@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 {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 {297, title = {Geochemistry of gneisses and amphibolites in the Uchee Belt of western Georgia and eastern Alabama; an ACRES progress report}, volume = {32}, year = {2000}, note = {Accession Number: 2002-039126; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 49th annual meeting; Charleston, SC, United States; Conference Date: 20000323; Language: English; Coordinates: N322800N322800W0845900W0845900; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 31; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 200214; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 49th annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2000/03/01/}, pages = {31 - 31}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Undergraduate students, high school teachers, and university faculty representing ACRES (Atlanta Consortium for Research in Earth Sciences) studied lineated gneiss (LG) exposed at Flat Rock Park (FRP) and vicinity in Columbus, GA, and Motts gneiss (MG) in eastern Alabama. The LG and MG are mineralogically and geochemically granitoidal lineated orthogneisses. They contain deformed mafic xenoliths, as well as aplitic, granitic and pegmatoidal dikes that cut the dominant lineation. Based on chemical analyses, the LG from FRP and the MG plot as granite on the IUGS diagrams and the Le Bas diagram. Similarity in incompatible trace element ratios (e.g., Zr/Nb) and highly evolved characteristics of aplite with respect to the host gneisses, indicate there is probably a genetic link between the MG and the FRP LG. These rocks are chemically distinct from other nearby felsic gneiss. Phenix City gneiss amphibolites from Lindsey Creek and North Highland Mills dam in Columbus were also analyzed for major and trace elements. These amphibolites are low K tholeiitic rocks with an island arc affinity and are similar to rocks from the area that have already been analyzed. The amphibolites show a wide range of fractionation (41 to 62 percent SiO (sub 2) ). Consistency in incompatible element ratios over a wide range of fractionation of some of the samples show a probable genetic relationship among the various amphibolites of Lindsey Creek. Future work should involve more extensive collecting and analysis of both felsic rocks and amphibolites in the Uchee belt. More time should also be spent describing the thin sections of the existing collection and comparing the REE patterns for the FRP, MG and other felsic rocks in the Uchee belt.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, Alabama, amphibolite, chemical composition, Columbus Georgia, dikes, Georgia, gneisses, Igneous and metamorphic petrology 05A, inclusions, intrusions, metamorphic rocks, Muscogee County Georgia, Uchee Belt, United States, xenoliths}, isbn = {00167592}, author = {Joseph P Kopera and Nicholas, Brian and Todd, Dave and Davison, Jeff and Hanley, Tom and Kar, Aditya and La Tour, Timothy E. and Edwards, Tonya} } @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 {303, title = {Improving seismic hazard assessment in New England through the use of surficial geologic maps and expert analysis}, volume = {45}, year = {2013}, note = {Accession Number: 2014-021037; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 48th annual meeting; Bretton Woods, NH, United States; Conference Date: 20130318; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 2; Collation: 50-51; 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 - 51}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {In New England, earthquakes pose a risk to the built environment. New England state geological surveys partnered with the Northeast States Emergency Consortium to integrate geologic information and GIS analysis for risk communication. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont employed surficial geologic maps, deglaciation history, glacial stratigraphy, and professional judgment to reclassify surficial geologic materials into one of the five National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) site classifications (A, B, C, D, and E). These new classifications were used in the HAZards U.S. Multi-Hazard (HAZUS-MH) risk assessment application as a substitute for site class value of "D," used in HAZUS-MH throughout New England as a default value. Coding of surficial geologic materials for the five NEHRP site classifications was then compared with classifications using the Wald methodology, a method using slope analysis as a proxy for shear-wave velocity estimates. Comparisons show that coding to site classes using the Wald methodology underestimates categories A (high-velocity shear-wave materials, least relative hazard) and E (lowest-velocity shear-wave materials, greatest relative hazard) when evaluated side by side with coding done with the aid of surficial geologic maps. Geologic maps provide insights into the location of buried low shear wave velocity materials not afforded by the Wald methodology. North of the glacial limit, derangement of drainage resulted in extensive ponding of meltwaters and the subsequent deposition of thick sequences of lacustrine mud. Inundation by the sea immediately following deglaciation in New England resulted in the deposition of spatially extensive and locally thick sequences of glacial marine mud. Surficial geologic maps better capture these circumstances when compared with the Wald methodology. Without the use of surficial geologic maps, significant areas of New England will be incorrectly classified as being more stable than actual site conditions would allow. By employing surficial geologic information, HAZUS-MH earthquake loss estimates are improved, providing local and regional emergency managers with more accurate information for locating and prioritizing.

}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, earthquakes, Environmental geology, geologic hazards, maps, natural hazards, New England, risk assessment, seismic risk, seismic zoning, surficial geology, surficial geology maps, technology, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2013NE/webprogram/Paper214837.html}, author = {Becker, Laurence R. and Patriarco, Steven P. and Marvinney, Robert G. and Thomas, Margaret A. and Stephen B Mabee and Fratto, Edward S.} } @proceedings {357, title = {Stratigraphy and structure of the rocks underlying Boston Harbor: new insights on the Cambridge argillite and associated diamictites and diabase sills}, volume = {44}, year = {2012}, month = {03/2012}, pages = {43}, edition = {2}, abstract = {William O. Crosby studied the islands of Boston Harbor in the late 1800s, producing excellent verbal descriptions but no maps. Many of his observations stand unchallenged. His detailed maps of the southern harbor shore are especially valuable as development has since obscured many outcrops. Later compilations (e.g. Billings, Kaye, Bell) imposed stratigraphy developed in Boston onto the islands and harbor perimeter. Lithologic and structural data from new mapping of fifteen Boston Harbor Islands at 1:1000, integrated with data from sewage and outflow tunnels, shed new light on the Boston Bay Group and structures beneath the harbor. Ring fossils, identical to those previously reported in Hingham, are abundant much higher in the Cambridge Argillite on the outer harbor islands, and confirm a late Neoproterozoic age for the whole unit. The Cambridge contains several debris-flow diamictites, including the so-called {\textquotedblleft}Squantum Tillite{\textquotedblright}, at different stratigraphic levels, so that there is no reason to maintain member status for that layer nor to correlate all other diamictites with the Squantum. This more complex stratigraphy allows for a simpler interpretation of structures than in previous compilations. The Inter-Island Tunnel exposes continuations of the gently ENE-plunging Central Anticline of Boston and Brewster Syncline of the islands. These (Alleghanian?) folds are cut by numerous minor faults and truncated by a major NE-trending fault zone north of Peddocks Island. Soft-sediment slump folds are common throughout the Cambridge, but tectonically overturned beds are observed only near the south margin of the harbor, where the Cambridge Argillite was apparently thrust southwards by the Rock Island fault over a thin, previously deformed, north-facing sequence atop basement. Subalkaline tholeiitic diabase sills in the outer islands intruded the Cambridge Argillite before deformation and lower greenschist regional metamorphism. Diabase/argillite contacts show tan-weathering, mafic chilled margins against gray, felsic, recrystallized melts with angular argillite clasts. A 30-m wide peperite-like breccia with similar gray fine-grained matrix is exposed on Green Island. A few steep, E-W dikes that cut the folded sills and argillite are more alkaline and resemble Paleozoic dikes on the mainland. }, keywords = {$\#$StaffPub, $\#$StaffPubs, Boston Basin, Boston Bay Group, Boston Harbor, Cambridge Argillite, diabase, dolerite, harbor islands, sills}, author = {Thompson, Peter J. and Joseph P Kopera and Solway, Daniel R} } @article {304, title = {Improving seismic hazard assessment in New England through the use of surficial geologic maps and expert analysis}, journal = {Special Paper - Geological Society of America}, volume = {493}, year = {2012}, note = {Accession Number: 2013-034008; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2010 annual meeting; Denver, CO, United States; Conference Date: 20101031; Language: English; Coden: GSAPAZ; Collation: 22; Collation: 221-242; Publication Types: Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201321; Illustration(s): illus. incl. 6 tables, geol. sketch maps; Number of References: 36; Monograph Title: Recent advances in North American paleoseismology and neotectonics east of the Rockies; Monograph Author(s): Cox, Randel Tom [editor]; Tuttle, Martitia P. [editor]; Boyd, Oliver S. [editor]; Locat, Jacques [editor]; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2012/01/01/}, pages = {221 - 242}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {(GSA Special Paper) In New England, earthquakes pose a risk to the built environment. Emergency preparedness and mitigation planning are prudent in this region as older unreinforced masonry buildings and numerous critical facilities are common. New England state geological surveys cooperate with the Northeast States Emergency Consortium (NESEC) to improve risk communication with emergency managers. To that end, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont employed surficial geologic maps, deglaciation history, knowledge of the glacial stratigraphy, and professional judgment to reclassify surficial geologic material units into one of the five National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) site classifications (A, B, C, D, and E). These new classifications were used as a substitute for the HAZards U.S. Multi-Hazard (HAZUS-MH) site class value of "D," which is used throughout New England as a default value. In addition, coding of surficial geologic materials for the five NEHRP site classifications was compared with classifications using the Wald methodology, a method that uses a slope analysis as a proxy for shear-wave velocity estimates. Comparisons show that coding to site classes using the Wald methodology underestimates categories A (high-velocity shear-wave materials, least relative hazard) and E (lowest-velocity shear-wave materials, greatest relative hazard) when evaluated side by side with coding done with the aid of surficial geologic maps. North of the glacial limit, derangement of drainage resulted in extensive ponding of meltwaters and the subsequent deposition of thick sequences of lacustrine mud. Inundation by the sea immediately following deglaciation in New England resulted in the deposition of spatially extensive and locally thick sequences of glacial marine mud. Surficial geologic maps better capture this circumstance when compared with the Wald topographic slope analysis. Without the use of surficial geologic maps, significant areas of New England will be incorrectly classified as being more stable than the site conditions that actually exist. By employing surficial geologic information, we project an improved accuracy for HAZUS-MH earthquake loss estimations, providing local and regional emergency managers with more accurate information for locating and prioritizing earthquake planning, preparedness, and mitigation projects to reduce future losses.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, civil engineering, earthquakes, Eastern U.S., Engineering geology 30, Environmental geology 22, geologic hazards, mitigation, natural hazards, New England, Northeastern U.S., risk assessment, risk management, safety, seismic risk, seismicity, United States}, isbn = {007210779780813724935}, url = {http://specialpapers.gsapubs.org/content/493/221.abstract}, author = {Becker, Laurence R. and Patriarco, Steven P. and Marvinney, Robert G. and Thomas, Margaret A. and Stephen B Mabee and Fratto, Edward S.} } @Map {362, title = {Bedrock geologic map of the Newton 7.5{\textquoteright} quadrangle, Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, Massachusetts}, month = {10/2015}, edition = {15-03}, abstract = {

This map has been superseded by GM-17-01 at\ https://mgs.geo.umass.edu/newton

}, keywords = {Boston Basin, Cambridge Argillite{\textquoteright}, Eidiacarian, Lynn Volcanics, Lynn-Mattapan volcanics, Mattapan Volcanics, Precambrian, Roxbury Conglomerate}, author = {Thompson, Margaret D.} } @Map {371, title = {Bedrock geologic map of the Newton 7.5{\textquoteright} quadrangle, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties, Massachusetts}, month = {05/2017}, publisher = {Massachusetts Geological Survey}, edition = {GM-17-01}, abstract = {

The Newton quadrangle, located west of Boston, Massachusetts, is mainly underlain by clastic sedimentary and minor igneous rocks occupying the topographic Boston Basin (Crosby, 1880; Emerson, 1917; LaForge, 1932; Billings, 1976 and references therein). Fault blocks dominated by older plutonic and volcanic rocks truncate the Basin sequence on the west and south. Although fossiliferous Cambrian strata overlying plutonic basement had been reported some 30 miles away in North Attleboro, MA (Billings, 1929), the first quadrangle map including the Newton area (1:62,500 Plate I of LaForge, 1932) portrayed the plutonic units as {\textquotedblleft}Early Paleozoic{\textquotedblright} and assigned all the others to the Devonian or Carboniferous periods. By the time the Newton quadrangle appeared at 1:24,000 scale (Kaye, 1980), emerging U-Pb zircon geochronology had revealed Neoproterozoic (Ediacaran in timescale of Gradstein et al., 2012) crystallization ages both for the Mattapan Volcanic Complex and the Dedham Granite on the south side of the map area (Kaye and Zartman, 1980; written communication of Zartman and Naylor, 1980 not published until 1984). The Boston Basin sequence in this map was inferred to be Neoproterozoic in the absence of a break with overlying Cambrian strata (Kaye and Zartman, 1980), an interpretation confirmed shortly thereafter by the discovery of Ediacaran microfossils in the top portion of the sedimentary section ({\textquotedblleft}Vendian{\textquotedblright} in Lenk et al., 1982). In the map presented here, U-Pb zircon dates obtained by the author over twenty years with colleagues at MIT{\textquoteright}s Radiogenic Isotope Lab constrain all map units except mafic dikes. During this interval, U-Pb analyses have become more precise and accurate, leading also to significant refinements to the dates used by Kaye in 1980, as discussed further in the section on Stratigraphy.\ 

}, keywords = {$\#$BedrockMaps, $\#$MGSPub, argillite, Boston, Boston Basin, Cambridge, faults, Lynn, Mattapan, Middlesex Fells, Newton, Roxbury, volcanics}, author = {Thompson, Margaret D.} }