New geologic mapping and digital compilation in california period of performance: 12/01/2025 through 11/30/2027 award purpose: the california geological survey (CGS) is requesting federal funds from…

The California Department of Conservation, through its California Geological Survey (CGS), received a $1.43 million cooperative agreement award from the U.S. Geological Survey's National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (STATEMAP element, CFDA 15.810) on December 1, 2025, for a two-year performance period through November 30, 2027. CGS will produce three new 7.5-minute quadrangle geologic maps at 1:24,000 scale covering the northern half of California, including the Northern Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, and Sierra Nevada Foothills regions. Additional deliverables include two derivative landslide inventory hazard map geodatabases, three Geologic-unit Mapping System (GEMS) Level 3 conversions of recently published maps, an updated STATEMAP fact sheet, and attendance at the Digital Mapping Techniques Conference. All geologic mapping products, digital data, and metadata will conform to National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program standards and support the U.S. Geoframework Initiative.

Project activities involve CGS geologists conducting comprehensive geological surveys utilizing existing maps, satellite imagery, LIDAR, and topographic data, followed by detailed field mapping of geologic units and structures. Geologists will collect samples for rock classification analysis, thin sections, uranium-lead and argon-argon geochronology, and geochemical analyses to classify and date geologic units. The principal investigator, project geologists, and research data analysts will conduct internal reviews to ensure all GEMS databases and digital products meet established standards. CGS will provide a full dollar-for-dollar match of the $716,321.71 federal funding request, bringing total project funding to $1.43 million. These efforts align with CGS long-term strategic goals of completing 1:24,000-scale mapping in urban areas where existing mapping is insufficient and digitally compiling seamless geologic mapping of all 110 of California's 30-minute by 60-minute quadrangles at 1:100,000 scale.

Intended beneficiaries

The CGS will be the direct beneficiary of the grant award; however, the completed products will be publicly available and posted to the CGS website to provide free access that will serve multiple beneficiaries. The mapping will provide data on geomaterials, landslides, alluvial ages, faulting, and structural data that are the basis for CGS seismic hazard map products addressing seismic slope instability, liquefaction, and fault rupture hazard zonation; identification of fans and fan ages will aid in post-fire hazard analyses. Map results may also improve understanding of water and mineral resources. The mapping will benefit california residents, local city and county agencies, state and federal resource managers, practicing consultants, and professional researchers. The CGS is not engaging any sub-award or sub-recipient opportunities for this grant.