Utah Geological Survey

09/22/2026

In geology, “goosenecks” is a term used for sinuous canyons and valleys resembling a goose's curved neck. The Goosenecks of the San Juan River have rightfully earned themselves a state park designation. Goosenecks State Park is, in essence, a parking lot perched at the edge of a precarious 1,000-foot cliff. This abrupt cliff, however, provides a panoramic view of the winding canyon holding the San Juan River below. Learn the geologic history of this GeoSight, and how to get there–http://ow.ly/eRp150GNLlS

09/21/2026

In early 2026, the UGS was selected to join the prestigious BHP Xplor minerals accelerator program! Led by Dr. Stephanie Mills and James McVey, the team was chosen by BHP—the world's largest mining company—to fast-track innovative, early-stage mineral exploration concepts. Learn more in the latest Energy News: https://ow.ly/3UJf50ZPGSm

09/17/2026

Matthew Morriss co-authored a new publication: "Mass Addition to Timpanogos Rock Glacier—Debris-Covered Snow and the Importance of Interannual Variability in Headwall Erosion and Climate". Read more here: https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL121482

09/16/2026

Photo of the Week: Sunset on Gooseberry Mesa shines golden light on cliffs of Triassic-age Shinarump Conglomerate and the underlying slope-forming Moenkopi Formation.

Gooseberry Mesa, Washington County, Utah.
Photo by J. Lucy Jordan.

09/15/2026

Banded white marble and quartz augen (eye-shaped crystals) in gray argillite, Notch Peak, Millard County. Photographer: Mark Milligan

09/14/2026

The UGS has established a new nested well monitoring network around the Great Salt Lake’s perimeter. By capturing critical subsurface groundwater data this network equips decision-makers with the science needed to evaluate future water conservation strategies and protect essential wetland ecosystems. Read more in the latest issue of Survey Notes: https://ow.ly/4Xgw50ZNnNq

09/10/2026

Photo of the Week: Late summer rains pass over the northern San Rafael Swell. Nicknamed the "Little Grand Canyon," this spectacular region showcases the San Rafael River carving through more than 1,200 feet of multi-colored Jurassic-age strata that include, from base to top, the Wingate Sandstone (red-tan cliffs), the Kayenta Formation (slope former), and the Navajo Sandstone (tan cliffs).
Little Grand Canyon, Emery County
Photo by: Ryan Gall

09/09/2026

New publication! Utah Mining 2025 is a comprehensive overview of the state's mining industry for the year 2025. It details production, value, and exploration activities across various extractive resources and includes data on metals, industrial minerals, uranium, coal, and critical minerals, along with economic indicators, employment statistics, and updates on specific mining operations. Read more in the latest edition of the Utah Mining Report at: https://doi.org/10.34191/C-140

09/08/2026

How can the UGS Geologic Hazards Program help your city, town, or county understand, prepare for, and respond to geologic hazards? Learn how the UGS helps prepare for and respond to natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides in the lead article in the latest issue of Survey Notes: https://ow.ly/iUuZ50ZKIJG

How can the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) Geologic Hazards Program help your city, town, or county understand, prepare for, and respond to geologic hazards?

09/03/2026

Utah boasts stunning natural beauty characterized by an array of spectacular geological features. One of these striking features is the cinder cone volcanoes that stand out as towering landmarks. Utah claims more than 150 cinder cone volcanoes are found throughout the southwestern quadrant of the state. Learn more in this Glad You Asked article–https://ow.ly/yzaM50PMPEv