Project abstract summarynote: project abstract summary character limit is 1 page or less (no more than -4000 characters) and use of 12 PT

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded Colorado State University $112,866.81 through a cooperative agreement on May 10, 2026, under the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (CFDA 15.810), EDMAP component, to conduct bedrock geologic mapping and stratigraphic analysis of the Triassic Chinle Group in the Ciniza Quadrangle, New Mexico.

The award funds training of one master's student in geologic mapping, field-based stratigraphic analysis, and GIS database organization. Deliverables include a 1:24,000-scale geologic map of the Ciniza 7.5-minute quadrangle (covering coordinates northwest 35°30′0.00″ N, 108°30′0.00″ W to southeast 35°22′30.00″ N, 108°22′30.00″ W) and associated technical report in digital format, detrital zircon U-PB geochronology data, and a fence diagram of stratigraphic sections. The project involves bedrock geologic mapping, stratigraphic measurement, structural orientation measurements, U-PB detrital zircon geochronology, and petrographic thin-section point counts. Scientific objectives include correlating Upper Triassic strata across quadrangle boundaries, constraining maximum depositional ages of Chinle Group units, and describing late Triassic tributary development and relationship to the paleo-Cottonwood River. Performance occurs in Colorado with a project period from August 25, 2025, through August 24, 2027. The intended beneficiaries include the USGS, the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, and Colorado State University.

Font and times new roman is recommended. Project abstract summary is to be submitted with proposal revisions. If revisions are not required, then project abstract summary should be submitted after notification of award amount.project period: 05 10 2026 through 08 10 2028PROPOSAL title: bedrock geologic mapping, paleocurrent analysis, and provenance of the triassic chinle group, ciniza quadrangle, new mexicoproject period: 08 25 2025 - 08 24 2027 purposethis project will train one master s student in geologic mapping, field-based stratigraphic analysis, and GIS database organization. The main scientific goals of the mapping project are to correlate upper triassic strata across quadrangle boundaries, constrain maximum depositional ages of units within the triassic chinle group as well as describe late triassic tributary development and relationship to the paleo cottonwood river. A 1:24,000 geologic map of the ciniza quadrangle will be produced along with a technical report.activitiesactivities proposed under this project include bedrock geologic mapping, measuring of stratigraphy, structural orientation measurements, obtaining u-PB detrital zircon geochronology, as well as point counts from sandstone petrographic thin sections.deliverables and outcomesa)1:24,000 scale geologic map of the ciniza 7.5 minute quadrangle, new mexico (northwest corner: 3530 0.00 n, 10830 0.00 w northeast corner: 3530 0.00 n, 10822 30.00 w southeast corner: 3522 30.00 n, 10822 30.00 w southwest corner: 3522 30.00 n, 10830 0.00 w) and associated technical report, both in digital formatb)detrital zircon u-PB geochronology data in digital formatc)fence diagram of relevant stratigraphic sections in digital formatintended beneficiary(IES)USGS, new mexico bureau of geology and mineral resources, colorado state universitysubrecipient activities(e.g., sub-contractors, if known)