A NEW DATABASE INITIATIVE FOR REGIONAL SEAMLESS 1:24,000 SCALE GEOLOGIC MAP COMPILATIONS IN IDAHO

In response to directives from the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, the Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) has adopted and adapted the USGS Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) for all new geologic mapping products. A central focus of IGS’ GeMS implementation is the creation of regional geologic map database compilations. Since initiating the effort in 2020, IGS staff have generated five seamless 1:24,000 scale GeMS database compilations in defined projects areas distributed throughout Idaho, including both areas of active and legacy mapping. Collectively, these databases include approximately 169 7.5’ quadrangles, representing over 10% of the state. In the areas of active mapping, these compilations represent “living” databases, updated annually or more frequently to reflect the most current geologic interpretation of the area. Herein, we highlight the IGS GeMS database compilation for the Salmon area of east-central Idaho, an area of considerable interest due to the presence of significant concentrations of defined critical minerals, including cobalt. We elaborate on its construction, contents, and expected evolution in response to and support of ongoing mapping and related research.