Geochemical Rock Sample Analyses for Nevada Critical Environmental Areas

Twenty-five Areas of Critical Environmental Concern in Clark and Nye Counties, Nevada, are the focus of this geochemical assessment. The dataset contains analyses of rock samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. It was compiled to inform Bureau of Land Management long-term planning regarding mineral resources and environmental protection.

Use Cases

• Modeling relationships between sample geochemistry and specific ACEC locations like Big Dune or Ash Meadows for mineral potential mapping.
• Analyzing spatial trends in elemental concentrations across the Virgin Mountains and Gold Butte areas.
• Establishing geochemical baselines for environmental monitoring in protected zones such as the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center.
• Correlating rock sample data with compiled geology and geophysics information for the Piute-Eldorado Valley ACEC.

Strengths

• Data covers 25 distinct Areas of Critical Environmental Concern with sizes from under 1 sq km to over 1,000 sq km.
• Compiled by authoritative agencies including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG).
• Includes samples from 12 named ACEC and nearby area locations, providing specific spatial context.

Limitations

• Sample count, row count, and specific analytical columns are unknown.
• Temporal coverage and date of last update for the dataset are not provided.
• Geographic scope is limited to two counties in Nevada, limiting broader regional analysis.

Provenance

Source

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) collaboration.

Collection Method

Compilation of existing information and field examinations with rock sample collection and subsequent geochemical analysis.

Geography

Clark and Nye Counties, Nevada, USA, specifically within and near 25 Bureau of Land Management Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.