Using Georeferenced Geological Maps For Geography Projects

By Mercuriuo Baneth


Geological maps are all-purpose maps that signify distinct geological attributes of our planet or, a selected country or place. These georeferenced geological maps are really essential for topographical studies. A noteworthy component of these maps is they have fixed geological strata or rock units which are symbolized by special icons or shades. Besides this, different modifications on earth surface like folds, faults, fissures, foliations as well as other 3-D structures are represented by strikes, dips, trends and plunges.

Contour lines perform an essential part in maps for geology. These lines reflect the height of the structure or the decreasing or increasing surface of the earth. In specific cases, an isopach map is employed to show petty variations in terms of thickness of topographic units. Isopach map is employed in place of the geological map when the earth stratum is either fixed, fracture or, it consists of discontinuities and it is quite difficult to study the features.

Subsequently, dimensions as well as alignments are also important attributes in maps for geology. These orientations are created using a hand compass. There are 2 kinds of orientations:

- Orientation of planes (depicted by dips or strikes),

- Orientation of lines (represented by trends as well as plunges).

Further, you will also notice the impressive color combination utilized in sketching these maps. Various hues and symbols indicate diverse geological units. Often, dim and slightly darker tones of the specific color are utilized to show the age of stones. For instance, orange color is used for representing the presence of recently formed sandstone while a deeper, darker brown tone is utilized for representing mature boulders.

Depending on the details present on a geological map, researchers can find information on coal and petroleum supplies, forestlands, mineral supplies, soil texture and pedology related to a specific place or a country. Nevertheless, it is very tough to compile all the info on a single map.

Thus, for the ease of users, different georeferenced geological maps that comprise of data on different topics are all gathered and organized in the form of online sources or software. Therefore, you can conveniently discover this information by browsing through internet sites. The best fact about online maps is that they are three dimensional in alignment so it is easier for a person to understand the attributes in zoomed mode.

Online georeferenced geological maps are updated with recent data at regular intervals. Therefore make sure you use such maps for your research.




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