Geologic Maps

1918

2001

Geological mapping: an ability to:

observe and record field data
selectively and systematically for the
construction of a geological map at a
given scale;
compile a field note book containing an
accurate record of all field data,
including field sketches and
photographs;
compile field sheets representing a
visual summary, using accepted
conventions, of all the mapping data
recorded in the field notebook;
construct an accurate and well drafted
interpretative geological map using
conventional map symbols;
construct a representative geological
section across the mapped area
(Geological Society of London)

Base Topographic Map

clustering of
contour lines
indicates steep
slopes

contour
interval
10elevation

contour lines in valleys V upstream

contour lines encircle hills

Features of Topographic Maps

Meadow

Forest

Township/Range/Section
Township = 36 Sections
Section = 1 sq. mile

Railroad
Benchmark

1:100,000

1:24,000

Correlation Diagrams
showing relative ages and genetic relationships of map units

TIME

youngest

oldest

Description of Map Units

Written for other geologists intimately familiar with the language; Seek out the basic information

Displaying the
Orientation of
Geologic Structures
on a Map
Trend and Plunge of
Linear Features

Strike and Dip of Planar Features

Measuring s
of the bedd

Measuring dip of
the bedding

Measuring strik
by touching

Measuring dip
by touching

Meas
plunge o

Geologic Structures in 3D

Geologic Cross Sections

Projections into the 3rd Dimension

Making Digital Geologic Maps

Relative Age Dating - Superposition

Fig.: Mesozoic strata of the Colorado Plateaus upwarped on the

margin of the San Rafael Swell, Utah. Surfaces of these strata
form non-cylindrical folds as depicted schematically in Figure
3.14c. Photograph by D.D. Pollard.

Fig. Synclinal fold at Rainbow Basin, Mohave Desert, CA

with nearly straight limbs and planar axial surface as depicted
schematically in Figure 3.14a

Fig.: Ornate
(chevron)
folds
exposed on
the
southwest
coast of
England.
Photograph
by D.D.
Pollard.

Figure: Outcrop photograph from Les Matelles in southern France showing

three small faults with traces parallel to the top of the photograph. Each fault
has an antisymmetric distribution of veins (filled with white calcite) and
solution surfaces (dark wavy bands). Photograph by J.-P. Petit (Petit and
Mattauer, 1995)

Fig.: Exposure of a small fault along the coast of the Bristol

Channel, England. The intersections of the prominent limestone
beds with this fault form discrete lineations as in Figure 3.1a.

Gaps in the Geological Record

Unconformities

Creating
Unconformities

Regional Correlation of Units

Piecing the Rock Record Together

GEOPUZZLE 1

GEOPUZZLE 2

GEOPUZZLE 3