Utah Geological Survey

This second edition of Dinosaurs of Utah enlivens our understanding of these fantastic vanished creatures by explaining them and their world. Find this and other books about paleontology at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore. Visit us at 1594 West North Temple in Salt Lake City or at utahmapstore.com. #shoplocal #fossilfriday

What is the boxcar seawall in Great Salt Lake? In this Glad You Asked article, we explore the history of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the role the boxcar seawall played in keeping the railway sheltered from the rapid rise of the Great Salt Lake. https://ow.ly/qJ8W50FrFSM #utahgeology #gladyouasked

Photo of the Week: Red Canyon Overlook, Daggett County Photographer: Claire Spangenberg Kellner Spectacular red cliffs of the Precambrian-age Uinta Mountain Group stand tall next to the tranquil Green River as it flows through Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The sandstone, shale, and conglomerate of the Uinta Mountain Group forms the backbone of the Uinta Mountains. #utahgeology

Five years ago, on March 18, 2020, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near Magna, shaking the Salt Lake Valley and reminding us of Utah’s seismic activity. Since then, we've learned more about earthquakes in Utah and preparedness. Are you ready for the next one? + Explore earthquakes.utah.gov for recent quake data, preparedness tips, and FAQs. + Read the 2nd edition of "Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country" (also available in Spanish) for expert safety insights: https://ow.ly/f9YQ50VjzNY #UtahEarthquakes #BePrepared #MagnaEarthquake

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Often confused with turquoise, opaque green variscite is also used in jewelry and for other ornamental purposes. This specimen is from Utahlite Hill, near Lucin, Box Elder County, Utah. #utahgeology #stpatricksday

Planning an adventure in Southern Utah? From towering red rock formations to hidden slot canyons, we’ve got the maps and guidebooks to help you explore like a pro! - Find scenic drives, hiking trails, and backroad adventures - Navigate national parks, monuments, and public lands - Discover hidden gems beyond the beaten path Stop by the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, visit us at 1594 West North Temple in Salt Lake City or utahmapstore.com. #shoplocal

The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is racing to excavate fossils before development covers the site—and they need volunteers! Their latest discovery, a strange-looking bone, could reveal new prehistoric secrets. Read the article here–https://ow.ly/mmkJ50VifLe #fossilfriday

Moqui marbles are small, brownish-black balls composed of iron oxide and sandstone that formed underground when iron minerals precipitated from flowing groundwater. They occur in many places in southern Utah either embedded in or gathered loosely into “puddles” on the ground near outcrops of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone. Learn more about Moqui marbles in this Glad You Asked article: https://ow.ly/kxWh50D2qrL #utahgeology #gladyouasked

Photo of the Week: Zion National Park, Washington County, Utah Photographer: Adam McKean The setting sun illuminates the Jurassic-age Navajo Sandstone cliffs of Cougar Mountain (right) and South Guardian Angel (left) as viewed from Kolob Reservoir Road. Here, the road travels on top of the 220,000- to 310,000-year-old Grapevine Wash lava flow (dark rocks in middle ground). #utahgeology

Barite, derived from the Greek word “barys”, or heavy, is aptly named for its unusually high specific gravity for a non-metallic mineral. It has a variety of industrial uses and is also an ingredient in barium, which is used for medical tests and x-rays. This example is from Buckhorn Mine, Tooele County, Utah. #utahgeology #geology #minerals #barite