Structural geologic orientation data for primarily Proterozoic aged rocks, eastern-central Rocky Mountain Front Range, Colorado

This data release consists of point data digitized from structural geologic orientation symbols consisting of mostly foliations and lineations. The data comes from primarily Proterozoic aged rocks in the eastern-central Rocky Mountain Front Range of Colorado. Compilation of the data is from twenty-three geologic maps published by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Colorado Geological Survey between 1964 and 2009, primarily using 7.5-minute, 1:24,000 scale quadrangles. Structural geologic orientation data of planar features (e.g., foliations) and linear features (e.g., fold axes), both with associated attribute values of strike and trend, dip and plunge, location, elevation, and geologic unit were captured for more than 25,000 features in the database. The orientation data captured provides valuable information about the distribution and geometric characteristics of deformation in the area. The data can be used to understand tectonic and geologic framework, the types and influence of basement rock fabrics on subsequent geologic events, and interpret elements of processes associated with the evolution of the upper crust, controls on mineralization, and other Earth resources, such as groundwater. Digitizing this information allows the data to be more readily accessible and thus utilized to perform a variety of geologic, structural geologic, geophysical, and geospatial analyses to create derivative maps to aid in a better understanding of the local and regional geology.