I

'- TABLE OF CONTENTS Geologic Mapping Marches Forward ...... 1 The Director's Malcolm P. Weiss ...... 3 Geologic Mapping in Dixie ...... 7 Perspective Teacher's Comer ...... 9 Glad You Asked ...... 10 bv 1\1. Lee Allison Survey News ...... 12 Energy News ...... 14 Preliminary Analysis: Conoco National Monument Well . . ...15 There are at most about 35 geologists in Design by Vicky Clarke the national park system and some of those are not doing geology but collect­ Cover photo: The old Harrisburg town National Park Service Goes Geologic site, with the Pine Valley Mountains in ing entrance fees or the like, or regulat­ the distance, Washington County, Utah. Recently, while driving back to Salt ing pre-existing mines and oil wells. Photo by Bob Biek. Lake City from Denver, I stopped in at Contrast that with over 900 biologists in Dinosaur National Monument, one of the park system and you can easily see State of Utah the geologic wonders of the region. Be­ why individual parks focus on plants, Michael 0 . Leavitt, Governor tween the visitor's center and the quar­ animals, and biodiversity rather than Department of Natural Resources Ted Stewart, Executive Director ry is a spectacular, nearly vertical layer the rocks, fossils, and minerals. of sandstone with prominent ripple UGS Board The Park Service is recognizing this bias Russell C. Babcock, Jr., Chairman marks. Expecting the sign at the base of and two years ago established the Geo­ Richard R. Kennedy C. William Berge the outcrop to describe this geologic E.H . Deedee O'Brien Jerry Golden logic Resources Division (GRD), based feature, I was surprised to find instead Craig Nelson D. Cary Smith in Denver, to coordinate and promote David Terry (Trust Lands Administration-ex officio) that it referred to a few small desert the role and use of geology in park UGS Staff plants near the path. Where was the management and in interpretive ser­ Administration and Support discussion of the incredible geology for M . Lee Allison, Director vices for visitors. We at the Utah Geo­ which this area was originally set aside? Kimm Harty, Deputy Director logical Survey are enthusiastic about Daniel Kelly, Acct. Officer Cheryl Ostlund, Admin. Secretary Think of the jewels of the national parks this new focus and are leading the Linda Bennett, Secretary in Utah - Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, country in developing cooperative ef­ William Case, Computer Resources Bryce Canyon, Dinosaur and so on - forts with the NPS. Sharon Wakefield, Computer Resources and what do you see? Spectacular red Catharine Woodfield, Technical Reviewer One of the first projects of the GRD is a and white cliffs and canyons, arches, Survey Notes Staff cooperative effort with the Utah Geo­ Editor: Jim Stringfellow towering spires, rugged mesas, and logical Survey to geologically map Zion Editorial Staff: Vicky Clarke, Sharon Hamre other fantastic geologic forms and Cartographers: Patricia H . Speranza, National Park at a scale of 1:24,000. scenery. James W. Parker, Lori Douglas You may recall that Zion closed twice Applied Geology Gary Christenson Utah has 12 units in the national park in the past five years due to landslides William R. Lund, Bill Black, Barry Solomon, Janine Jarva, Francis Ashland, Bea Mayes, system administered by the National blocking the main road to, and in, the Brenda Nguyen, Richard Giraud Park Service (not including the Grand park. Existing maps are generalized, Economic Geology Bryce T. Tripp Staircase-Escalante National Monument om.it surficial units, and do not identify Douglas A. Sprinkel, Robert W. Gloyn, which is run by the Bureau of Land Robert Blackett, Roger Bon, Thomas Chidsey, critical units that are susceptible to geo­ David Tabet, J. Wallace Gwynn, Craig Morgan, Management). Most of these park units logic hazards such as landslides. New, Jeff Quick, John Hanson, Michele Hoskins, were established principally for their detailed geologic maps will specifically Carolyn Olsen, Ron Neeley, Kevin McClure geologic features. So wouldn't you ex­ address these concerns. The UGS pre­ Geologic Mapping Grant Willis Hellmut Doelling, Jon King, Bob Biek, pect that many of the park rangers viously published geologic maps for Michael Hylland, Kent Brown, would be geologists and that park man­ Arches and Capitol Reef National Michael Wright, Kelli Bacon agers would focus a lot of their efforts Parks. A digital geologic map currently Geologic Extension Services Sandra Eldredge on geologic issues? In general, that is underway for the Grand Staircase-Es­ Christine Wilkerson, Mage Yonetani, Patricia Stokes, Tim Madden, Trent McNair, not the case. calante National Monument, is expect­ Carl Ege, Mark Milligan, Mike Sheehan, ed to be completed in June 1998. Alexa Steinbach You will be hard pressed to find a geol­ Environmental Sciences Michael Lowe ogist not only in Utah's national parks In Cedar Breaks National Monument, David Madsen but in any park unit in the country. UGS's Dr. David Madsen is literally David Gillette, State Paleontologist Martha Hayden, Monson Shaver, Continued on page 6 . . .. Janae Wallace, Hugh Hurlow, Survey Notes is published three .times yearly by Utah Geological Survey, 1594 W. North Temple, Suite 3110, Salt Lake City, Charles Bishop, Chris Eisinger, Utah 84116; (801) 537-3300. The UGS inventories the geologic resources of the state, identifies its geologic hazards, dissem­ Rebecca Gonzales inates information concerning Utah's geology, and advises policymakers on geologic issues. The UGS is a division of the De ­ partment of Natural Resources. Single copies of Survey Notes are distributed free of charge to residents within the United States ISSN 1061-7930 and Canada. Reproduction is encouraged with recognition of source. SURVEY NOTES 1

Geologic Mapping Marches Forward

by Grant C. Willis

Mapping Program Goals and Accomplishments UTAH GEOLOGICAL The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) SURVEY GEOLOGIC 7.5' Mapping Program has now been in QUADRANGLE MAPPING place for almost 15 years. We have 1998 emphasized two map series, detailed ■ Published and Open-Filed Maps maps of 1:24,000-scale, 7.5-minute ~ Current UGS Projects quadrangles, and intermediate-detail maps of counties at 1:100,000 scale. During this time, we have published and open-filed over 145 quadrangle maps (most in color) authored by UGS, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and other mappers (figure l); two 1 county maps; and several special maps. In the past few years the Mapping Program has shifted its emphasis slightly. The 7.5-minute quadrangle mapping effort continues with only minor changes (see related article on mapping Utah's Dixie). The major changes are in the 1: 100 ,000-scale mapping effort. These maps are now based on 30x60-minute quadrangle boundaries rather than on county boundaries (figure 2), and will be re­ leased as printed and digital maps for use in Geographic Information Sys­ tem databases. The maps will be compiled from existing sources to the extent possible. In contrast, county maps were accompanied by detailed comprehensive bulletins, were based primarily on new field mapping, and required one to three geologists up to quadrangle mapping. County maps Figure 1. Published, open-filed, and in­ 10 years to complete. This change to accompany the bulletins will be progress geologic maps of 7.5-minute quad­ will allow us to complete the state in easy to derive from the digital quad­ rangles in Utah. Over 410 quadrangles are the next 13 years instead of 50 or rangle maps. completed. The UGS Mapping Program has published or open-filed 145 new quadrangle more years. We will delay producing GIS Maps maps in the past 15 years. Many additional bulletins until all of the state is mapping projects are in progress. mapped, although we will archive Two years ago the Mapping Program useful information collected during began work on digital geologic maps 2 SURVEY NOTES

42• 114• 113• GROUSE CREEK UTAH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Digital Maps Have Arrived! 1: 100,000 Scale Geologic Mapping 1998 110" Geologic Map of Utah BO NEVlLLE SALTF'LAT

BASIN UI N TA MO The UGS is about to release the long-anticipated

WILDCAT MTN. DUCHESNE VERNAL 1:500,000-scale Geologic Map of Utah in GIS format.

A ND • Duchesne This map is needed by many government and private organizations. Though the scale is small, it provides the !'RICE SEEP RIDGE Weiss and othe.r,f. first complete GIS coverage of the state. As each of the 1990 e Pricc 30x60-minute quadrangles are completed, these more

HU TINGTO detailed 1:100,000-scale maps will supersede the state 1Vitki11d. 1988 map for most uses. The GIS version of the Geologic Map of Utah was pro­ duced through a cooperative funding arrangement with the USGS Economic Resources Division, and with the support of the Utah Automated Geographic Reference

38" Center. To produce the map, film plates with geologic contacts, faults, and open-water boundaries were scanned by Optronics Specialty Company of North­ ridge, California on a high-speed drum scanner, produc­ ing a high-precision digital file while avoiding the te­

37• 11 4° 11 3° Knnab 111 ° 110° dious and error-prone hand-digitizing process. Process­ ing software was then used to: (1) clean up the scanned c=J image (scanned maps always have some extraneous Digital and Digital and Printed colored Printed colored clutter that must be removed), and tum the lines into printed map printed map map in progress map complete vectors that can be used in GIS and (2) close, attribute, -in progress comp lete - and fill all the polygons using ARC/Info®software. At­ tributing polygons (identifying and labeling map areas Figure 2. Completed and in-progress printed and digital geologic bounded by contacts or faults) is a tedious, labor-inten­ maps of 1:100,000-scale, 30x60-minute quadrangles in Utah. sive process since every polygon on the map (many of Authors and publication dates are shown for completed maps. them smaller than a BB) must be identified by compar­ ing colors on the paper map against the map key. Poly­ for use in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and gons that are too small to identify with full confidence has now completed two digital maps. GIS have become must be researched from original sources in map the basic tool for federal, state, and local government archives. The UGS Mapping Program is working close­ land managers, exploration companies, utilities, and ly with Optronics to review the work and to accurately other entities with an interest in geographic features. In­ attribute the map. The UGS and USGS plan to release formation managers were dismayed to learn that virtu­ the digital map in 1998. ally no geologic maps were available in digital format. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument To meet this need and to assure that geologic hazards, resources, and other features are considered in land­ The UGS recently finished its first 30x60-minute quad­ management decisions, the UGS is rapidly producing rangle digital geologic map, the Smoky Mountain quad­ GIS versions of geologic maps. We plan to produce GIS rangle of Kane County, Utah and Coconino County, geologic maps of all 46 of the 30x60-minute quadrangles Arizona, which covers much of the southern part of the that cover Utah at 1:100,000 scale over the next 13 years. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Digital maps of the Kanab, Escalante, and small parts of adja­ We are also working on 1:24,000-scale GIS geologic cent 30x60 quadrangles covering the remainder of the maps of the greater Zion National Park area and on a monument are in progress and will be completed in cooperative project with Washington County and the June 1998. The Smoky Mountain quadrangle was hand­ local cities to produce detailed 1:24,000-scale GIS geo­ digitized mostly from the Geologic Map of Kane Coun­ logic maps of the rapid-growth areas in the St. George ty, Utah (UGS Bulletin 124 authored by Hellmut basin. Doelling and Fitzhugh Davis). SURVEY NOTES 3

Contributors to Geologic Mapping in Utah

Malcoltn P. Weiss

by Robert F. Biek

The Utah Geological Survey periodically one point he took an occupational ap­ recognizes a geologist who has made ex­ titude test that scored some 32 voca­ ceptional contributions to the geologic tions; personnel management was at mapping of Utah. In this issue, we recog­ the top, natural science second, and nize Malcolm P. Weiss, whose geologic religion last. His father urged him mapping and research interests in central into the business school, which he en­ Utah date back to 1953. joyed, but what he really studied hard was ROTC, which may well have It is difficult to know where to begin, saved his life in WWII. Mac was com­ for Mac's career spans 45 years and he missioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the continues to publish scholarly papers. Coast Artillery (AA) in June of 1942 Among Utah geologists, Mac is per­ and was reassigned in 1944 to the haps best known for his geologic 1252d Engineer (Combat) Battalion. mapping and stratigraphic studies on He was shipped to France and the the Gunnison Plateau (San Pitch front on Christmas eve 1944; that fol­ Mountains) and nearby areas. His ca­ lowing May, V-E Day found him and reer, however, encompasses a much his platoon on the Austria-Czech bor­ wider realm, with research interests der. After the war, he was assigned that involve Ordovician stratigraphy, to the Chief of Engineers Office in carbonate petrology, modem carbon­ Washington D.C., where he eventual­ ate environments, and the history of Mac Weiss, 1989, in his office at Northern ly made Captain. He retired from the geology, in addition to the geology of Illinois University. Among Utah geologists, Army in 1947, and with a wife, Ruth central Utah. Mac is perhaps best known for his geologic Havens Penny, and two kids went mapping and stratigraphic studies on the The Midwest Connection back to Minnesota. Gunnison Plateau and nearby areas.

Malcolm P. (Mac) Weiss was born As was true of thousands of others, buggy vocation as plant pathology - June 28, 1921, in Washington D.C., the his family and the war experiences fo­ so he chose geology instead! Mac's oldest of three children. His father cused his attention marvelously and major professor asked if he had a was a plant pathologist with the U.S. he finished his bachelor's degree in nickname, because Malcolm was too Department of Agriculture. His business administration in 1947. Just hard to spell and too fancy to speak. mother was a modem woman for her for fun, he took the occupational apti­ He had three - in a high school Uni­ time in that she drove a car early on, tude test again, and this time natural tarian youth group, in college, and in liked organizations, and was not keen science was at the top, and business the army - but wouldn't say what on housework or cooking. She in­ near the bottom, next to religion. As a they were, so Charlie Bell said, "How stilled in him an appreciation for the child, Mac spent many hot days in about 'Mac'?" and he has enjoyed the sights and history of our nation's fields of ornamental plants while his name ever since. Mac earned his mas­ capitol. Mac entered the University father talked about diseases and ters and doctorate degrees in geology of Minnesota at age 17, although sprays with the owners, and he (both with zoology and botany mi­ without a clear choice of majors. At vowed never to go into such a hot, nors) in 1950 and 1953, respectively, 4 SURVEY NOTES

Mac's 1967 OSU field camp class on the western rim of the Wasatch Plateau, looking north to Sanpete Valley. from the University of Minnesota. first summer in central Utah at the His fondness for limestones got a seri­ OSU Field Station in Ephraim. He ous start with his dissertation on the was one of three or four junior staff Steeply dipping Twist Gulch strata, overlain stratigraphy and stratigraphic paleon­ assigned rotating field camp tours by Quaternary gravels, exposed along th~ San tology of the Upper Middle Ordovi­ with his mentor and then Field Sta­ Pitch River below the Gunnison Reservoir. cian rocks in southeastern Minnesota. tion Director, Edmund M. Spieker. Photo by Steve Mattox, 1987. Ruth and their children, now four in Mac joined the faculty at Ohio State number, spent many summers with University in 1952, where he started continued to work on central Utah him in Sanpete County. After Spiek­ out as a stratigraphic paleontologist projects and a geologic map of An­ er' s retirement in 1965, Mac became and helped revise the stratigraphic tigua. In 1994, he moved to Santa Director of the Field Station in 1966 classification of the type Cincinnatian Barbara, California, where he is now and 1967. In the 1967 OSU Alumni (Upper Ordovician) of the Ohio River Adjunct Professor of Geology at the Newsletter, Mac noted that one high­ University of California. Valley. OSU, however, had an abun­ light of the 1966 and 1967 field sea­ dance of tenured paleontologists, so Along the way, Mac co-authored sons was a class flight over south­ he refocused his career and evolved seven geologic maps along the Ohio­ western Utah and the Grand Canyon. into a sedimentary petrologist. Car­ Kentucky border as part of the U.S. The loss of a plane table, later used by bonate rocks became his speciality, Geological Survey program to map small boys in Moroni for home plate, and when oil companies "discovered" the entire state of Kentucky at a scale set a limit at the other end of the carbonate reservoirs in the 1960s, he of 1:24,000. He was Chairman of the scale. In all, Mac taught 306 students and his diving buddy, Gray Multer North American Commission on over 10 seasons at the OSU Field Sta­ (Fairleigh Dickinson University, St. Stratigraphic Nomenclature from 1978 tion from 1953 to 1983. Mac's tenure Croix), taught a series of six National to 1982. He has published extensively as Director was cut short, however, Science Foundation-funded short on the Ordovician, carbonate petrolo­ when in 1967, he was appointed Pro­ courses on carbonates in Florida and gy, and both ancient and modern car­ fessor and Chairman of the newly the Bahamas. That experience led to bonate environments. He also wrote formed Department of Geology at fieldwork and geologic mapping on two laboratory manuals for physical Northern Illinois University (NIU). fossil and modem reefs in Venezuela geology and topographic maps, He held the Chair through 1972, over­ and Antigua, teaching on St. Croix, countless reviews of textbooks and seeing a 1.65-million-dollar renova­ and field trips to, as he says, "other other articles, and, with colleague and tion of the department building and friend the late Robert L. Bates, nur­ reefy sites." development of the undergraduate tured an abiding interest in the Eng­ Mac has always enjoyed fieldwork curriculum, including a summer field lish language. With all of these other and teaching. In fact, he has been ex­ camp, which was originally held in interests, it is no small feat that Mac tensively involved in teaching field central Utah in conjunction with the spent as much time in central Utah as geology since 1953, when he spent his OSU camp. Mac retired in 1988, but he did. SURVEY NOTES 5

Mapping and Stratigraphic Studies in Central Utah Mac's early years in central Utah were devoted to the OSU and NIU summer field camps. Through E.M. Spieker, he became interested in the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary stratigraphy of central Utah, especial­ ly the lacustrine units. His first re­ search in Utah involved stratigraphic and petrographic work on the Flagstaff Limestone, but much of that work was postponed given the de­ mands of starting a new department on the plains west of Chicago. Never­ theless, he produced his first Utah Near the Thomas Range, 1987, Mac finds the way. map in 1965, a 1:250,000-scale map showing the distribution of the it in the company of Bill Cashion, of their thesis. Mac took advantage of Flagstaff and related formations, and using the ultimate field vehicle - a he­ this and in 1984 sent NIU student in 1967 saw his first master's student licopter. Steve Mattox to the rugged Hells Kitchen Canyon SE quadrangle in the working in Utah complete his thesis Among mappers though, Mac is per­ south-central part of the Gunnison on the stratigraphy of the Flagstaff haps best known for his work on the Plateau. Steve must have returned Formation in southeastern Utah Gunnison Plateau of central Utah. He with accolades for Utah geology, the County. mapped the entire plateau for the UGS, and Mac, for the next year Mac Manti and Nephi 30' x 60' quadran­ It wasn't until the rnid-1970s, after his took on five new graduate students, gles. The stratigraphically and struc­ Ohio Valley work was completed, myself included, who wanted to map turally complex southeastern margin that Mac dove headlong into central in Utah. We worked on the north and of the plateau begged for more detail Utah geology. He contracted with the west sides of the plateau and nearby than could be shown at 1:100,000, so U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to Long Ridge. Each of us would like to he re-mapped the Sterling 7.5' quad­ help map the Price 1° x 2° quadran­ think that we made important contri­ rangle, which was published in 1994 gle, including the heart of the OSU butions, but in truth we only refined as UGS Map 159. Maps of the Wales Field Station territory he had come to the mapping that Mac had earlier 7.5' quadrangle (with co-author T.F. know so well. By the time work start­ compiled. In all, Mac was advisor or Lawton), and of the Manti 7.5' quad­ ed in 1977, the plan had changed be­ helpful colleague to eight students rangle (with co-author D.A. Sprinkel), cause of the region's involvement in who mapped 10 quadrangles on the are in the UGS publication pipeline. the USGS Coal Exploratory Program. plateau and nearby areas. The maps would be compiled at The careful mapping of Mac and his 1:24,000 and published at 1:100,000, colleagues along the southeastern Mac has always been interested in using the new 30' x 60' quadrangle margin of the plateau has shown that stratigraphy for its own sake - he ad­ metric topographic maps for a base. the major stratigraphic and structural vised several students who undertook Mac co-authored the Manti 30' x 60' complexities there resulted from later­ stratigraphic studies in central Utah geologic map, which was published al compression associated with on the Cedar Mountain, Green River, in 1987 with USGS geologists Irving thrusting during the Late Cretaceous Colton, Crazy Hollow, and Flagstaff Witkind and Terrence Brown; he was Sevier orogeny, accompanied by in­ formations, and he, too, has studied lead author on the Price 30' x 60' geo­ termittent, local diapirism of the Ara­ these and other Late Cretaceous and logic map, published in 1990, with pien Shale, all of which is overprinted Early Tertiary units in central Utah - USGS co-authors Witkind and Bill by Basin and Range extensional tec­ but he has also been captivated by the Cashion; and he was co-author with tonics. Their work has been a key to role that stratigraphic studies, and Witkind on the Nephi 30' x 60' geo­ understanding sedimentation process­ mapping, play in elucidating tectonic logic map, which was published a es along the thrusted margin of a history. He and graduate student year later, in 1991. Much of the Price foreland basin. Michael Roche recognized an interval of variegated mudstone with "pol­ 30' x 60' quadrangle, especially the In 1983, the UGS initiated a geologic ished stones" and limestone nodules Roan Cliffs north and east of Price, is mapping program that included pro­ on the Gunnison Plateau as the Lower remote and of difficult access. To this visions to enable qualified graduate Cretaceous Cedar Mountain Forma­ day a smile comes over Mac's face as students to map a quadrangle as part he recalls how he got to map much of tion, expanding on the work of others 6 SURVEY NOTES and resolving a long-standing correla­ Weiss, M.P., Witkind, I.J., and Cashion, Weiss, M.P., 1982, Structural variety on tion problem of beds that were previ­ W.B., 1990, Geologic map of the the east flank of the Gunnison ously known as the Late Jurassic Mor­ Price 30' x 60' quadrangle, Carbon, Plateau, central Utah, in Nielson, rison(?) Formation. The upper part of Duchesne, Utah, and Wasatch Coun­ D.L., editor, Overthrust Belt of Utah: this interval, earlier assigned to an ties, Utah: U.S. Geological Survey Utah Geological Association Publica­ Miscellaneous Investigations Map I- unnamed basal unit of the Indianola tion 10, p. 49-61. 1981, scale 1:100,000. Group, is now being formally pro­ Weiss, M.P., 1982, Relation of the Crazy posed as a new stratigraphic unit, the Witkind, I.J., and Weiss, M.P., 1991, Ge­ Hollow Formation to the Green San Pitch Formation of the Indianola ologic map of the Nephi 30' x 60' River Formation, central Utah, in Group. These two units, the Cedar quadrangle, Carbon, Emery, Juab, Nielson, D.L., editor, Overthrust Belt Mountain and San Pitch formations, Sanpete, Utah, and Wasatch Coun­ of Utah: Utah Geological Association ties, Utah: U.S. Geological Survey record the earliest stages of the Sevier Publication 10, p. 295-335. Miscellaneous Investigations Map I- orogeny in central Utah. 1937, scale 1:100,000. Mattox, S.R., and Weiss, M.P., 1987, Re­ Summary activation of a Cretaceous thrust sur­ Weiss, M.P., 1994, Geologic map of the face by Basin-and-Range extension, In June 1997, Mac was co-leader of a Sterling quadrangle, Sanpete Coun­ southwestern Gunnison Plateau, three-day field trip held in celebration ty, Utah: Utah Geological Survey central Utah: Mountain Geologist, v. Map 159, 26 p., scale 1:24,000. of the 50th anniversary of the OSU 24, p. 55-65. Lawton, T.F., and Weiss, M.P., 1994, In­ Field Station. In October 1997, he was Weiss, M.P., and Roche, M.G., 1988, terim geologic map of the Wales a co-leader for a Geological Society of The Cedar Mountain Formation quadrangle, Juab and Sanpete Coun­ America field trip that examined the (Lower Cretaceous) in the Gunnison ties, Utah: Utah Geological Survey interplay of structural development Plateau, central Utah, in Schmidt, Open-File Report 312, 94 p., scale and deposition in the Sevier thrust 1:24,000. C.J., and Perry, W.J., Jr., editors, In­ belt and proximal foreland basin of teraction of the Rocky Mountain central Utah. Mac may be officially Weiss, M.P., and Sprinkel, D.A., in Foreland and the Cordilleran Thrust retired, but he continues to teach us, preparation, Interim geologic map of Belt: Geological Society of America as he has since 1953, about the won­ the Manti quadrangle, Juab and San­ Memoir 171, p. 557-569. pete Counties, Utah. drous geology of central Utah. Lawton, T.F., Talling, P., Hobbs, R.S., Weiss, M.P. and others, in preparation, Trexler, J.H., Weiss, M.P., and Bur­ Interim geologic map of the Chriss bank, D.W., 1993, Structure and Utah bibliography of Malcolm P. Canyon quadrangle, Juab and San­ stratigraphy of Upper Cretaceous Weiss (abstracts omitted) pete Counties, Utah. and Paleogene strata (North Hom Stratigraphic and Structural Studies Formation), eastern San Pitch Moun­ Geologic Maps Marcantel, E.L., and Weiss, M.P., 1968, tains, Utah - Sedimentation at the Weiss, M.P., 1965, Geologic map of the Colton Formation (Eocene: fluviatile) front of the Sevier orogenic belt: U.S. Flagstaff and related formations, and associated lacustrine beds, Gun­ Geological Survey Bulletin 1787-II, Utah: scale 1:250,000. nison Plateau, central Utah: The 33 p. Witkind, I.J., Weiss, M.P., and Brown, Ohio Journal of Science, v. 68, no. 1, Sprinkel, D.A., Weiss, M.P., Fleming, T.L., 1987, Geologic map of the p. 40-49. R.W., and Waanders, G.L., in prepa­ Manti 30' x 60' quadrangle, Carbon, Weiss, M.P., 1969, Oncolites, paleo-ecol­ ration, Redefining the Lower Creta­ Emery, Juab, Sanpete, and Sevier ogy, and Laramide tectonics, central ceous stratigraphy of central Utah: Counties, Utah: U.S. Geological Sur­ Utah: American Association of Pe­ Geological Society of America Spe­ vey Miscellaneous Investigations troleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 53, p. cial Paper on the Cordilleran thrust Map I-1631, scale 1:100,000. 1105-1120 . belt.

. . . . Director's Perspective continued digging into the past with a trench into day conditions and help the park man­ plan for expanded cooperative efforts a bog that reveals deposits going back agers better evaluate present forest con­ for the benefit of the state's national about 14,000 years. Charcoal layers re­ ditions. parks and monuments. The NPS initia­ veal numerous forest fires since the end These are just a few examples of how tives are producing a sum of geologic of the last glacial advance. By examin­ the UGS and the NPS are working to­ results greater than the individual parts. ing the fossil evidence, we hope to de­ gether. Following a 'summit' meeting It is an exciting time to be a geologist in termine what the forest and climate con­ of NPS geologists in November, 1997, in the Park Service. The UGS-NPS part­ ditions were like that immediately pre­ which I was one of two state geologists nership could set a higher standard of ceded these fires to compare to modem- who participated, the UGS is drafting a cooperation for the rest of the country. SURVEY NOTES 7

UPDATE: Geologic Mapping in Utah's Dixie

by Robert F. Biek

Faced with such a diverse scenery tion to bedrock and surficial geology, variety of other interesting geologic and climate, it would be difficult for structure, mineral resources, and geo­ features (figures 2 and 3). It also has me to pick a favorite area among logic hazards. The mapping is sup­ two scenic state parks, Quail Creek Utah's landscape. But for many, it ported in part from matching funds and Snow Canyon. The multipurpose must be Utah's Dixie, the southwest­ from the U.S. Geological Survey's maps outline this fascinating geology ern corner of the state that has hot, STATEMAP Program. and geologic history. dry summers, mild winters, and a ge­ The St. George basin is renowned for While these geologic maps contain a ologic diversity that is rivaled by few its spectacular red-rock scenery, rela­ wealth of geologic information, many other places in the West. Utah's Dixie tively young basaltic lava flows and public officials and planners prefer is a burgeoning retirement, retail, and cinder cones, unusual silver mineral­ derivative maps that more plainly vacation center. Once populated by a ization near Leeds, classic geologic show where, for example, one can ex­ few hardy pioneers sent south from structures, including the Virgin anti­ pect to encounter a particular geolog­ Salt Lake City to grow cotton, the re­ cline and Hurricane fault zone, and a ic hazard such as landslides or gion's population grew by 140 per­ cent from 1980 to 1995 and it contin­ ues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the state. With such growth comes inevitable pressure on the re­ gion's infrastructure and natural re­ sources, and also concern that new development will encroach into geo­ logically hazardous areas. The UGS' s Geologic Mapping Pro­ gram is entering the fourth year of an ongoing effort to provide detailed 1:24,000-scale geologic maps and re­ ports of the greater St. George area, in the heart of Utah's Dixie. UGS map­ pers recently completed five geologic 113°52'30" E 113°45' 113°37'30" 113°30' 113°22'30" 113°15' 113°07'30" 113°00' 113°52'30" 113°45' maps and accompanying reports in the greater St. George area and addi­ Figure 1. Map showing USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles in the greater St. George area. Recent­ tional mapping is underway (figure ly completed 1:24,000-scale geologic maps and reports are available for the Harrisburg Junction 1). The multipurpose maps and re­ (UGS Open-File Report [OFRJ 353), Santa Clara (UGS OFR 339), St. George (UGS OFR ports are intended for both geologists 323), Washington (UGS OFR 324), and White Hills (UGS OFR 352) quadrangles. Previously and non-geologists for use in resource completed maps of the Elephant Butte (UGS Map 126), Hildale (UGS Map 167), Jarvis Peak (UGS OFR 212), Shivwits (UGS Map 153), and The Barracks (UGS Map 147) quadrangles and hazard assessment, scientific are also available. New geologic mapping, scheduled for completion in June 1998, is underway studies, and educational and recre­ in the Hurricane and Washington Dome quadrangles. Geologic maps of the Zion National ational interests, and give equal atten- Park region are scheduled for completion in October 1998. 8 SURVEY NOTES

Figure 2. Looking north at the Washington basalt flow and, at extreme left, associated cinder cone. Because it is more resistant to erosion than ad­ jacent rocks, the Washington flow now forms a prominent inverted valley - a sinuous ridge that once was the floor of an ancient valley. The flow is about 30 feet thick along most of its length and forms a flat, gently sloping surface from its source to a point where it entered the ancestral Vir­ gin River. Interstate 15 passes through the flow at Grapevine Pass, near the center of the flow . The Navajo Sandstone forms the light-colored hills in the middle distance. The Pine Valley Mountains, capped by a Miocene-age intrusion, lie in the distance.

Figure 3. Looking northeast towards Quail Creek Reservoir, which straddles the axis of the Virgin anticline. The flanks of the anticline are neatly outlined by the resistant Shinarump Conglomerate Member of the Chinle Formation, below which are /edgy slopes of the upper red member of the Moenkopi Formation. Red- and white-banded strata of the Shnabkaib Member of the Moenkopi Formation form the eroded floor of the anticline. Numerous, small thrust faults and subsidiary folds are found along the northwest flank of the anticline. swelling soils. To that end, the UGS's criteria for hazard classification, and Management Area (figure 1). The Applied Geology Program is prepar­ recommendations for site-specific in­ maps will provide a framework for ing a proposal to produce a folio of vestigations in potential hazard areas. archaeological and other investiga­ digital, 1:24,000-scale geologic-hazard It is anticipated that hazard maps will tions in the park, and form an impor­ maps for rapidly growing areas in the be prepared relating to earthquakes, tant layer in the park's Geographic In­ greater St. George area. The new geo­ slope failure, problem soil and rock, formation System. Geologic maps of logic maps, and other geologic and flooding, and shallow ground water. the Clear Creek Mountain, Springdale geotechnical information, will form UGS mappers, in cooperation with East, Springdale West, Temple of the basis for these derivative maps. the National Park Service and the U.S. Sinewava, and The Guardian Angels Each hazard map will include an in­ Geological Survey, are also preparing quadrangles are in progress and are terpretative text that discusses the na­ digital, 1:24,000-scale geologic maps scheduled for completion in October ture and distribution of the hazard, of the Zion National Park Resource 1998. SURVEY NOTES 9

Teacher's Corner

by William F. Case

Easily Accessible Examples of Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary Rocks in Wasatch Front Canyons

Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimen­ METAMORPHIC on uneven but level ground that used tary rock types are well-represented to be the I-80/Foothill Drive off-ramp Slates and quartzites are exposed in in Wasatch Front canyons. The pur­ leads to an outcrop of limestone, lower Big Cottonwood canyon at the pose of this article is to direct teachers geologic road sign "Storm Mountain sandstone, siltstone, and shale on the to locations where examples of the Quartzites", about 3 miles from the north side of the mouth of Parleys rock types can be seen. Little Cotton­ mouth of the canyon. The black slates Canyon. Walking south, the rocks ap­ wood, Big Cottonwood, Parleys, Emi­ and "rusted" quartzites are part of the pear in sequence as gray limestone, gration, and Farmington canyons Big Cottonwood Formation, and are orange sandstone, and red siltstone were selected because sites are within about 900 million years old (Hintze, and red shale. The limestone is part of a short walking distance from bus or 1988). the Jurassic (208-163 million years) car parking. Selected rocks in these Twin Creek Limestone Formation, the Seven miles from the mouth of the canyons include: (1) igneous rocks: sandstone is the Jurassic Nugget canyon, white marble intruded by quartz monzonite and diorite, (2) Sandstone Formation, and the silt­ dark diorite exposed in a road cut on stone and shale make up the upper metamorphic rocks: quartzite, slate, the north side of the canyon. The ge­ gneiss, and marble, and (3) sedimen­ member of the Triassic (245 - 208 mil­ ologic road signs, "Blind Miner", lion years) Ankareh Formation. tary rocks: shale, limestone, sand­ "Mississippian Marble", "Big Cotton­ stone, siltstone, and conglomerate. wood Mining District", are in the A beautiful red conglomerate with The age of the rocks ranges from turnoff area across from the outcrop. clasts up to cobble size crops out near about 3 billion to 24 million years old The sign indicates that the marble is a the junction of the Emigration Canyon (Hintze, 1988). metamorphosed Mississippian-age road and the road to Pinecrest in Emi­ (360-320 million years) limestone. gration Canyon. The conglomerate is IGNEOUS The diorite is 72.4 million years old the Cretaceous (144-66.4 million Quartz monzonite, a very close rela­ Games, 1979). years) Kelvin Formation. tive of, and locally known as "gran­ A gneiss that may be as much as 3 bil­ References ite", is a gray, "salt and pepper" ig­ lion years old is exposed at the north neous rock exposed in the lower end of the bridge, where 300 East be­ Hintze, L.F., 1988, Geologic history of reaches of Little Cottonwood Canyon. comes Skyline Drive in northern Utah: Brigham Young University It is exposed on the Temple Quarry Farmington City. The gneiss has dark Geology Studies Special Publica­ Nature Trail on the south side of Lit­ schistose (lots of mica) and light tion 7, 202 p. tle Cottonwood Road (SR 209) near gneissose (quartz and feldspars) lay­ James, L.P., 1979, Geology, ore de­ the mouth of Little Cottonwood ers. The gneiss is part of the Farming­ posits, and history of the Big Cot­ Canyon. The quartz monzonite in­ ton Canyon Complex . tonwood Mining District, Salt Lake truded into the Wasatch Range be­ County, Utah: Utah Geological and SEDIMENTARY tween 24 and 31 million years ago Mineral Survey Bulletin 114, 4 pl., (Hintze, 1988). A short Gust less than one mile) walk 98p. 10 SURVEY NOTES

Robert F. Biek -

,/,/What is a geologic map and what is it used for?"

Geologic maps: a few lucky geologists rocks or sediments may be found; feet, on the ground. The geologic make them; many geoscientists, engi­ how old they are; what they are com­ maps are printed over these topo­ neers, and planners use them; untold posed of and how they formed; how graphic base maps, allowing users to scores of people wonder what they they have been affected by faulting, accurately determine their location are all about. Perhaps the most com­ folding, or other geologic processes; with respect to mapped geologic fea­ mon question we are asked, those few and what existing or potential mineral tures. of us who do make geologic maps, is, resources and geologic hazards are A geologic map is the principal tool simply, "What is a geologic map?" nearby. It would require volumes of that geologists use to convey informa­ This query is often followed by "What text to describe what a geologic map tion about the structure and stratigra­ are geologic maps used for?", "Hasn't can show on a single sheet of paper. phy of the earth's surface; the location it been mapped before?", and, if the It should come as no surprise then and type of geologic hazards such as person is really inquisitive, "What do that geologic maps are the most fun­ landslides and faults; and the location all those lines, colors, and symbols damental and important geologic and type of resources such as sand represent?" It must be a puzzling database for the earth sciences. and gravel, cement rock, and ore de­ sight - a lone geologist, often miles There are many types of specialized posits. It is a tool that can be used in from the nearest road, looking at geologic maps - for example those many ways - from learning about the rocks, putting lines on a map or aerial that focus on bedrock geology, struc­ geologic history of an area, to natural­ photograph. One rightfully wonders ture, geologic resources or hazards, or resource and hazard assessment, to what it is that person is doing. the geology of surficial sediments. providing information for intelligent Geologic maps graphically communi­ Most maps produced by the Utah Ge­ land-use planning and growth- and cate vast amounts of geologic infor­ ological Survey give equal weight to indeed, is as useful for its descriptive mation - they are to a geologist what each of these factors and so are con­ as well as predictive nature. blueprints are to an architect, what a sidered multi-purpose geologic maps. In an accompanying article, Grant highway map is to a traveler, or what The UGS' s Geologic Mapping Pro­ Willis summarizes the status of geo­ a painting is to an artist. Geologic gram focuses its efforts on publishing logic mapping in Utah. While Utah maps display three-dimensional fea­ 1:24,000-scale and 1:100,000-scale geo­ has been mapped at small scales tures on a flat piece of paper, with the logic maps, the same scale as the pop­ (large areas with limited detail), it is added benefit of depicting the relative ular U.S. Geological Survey 7.5- easy to see that modem, detailed age, composition, and relationships minute and 30 x 60-minute topo­ (1:24,000) and intermediate (1:100,000) among rocks and sediments at and graphic maps. The 7.5-minute map is scale mapping is lacking for large near the earth's surface. A detailed the standard scale for detailed geolog­ areas. Maps of this resolution are geologic map shows what it is you are ic mapping, where one inch on the needed today to respond to a variety standing on; where other similar map represents 24,000 inches, or 2,000 of resource availability, hazard, and SURVEY NOTES 11 planning questions. It is also impor­ As for all those bright map colors and three-dimensional, subsurface tant to note that geologic maps are funny symbols, well, think of them as arrangement of the rocks, maps nor­ not a commodity that can be ordered geologic shorthand. They may ap­ mally include cross sections or block up in a short period of time. They are pear cryptic, but each geologic map is diagrams. Geologic maps may be built on a long history of previous ge­ accompanied by a chart that explains complex and their interpretation can ologic investigations in the vicinity exactly what each line, color or sym­ require considerable training, but at bol means. Each map color, for exam­ and typically take months or even the most basic level, reading a geolog­ ple, represents a unique map unit - a years to produce. Geology, like other ic map is not much different from sequence of rocks or sediments suffi­ reading a highway map. Given basic sciences, is evolving. Mapping often ciently distinct in age, composition, or is refined as new geologic informa­ environment of deposition so as to be map-reading skills, it is a relatively tion becomes available. Geologic differentiated from all other map simple matter to tell what type of maps can become obsolete over time, units. By tracing map units across the rock you are standing on, what min­ not because the geology changes, but countryside, geologists can locate eral resources or hazards may be because our understanding of it in­ faults, folds, and other geologic struc­ nearby, and to answer a host of other creases. tures. To help users understand the geologic questions.

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9000

8000 A portion of the Fairview Lakes geologic map 7000 and cross section, reduced from the original 1:24,000-scale version. Accompanying expla­ 6000 nation shows symbols used. The map is printed

5000 on a topographic base to allow users to accu­ rately determine their location with respect to Kms 4000 mapped geologic features. 12 SURVEY NOTES

Survey News

People information (PI) publications. The USA," at the 1997 fall meeting of the popular PI series is a staple of earth­ American Geophysical Union in San Welcome to new employees Rich Gi­ quake-hazard workshops and confer­ Francisco. raud and Pat Stokes. Rich is in the ences for teachers, real-estate agents, David is also the principal investiga­ Applied Program, and comes to us and scientists, and has been distrib­ tor on a $35,000 one-year project from Maxim Technologies Inc., where uted to local media and government aimed at defining the Gilbert shore­ he was a project geologist investigat­ officials. Gary Christenson, Program line and Old River Bed on Dugway ing geologic hazards and environ­ Manager of Applied Geology and a Proving Grounds. The Old River mental problems. He will be working WSSPC delegate, accepted the award flowed into Lake Bonneville when on a scientific analysis of statewide on behalf of the UGS during the early peoples first entered the region debris flows. He has experience in WSSPC' s Annual Conference in Victo­ around 10,000 years ago. The study regulatory, exploration, and field ge­ ria, British Columbia. ology and worked on the Juneau Ice­ will be used to help managers locate field Research Program. Pat replaces Grants paleo-Indian sites on the U.S. Army Vicki Whitaker as the Bookstore Man­ base. This project is part of an ongo­ ager. Pat worked in retail sales and The UGS is the recipient of two grants ing examination of Camels Back Cave hotel management in Salt Lake City, and one federal contract. The Nation­ that David is conducting for the UGS Dallas, and Santa Barbara and worked al Science Foundation (NSF) awarded and the Army. The cave is an extraor­ with Applied Research as a financial a $77,868 two-year grant to the UGS dinary resource that contains evi­ to define the hunter-gatherer an­ planner. dence of human occupation dating tecedents to agriculture in northern back at least 7,500 years. Werner Haidenthaller, the UGS Asso­ China by investigating ancient weath­ ciate Director, has accepted a position er and environmental records of the The U.S. Department of Transporta­ as Financial Manager with the recent­ region. It is the first time the NSF has tion (DOT) awarded the UGS a ly created Department of Workforce awarded a grant to the UGS. David $20,000 contract to test the creation, Services. He became the Accounting Madsen, primary author of the pro­ operation, and maintenance of a digi­ Officer in 1988 and has continued to posal, will be the principal investiga­ tized repository for the National forge ahead. Monson (Bill) Shaver tor on the project. The Chinese region Pipeline Mapping System. The DOT' s was recently reclassified from Archae­ has marked similarities to the Great Research and Special Programs Ad­ ological Assistant to Archaeologist. Basin of North America and, while ministration's Office of Pipeline Safe­ Congratulations to both! much is known about the hunter­ ty is managing the project. John gatherer antecedents here, little is Hansen is the Project Geologist on the Awards known about that area of the world. contract. This study is part of a continuing re­ The Western States Seismic Policy Presentations Council (WSSPC) named the UGS as search project which seeks to compare the winner of its 1997 Award for Ex­ the two areas to determine ways cli­ The recent Geological Society of cellence in the category of Outreach to matic change affects people in envi­ America Annual Meeting in Salt Lake the General Public for its strategy of ronmentally similar, but historically City was notable for the participation increasing earthquake awareness in different, areas of the world. This of UGS staff. The UGS co-sponsored Utah. Sandy Eldredge, Program will mark David's seventh research­ the event and Director Lee Allison Manager of the Geologic Extension related visit to China. He was invited was the convention's General Chair. Service, led the effort, which was to present his paper, "The Effects of He was also a panelist for a "Hot begun in 1994 with a cost-sharing Rapid Climate Change During the Topic" scientific debate on the Grand grant from the U.S. Geological Sur­ Pleistocene/Holocene Transition on Staircase-Escalante National Monu­ vey' s National Earthquake Hazard Human Foragers in the Tengger ment entitled "Environmental Preser­ Reduction Program to produce public Desert, China, and the Great Basin, vation vs. Resource Exploitation vs. SURVEY NOTES 13

Tourism." Roger Bon served as the monument, following tour-guide carenite Carbonate Buildups." He Special Events Chair, and David leader Hellmut Doelling. Hellmut also presented that topic at the Utah Madsen co-authored and presented a and David Gillette were panelists on Geological Association's November Theme Session presentation on "Great the concluding Plenary Session and monthly meeting. Basin Aquatic Geology." served as discipline synthesizers for their respective specialties. Hellmut Technical Session presenters included Howard R. Ritzma was also a panelist on the introducto­ Francis Ashland, Bob Biek, Richard ry session, "Perspectives on Science Howard passed Giraud, Hugh Hurlow, Mike Lowe, and the Monument," delivered a away October 30, Dave Tabet, Janae Wallace, and paper on "Geography and Resources 1997 in Salt Lake Grant Willis. In addition, Kent of the GSENM," and participated in a City at age 75 Brown, Mike Hylland, Mike Lowe, poster session presentation with from pneumonia. Dave Tabet, and Janae Wallace co­ Grant Willis, Kent Brown, and Kelli He was born in authored other technical-session pre­ Bacon on "Digital GIS Geologic Map­ Berwyn, Illinois to sentations. Check the UGS website ping of the GSENM." David also pre­ Louis and Annette for abstracts of these papers sented a poster session on "Recom­ Ritzma and went (www.ugs.state.ut.us). mendations for Paleontological Re­ on to a B.S. in geology from Miami Field Trip leaders included Hugh search in the GSENM." In addition to University of Ohio, where he was a Hurlow, Barry Solomon, and Bill those staffers, Dave Tabet co-au­ member of Sigma Nu. He then com­ Lund (Hurricane Fault); Hellmut thored a paper on "Variations in the pleted an M.S. in geology from Univer­ Doelling (Southeastern Utah National Chemistry of Straight Cliffs Forma­ sity of Wyoming. Parks); Doug Sprinkel (Sevier Thrust tion Coals"; Tom Chidsey delivered a Howard served in the Air Corps Belt); Mike Hylland, Bill Black, and paper on "Hydrocarbon Potential in Weather Service in Canada and Alaska Mike Lowe (Wasatch Front); Francis the GSENM"; and Bob Gloyn deliv­ during WWII. Ashland (Snyderville Basin); Francis ered a paper he co-authored on "Tita­ Ashland and Gary Christenson nium-Zirconium-Bearing Fossil Placer Howard worked as a geologist for (Shurtz Lake Landslide); Tom Chid­ Deposits in the Cretaceous Straight Mobil Oil, Southern California Petrole­ sey (Ferron Sandstone); and Sandy Cliffs Formation." Kimm Harty and um Corporation, and Ball Associates. Eldredge (Antelope Island). Janine Jarva presented the poster ses­ In 1967 he joined the Utah Geological sion "Geologic Hazards of the Survey as a petroleum geologist spe­ UGS staffers also contributed to the GSENM." cializing in tar sands, and he also success of the Association for Women served as Assistant Director. In recent Geoscientists' Perspectives: A 20th Tom Chidsey was a featured speaker years, he was a private consultant in Anniversary Celebration of Achieve­ at the American Association of Petro­ geology, specializing in oil and gas re­ ment conference. Bea Mayes was the leum Geologists regional meeting in sources. For most of his career he was Convention Chair, Martha Hayden Denver. He discussed "Heron North active in the Utah Geological Associa­ coordinated the field trips, and Sandy Field, Navajo Nation, San Juan Coun­ tion. Eldredge was responsible for registra­ ty, Utah: A Case Study for Small Cal- tion. Martha and Francis Ashland helped run a geologic field trip from Snowbird to Park City. Dave Tabet presented a funding grant proposal to the Rocky Mountain Section AAPG Construction is Foundation, securing a $1,000 contri­ underway for the bution to help with the expenses for new, 14,000 the meeting. The UGS was an official square-foot Sam­ sponsor of the highly successful con­ ple Library. The vention, which convened at Snow­ facility will house bird, Utah, just before the GSA meet­ a substantial col­ ing. lection of Utah Likewise, at the recent science sympo­ rock cores and sium on the Grand Staircase-Escalante cuttings and is National Monument in Cedar City, scheduled for the UGS staff was well-represented. completion in Lee Allison chaired the field trip spring, 1998. committee and hosted 68 eager Photo by Carolyn trekkers on a 3-day excursion into the Olsen. 14 SURVEY NOTES

Energy News

1997 Summary of Mineral Activity in the State of Utah by Roger L. Bon

Authors note. This summary is an ex­ Mines and New Mine Permits • first in beryllium, and gilsonite; cerpt of a more complete summary of Sixty-three large mines (excluding • second in potash, molybdenum, mineral activity which is included in the sand and gravel) were active in 1997. and copper; 1998 Economic Report To The Governor, These mines, grouped by industry • third in gold, and magnesium published by the Office of Planning and segment, are: base metals -3, precious metal; Budget (OPB). Contact Roger Bon at metals - 2, coal - 12, and industrial 801-537-3363 for more information. • fourth in phosphate rock, magne­ minerals - 46. Ninety-six small mines sium compounds, and silver; Minerals Summary reported production in 1996 (latest • sixth in salt; and data available). Small mines are The value of Utah's mineral produc­ grouped as follows: industrial miner­ • seventh in bentonite clays. tion in 1997 is estimated to be $2.3 bil­ als - 66, gemstones - 13, precious met­ lion, an increase of $75 million from Mineral Production Trends als - 11, fossils - 3, and other - 3. 1996, making 1997 the second-highest According to the U.S. Geological Sur­ year in total value after 1995. Contri­ Through the end of November 1997, vey, between 1986 and 1996 the value butions from each of the major indus­ the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and of nonfuel mineral production in try segments are: Mining received five Large Mine per­ Utah ranged from $374 million to • base metals, $949 million (41 per­ mit applications (five acres and larger over $1.8 billion. The total for 1996 cent of total); disturbance) and 29 new Small Mine represents the second-highest for non­ permit applications (less than five fuel mineral valuation for the state, • industrial minerals, $533 million (23 acres disturbance). One application percent of total); $280 million less than 1995, the year was made to change from Small Mine of record mineral production. The • coal, $523 million (23 percent of to Large Mine status (limestone quar­ Utah Geological Survey's estimate for total); and ry). These numbers represent a de­ the value of nonfuel mineral produc­ crease of four Large Mine permit ap­ • precious metals, $289 million (13 tion for 1997 is $1.8 billion, nearly plications and a decrease of five Small percent of total). $100 million more than 1996. Mine permit applications compared The changes in Utah's mineral valua­ to 1996. New Large Mine permits in­ Mineral exploration state-wide is ex­ tion by industry segment for the peri­ clude two limestone quarries, a gyp­ pected to be slightly higher lh,1997 od 1995-1997 are shown in Figure 1. sum quarry, and a beryllium mine than in 1996. Thirty-two Notic~ of Compared to 1996, the 1997 values of: near an existing operation. New Intent (NOI) to explore on public (1) base metals decreased $11 million, Small Mine permits are grouped as lands were filed with the Division of (2) industrial minerals increased $100 follows: (1) industrial minerals - 20, Oil, Gas and Mining through Novem­ million, (3) coal increased $23 million, (2) precious metals - 8, and (3) other - ber 1997, compared to 32 for all of and (4) precious metals decreased $37 1 (geodes). 1996, 22 for 1995, 34 for 1994, and 54 million. Prices decreased for most for 1993. base metals (copper, molybdenum, National Rankings Outlook for 1998 and magnesium) in 1997, while pre­ The U.S. Geological Survey ranked cious-metal prices were mixed; silver Utah seventh in the nation (down Operator surveys indicate that base­ prices increased while gold prices de­ from fourth) in the value of nonfuel metal production should remain rela­ creased. Coal prices declined slightly minerals produced in 1996. Utah ac­ tively steady in 1998 while a sharp in 1997. Industrial mineral prices in­ counted for nearly 4 percent of the decline in gold production is expect­ creased modestly for most commodi­ U.S. total nonfuel mineral production ed; coal production will increase as ties but were lower for several others. value. Utah ranked: will most industrial mineral com- SURVEY NOTES 15 modities. An accelerated decline in recent high of five. base- and precious-metal prices which One mine will Mineral Valuation - Gross Value Estimate: 1995 to 1997 began in the fourth quarter of 1997 cease production 1400.------.. could impact those metal values in in 1999 and anoth­ 1998 if the trend continues. er will begin phas­ 1200 _ -- __$1,198_ ------_ 1995 •D ing out over the 1996 1000 - -- -- New mines which are in early devel­ next few years. $938 opment include two relatively small 1997 Proposed new ! 800 - -- -- • copper mines and one lead, zinc, and mine develop­ ~ ! 600 - -- -- silver mine. In addition, one new coal $533 ments will add $479 $500 $523 mine completed its first full year of only a modest 400 - -- -- operation and two additional coal amount of pre­ mines are in the planning stages. cious-metal pro­ Two industrial mineral quarries were duction, mostly Base Metals Coal Industrial Minerals Precious Metals opened in 1997 and two additional silver. Current Industry Segment quarries will open in 1998. prices for base- trial mineral prices are at or near their Conclusion and precious-metals are approaching multi- year lows and could have a historic highs which is encouraging Utah's mining industry is producing moderate affect on mineral values in new developments and expansion of most major commodities at near­ 1998. On the upside, both coal and existing facilities. Coal prices are at a record levels and will continue to pro­ industrial minerals continue to set 15-year low, but should improve in duce at high levels for the foreseeable production records. Several new op­ 1998. Two new coal mines are being future. The notable exception is gold erations began in the past year and planned which will help maintain production. There are currently three several more are planning to open record- and near-record production active gold producers, down from a over the next two years. Many indus- levels for the next several years.

Preliminary Analysis: the Conoco National Monument Well by M. Lee Allison

Conoco appears to have discovered of gas and oil. not directly beneath the reservoir one of the largest natural gas deposits which means that any geological Conoco is investigating whether the ever found in the state of Utah. Fur­ structures in the area could contain hydrocarbons may be hydrodynami­ ther analysis is needed to understand cally displaced to the southwest of Precambrian-source hydrocarbons. why it is not productive. the Rees Canyon structure, as they If Conoco is correct, then the hydro­ On Thursday, December 18, 1997, are in the Upper Valley field. If so, carbons in reservoirs in the region Conoco briefed state officials on the there is potential to find an oil reser­ may all be hydrodynamic. Other than results of their wildcat well in the voir on the flank of the anticline or on at Upper Valley, no wells have been Grand Staircase-Escalante National other nearby similar anticlines, such drilled off-structure in the basin. Monument. The well was plugged as at Smoky Mountain. The Tapeats Thus, it is possible that any of the an­ and abandoned as a dry hole at a Sandstone is porous and permeable in ticlines in the region could have total depth of 11,911 feet, bottoming other wells in and around the Monu­ stacked reservoirs (Triassic, Permian, in Precambrian-age metamorphic ment, including to the northeast in Mississippian, and Cambrian) on rocks. No Chuar Group or other Pre­ the BHP "28-1 Federal" well which their flanks which have never been cambrian sediments were encoun­ produced at a rate of 5 million cubic tered. tested, even though most of the anti­ feet (MMcf) of CO 2 per day from the clines have had wells drilled on their Geophysical well logs indicate the formation. crests. Cambrian Muav Limestone and Conclusions Tapeats Sandstone are fully charged Based on the initial analysis of the with gas, which was determined on Hydrocarbons are present in Cambri­ Conoco results, the petroleum poten­ testing to be methane with a trace of an reservoirs in the Kaiparowits basin tial of the Kaiparowits basin and the CO2. Porosities of the two forma­ in possibly large quantities. Precam­ Grand Staircase-Escalante National tions are low. Production tests, in­ brian sediments are a possible but un­ Monument is now proven and is sig­ cluding hydraulic fracturing, report­ confirmed source of the hydrocar­ nificantly larger than previously rec­ edly recovered water but only traces bons. Precambrian source rocks were ognized. Geologic map _of th~ Hayes ~anyon quadrangle, Sanpete Interi.rp. geologic map of th~·oeadman Point quadrangle, County, Utah, by D.H Petersen, 18 p., 2 pl., 1:24,000, Mlllard County, Utah by L.F. Hintze, 2 pl., 10 /97, 9 /97, MP97-3 ...... : ...... $7.00 · 1:~4;000, OFR 355 ... _...... $4.00 . . Geologic map of the Hatch quadrangle, Garfield County, Interim geologic map of the Burbank Pass quadrangle, Utah, by~- Kurlich III and J.J. Anderson, 17 p.; 2. pl., _Millard County, Utah by L.F. Hintze, 2 pl., 10/97, _1:24,000, 9 /97, MP97-5 .... ·...... '.... $7.00 1:24,000, OFR 356_ ...... $4.00 Commonly asked questions about Utah's Great Salt.Lake. Interim geologic map of the Big Jensen Pass quadrangle, and ancient Lake Bonneville (German version of PI-39), · . Millard County, u ·tah by L.F. Hintze, 2 pl., 10/97, by J.W. Gwynn (translation by B. 'Long-Murdock), PI-55, 1:24,000, OFR 357 ...... $4.00 22 p., 10/97 ...... $1.75 Ferron Sandstone·rese~voir type logs and lithofacies, Emery · Interim geolo~c map of the White Hills quadrangle,. County, Utah, by P.B. Anderson, T.C. _Chidsey Jr., and Washington County, Utah by J.M. Higgins, 94 p., 2 pl., Kevin ~cClure, ~ pl., OFR-358, 12/97 ...... $3.50~ 9/97, 1:24,000, OFR 352 ..... ~ ...... $10.10 Interim Geologic' Map of the Smoky Mountain 30' x 60' Interim geologic map of the Harrisburg Junction quadran­ Quafirangle, Kane and San Juan Counties, Utah and gle, Washington (:ounty, Utah by R.F. Bi~k, 124 p.,.2 pl., Coconino County, Arizona by Hell,mut H. Doelling, 2 pl., 9 /97, 1:24,000, OFR 353 ...... $11.20 1:100,000, OFR-359, 12/97 ...... $6.00 Interim geologic map· of the Cedar Pass quadrangle, Millard _County, Utah by L.F. Hintze, 2 pl., 10/97, 1:24,000,. OFR 354 · ...... ,, ...... $4.00

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