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News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, April 10, 2000


New Geologic Map of Wilson County Available

LAWRENCE--A new geologic map of Wilson County, showing the age and type of rocks at the earth's surface, is now available from the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas.

The map, compiled by retired U.S. Geological Survey geologist Holly C. Wagner, is based on work originally done in the 1950's and updated in the last ten years. "This is the first published geologic map of Wilson County," said Larry Brady, head of the Survey's geologic mapping program.

In addition to the county's geology, the map shows roads, railroads, quarries, streams, lakes, and other features. Because geologic maps show the rock formations likely to be encountered in a given location, they are useful in construction, in understanding soils and agriculture, in searching for water and mineral deposits, and in a variety of engineering and environmental uses.

Most of Wilson County lies in the Osage Cuestas, a region characterized by a series of east-facing ridges, between which lie relatively flat plains. The limestones and shales that make up the Osage Cuestas were deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period, about 300 million years ago. Each ridge is capped by the more-resistant limestone, while the gentle slopes are underlain by thick layers of shale.

The western edge of Wilson County lies in the Chautauqua Hills region, a sandstone-capped rolling upland that extends into the Osage Cuestas from the south. The sandstones and shales of this part of the county were also deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period.

The map, produced in full-color, is drawn at a scale of 1:50,000, so that one inch on the map equals about 3/4 mile of actual distance. The full-color map measures about 48 inches by 32 inches.

Copies of the new map are available from the Kansas Geological Survey, 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047 (or phone 785-864-3965). The cost is $15.00, plus $5.00 for handling. Kansas residents should add 6.9% sales tax.


Story by Liz Brosius, (785) 864-2063
For more information contact Larry Brady (785) 864-2159
Two sample maps are available online.

Kansas Geological Survey, Publications and Public Affairs
URL="http://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/News/2000/wilson.html"