Frederick and Washington West 30 x 60 Minute Quadrangles: New Projects of National Geologic Mapping Program in Central Appalachians

Juergen Reinhardt, Peter T. Lyttle, Wayne L. Newell

The National Geologic Mapping Program has revitalized the U.S. Geological Survey's mapping efforts; the Frederick and Washington West projects are pioneering parts of the program to increase the quantity and the versatility of geologic maps. The map area is on the western margin of the rapidly growing Baltimore-Washington urban corridor where the need for accurate information on geotechnical characteristics of rock units, the rates of geomorphic processes, the risks from geologic hazards, and the geohydrologic characteristics of rocks within the major physiographic provinces are critical issues. Key issues include concerns over ground-water resources and waste disposal, radon gas hazards, and the suitability of areas for extraction of rock and mineral resources. The proje ts are viewed together as a timely reexamination of the central Appalachian orogene from its middle Proterozoic basement to the Holocene surficial deposits. Mapping of surficial deposits, saprolite, and bedrock outcrops will be combined with detailed analysis of local auger and core samples plus representative backhoe pits to produce the most accurate multipurpose bedrock and surficial geologic maps possible at a 1:100,000 scale and larger. The geologic and geophysical information, including lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy, structure, isotopic and chemical data, gravity and magnetics collected by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, will be integrated and combined with Landsat, SLAR, and seismic data with a geographic information system to achieve a comprehensive view of the map area.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91031©1988 AAPG Eastern Section, Charleston, West Virginia, 13-16 September 1988.