Geologic mapping of SE 1 2 of chestnut hill, russellville, and wilder, lane, drilling on miston, TN 7.5 quadrangles, compilation of 2 derivative maps, and creating 3 gems level 3 databases project…

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) awarded a $313,241.64 Cooperative Agreement under the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping program (CFDA 15.810) to the Department of Environment & Conservation, Tennessee. The project period is July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The purpose is to map the geology, geologic hazards, and mineral resources of 65 square miles in Tennessee at a scale of 1:24,000. Key deliverables include:

• Geologic maps, a map of drilling locations and cross-sections, and a summary report with subsurface data for one quadrangle
• Mineral resources maps for one previously published quadrangle
• Digital files and databases for two previously published geologic maps

This mapping will inform interested parties about potential geologic hazards, groundwater, and mineral resources, including supporting the U.S. Geologic Framework Initiative and the Department of Energy's Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, and Critical Minerals Initiative.

Geologic mapping of SE 1 2 of chestnut hill, russellville, and wilder, lane, drilling on miston, TN 7.5 quadrangles, compilation of 2 derivative maps, and creating 3 gems level 3 databases project period: 07 01 2023- 06 30 2024PURPOSE: mapping the geology, geologic hazards, and mineral resources of selected geographic areas (quadrangles) in tennessee covering about 65 square miles each at a scale of 1-inch equals 2,000 FT.activities: using global positioning system devices with geographic information system software geologic field mappers will accurately record the location of surface exposures of rock layers and their associated characteristics and mineral resources at numerous observation points. Geologic hazards, such as landslides and sinkholes, will be mapped and entered into a database, but will not be shown on a final geologic map as will springs and seeps. All theseadditional data will be incorporated into databases that will be used in the future to create smaller scale derivative maps of the region that focus on geologic hazards, groundwater, and mineral resources.deliverables: geologic maps in color of the equivalent of 2.5QUADRANGLES, map of drilling locations and cross sections plus a summary report accompanied by subsurface data on one quadrangle, mineral resources maps on one previously published quadrangle, and digital files and databases for two previously published geologic maps. All map products and associated databases will be uploaded to the national cooperative geologic mapping program portal for access to online users. Completion of the geologic maps will apprise interested parties of potential geologic hazards such as acid-producing runoff, earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, and other forms of ground instability, groundwater, mineral resources including coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as for aggregate and potential sources of rare earth elements. The mineral resources maps will support the U.S. Geoframework initiative, the goal of which is to produce a seamless geologic map of the united states by 2030, by providing enhanced databases to support scientific discovery and informed decision making. Completing these mineral resources maps also supports an ongoing investigation of the southern appalachian coal fields as part of the department of energys carbon ORE, rare earth, and critical minerals initiative. The initiative is focused on expanding and transforming the use of coal and coal-based resources to produce rare earth elements, critical minerals and novel high-value, nonfuel, carbon-based products, as part of our next generation of domestic U.S. Materials.beneficiaries: people who live near tennessees major transportation corridors, which are areas of residential and commercial development requiring infrastructure improvements and potentially affecting the quality and quantity of local groundwater resources. People living within the east tennessee and new madrid seismic zones, which have the potential for producing damaging earthquakes greater than magnitude 6, will be better informed about the potential for amplification of earthquake ground motion and liquefaction of non-lithified geologic materials in order to be able to build new or modify existing structures to be more earthquake resistant. People who live in tennessees coalfields will be better informed about legacy coal mining activity and related disturbances and oil and gas exploration that left behind abandoned wells that need to be identified and plugged in order to prevent continuing or future contamination of groundwater. People living in the big south fork national river and recreation area will benefit from the mapping of important aquifers in a region characterized by numerous caves and sinkholes vulnerable to contamination, acid rock drainage capable of contaminating both groundwater and surface streams, and abandoned coal mine subsidence and landslides from past mining activity.