A Three-Dimensional Geologic Framework Model of the Northern Great Plains Region of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, USA
Links
- Document: Report (13.5 MB pdf)
- Plates:
- Plate 1 (6.15 MB pdf) Elevation from Sea Level for the Uppermost Horizon of the Precambrian Basement Rock Unit Produced in the Three-Dimensional Geologic Model
- Plate 2 (2.80 MB pdf) Elevation from Sea Level for the Uppermost Horizon of the Interlake Dolomite Unit Produced in the Three-Dimensional Geologic Model
- Plate 3 (5.29 MB pdf) Elevation from Sea Level for the Uppermost Horizon of the Madison Group Unit Produced in the Three-Dimensional Geologic Model
- Plate 4 (5.02 MB pdf) Elevation from Sea Level for the Uppermost Horizon of the Minnelusa Formation and Tensleep Sandstone Unit Produced in the Three-Dimensional Geologic Model
- Plate 5 (4.45 MB pdf) Elevation from Sea Level for the Uppermost Horizon of the Inyan Kara Group Unit Produced in the Three-Dimensional Geologic Model
- Plate 6 (3.43 MB pdf) Elevation from Sea Level for the Uppermost Horizon of the Greenhorn Formation Unit Produced in the Three-Dimensional Geologic Model
- Plate 7 (5.55 MB pdf) Elevation from Sea Level for the Uppermost Horizon of the Pierre Shale Unit Produced in the Three-Dimensional Geologic Model
- Data Releases:
- USGS data release - Digital database of a 3D Geological Model of the Powder River Basin and Williston Basin Regions, USA
- USGS data release - Digital database of a 3D Geological Model of western South Dakota
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
This report presents a new three-dimensional geologic framework model (GFM) of the northern Great Plains region, encompassing parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The model provides a regionally consistent, geographic information system (GIS)-ready representation of Phanerozoic sedimentary strata, major fault systems, and Precambrian basement geometry across two sedimentary basins and adjacent uplifts. More than 300,000 geologic and geophysical data inputs were synthesized to model 41 stratigraphic horizons and 47 faults, yielding an internally coherent, sealed-volume interpretation of the subsurface. The modeling workflow developed for this study demonstrates an efficient and scalable approach for constructing basin-to regional-scale GFMs in geologically complex and data-variable settings. Although model fidelity varies with data density and quality, the resulting geometry is broadly consistent with 1:500,000-scale geologic mapping and highlights areas where additional geologic study is most needed. The three-dimensional GFM provides a foundational framework to support groundwater, energy, and mineral resource assessments, and offers a transferable methodology for potential future U.S. Geological Survey efforts to build large-area subsurface models in underexplored regions of the United States.
Plain Language Summary
This report presents a new three-dimensional map of underground rock layers and faults in the northern Great Plains, covering parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The model was built from thousands of data points collected from wells, maps, and geophysical surveys. It shows the shape, depth, and thickness of multiple rock layers—many of which are important for water, energy, and mineral resources. The map helps scientists, land managers, and decisionmakers better understand the region’s subsurface geology. This work also shows that reliable geologic models can be made even in areas with limited data, using a repeatable method that can be applied in other underexplored areas.
Suggested Citation
Spangler, L.R., 2026, A three-dimensional geologic framework model of the northern Great Plains region of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, USA: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2026–5127, 51 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20265127.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | A three-dimensional geologic framework model of the northern Great Plains region of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, USA |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2026-5127 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20265127 |
| Publication Date | March 18, 2026 |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |