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Standardized Method for Logging Drill Core at the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho

Techniques and Methods 5-E1
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm5E1

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Lithologic Core Storage Library (CSL) at the Idaho National Laboratory stores more than 120,000 feet of drill core that is accessible to the public for research and sampling. To effectively convey the physical and descriptive properties of the drill core, USGS staff at the Idaho National Laboratory Project Office log the drill core and publish the lithologic logs as data releases. The logs provide essential data on the lithology, texture, mineralogy, alteration, and other physical properties of the core, which serve as valuable information for researchers to guide their research and sampling efforts. To ensure consistent, quality, and dependable lithologic logs, this document outlines the procedures and expectations for logging drill core at the CSL. This document describes the processes for storing, photographing, and logging core, and includes a variety of resources, reference materials, and appendixes designed to standardize and aid the logging process. Following the procedures outlined in this document will produce consistent, detailed logs that facilitate dependable observations and serve as an easy reference for researchers and other interested parties.

Plain Language Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) manages the Lithologic Core Storage Library (CSL) at Idaho National Laboratory in southeastern Idaho. The CSL stores drill core, which are long cylinders of rock that have been removed from the subsurface of the Earth through drilling. USGS staff describe these drill cores in detail to create lithologic logs, which record features of the drill core like rock type, mineralogy, and appearance. This report explains how to describe drill cores at the CSL so that the lithologic logs are consistent and dependable. The report also includes helpful tools and resources like charts and dictionaries. Following the steps outlined in this report ensures that researchers have detailed and reliable information about the subsurface geology of southeastern Idaho.

Suggested Citation

Dietz, H., 2026, Standardized method for logging drill core at the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 5, chapter E1, 54 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm5E1.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Plain Language Summary
  • Introduction
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Geologic Background
  • Lithologic Core Storage Library
  • Logging Procedures
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Standardized method for logging drill core at the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 5-E1
DOI 10.3133/tm5E1
Publication Date April 21, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Idaho Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 54 p.; 2 Appendixes
Country United States
State Idaho
Other Geospatial Idaho National Laboratory
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details