Grant Enables Extensive Mapping of Idaho Geology (4/8/2008)

Thanks to a generous grant, researchers at the Idaho Geological Survey at the University of Idaho will be able to map the region, including earthquake-prone areas. Idaho ranks fifth in the nation for risk caused by seismic shaking.

The $230,600 grant from the U.S. Geological Survey will enable IGS to map parts of the state under the USGS STATEMAP program, which works to establish the geologic framework of areas that are vital to the welfare of individual states. The award was the largest granted among the 44 states that competed for $6.5 million in available funds.

"New geologic maps are important for interpreting landslides, ground-water, and mineral deposits like gold and molybdenum," said Kurt Othberg, research geologist with the Idaho Geological Survey. "Geologic maps help Idaho's citizens to conduct activities on the land safely and responsibly."

Research this year involves an intensive field study covering 800 square miles in project areas near Bonners Ferry, Slate Creek, Fairfield, Salmon and Idaho Falls. The mapping also is important in other applications, such as water resources, natural hazards, soil conservation, land development, and industrial and metallic minerals.

Geologic maps offer a three-dimensional view of the rock, sediment and soil on the earth's surface, and describe structure, age, and other features at and below the surface.

The federal National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act provides support through STATEMAP to fund annual competitive grants, which are open to state geological surveys. Since 1993, IGS has received more than $2.4 million in STATEMAP funding to support its work.

The mapping team consists of nine IGS staff members and six university scientists. The finished maps will be digitized for cartographic production in a statewide GIS database. Finished products may be viewed on the IGS's Web site at http://www.idahogeology.org" TARGET="_External1">www.idahogeology.org, or purchased at the IGS public inquiry and sales office in Morrill Hall, 820 Idaho Ave., on the University of Idaho campus.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the University of Idaho

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