Bedrock geology map, north margin of the watersmeet gneiss dome, USGS national cooperative geologic mapping program watersmeet and beaton, 7 minute quadrangles, western U.P. Michiganproject period:…

This Cooperative Agreement award, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073), provides $450,502 to Western Michigan University to conduct geological mapping, geochemical analyses, and geophysical surveys on the northern margin of the Watersmeet Gneiss Dome in Michigan. The project aims to expand the understanding of critical mineral systems in the region and create a comprehensive, GEMS-compliant geologic map with supporting geochronological, geochemical, and geophysical data. Key activities include outcrop identification and description, sample collection for laboratory analyses, and utilization of digital field mapping tools. The expected deliverables include a 2D digital geologic model, a publication-quality map graphic, a total magnetic field map, and a final technical report summarizing the methodology and findings related to the assessment of magmatic REE and IOCG critical mineral potential within the project area. The award period runs from July 8, 2024, to June 30, 2026.

Bedrock geology map, north margin of the watersmeet gneiss dome, USGS national cooperative geologic mapping program watersmeet and beaton, 7 minute quadrangles, western U.P. Michiganproject period: july 8 2024 30 june 2026AWARD purpose to expand upon the current knowledge of critical mineral systems of the state of michiganutilizing a variety of methods including geologic mapping, geochronology and geochemicalanalyses to use a modern understanding of critical mineral models like those for magmatic REE andioa iocg, to RE-evaluate the critical mineral potential of the northern margin of the watersmeetdome. To create and publish a complete, gems-compliant geologic map with correspondinggeochronological, geochemical and geophysical data.activities to be performed identify and describe rocks in outcrop within the proposed mapping area on the northern marginof the watersmeet dome. Data collected will include outcrop location, rock type, alteration andany structural measurements. Collect samples to be analyzed for lithogeochemistry, u PB geochronology, and SEM empaanalyses. Verify rock types and alteration in the thin section. Store all field data using the fieldmaps APP on ipads and sync to a centralized, cloud-basedproject on arcgis online (agol).deliverables and expected outcomes an interpretive 2-dimensional digital gems level 3 format geologic model with anaccompanying publication-quality map graphic in geopdf format. Correlation of map units and cross sections in digital gems level 3 format total magnetic field map and derivatives in digital gems level 3 format a final technical report explaining the methodology and physiology used to generate the results, to summarize the main scientific results and findings, and to relate these findings to the overallassessment of magmatic REE and IOA iocg critical mineral potential within the project area.intended beneficiaries federal government- add valuable data to better understand critical mineral systems in the state of michiganto contribute to a nationwide effort that will inform strategies to support critical mineralsupply chains. General public- all data from this study will be publicly available on state and federal governmentplatforms. The data could benefit studies conducted by a variety of entities in industryand academia.