Proposal title: proterozoic and cretaceous-cenozoic tectonic events, and surficial deposits ofcentral colorado: bedrock and surficial geological mapping of the loveland pass 7.5QUADRANGLEPROJECT…

Colorado School of Mines received a $179,956 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP, CFDA 15.810) EDMAP component, effective October 15, 2025 through October 14, 2026. The award supports the production of a 1:24,000-scale geological map of the Loveland Pass 7.5 quadrangle in central Colorado, conducted by two Master's students and a Principal Investigator with undergraduate assistance. Deliverables include half-scale geological maps with digital topographic bases, three-dimensional cross-sections produced in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), complementary Master's theses, and a technical report. All products will be prepared following USGS GEMS (Geologic mapping and Earth science data standards) guidelines and submitted to the EDMAP Program Officer and Colorado Geological Survey for publication.

The project investigates the tectonic history of the central Colorado Front Range, with emphasis on mountain-building events occurring 1.8 to 1.3 billion years ago, complemented by radiometric age dating. The mapping effort will also document glacial and surficial deposits, including landslides. The quadrangle encompasses the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels and portions of Loveland and A-Basin ski areas; the resulting geological data on zones of weakness and slope instability will support safety improvements for the Colorado Department of Transportation and ski area operations.

Proposal title: proterozoic and cretaceous-cenozoic tectonic events, and surficial deposits ofcentral colorado: bedrock and surficial geological mapping of the loveland pass 7.5QUADRANGLEPROJECT period: 10 15 2025 through 10 14 2026 purposethe main purpose of this proposal is to produce a 1:24,000 scale geological map of the lovelandpass 7.5 quadrangle in central colorado. IT forms a continuation of three previously mappedquadrangles by the PI and 6 edmap MS students. The general goal is to investigate the tectonichistory of the central colorado front range, with an emphasis on unraveling mountain buildingevents between 1.8 and 1.3 billion years ago. The mapping will be complemented byradiometric age dating. Glacial and other surficial deposits, such as landslides will also bemapped and interpreted. Mapping will be conducted by two MS students and the PI, withassistance of an undergraduate student. The map will be submitted for publication through thecolorado geological survey.activitiesthree months of field mapping, analysis of structural data, radiometric age datingdeliverables and outcomesthe MS students will each produce half of a 1:24,000 scale geological map of the loveland PASS7.5 quadrangle with a digital topographical base map, and associated cross sections to illustratethe three-dimensional geology. The maps will be produced in GIS, but the final product willinclude a high-quality PDF document. USGS gems guidelines will be followed(https: ngmdb.USGS.GOV info standards gems ) in preparation for publication. MS theses willalso be prepared. By the end of the grant period, a transmittal letter, geologic map, and technicalreport will be submitted to the edmap program officer, and the colorado geological survey.intended beneficiary(IES)the quadrangle includes the eisenhower-johnson memorial tunnels, and parts of loveland anda-basin SKI areas. Zones of weakness or slope instability will help the department oftransportation and SKI areas to improve safety. The maps will be shared with SKI areas to createpublic awareness of the role of geologic mapping in land use management. This proposalsupports two first-generation non-traditional students, one female and one veteran. They willbenefit from collaboration with each other and the colorado geological survey, US geologicalsurvey and boise state university.subrecipient activitiesnot applicable