Freshwater diatomite deposits in the western United States

Fact Sheet 2006-3044
By: , and 

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Abstract

Freshwater diatomite deposits in the Western United States are found in lake beds that formed millions of years ago. These diatom-rich sediments are among the Nation's largest commercial diatomite deposits. Each deposit contains billions of tiny diatom skeletons, which are widely used for filtration, absorption, and abrasives. New studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are revealing how ancient lakes in the Western States produced such large numbers of diatoms. These findings can be used by both land-use managers and mining companies to better evaluate diatomite resources in the region.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Freshwater diatomite deposits in the western United States
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2006-3044
DOI 10.3133/fs20063044
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 2006
Language ENGLISH
Contributing office(s) Western Mineral Resources
Description 2 p.
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