Summary: The Precambrian bedrock of Minnesota records a rich geologic history from the Mesoarchean (~3600 Ma) through the Mesoproterozoic (~1000 Ma). Many of the events recorded in Minnesota’s ancient rocks are recognized to have impacted our understanding of changing geologic processes through time, the evolution of early life, modern economics, and the landscape of Minnesota we recognize today. From exploring some of the earliest known continental crust in the world and the origin of modern plate tectonics recorded in the Superior Province to ancient meteorite impacts and the rise of oxygen in the atmosphere, there is much to be seen in the Precambrian bedrock of Minnesota. This presentation will explore the varied geologic environments and events that have shaped the Precambrian terranes underlying much of Minnesota.

Biography: Eric Nowariak is currently a Precambrian Geologist with the Minnesota Geological Survey, focused on geologic mapping and critical mineral related studies. Eric received a B.S. (2013) in Geology from Winona State University and a M.S. (2016) in Geology from the University of Missouri – Columbia, where he focused on metamorphic petrology, structural geology, and tectonics of Precambrian rocks in Southeastern Wyoming. Prior to joining the MGS in 2021, Eric was a consulting geologist in the mineral exploration industry.