BEDROCK GEOLOGIC MAPPING AT THE MISSOURI GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Since 1853, the Missouri Geological Survey (MGS) has worked to develop a thorough understanding of the state’s geology. Accurate and detailed geologic mapping has been vital to that understanding. Missouri is an active participant in the STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, having participated since STATEMAP’s inception in 1993. Missouri recognizes the importance of geologic mapping as a tool for land-use planners, emergency management officials, developers, environmental agencies, energy companies, mining companies, water well drillers and many others who have need to understand the nature, composition and distribution of earth materials. During its twenty-year involvement in the STATEMAP program, the Missouri Geological Survey has completed 114 bedrock and 97 surficial material maps at a scale of 1:24,000 and four 30°X60° bedrock compilations at 1:100,000 scale. Presented here are two of the resulting MGS STATEMAP map products. The Eureka 7.5’ quadrangle, located in east-central Missouri, is an area of significant structural complexity, which includes the often researched Eureka-House Springs Anticline and many other folds and faults. This area presents challenges to both geologist and cartographer, which are one-in-the-same at MGS. The Fulton 30°X60° bedrock geologic map is a compilation of previous MGS mapping at a 1:24,000 scale, and accomplished with the assistance of STATEMAP funding. Located along the northern Ozark border, it is an area of considerable transition and stratigraphic variation, including five major unconformities. Both maps are the product of MGS geologists using ArcMAP 10^TM (ESRI) software to generate digital shapefiles and create the map layout. The maps are available in digital as well as hard copy format.