GRSG 35th Conference 2024 Abstract

Title: Modernizing knowledge of the geologic framework of the US with airborne hyperspectral imaging, geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and geochemical sampling: The USGSEarth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Author: Raymond Kokaly

Organisation: USGS

Under the Earth MRI program, the US Geological Survey (USGS) and partners in State Geological Surveys are collecting geophysical data to improve our knowledge of the Nation’s geologic framework. These data include large areas of airborne imaging spectrometer data in the western US and fine resolution airborne geophysical surveys. These data directly support studies of critical mineral resources and geologic hazards, and also benefit studies of soil composition. Critical minerals are those elements important to the US economy and national security which are subject to supply chain disruptions.

Many of these critical minerals are significant for transition of the energy economy from fossil fuels to green energy, for example, rare earth elements and lithium. In cooperation with State Geological Surveys, mine waste piles are being sampled to assess recovery of critical mineral resources from previously mined lands. The hyperspectral data collection for Earth MRI, now covering more than 480,000 sq. km, also benefits studies of the environment, serving as a baseline for studying subsequent vegetation shifts in response to landscape disturbances, such as wildland fires. Additional collections of imaging spectroscopy data for the visible to shortwave infrared and multispectral data for the midwave and thermal infrared are planned in 2025 and 2026.