Wyoming Geo-Notes

Wyoming State Geological Survey sent this bulletin at 01/31/2014 08:36 AM MST

WSGS geologist Robert Gregory examines an Eocene-aged rock outcrop for a potential zeolite deposit in Park County, Wyoming. Zeolite is a mineral widely used as a commercial absorbent for such such products as laundry detergent. It is also used by the agriculture and petroleum industries, as well as for water and air purification processes, as a concrete additive, and for pollution control and clean-up efforts. (Photo by David C. Micale)

From the Director

We are pleased to announce our new electronic newsletter, which we named after our past popular journal series, "Wyoming Geo-Notes."

This quarterly news source is intended to keep you informed of our services and current activities. We are pleased to report in this issue the release of a major study on the Platte River Basin, conducted by our geologists for the Wyoming Water Development Commission. We also highlight several map projects that we have recently completed, as well as our new Geologic Hazards website and interpretive signage project for Vedauwoo Recreation Area, to name a few.

Our research and information is intended for a variety of audiences, covering energy and mineral resources, water resources, and mapping and hazards. We hope you find our e-newsletter "Wyoming Geo-Notes" interesting and informative, a new service of the Wyoming State Geological Survey.

Tom Drean

Check out the WSGS website for all our reports, maps, and educational initiatives, at www.wsgs.uwyo.edu.

Platte River Basin Report

Future groundwater development in the Platte River Basin was evaluated as “fair to very good” in certain geologic aquifers, but new projects will need to comply with current water decrees and multi-state conservation plans.

The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) has completed a major study on the groundwater resources of the Platte River Basin, a project for the Wyoming Water Development Commission. Due to the complex geology of the basin, geologists took an aquifer-by-aquifer approach while assessing each geologic formation for its hydrological conditions.

Read more...

WSGS Newsletter - Winter 2014

New Geologic Hazards Website

Geologic hazards are the products of natural processes that have occurred throughout Earth's history. They can happen suddenly or over a slow period of time. They can also result in natural disasters, and while such events can help shape the landscape on Earth, they can also pose a threat to people.

The WSGS has created a new Geologic Hazards website, a clearinghouse of information on Wyoming’s geologic hazards and historical events. From earthquakes to landslides, expansive soils to the active Yellowstone environment, this new site includes a variety of information, including maps and photographs on Wyoming’s geologic hazards. Read more...

Vedauwoo Interpretive Sign

The WSGS has created a Wyoming Geology Extra interpretive sign for Vedauwoo Recreation Area, in partnership with the Medicine Bow National Forest.

The large kiosk panel is located near the campground and covers the geology of Vedauwoo’s precarious rock formations – Precambrian granite dating back 1.4 billion years. A video on Vedauwoo with Professor Carol Frost, UW Department of Geology and Geophysics, was also produced for this project and is available via the WSGS website. This project was made possible by a grant through the Wyoming Office of Travel and Tourism.

CBNG Groundwater Monitoring Update

This month WSGS released its 2012 update on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) monitoring efforts of the impact of coalbed natural gas production on groundwater resources of the Powder River Basin. The 356-page color report, 2012 Coalbed Natural Gas Regional Groundwater Monitoring Update, Powder River Basin includes monitoring well data and locations, along with maps, figures and tables on each coal zone where drilling for CBNG has occurred.

Associated Press Silver lining to Powder River Basin’s coal-bed methane bust: Some water wells recovering BY MEAD GRUVER

Casper Star Tribune Study: Some groundwater levels recover as Wyoming CBM production declines BY BENJAMIN STORROW

Oil and Gas Development Map

The WSGS recently updated its interactive map identifying areas in Wyoming where oil and natural gas projects are slated for development.

Viewed through Google Earth, the development map highlights current projects in Wyoming either in early production or the planning phase. The map includes information on area boundaries and size, operators, as well as anticipated production from each geologic area.

Wyoming Geologic Maps

The WSGS is now offering its geologic maps as downloadable pdfs.

The latest maps, available online and viewed through Google Earth, are the 1:100,000 & 1:24,000-scale bedrock and surficial geologic maps. An interactive map displays the USGS, 100K quadrangles of Wyoming along with the WSGS maps available for download.

Writing and design by Chamois L. Andersen

Interpreting the past ~ providing for the future

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