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Biennial report of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2020-2021
Biennial report of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2020-2021
 
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Title: Biennial report of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2020-2021

Author: James E. Faulds
Year: 2022
Series: Open-file Report
Version: 2022-11
Format: 32 pages, color

Nevada is an extraordinary state with abundant opportunities resulting from its distinctive geologic, geographic, economic, and demographic characteristics. By some accounts, it is the most mountainous state and actually contains more named mountain ranges than any other state. The many mountain ranges are separated by broad basins that host most of our cities and towns. This physiographic region of alternating basins and ranges that epitomizes Nevada is aptly named the Basin and Range Province. It is richly endowed in natural resources but is also prone to geologic hazards, such as earthquakes and floods. The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) is the state geological survey of Nevada and is tasked with analyzing and characterizing these resources and hazards for the benefit and safety of Nevada’s citizens.

As defined by state statutes (NRS-514), NBMG serves as the state’s official locus of data, analysis, and exchange on Nevada’s geology, natural resources, and geologic hazards. NBMG disseminates this information to local, state, and federal agencies, major industries, engineers, educators, and to the general public. NBMG’s primary mission is to collect, analyze, and provide geologic information to enhance the safety of Nevada’s citizens and to facilitate environmentally sound and sustainable economic development of Nevada’s mineral and energy resources, applying geologic research for the public good throughout the state. NBMG is a statewide public service unit that resides in the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering in the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Since its inception in 1929, NBMG has produced geologic maps for much of the state and catalogued more than 320,000 geologic specimens and reports. This report summarizes NBMG activities, programs, and accomplishments for period from 2020 to 2021.

To fulfill its mandate, NBMG employs nearly 30 individuals, including geoscientists, GIS (geographic information systems) and cartographic professionals, technicians (e.g., data managers and information specialists), and administrative staff. About half of the NBMG staff are supported by State funding, with the other half supported by external grants. NBMG has been very successful in acquiring external grants and expended ~$3.76M in external funds from more than 75 research grants on statewide projects in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. State funding during this period totaled ~$2.82M. NBMG’s budget increased slightly in 2020 but then declined slightly in 2021 due to impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBMG conducts research and publishes reports on mineral, geothermal, and oil and gas resources, geologic hazards (e.g., earthquakes, floods, and landslides), geological mapping, and Nevada’s overall geologic framework. NBMG cooperates with numerous state and federal agencies in conducting this research and in providing geologic information. Research results are published as NBMG bulletins, reports, maps, and special publications, as well as in federal publications and scientific journals. In the 2020–2021 period, NBMG produced dozens of publications on Nevada’s geology, natural resources, and geologic hazards, including 10 NBMG geologic maps, 16 NBMG reports and other publications, and more than 180 papers in nationally and internationally recognized scientific journals. During this same period, NBMG scientists and staff gave 142 professional presentations and 25 media features and interviews. They also advised 71 graduate and undergraduate students and taught 34 classes at UNR. Geologic research and education conducted by NBMG has benefited many industries in Nevada (e.g., the mining and geothermal industries) and enabled the state to become leading producers of gold and geothermal power. Geologic information managed by NBMG also helps government officials make informed decisions on the use of Nevada’s lands.

NBMG manages and operates the Great Basin Science Sample and Records Library (GBSSRL, photo below), whose staff catalogues and archives geologic reports, rock and mineral samples (including cuttings and core from geothermal and oil-gas wells), mining district files, aerial photographs, and geologic and topographic maps. Much of the geologic information that NBMG produces is disseminated through various portals on the Bureau’s website, with most maps and reports downloadable for free (https://nbmg.unr.edu/). In the 2020–2021 period, NBMG’s website had over 64,000 visitors, with 55% of those visitors from Nevada.

Continued rapid population growth in Nevada has resulted in increasing needs for mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, land-use and infrastructure planning, and assessments of geologic hazards. NBMG’s major programs are geared toward applying cutting edge technology to satisfy these needs. NBMG’s major activities are briefly described below and reviewed in greater detail in subsequent chapters.

This report was prepared for the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Biennial reports from previous years include the following: Open-File Reports 2000-01, 2002-03, 2004-02, 2006-20, and 2008-06, 2010-14, 2012-10, 2014-02, and 2018-08. You can view these reports here: https://pubs.nbmg.unr.edu/Open-File-Reports-s/1861.htm

Suggested Citation:
Faulds, J.E., 2022, Biennial report of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2020–2021: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 2022-11, 45 p.

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Original Product Code: OF2022-11