THE GEOLOGIC MAPPER AS A CRITICAL SOCIETAL RESOURCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Geologic maps provide necessary fundamental information for natural resource assessment and decision-making. As urban areas continue to expand in the 21^st century, the need for accurate, up-to-date, and useful geologic information increases. Many states, however, do not have complete map coverage at 1:24,000-scale or less. Massachusetts is an excellent example a state where detailed geologic maps are in high demand, but are not readily available. Only 30% of the 189 1:24,000-scale, 7.5’ quadrangles in Massachusetts have published bedrock geology, with an additional 16% at reconnaissance level. With regards to surficial geology, only 51% of the quadrangles have published. Eastern Massachusetts is experiencing increasing development pressure along the I-495 corridor, with an accompanying need for potable drinking water, waste-water disposal sites, and an assessment of construction source materials and hazards. Recent studies and real-world examples repeatedly document a high cost-benefit ratio when accurate geologic maps are readily available and used to address these issues. The Office of the Massachusetts State Geologist, currently in its second year of operation, is reviving a geologic mapping program in the state. New types of geologic maps, such as fracture-characterization maps and surficial-materials maps, are produced alongside traditional geologic maps to address stakeholder needs. The construction of such maps inherently requires large amounts of fieldwork, and highlights the need for well-trained field geologists in the 21^st century.