@book {344, title = {The bedrock geology of Massachusetts}, series = {U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper}, volume = {1366}, number = {1366}, year = {1988}, publisher = {United States Geological Survey}, organization = {United States Geological Survey}, address = {Reston, VA}, abstract = {USGS Professional Paper 1366 A-D \& E-J: Books accompanying the 1983 State Bedrock Geologic Map, edited by Norman L. Hatch. Paper copies can be ordered via the USGS store (http://store.usgs.gov) using the USGS product numbers above or by clicking the links below.}, keywords = {$\#$MassGeology, $\#$MassGeologyMap, $\#$StateGeologicMap, bedrock map, GEOLOGIC MAP, Goldsmith, Hatch, Hatch 1991, State Geologic Map, Zen, Zen 1983}, issn = {978-0-607-71434-0 and 978-0-607-71433-3}, author = {Hatch, Norman L and Goldsmith, Richard and Robinson, P and Stanley, Rolfe S and Wones, David R and Zartman, Robert E and Marvin, Richard F} } @book {337, title = {Massachusetts mineral and fossil localities}, year = {1978}, publisher = {Krueger Enterprises}, organization = {Krueger Enterprises}, address = {Cambridge, MA}, abstract = {A PDF of popular Massachusets Mineral and fossil localities compiled by Peter Gleba in 1978, revised in 2008.}, keywords = {$\#$Collecting, $\#$EducationalResources, $\#$MassGeology, $\#$MineralResources, $\#$Minerals, collecting, fossils, minerals}, url = {http://www.geo.umass.edu/stategeologist/Gleba_Mass_Fossil-Min_Localities.pdf}, author = {Gleba, Peter P} } @proceedings {275, title = {Connecticut geothermal map series; tools for exploration and development}, volume = {45}, year = {2013}, note = {Accession Number: 2014-021035; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 48th annual meeting; Bretton Woods, NH, United States; Conference Date: 20130318; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 50; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201414; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 48th annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2013/02/01/}, pages = {50 - 50}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {The CT and MA Geological Surveys are collaborative partners in the National Geothermal Data Project funded by DOE through the Association of American State Geologists. The goal is to develop information to assist in locating State geothermal resources and provide data for better design of EGS systems in bedrock or unconsolidated sediments. The first 2 yrs of the investigation focused on data collection to explore the heat generating potential of CT bedrock and thermal conductivity (TC) properties of CT sediments. Rock chemistry, density, and TC were used to calculate heat production, heat flow, and thermal profiles at depth for >240 samples of 55 bedrock units. Heat production values (hpvs) were determined using concentrations of radiogenic (K, U, Th) and measured sample density. Heat flow values were determined using the calculated hpvs for the samples and hpvs of avg crustal material of New England (Rhodes, personal com., 2012). Thermal profiles at depths up to 6 km were generated using hpv, heat flow, and TC values for each sample. Results indicate that areas with highest heat flow values are in southeastern CT bedrock. 100 sediment samples were collected from 20 units targeted using the Surficial Materials and Quaternary Maps of CT. TC Measurements were made using a Decagon KD2-Pro Meter. Physical profiles of sediment (grain size, sand, silt, clay percent, bulk density, porosity) were created. Current efforts involve synthesis of calculated hpvs with direct heat flow measurements from existing geothermal installations to compile a geothermal resource map series. The series includes heat production, inferred heat flow, TC, and thermal profile maps for bedrock, and a TC map for sediments. These maps will assist geothermal contractors in site plan and system design. Heat production and inferred heat flow maps summarize model results for bedrock units. Thermal profile maps depict models of inferred temperature increases at depth, providing estimates for 3,4,5, and 6 km at specific locations, and provide depths needed to achieve desired temperature for either EGS or larger direct heat applications. TC mapping of sediments depict favorable areas for geothermal installations, and may be used in design of various ground source heat pump systems. All data and mapping is accessible via the National Geothermal Data System.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, BEDROCK, Connecticut, Economic geology, geology of energy sources 29A, geothermal energy, heat flow, information management, maps, technology, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2013NE/webprogram/Paper216450.html}, author = {Gagnon, Teresa K. and Thomas, Margaret A. and John Michael Rhodes and Stephen B Mabee} } @proceedings {280, title = {Deep geothermal potential of New England granitoids; the Fall River Pluton, southeastern Massachusetts}, volume = {43}, year = {2011}, note = {Accession Number: 2012-031359; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 46th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, North-Central Section, 45th annual meeting; Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Conference Date: 20110320; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 63; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201217; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 46th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, North-Central Section, 45th annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2011/03/01/}, pages = {63 - 63}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Devonian-aged plutonic rocks that are interpreted to be part of the Fall River pluton, along the southern edge of the Narragansett Basin, appear to have potential as a source of deep geothermal energy. The Narragansett Basin covers a approximately 1500 Km (super 2) area in southern Massachusetts and is dominated by complexly deformed and metamorphosed, Pennsylvanian-aged, fluvial and alluvial deposits. A northeast-striking series of brittle faults and discrete shear zones define the southern margin of the basin. Preliminary modeling of igneous and gneissic fabrics from outcrops along the southern edge of the basin show that the granite dips predominantly north, northeast. This pattern suggests that granitoids along the southern edge of the basin continue beneath the Narragansett Basin and correlate with granitoids exposed to the north. Regional joint sets in the Fall River pluton can be grouped into three dominant clusters at 350 degrees , 90 degrees , and 250 degrees based upon 86 field measurements. Low-angle sheeting joints are also common and suggest interconnected fracture networks at depth. Preliminary geochemistry from the Fall River pluton suggests that feldspars and accessory minerals contain the appropriate concentrations of heat producing elements, primarily U, Th, and K, to be a reasonable geothermal resource. K (sub 2) O values range from 2.4 to 5.0 weight percent. U and Th values (in ppm) range from 0.9 to 6.2 and 2.9 to 30.1 respectively. Assuming a relatively consistent composition at depth, a density of 2.6 kg/m (super 3) , and a thermal conductivity of 2.9 W/m degrees C, initial temperature modeling suggests average temperatures of 81 degrees C at depths of 5 kilometers and 93 degrees C at depths of 6 kilometers. Temperature estimates increase to approximately 150 degrees C and approximately 170 degrees C respectively when a two kilometer thick sediment package is modeled overlying the granitoids. The goal of current and future work is to improve assumptions about compositional uniformity as well as the regional position of granitoids at depth. At the conclusion of this work we hope to develop a protocol for studying geothermal potential of buried granitoids in New England in the absence of reliable drill-hole data. Preliminary estimates from this project suggest that basins underlain by granitoids of compositions similar to that of the Fall River pluton have reasonable potential as a deep geothermal resource.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, depth, Economic geology, geology of energy sources 29A, Fall River Pluton, geochemistry, geothermal energy, gneisses, granites, Igneous and metamorphic petrology 05A, igneous rocks, intrusions, massachusetts, metamorphic rocks, plutonic rocks, plutons, southeastern Massachusetts, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011NE/finalprogram/abstract_185900.htm}, author = {Goodhue, Nathaniel and Koteas, G. Christopher and John Michael Rhodes and Stephen B Mabee} } @proceedings {281, title = {Deep geothermal resource potential in Connecticut; progress report}, volume = {44}, year = {2012}, note = {Accession Number: 2012-090080; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 47th annual meeting; Hartford, CT, United States; Conference Date: 20120318; Language: English; Coordinates: N405900N420300W0714800W0734400; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 77; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201247; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 47th annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2012/02/01/}, pages = {77 - 77}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {The Connecticut and Massachusetts Geological Surveys are collaborating on a National Geothermal Data Project funded by the US Department of Energy through the Association of American State Geologists.Geothermal resources in Connecticut (CT) to date have been exploited using near surface ground source heat pump technology. This is the first investigation of CT deep geothermal resources. Many CT granitoids contain heat producing elements. The goal is to identify geologic units capable of producing enough heat, at reasonable drilling depths, to operate a viable geothermal power plant. Target rock units must contain enough uranium, thorium and potassium (U/Th/K) in combination with heat generated through the natural geothermal gradient of the Earth to generate electricity and co-produced direct heating. Heat at depth can be concentrated by an overlying insulating layer of sedimentary rocks and glacial sediments. 27 CT bedrock units were selected for sampling using existing mapping. 120 samples were analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. Heat production values (HPVs) at or greater than 4 mu W/m (super 3) were considered to be of interest. Values ranging from 4 to 18 mu W/m (super 3) were calculated for 7 of the 27 rock units. Elevated concentrations of thorium, ranging from 10.5 ppm to 245 ppm, were the primary contributors to increased HPVs. Initial results indicate that the warmest rocks are Permian and Precambrian, which is consistent with earlier results from granitoid bodies underlying the Atlantic Coastal Plain of Virginia (Speer et al., 1979). Additional bedrock samples will be analyzed to further characterize geochemical variations and potential HPVs of target rock units. Direct thermal conductivity measurements are being made of select bedrock samples in addition to sedimentary rocks of the Hartford Basin. Theoretical thermal profiles derived from rock geochemistry will provide an estimate of heat generated at depth for geologic units of interest and assist in determining the potential for an insulating layer overlying heat producing granitoids. Direct thermal conductivity measurements of unconsolidated materials throughout CT are also being made to support the ground-source heat pump industry. All data and mapping will be accessible via the National Geothermal Data System (NGDS).}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, Connecticut, Economic geology, geology of energy sources 29A, energy sources, geothermal energy, geothermal exploration, geothermal gradient, granites, heat flow, igneous rocks, New England, plutonic rocks, temperature, thermal conductivity, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2012NE/finalprogram/abstract_200494.htm}, author = {Gagnon, Teresa K. and Koteas, G. Christopher and Thomas, Margaret A. and Stephen B Mabee and John Michael Rhodes} } @proceedings {300, title = {Identifying and examining potential geothermal resources in non-traditional regions, examples from the northeastern U.S.}, volume = {43}, year = {2011}, note = {Accession Number: 2012-083486; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2011 annual meeting; Minneapolis, MN, United States; Conference Date: 20111009; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 40; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201244; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 2011 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2011/10/01/}, pages = {40 - 40}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {The search for geothermal resources is rapidly expanding into tectonic regions that have not been previously considered to be suitable for exploitation. Many of these regions, such as the northeastern U.S., have never been the site of extensive geophysical investigations and have few deep borehole temperature measurements. Nevertheless, large portions of the northeastern U.S. are underlain by granitic bedrock that may be a productive energy source by applying enhanced geothermal technologies. In the absence of traditional reconnaissance data, we utilize field studies and sampling together with geochemical analysis to develop models of geothermal resources that can be tested against data from deep boreholes. Heat production is calculated from the measured density of the samples, the concentrations of K, U, and Th from whole-rock geochemical analysis via X-ray fluorescence, and established radiogenic heat production values. Models for a particular area can then be generated by calculating depth-specific temperatures using heat production, measured thermal conductivity for each sample, and assumptions related to local stratigraphy and regional heat flow. Mapping and structural extrapolation are used to establish the subsurface characteristics at a study site and are combined with the thermal and chemical characteristics of contact rocks and overburden materials. Two examples of the application of this technique are the Fall River granite at the margin of the Narragansett Basin in southeastern Massachusetts and the Andover Granite in northeastern Massachusetts. Thermal models of the Fall River Pluton indicate average temperatures of 71 degrees C at depths of 4 km and 97 degrees C at 6 km. Average temperatures increase to 107 degrees C and 132 degrees C, respectively, when a 2 km thick sediment package is modeled overlying the granite. The Andover Granite, which is not associated with a sedimentary basin and is in a more structurally complex configuration, yields an average temperature of 74 degrees C at a depth of 4 km and 101 degrees C at 6 km. While this approach to modeling temperature-depth profiles requires some regional heat flow assumptions, the application of mapping and structural analysis with geochemistry and thermal conductivity studies can be an important reconnaissance tool for identifying non-traditional geothermal resources.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, Andover Granite, Eastern U.S., Economic geology, geology of energy sources 29A, exploitation, exploration, Fall River Granite, field studies, geochemistry, geothermal energy, identification, mapping, massachusetts, models, Northeastern U.S., overburden, resources, sampling, southeastern Massachusetts, spectra, structural analysis, technology, temperature, United States, whole rock, X-ray fluorescence spectra}, isbn = {00167592}, author = {Koteas, G. Christopher and John Michael Rhodes and Stephen B Mabee and Goodhue, Nathaniel and Adams, Sharon A.} } @proceedings {301, title = {Implications for non-traditional geothermal resources in southern New England; variability in heat potential based on thermal conductivity and geochemistry studies}, volume = {44}, year = {2012}, note = {Accession Number: 2012-090079; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 47th annual meeting; Hartford, CT, United States; Conference Date: 20120318; Language: English; Coordinates: N420000N473000W0670000W0733000; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 2; Collation: 76-77; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201247; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 47th annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2012/02/01/}, pages = {76 - 77}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Estimating geothermal potential in southern New England in the absence of borehole heat flow data or geophysical studies has led to a focus on models based on thermal conductivity, geochemistry, and density-based heat production models. Preliminary estimates of geothermal potential generally match borehole-based heat flow data from similar tectonic environments. Nevertheless, microstructural and compositional heterogeneity with depth remain largely unconstrained. The extrapolation of regional structures based on detailed field mapping has helped to improve structural projections adjacent to major basins. However, an additional source of error in models of heat potential-with-depth are thermal conductivity estimates of igneous and meta-igneous rocks throughout Massachusetts (MA) and Connecticut (CT). Over three hundred granitoid localities in MA and CT have been analyzed to date. The southern New England region can be simplified into four major litho-tectonic zones: the Taconic-Berkshire Zone of western MA and northwestern CT, The Bronson Hill Zone associated with the CT River valley, the Nashoba Zone of central MA and eastern CT, and the Milford-Dedham Zone of eastern MA and eastern CT. Granitic rocks adjacent to the CT River valley and the Narragansett Basin vary considerably in thermal conductivity. Granites adjacent to the Narragansett Basin vary from 2.9 to 3.7 W/m * K. Average thermal conductivity values, combined with modeled heat production values, produce temperatures at 3 km depth along the Narragansett Basin that approach 85-115 degrees C. Values of meta-igneous rocks from the margin of the CT River valley in MA and CT vary more considerably in thermal conductivity, from 1.8 to 3.9W/m * K. Modeled heat potentials at 3 km depths along the eastern margin of the CT River valley vary between 74-122 degrees C and appear to be largely related to compositional variation. However, local rock composition is also related to metamorphic grade and fabric development, suggesting that both fabric and composition are first order controls on thermal conductivity. Modeling based on these data set to date suggests that combining thermal conductivity, whole rock geochemistry data, and density measurements can produce accurate reconnaissance estimates of geothermal potential in southern New England.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, chemical composition, Connecticut, Economic geology, geology of energy sources 29A, energy sources, geothermal energy, geothermal exploration, granites, heat flow, igneous rocks, massachusetts, models, New England, plutonic rocks, thermal conductivity, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2012NE/finalprogram/abstract_200837.htm}, author = {Koteas, G. Christopher and John Michael Rhodes and Stephen B Mabee and Ryan, Amy and Schmidt, Joe and League, Corey and Goodhue, Nathaniel and Adams, Sharon A. and Gagnon, Teresa K. and Thomas, Margaret A.} } @proceedings {320, title = {Subtle modification of glacially derived materials along Massachusetts{\textquoteright} southern coast by passing summer storms}, volume = {47}, year = {2015}, pages = {136}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, edition = {3}, address = {Northeastern Section - 50th Annual Meeting (23{\textendash}25 March 2015), Bretton Woods, NH}, abstract = {Engineered resupply of sand to coastal environments, i.e. nourishment, offers an attractive short-term strategy to address beach erosion in Massachusetts. For efficient nourishment, site-specific knowledge of seasonal grain size and sediment volume variability at eroding beaches is essential. We have begun measuring grain size and profile at 22 eroding Massachusetts beaches, capturing summer and winter conditions at each site through four to nine representative transects perpendicular to the shore and spaced 100-500 meters apart. Our recently completed first summer field season (August/September 2014) visited eight beaches along Massachusetts{\textquoteright} south coast from Rhode Island to Nantucket. These environments should reflect regional glacial history and a summer interval of reduced storm activity. Where unstratified surficial materials characterize the coast, erosion of glacial till (Horseneck and East beaches, Westport) and end moraine (Barges Beach, Cuttyhunk Island; Town and Sylvia State beaches, Oak Bluffs/Edgartown) can yield cobble berms capping steep intertidal zones. We noted that increased wave activity during storms strips a thin (inches-thick) layer of intertidal sand to reveal gravel and cobble below, while leaving beach profile essentially unchanged. In contrast, where (cobble-free) glacial outwash intersects the coast (Surf Beach, Falmouth; Miacomet and Low beaches, Nantucket) sand and gravel are distributed more evenly across beach facies. Here passing summer storms modify beach profile but not grain size: high surf cuts sandy berms, shifting steepened intertidal zones landward. We will reoccupy south coast sites at the end of winter in 2015 to examine effects of seasonally related increase in storm (and wave) activity. Survey of Massachusetts{\textquoteright} east coast (Sandwich to New Hampshire) is planned for summer of 2015 and winter of 2016. Additionally, overwash sequences recovered through backbarrier basin coring at selected sites complement our beach survey by providing depositional records of particularly strong storms. Study results will allow identification of suitably matched nourishment sources onshore, or offshore, as described in Massachusetts{\textquoteright} Office of Coastal Zone Management{\textquoteright}s extensive grain-size database. }, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, Barges Beach, beach, beach erosion, beach profile, BOEM, Buzzard{\textquoteright}s Bay, climate change, coast, coastal, cobble, Cuttyhunk Island, dune, East beach, Edgartown, erosion, Falmouth, grain-size, Horseneck beach, intertidal, Low beach, Martha{\textquoteright}s Vineyard, Miacomet beach, Nantucket, nourishment, Oak Bluffs, offshore, onshore, Plum Island, profiles, sand, sea level rise, storm, Surf Beach, Sylvia State beaches, Town beach, Westport, winter storm}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2015NE/webprogram/Paper252510.html}, author = {Nicholas L Venti and Sabina Gessay and Paul Southard and Douglass Beach and Margot Mansfield and Stephen B Mabee and Jonathan D Woodruff} } @Map {28, title = {Bedrock Geologic Map of Massachusetts}, year = {1983}, publisher = {United States Geological Survey}, abstract = {

(Zen et al., 1983) The 1:250,000 scale Bedrock Geologic Map of Massachusetts, published by the USGS in 1983, shows the distribution of the different rock units, faults, and other features that make up the bedrock of Massachusetts. It was compiled from published 1:24,000-scale maps., unpublished data, and field reconnaissance by the authors. Many areas of the state, however, have yet to be mapped thoroughly at 1:24,000 scale. A paper version can be ordered from the USGS Store (http://store.usgs.gov/) by searching for Product Number: 32370 or by clicking the links below. A two-volume text, The Bedrock Geology of Massachusetts, published in 1991, accompanies the map. The publication is catalogued as U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1366 A-D (western Mass.) and 1366 E-J (eastern Mass.)

A variety of ways to download the map and text are listed in "Other Links" below.

}, keywords = {$\#$MassGeology, $\#$MassGeologyMap, $\#$StateGeologicMap, bedrock geology, eastern MA, GEOLOGIC MAP, GEOLOGY, map, massachusetts, western MA}, issn = {978-0-607-82552-7}, url = {http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_16357.htm}, author = {Zen, E-an and Goldsmith, Richard and Ratcliffe, Nicholas M and Robinson, P and Stanley, Rolfe S and Hatch, Norman L and Shride, Andrew F and Weed, Elaine G A and Wones, David R} } @Map {249, title = {Onshore-offshore surficial geologic map of the Provincetown Quadrangle, Barnstable County, Massachusetts}, year = {2012}, publisher = {Massachusetts Geological Survey}, edition = {OFR12-01}, abstract = {Undergoing Editing and Review. Please contact sbmabee[at]geo[dot]umass[dot]edu for latest version.}, keywords = {$\#$MGSPub, $\#$OnshoreOffshore, $\#$SurficialMaps, Cape Cod, coastal, glacial, offshore, onshore, Provincetown, surficial, Truro}, author = {Borrelli, M. and Gontz, A.M. and Wilson, J.R. and Brown, T.L.B. and Norton, A.R. and and G S Geise} } @Map {253, title = {Progress map of the onshore-offshore surficial geologic map of the North Truro quadrangle, Barnstable County, Massachusetts}, publisher = {Massachusetts Geological Survey}, edition = {OFR13-01}, abstract = {Map undergoing editing and review. Please contact sbmabee@geo.umass.edu for a copy.}, keywords = {$\#$MGSPub, $\#$OnshoreOffshore, $\#$SurficialMaps, Cape Cod, dunes, glacial, offshore, onshore, onshore-offshore, Pleistocene, surficial, Truro}, author = {Borrelli, M. and Gontz, A.M. and Smith, T.L. and Wilson, J.R. and Shumchenia, E.J. and and G S Geise} } @online {321, title = {Boston Rocks!}, abstract = {An exploration into the geology, land use and engineering of the Boston area by teachers at the Brookline Public Schools}, keywords = {$\#$EducationalResources, $\#$Fieldtrips, $\#$MassGeology, Boston, Boston geology}, url = {http://bostongeology.com/index.htm}, author = {Deb Allen and Mark Goldner} }