Yellowstone

Wyoming Geology

When visitors first see Wyoming's vast prairies and mountain ranges, their interest is normally attracted to the spectacular views, the open space, the accompanying wildlife, and the sparse vegetation. Often, little if any thought is given to the geologic history that produced much of what they are seeing. The state's present landscape resulted from a long series of events reaching back in geologic time almost to the inception of the Earth as a planet and continuing to the present.

Scientists can determine the ages of rocks by measuring the radioactive decay of particular elements in the rocks. In Wyoming, the oldest dated rocks are certain granites and granite gneisses which occur in the cores of the larger mountain ranges and are at least 2.8 billion years old. Relatively little, however, is known about these most ancient rocks. Learn more.

MS-55

Latest Publication Release

A comprehensive new map by the Wyoming State Geological Survey on oil and natural gas resources in Wyoming covers a range of information – from geology to facilities, production to exportation. The map released in July covers oil and gas extractive activities across the state and is part of the agency’s professional map series.

Using geographic information systems (GIS) technology, the map was generated to illustrate a compilation of information. It includes the boundaries of producing and abandoned oil and gas fields in Wyoming, producing (or produced) formations, dominate age or reservoir rocks, field designations, pipeline sizes and locations, refinery and gas plant locations and capacities, basin locations, as well as illustrates the extent of oil shale-bearing rocks. Learn more.

Our Research

Rare Earth Elements in Wyoming

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a vital resource to industrialized societies worldwide. In all, there are 17 REEs, which are typically found in varying proportions in the same ore deposits. Rare earth metals are used to produce a range of sophisticated technological products such as nuclear reactor components, cell phones, magnets, camera lenses, and batteries. Wyoming hosts at least one major REE deposit with opportunities for further exploration and the potential to contribute to the global market. China is the world’s biggest supplier of rare earth elements; 97 percent of the rare earths on the market come from that country.

According to a U.S. Geological Survey report, the United States has enough REEs in the ground to meet global demand for decades to come. Until recently, when California’s Mountain Pass Mine reopened, few of these minerals were being mined in the United States. Learn more.