SEAMLESS BEDROCK MAPPING AND GEMS CONVERSION IN THE GREENBRIER VALLEY KARST SYSTEM OF SOUTHEASTERN WEST VIRGINIA

With the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) goal to establish a seamless nationwide geologic map through the U.S. Geo-Framework Initiative, the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey (WVGES) has undertaken a project to integrate current bedrock geologic mapping with adjacent areas recently mapped by USGS geologists under the FEDMAP program into a seamless, high resolution geologic map of southeastern West Virginia. With a particular focus on the Greenbrier Valley Karst System, WVGES is working to create a geologic map that differentiates the individual carbonate units of the Mississippian-age Greenbrier Group from Central Pocahontas County, WV through the southern end of Greenbrier County, WV. The primary goal of this mapping is to map the Greenbrier Group at formational level and to further define areas of karst development within the units. Current work shows that karst development can occur within all of the Greenbrier Group, but karst features (especially caves) tend to concentrate within the Union and Hillsdale Limestones. South of Greenbrier County, the USGS mapped the entirety of Monroe County, WV (including the Greenbrier Group). Completion of this mapping by both entities has created an opportunity for integration of geologic data over a significant area between agencies. Prior to the seamless integration with the USGS, WVGES is working to create an internal, seamless Enterprise Dataset that will contain all of the 1:24,000 scale geologic mapping that has been completed within the state. In concert with the creation of this seamless Enterprise Dataset WVGES will also be implementing the new GeMS schema on new mapping and the backlog of digital geologic maps created in the past. Our GeMS workflow has been evolving, as our understanding of the schema has expanded, and our current methodology reflects the most up-to-date iteration. Updating the WVGES workflow and geologic map databases, as well as map compilation in coordination with the USGS will work towards achieving the completion of a nationwide geologic map.