MAINE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

• Maine Geological Survey
  • People
  • Programs
    • Bedrock geology
    • Coastal marine geology
    • Economic geology
    • Publications and GIS
    • Surficial geology
    • Water resources
  • Statutes
  • Directions
• Explore!
• Using geologic maps
• Maps, publications, data
• Educational materials
• Related links

Bedrock Geology Program

Background

The mainstay of the bedrock program has been and continues to be the production of maps showing basic bedrock information such as lithology, mineralogy, and structure. This is a long-term, cumulative, time-consuming process that is done on a continuing basis. The short-term priorities of the program are continually reassessed, however, to address public need. A Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee helps establish these priorities. The committee of volunteers includes representatives from industry, academia, conservation groups, and state agencies, all of whom rely on maps produced by the Maine Geological Survey.

The Bedrock Geologic Map of Maine, published in 1985, gives at least a reconnaissance level of information for the entire state, and completed the first phase of investigation. This map summarized hundreds of published works and attempted to meld local studies by various workers with different opinions into a coherent whole. As such it stands as a tribute to its three main editors and 13 area compilers. In addition to its obvious face value of providing geologic information, the state map has been important to geologists by indicating areas where the geologic relationships are not adequately understood, and by providing the context for the next phases of more detailed investigation including topical studies of environmental or economic interest.

Ongoing Work

The objective of the bedrock program continues to be the production of new geologic maps for areas of Maine where existing bedrock maps are inadequate or unavailable. We are trying to bridge the data gaps by working at two different scales. Detailed maps, at 1:24,000 scale (one inch = 2000 feet), allow resolution of geologically complicated areas. Regional maps, at 1:100,000 scale (one inch = approx. 1.58 miles), cover a larger area, but cannot show as much detailed information as the 1:24,000 scale maps can.

The Maine Geological Survey is interested in maintaining contact with other geologists working in Maine so that the Survey may act as a liaison among geologists working on similar areas, and to meet its obligation to supply geologic information to the general public. If you are a geologist working in Maine, please feel free to contact Henry Berry at the Maine Geological Survey to keep in touch with current activity.

---

Last updated on December 27, 2007

Maine.gov | Department Home | Bureau Home | Site Policies