GMEG - Geology, Minerals, Energy, & Geophysics Science Center
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Scientists with the GMEG Science Center work on issues related to geologic processes and mineral and energy resource potential, primarily in the western United States. The science staff includes geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, biologists, GIS and remote sensing specialists who are located in offices in several states.Select a topic below for project and publications information |
ProjectsMore projects and publications from the Energy Resources program |
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Science Center Director: Colin Williams | Office (650) 329-4881 - Cell (650) 888-3755 | colin@usgs.gov |
Deputy Director: Tom Frost | (509) 368-3103 | tfrost@usgs.gov |
Administrative Officer: Kimberly Jenkins | (509) 368-3104 | kjenkins@usgs.gov |
Outreach Coordinator: Dave Frank | (509) 368-3107 | dfrank@usgs.gov |
GMEG Science Center staff directory |
Answers for general science questions can be found at http://ask.usgs.gov/ or by calling 1-888-ASK-USGS.
Additional contact information can be retrieved from the USGS Electronic Directory.
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Porphyry Copper Assessment of the Tibetan PlateauThe U.S. Geological Survey collaborated with the China Geological Survey to conduct a mineral-resource assessment of resources in porphyry copper deposits on the Tibetan Plateau in western China. This area hosts several very large porphyry deposits, exemplified by the Yulong and Qulong deposits, each containing at least 7,000,000 metric tons (t) of copper. However, large parts of the area are underexplored and are likely to contain undiscovered porphyry copper deposits. View all products from the Global Mineral Resource Assessment project. |
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BIGFOOT: BIG-storm FOOTprint on California and future hazardsThrough a series of geomorphic process maps highlighting landscape responses to such big storms, GMEG scientists aim to tie the spatial patterns of geology and tectonics, landsliding and erosion, fluvial and alluvial responses, and onshore/offshore records of sedimentation. |
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Geologic framework of the Northern Great BasinThe Great Basin is rich in mineral and energy (primarily geothermal) resources, nearly all of which are located on Federal land open to exploration (mostly BLM and US Forest Service). Nevada alone is the world’s 4th leading gold-producer, and mines in the northern Great Basin are major producers of barite, silver, and copper. The region is being actively explored for lithium and rare-earth elements. High heat flow and active faults make the region rich in potential geothermal resources—Nevada has ~450 megawatts of installed capacity and is being intensely explored for more— and the faults themselves pose a hazard to lives and property, with the most recent damaging earthquake (magnitude 6.0) occurring in 2008 near Wells, Nevada. |