From cutting-edge laser mapping to Hollywood backdrops and ancient Roman concrete, the latest issue of the state's geoscience division explores the dynamic intersection of Utah's geology, history, and pop culture.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — 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 pop geology that connects Utah's natural landscapes to cinema, history, and everyday life.
Whether you are an industry professional tracking the future of Utah's energy portfolio or a movie buff curious about the stunning landscapes behind your favorite films, this issue offers a compelling look at how geology shapes our world.
Inside the May 2026 Issue
- How Green Lasers are Illuminating the Underwater Secrets of Great Salt Lake UGS scientists are using innovative green laser technology, known as bathymetric lidar, to map the Great Salt Lake's shallow floor in unprecedented detail. This first-of-its-kind effort for a high-elevation saline lake will provide crucial modeling data to help protect its delicate ecosystem and industries amid fluctuating water levels.
- New Energy & Minerals Interactive Web Applications To accelerate energy development and research across the state, the UGS has launched newly upgraded, centralized digital portals for carbon storage and geothermal data. These interactive web applications consolidate decades of scattered subsurface data, making it easier for scientists and industry professionals to explore Utah's vast energy potential.
- Pozzolan – Ancient Technology, Future Resource Building off the enduring secrets of ancient Roman concrete, geologists are mapping natural pozzolan deposits across Utah as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement. By replacing energy-intensive cement with these naturally reactive volcanic rocks, the construction industry could significantly reduce its global carbon footprint while adding resilience to infrastructure projects.
- GeoSights: Silver Reef, Washington County, Utah Take a step back in time to Silver Reef, an abandoned ghost town and rare geologic anomaly where 19th-century miners successfully extracted millions of dollars of silver directly from sandstone. This article guides readers through the history, unique geology, and modern reclamation efforts of this iconic southwestern Utah mining district.
- Glad You Asked: What Movies Feature Utah Geology? Part 2 Celebrating over a century of Utah filmmaking, this piece explores the fascinating geologic history behind some of Hollywood's most iconic natural backdrops. From the wind-swept Coral Pink Sand Dunes and the shores of the Great Salt Lake to the imposing peaks of Mount Timpanogos, discover how Utah's geology has shared the silver screen with cinematic legends.
The latest issue of Survey Notes is available now. To read these articles in full and learn more about the ongoing research at the Utah Geological Survey, visit the UGS website or stop by the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore in Salt Lake City.