Geologic mapping in the i-81 corridor, richmond metropolitan statistical area, and U.S. Geoframework projects project period: 12/08/2025 through 12/07/2027 this award will provide new digital geologic…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded the Virginia Department of Energy a $908,270.35 cooperative agreement on December 8, 2025, under the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (CFDA 15.810) to produce digital geologic maps and stratigraphic information for Virginia and the national geologic framework.

The recipient will deliver PDF versions of new geologic maps for seven quadrangles: Hewlett, and portions of Big Bend, Cripple Creek, Nebo, Indian Valley, Powhatan, and Ruther Glen. The award also funds conversion of four existing geologic maps to GEMS Level-3 geodatabases for the Cedar Springs, Newport, Bland, and Hylas quadrangles, creation of a depth-to-bedrock isopach map for 14 quadrangles within the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area, population of select geochronology databases using the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program template, and revisions to GEMS databases for the Bluefield-Beckley and Pikeville-Williamson 30- by 60-minute quadrangles. An updated Virginia state fact sheet will also be provided.

The period of performance runs from December 8, 2025, through December 7, 2027. Work is performed in Virginia. The geologic maps and databases support land use decisions by citizens, businesses, industries, and local, state, and federal agencies, with applications to water and mineral resource identification, land conservation, environmental restoration, and natural hazard mitigation including landslides, sinkholes, and earthquakes.

Geologic mapping in the i-81 corridor, richmond metropolitan statistical area, and U.S. Geoframework projects project period: 12/08/2025 through 12/07/2027 this award will provide new digital geologic maps and stratigraphic information to meet the specific needs of virginia and to support the development of a comprehensive national digital geologic map. The proposed activities involve mapping the geology in seven new areas, converting four paper and or digital geologic maps to gems geodatabases, creating a depth to bedrock isopach map for select quadrangles in the richmond MSA, populating select geochronology data for virginia, and completing necessary gems revisions to two prior deliverables. Deliverables will consist of PDF versions of new geologic maps, including a map of the hewlett 7.5-minute quadrangle, and maps of portions of the big bend, cripple creek, nebo, indian valley, powhatan, and ruther glen 7.5-minute quadrangles. Commensurate level-3 gems geodatabases for the cedar springs, newport, bland, and hylas 7.5-minute quadrangles will also be delivered. Additionally, a depth-to-bedrock isopach map for 14 7.5-minute quadrangles within the richmond MSA will be completed, along with select geochronology databases using the ncgmp template. Gems revisions for the bluefield-beckley and pikeville-williamson 30- x 60-minute quadrangles and an updated state fact sheet will also be provided. The primary beneficiaries of this project are the citizens, businesses, industries, and local, state, and federal agencies responsible for making land use decisions. The geologic information within these maps and databases will contribute to cost-effective and environmentally conscious land development, aid in identifying crucial water and mineral resources, promote responsible land conservation and environmental restoration, and reduce the impact of natural hazards such as landslides, sinkholes, and earthquakes.