GEOLOGIC TOUR OF BOONE COUNTY, KENTUCKY, PUBLIC PARKS

StoryMaps are a platform for communicating geologic information to the general public. Public places such as national, state, and city parks; nature preserves; or any natural areas with established trail systems provide good content for StoryMap presentations. There are many Esri-sponsored StoryMap templates to choose from, which allow users to follow trails and see geologic features while hiking with a mobile device, or virtually at home through their computer. The images and associated text give users a clearer understanding of certain geologic features that are hard to see in person with an untrained eye.

The latest Kentucky Geological Survey StoryMap promotes Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology), two county parks, and two nature preserves in Boone County in northern Kentucky. This interactive geologic tour communicates and promotes the geology of the area and explains the geologic features at these public parks. Recent surficial geologic mapping by KGS in Boone County, is featured in the StoryMap, and explains the delineation of a Pleistocene fluvial system, glacial deposits, and landforms, along with the erosion and transport of recent sediments. The tour highlights glacial deposits and landforms, which record at least three alternating series of glacial and interglacial episodes. Users can see interactive maps, photos, and text explaining these geologic features.

In order to better understand how StoryMaps can be used to convey geologic information, KGS conducted a survey of StoryMap content from state geologic surveys. Many of the StoryMaps were used to show geoheritage sites and others were used to convey information on general geology, natural resources, maps, hazards, fossils, or scientific/geologic projects.