NEW HORIZONS FOR THE INDIANA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY'S GEOLOGIC NAMES DATABASE AND WEB SITE

The Indiana Geological Survey (IGS) launched the Indiana Geologic Names Database Web site in March 2009. The Web site and supporting database were developed by the IGS Geologic Names Committee (GNC) with assistance from the IGS Information Technology and Photography and Imaging Sections. The primary purpose of this Web site and database is to make current information about geologic names that are recognized by the IGS available to a broad spectrum of users from academia, industry, government, and the general public. Recent work plus planned future work includes adding content and search options to bridge the gap between technical geoscience information and general geologic information sought by the public.

The initial database and Web site included: 1) formal names of all bedrock stratigraphic units recognized by the IGS; 2) distribution of these units within the five Indiana areas delineated in the Midwestern Basin and Arches Region chart (COSUNA); 3) the hierarchy of the formal terminology for each unit; and 4) equivalent stratigraphic names that have been used in Indiana.

The IGS is currently expanding the database and Web site by adding: 1) type sections, localities, and reference sections; 2) reference sources for type sections, localities, and reference sections; 3) links to a newly developed image database containing photographs of Indiana type localities and reference sections, maps showing the distribution, structure, and thicknesses of units, and other figures showing key characteristics of units; and 5) miscellaneous and abandoned names.

Future updates will include: 1) history of name use; 2) unit and boundary descriptions; 3) correlations; 4) photographs of key features such as fossils, outcrop characteristics, economic uses, historical sites, and scenic views; 5) a stratigraphic column and geologic map linked to unit descriptions to help users identify local rock exposures and find interesting information about those rocks; and 6) summaries of the economic and environmental significance of units. Future visitors to the GNC Web site will learn much more about Indiana stratigraphy than just formal nomenclature. The Web site will guide professionals and lay persons to a greater understanding and appreciation of Indiana geology.