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Utah Geological Survey and the Navajo Nation Publish a First-Of-Its-Kind Geologic Map

Interim geologic map of the Oljeto quadrangle in San Juan County, Utah, showing colored geological units, topographic relief, fault lines, fold axes, and map metadata.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT and WINDOW ROCK, AZ (August 11th, 2026) – The Utah Geological Survey (UGS), in partnership with the Navajo Nation, is announcing the publication of a new geologic map for the Oljeto 7.5’ quadrangle. This map is a collaboration of the Utah Geological Survey and the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources. It represents the first-ever formal geologic mapping by the UGS within the Navajo Nation, setting a new precedent for how tribal priorities can help guide scientific research.

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Utah Geological Survey Releases May 2026 Issue of Survey Notes

Airplane with green laser flying off the western shore of Antelope island, revealing underwater microbialite reef.

Salt Lake City (May 6, 2026) – The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is excited to announce the publication of the May 2026 issue of Survey Notes (Volume 58, Number 2). This latest edition highlights the remarkable diversity of geological research happening across the state, blending critical scientific updates with engaging popular geology that connects Utah’s natural landscapes to cinema, history, and everyday life.

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UGS News Release: Utah Geological Survey Releases Geologic Hazard Studies for Bryce Canyon and Cedar Valley

Computer screen with interactive map next to two publication covers of with a rockfall and steep slope.

Salt Lake City (May 5, 2026) – The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) has announced the publication of two comprehensive geologic-hazard investigations targeting high-growth and high-visitation areas in southwestern Utah.

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UGS News Release: The April 2026 Kanosh, Utah Earthquake Swarm

Salt Lake City (April 21, 2026) – On the morning of April 19, 2026, residents in southern Millard County experienced a series of small earthquakes. While earthquakes often spark concern about a larger disaster, seismologists identify these specific events as an earthquake swarm—a common but fascinating geological phenomenon tied to Utah’s tectonic history.

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UGS News Release: February 13, 2026 – Magnitude 3.5 Earthquake near West Valley

Salt Lake City (February 17, 2026) – At 6:32 p.m. MST on Friday, February 13, 2026, a magnitude 3.5 earthquake occurred approximately 2 miles northwest of West Valley City, Utah. The earthquake originated at a shallow depth of about 5 miles.

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Utah Geological Survey selected for BHP Xplor program

The Utah Geological Survey today announced it has been selected to join the 2026 BHP Xplor accelerator program. BHP is one of the largest global mining companies and its Xplor program is an innovative partnership model to support new geologic concepts within the early-stage exploration ecosystem.

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A Clearer View of Earthquake Risk: New High-Resolution Maps Reveal Central Utah’s Active Faults

Map of central Utah earthquake study areas showing new (red) and previous (black) fault mappings, epicenters, and legend.

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) announced the completion of a major hazard mapping project focused on defining active faults in central Utah. These detailed new maps provide communities, planners, and developers in one of the state’s fastest-growing rural regions with the information needed to mitigate earthquake hazards and build more resilient communities.

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