Kansas Geological Survey, Public Information Circular (PIC) 4
Geologic Mapping in Kansas--Part 2 of 4
Benefits and Uses
Geologic maps are usually the first source of information--the
starting point--for any geologically related investigation. They
are useful in construction and engineering projects, city and
county planning, and in a variety of environmental activities.
Large projects (dams, roads, bridges, buildings) require detailed
geological analysis because of monetary, health, and safety
concerns. Smaller projects, such as surface-water impoundments,
houses, and water wells, also benefit from an understanding of
the surface bedrock. For example, if a farm pond is located in
a porous bedrock unit (such as sandstone), that unit may function
as a drain and the pond will not hold water. If placed in a
nonporous unit, such as shale, which contains clay that forms a
tight seal, the pond should not leak. This basic information about
the local geology can be ascertained from a geologic map. Other
examples of how geologic maps can be used include
- Evaluation of geologic hazards (landslides, earthquakes, land subsidence)
- Planning transportation and utility routes
- Highway, bridge, and building design
- Design and location of surface-water impoundments
- Site selection for public facilities (landfills, treatment facilities, waste-disposal sites, schools)
- Land-use planning and evaluation of land-use proposals
- Regulatory decision-making
- Environmental assessment and protection planning (underground storage tanks, landfills, aquifer contamination)
- Development and protection of ground water
- Natural-resource assessment, exploration, development, and management
- Basic earth-science research
Geologic maps can be used to evaluate and predict the consequences
of natural and human-induced activities on the environment. The
use of geologic-map information during a project's planning and
design stage produces long-term benefits and reduces problems that
may develop after the project is completed.
Figure 2--McDowell Creek Road just south of Manhattan, Kansas. Damage caused by a landslide to over one-quarter mile of the road after heavy rains during the spring of 1995. The roadway was displaced about 20 feet vertically and 40 feet horizontally by the slide.
Kansas Geological Survey, Geology Extension
1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047-3726
Phone: (785) 864-3965, Fax: (785) 864-5317
bsawin@kgs.ku.edu
Web version August 1996
http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/pic4/pic4_2.html