Introduction
Geologic maps are our most important and complete compilation of information
about the solid Earth we live on, and we cannot understand the Earth
without them. We use geologic maps and the fundamental information they
provide in many ways. Geologic maps help delineate fragile habitat and
ecosystems, protect against natural hazards, and find needed resources.
The following information is developed from the AGI Environmental Awareness
Series book, "Meeting Challenges with Geologic Maps" by William
A. Thomas and others (for more AGI publications click here).
This information includes some basics about geologic maps, how geologists
make geologic maps (contributed by R.D. Hatcher, Jr.), an assessment
of the value of geologic maps, and specific examples of how geologic
maps have been used to meet
challenges across the United States.
It Helps to Know
Explore the topics below by clicking on them for more specific and
useful information about geologic maps.
For additional basic information about geologic maps, visit this
USGS/NPS website.
Download a pdf of the entire book by clicking here
(8.1 MB).
(You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this pdf file).
Examples of Geologic Maps Meeting Challenges
The following examples represent the wide range of geologic map uses.
The examples are widely distributed geographically, as geologic maps
have valuable uses in every part of our country, and throughout the
world. The maps are organized in four subject categories: Environment,
Hazard Mitigation, Resource Evaluation, and Land Use Planning. Click
on any map name below to view the example. You will need Adobe Acrobat
to view the examples. Click here
to get Adobe, if you do not have it already installed on your computer.
Click here for a U.S. map
(
11.9 MB ) showing the location of the examples. (Note: Right-click the link
to save the document before opening, if you're working over a slower
connection.)
Environment
Hazard Mitigation
- Landslide Hazards, KS (
0.2 MB )
- Sinkhole Susceptibility, MD (
0.2 MB )
- Landslide Hazards, CA (
0.2 MB )
- Earthquake Damage Prediction,
NJ (
0.2 MB )
- Post-Wildfire Hazards, CO (
0.2 MB )
- Volcanic Hazards, WA (
0.2 MB )
- Mitigation of Earthquake Damage,
AK (
0.2 MB )
- Landslide Susceptability, CO (
1.7 MB )
- Radioactive Drinking Water, NH
- Collapsable Soil and Karst Hazards,
CO (
1.7 MB )
- Earthquake and Landslide Hazards,
CA (
16.4 MB )
- Geologic Hazards, ID (
0.9 MB )
- Flood Hazards, NE (
1.3 MB )
- Geologic Hazards, UT (
0.9 MB )
Resource Evaluation
- Mineral Resources, NV (
0.2 MB )
- Delineating Sand and Gravel,
CO (
0.2 MB )
- Coal Resources and Past
Mining, PA (
0.2 MB )
- Finding Groundwater,
NM (
0.2 MB )
- Petroleum Systems, AK
- Geology and Groundwater, NM
(
1.4 MB )
- Aquifers, IL (
0.5 MB )
- Hydrogeology, WA (
1.0 MB )
- Groundwater, VA (
1.5 MB )
- Aquifers, ME (
0.6 MB )
Land Use Planning
**Note: If you are having trouble viewing the pdf's, click on the
'refresh' button on your navigation bar. If this still doesn't work,
please e-mail us so we can fix
the problem!**
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