What is the EDMAP definition of a geologic map?

Who may apply for EDMAP?

When is a student eligible?

Field-Focused Projects

EDMAP Field-Focused Projects must focus on the production of a geologic map as the basis of a mentored geologic field-mapping experience. For Field-Focused Projects, funding requests can be up to $35,000 for each graduate student primary mapper and $25,000 for each undergraduate student primary mapper, per year. The expected deliverable is a geologic map.

Data Synthesis Projects

EDMAP Data Synthesis Projects should focus on learning and applying geoscience-relevant, data-driven skills and techniques (such as machine learning, geographic information systems, and modeling) to generate a geologic map. The proposed project must include an approved, mentored field experience. For example, a proposed project could be the development of a smartphone application to assist with rock identification in the field.

For EDMAP Data Synthesis Projects, funding requests can be up to $35,000 for each graduate student and $25,000 for each undergraduate student, per year. The required deliverables include a geologic map and any products or data generated during the project, such as remote sensing data, software code (for example, a new software package), or digital applications.

Testimonials

Ongoing Case Study—Mapping Recently Discovered Complex Faulting to Understand Seismic Hazards to Local Infrastructure and Human Life

A team of faculty and students at Western Washington University proposed an EDMAP project in 2021 titled “New Surficial Geologic Map of the Western Sadie Creek Fault System, Olympic Peninsula, Washington.” The team intends to map a complex pattern of faulting along the western Sadie Creek fault, which is located on the northern flank of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. This faulting was recently discovered by an airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) study of the Olympic Peninsula. The goal of this study is to use lidar data and surficial geologic mapping to determine the kinematics, rate, and extent of earthquake slip as recorded in Quaternary postglacial and glacial landforms. The team at Western Washington University anticipates that mapping this complex pattern of faulting can help clarify understanding of the frequency, extent, and history of earthquake ruptures along this fault system. This information about the fault system could inform local communities about the seismic-hazard risks to human life and infrastructure.

Ongoing Case Study—Mapping the Markagunt Megaslide in Utah

A team of faculty and students at Kent State University at Trumbull (Ohio) proposed an EDMAP project in 2021 titled “Geologic Mapping of the Spry Intrusion and Associated Volcanic Rocks Within the Markagunt Mega-Scale Gravity Slide, Utah.” This study intends to document geologic features in a portion of the Markagunt megascale gravity slide within the Fremont Pass and Bull Rush Peak quadrangles, south-central Utah. The USGS anticipates that this study can lead to a better understanding of the deformational emplacement history and mechanisms of movement of the Markagunt megascale gravity slide and improve the scientific understanding of landslides in general.

The Markagunt megascale gravity slide is one of the larger ancient terrestrial landslides in the world. The landslide, which occurred during the Oligocene or Miocene, formed on the flank of an enormous, growing strato-volcano complex and, most notably, could serve as a proxy for the potential consequences of a similar landslide in the modern era. These strato-volcanos currently occur across the globe, especially in Japan, the Canary Islands, and the Philippines, where large population centers exist at the base of volcanos. Early identification of the potential for megascale gravity slides, particularly in areas where destruction could be catastrophic, might help to mitigate loss of life or property. By mapping ancient megascale gravity slides, geologists can gain knowledge about the geologic features that could be diagnostic criteria for recognizing the potential risk for landslide associated with modern volcanoes.

Interested in Applying for EDMAP?

University faculty (including adjunct faculty) can apply to fund a student EDMAP project. A principal investigator may request up to $35,000 to support a graduate student and up to $25,000 to support an undergraduate student (junior or senior) per year, inclusive of all administrative and overhead costs, with every Federal dollar matched 1:1 by the proposing institution. For more information about EDMAP and other career-building opportunities available through the U.S. Geological Survey, visit https://ncgmp.usgs.gov/.