Components of Geological Maps

Base Maps (Introduction to Topo Maps & Contour Lines)

• Aerial Photographs (the basis)
• Contour Lines (rules, v's, elevations etc.)
• Topographic Features (rivers, hills, etc)
• Map Scale

The Distribution and Age of Rock Units

• Colors and Rock Symbols
• Contacts and Faults
• Map symbols
• Cross section locations

Map Explanation

• Rock Unit descriptions
• Rock Unit ages
• Contacts & Faults
• Map Symbols

Lithologic Sections

• Thicknesses
• Lithologic Symbols

Cross Sections (at this point, we are introducing the concept- not a full-fledged tutorial yet. Need to learn about map patterns first).

• How Constructed
• Depth scale & vertical exaggeration

Segue: Outcrop patterns as clues to the subsurface.

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