OMB project abstract summaryproject title: earth MRI - geologic mapping of resources in the alkaline igneous belt of trans-pecos, txproject period: 09 01 2024 - 08 31 2027 award purpose in this…

This Cooperative Agreement award, provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073), will fund the University of Texas at Austin to conduct 1:24,000-scale geologic mapping and geochemical sampling activities across six quadrangles in the alkaline igneous belt of Trans-Pecos, Texas. The $329,962.68 award, spanning September 2024 to August 2027, aims to support rare-earth element assessments in this region by producing detailed geologic maps and geospatial databases. The project will expand upon previous mapping efforts in adjacent areas, filling in unmapped portions and targeting zones with critical mineral potential. The final deliverables will include three 1:24,000-scale geologic maps and associated GEMS-compliant GIS geodatabases to be made publicly available.

OMB project abstract summaryproject title: earth MRI - geologic mapping of resources in the alkaline igneous belt of trans-pecos, txproject period: 09 01 2024 - 08 31 2027 award purpose in this proposed three-year effort, researchers from the bureau of economic geology (bureau)will conduct 1:24,000-scale geologic mapping and geochemical sampling activities to supportrare-earth element (REE) assessments in six quadrangles (sheep peak, bean hill, paradisemountain, mount livermore, babb canyon, and sneed mountain NE) filling in previouslyunmapped areas in the alkaline igneous belt of the trans-pecos area of texas. These maps are acontinuation of, and adjacent to, the recent mapping in the cornudas intrusions area, and expandinto areas that have shown critical element potential. Paleogene igneous rock exposures havebeen mapped (1) in the cornudas mountains in the northern extent of trans-pecos alkalineigneous belt (2) the rhyolite laccoliths of the sierra blanca complex (SBC), including the roundtop REE prospect, and (3) the quitman mountains south of the SBC. The proposed quadranglesextend east and south in the belt, targeting areas that have historical critical mineral potential, butlack detailed mapping and comprehensive geochemical analyses. Activities to be performed geologic mapping procedures for this project will follow those developed for the statemapprogram in texas. Here, 1:24,000-scale mapping will be done within an arcgis geodatabaseframework using all available data useful for geologic mapping, including high-resolution digitalelevation models, airborne lidar survey data where available, aerial imagery, and previouslycompleted geologic maps including the geologic atlas of texas. Results from the airbornegeophysical survey should also be available in two- and three-dimensional, GIS-compatibleformat, which will greatly aid mapping of surface and subsurface units and construction of crosssections and three-dimensional models. The distribution of geologic units as depicted on THE1:250,000-scale geologic atlas of texas (van hornel paso sheet) will serve as the startingpoint for the geologic maps and the selection of areas for field work and geochemical samplingin both quadrangles. Field visits will include collection of as many as 200 samples that will besent to a laboratory designated by the USGS for geochemical analysis. Geologic contacts will beadjusted based on field observations, interpretations of aerial imagery and high-resolution digitalelevation models, and results from the airborne geophysical survey. Final products will includegeologic maps of the three quadrangles as PDF documents as well as gems-compliant gisgeodatabases. The three maps will be issued as part of the bureaus open-file map series. Deliverables and expected outcomesdeliverable 1: geologic map (1:24,000 scale) of the sheep peak and bean hill quadrangles, andgems-compliant formats.deliverable 2: geologic map (1:24,000 scale) of the paradise mountain and mount livermorequadrangles, and gems-compliant formats.deliverable 3: geologic map (1:24,000 scale) of the babb canyon and sneed mountain nequadrangles, and gems-compliant formats. Intended beneficiary(IES) the USGS, the geological community of texas and the general public at large. Subrecipient activities none