within its cabinet-level bureau, the Department of the Interior. The USGS has a broad mission, including: serving the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect quality of life. USGS scientific activities are organized around major topics, or Mission Areas, aligned with distinct science themes; three-dimensional (3-D) modelling typically supports research and project work within a specific Mission Area. The vastness, diversity, and complexity of the geological landscape of the United States has resulted in the creation of 3-D geological framework models that are local or regional in scale; a National-scale 3-D model is only beginning to evolve. This paper summarizes 3-D geological modeling at the USGS and does not discuss 3-D modeling that is conducted by other Federal agencies, state geological surveys, academia, or industry within the U.S. This paper updates and expands upon a similar status report of USGS 3-D modeling activities of Jacobsen et al. (2011).

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Donald S. Sweetkind, Russell Graymer, D.K. Higley, Oliver S. Boyd. 2019. Status of three-dimensional geological mapping and modeling activities in the U.S. Geological Survey. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70206263

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