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Technical Overview of the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Fact Sheet 2020-3055
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20203055

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Abstract

The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in response to a Federal directive calling on various Federal agencies to address potential vulnerabilities in the Nation’s supply of critical mineral resources. The primary purpose of this initiative is to identify potentially mineralized areas containing critical minerals by gathering new basic geologic data about the United States and its territories and to make these data publicly available through the Earth MRI web portal (https://usgs.gov/earthmri). The gathering of data is accomplished through geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and the collection of topographical (light detection and ranging, or lidar) data. In addition to identifying areas permissive for hosting critical minerals, the new data collected are likely to be helpful in addressing other societal needs as well, such as by helping to locate groundwater resources, providing information needed to mitigate effects of natural hazards, and identifying locations of the mineral resources useful for restoring and rebuilding aging infrastructure in the United States.

Suggested Citation

Day, W., 2020, Technical overview of the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI): U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2020–3055, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20203055.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Background
  • What Is Earth MRI?
  • What Data Does Earth MRI Collect?
  • How Are the Data and Information Products Made Available?
  • How Will the Data Be Used?
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Technical overview of the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2020-3055
DOI 10.3133/fs20203055
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Mineral Resources Program
Description 4 p.
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details