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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released its most detailed national-scale geologic map of the country to date, offering a unique regional view of geology at and beneath the Earth’s surface.
The new mapping tool, called The Cooperative National Geologic Map, allows anyone to peer into the earth beneath their feet.
"Geologic maps have many uses, such as helping experts look for energy, mineral and water resources," Christopher Swezey, USGS’s national cooperative geologic mapping program coordinator, said in a statement. "They can also be used to assess earthquake risks and inform decisions about land use, infrastructure and community planning, and real estate and insurance."
USGS map shows what’s underneath your feet
Dig deeper:
The feature was created using more than 100 preexisting geologic maps from various sources and is the first nationwide map to provide users with access to multiple layers of geologic data for one location.
The new USGS Cooperative National Geologic Map web tool was designed to also be mobile friendly, allowing users to explore geologic data from smartphones and tablets, in addition to larger devices. (Credit: USGS, Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.)
Currently, the map covers the lower 48 States, but plans are underway to add content for Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. territories.
What they're saying:
"This map provides complete, analysis-ready geologic data for the nation, in a format that is easy to expand going forward," said Joseph Colgan, a USGS research geologist and leader of the team that created the map. "By providing this map online, we aim to enhance educational engagement and foster a greater public appreciation of geology."
How to use the USGS's new map
What you can do:
The new interactive web tool was designed to be as user-friendly as possible, making it accessible to both geologists and the public. Users can search for specific properties of geologic units or click on the map for additional geologic information and links to more detailed maps of local areas.
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To access the map, visit The Cooperative National Geologic Map website and explore the geological features of the nation. Both desktop and mobile-friendly, the application is completely free and requires no personal information or login credentials to get started.
Big picture view:
According to experts, geological mapping is important for understanding and managing natural resources, assessing and mitigating natural hazards and for land-use planning. It provides crucial information for economic development, infrastructure projects, and environmental protection by identifying mineral and water resources, locating potential hazards like earthquakes and landslides, and informing where to safely build. It’s also critical for exploring some of the world's most ancient questions, including the origins of life on Earth.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. This story was reported from Los Angeles.