APPLICATIONS FOR A REGIONAL MAP OF GLACIAL SEDIMENTS

It’s generally understood that detailed geologic maps are quite useful for a wide variety of societal and scientific applications. Small scale (e.g., 1:1,000,000) geologic maps are perceived as somewhat less useful, except perhaps for purposes of general education and for providing regional geologic context. Many years ago, I was provided with external funding to compile a small scale map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains. Following that map’s publication in the early 1990’s (https://go.usa.gov/xUFYe), the GIS data (https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/656/) have been used in a variety of applications including regional hydrologic modeling, environmental assessments, evaluating the effects of earthquakes on these unconsolidated deposits, modeling the depth to bedrock, national and global mapping of the nature of surficial materials, and exploration for diamonds. In this presentation, the compilation of this map, and some applications, will be described.