Utah Geological Survey and Navajo Nation Release First Geologic Map of Olijeto Quadrangle

Salt Lake City, UT, August 12, 2026 —

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – A significant collaboration between the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) and the Navajo Nation has resulted in the creation of the first-ever detailed geologic map within the Navajo Nation’s boundaries. The Olijeto 7.5′ quadrangle map covers a critical area of the Colorado Plateau situated on the Utah-Arizona border, an expanse that includes portions of the iconic Monument Valley.

This pioneering effort by the UGS and the Navajo Nation represents a substantial advancement in understanding the geological landscape of the region. The map provides an unprecedented level of detail, which is expected to be invaluable for the Navajo Nation’s resource management and future planning initiatives.

Key applications of this new geologic mapping include supporting the Navajo Nation’s efforts to comprehend and manage its vital groundwater resources. The detailed data will assist in the effective management of existing wells and provide a crucial foundation for planning future development and land use across the mapped area.

The Olijeto 7.5′ quadrangle’s location on the Utah-Arizona border makes it a geographically significant area, encompassing a landscape renowned for its unique geological formations and cultural importance. The collaborative nature of this project underscores a commitment to shared knowledge and resource stewardship between state and tribal entities.

The detailed geological information contained within the map is anticipated to inform a wide range of decisions, from environmental assessments to infrastructure development, ensuring that future activities are grounded in a thorough understanding of the subsurface conditions and geological history of the region.

Story summarized from the original created by FOX 13 News on www.fox13now.com, see more information here.

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