Geologic maps. A practical guide to preparation and interpretation / Геологическая карта. Практическое руководство по подготовке и интерпретации

Geologic maps are among the basic tools used by anyone who wants to gain an understanding of the surface and shallow subsurface of the earth. They provide information about the types of materials that are present and the configuration of those materials in three dimensions. They reveal the three-dimensional structure of the bedrock, identifying the location of faults, folds, and breaks in the rock record. Some maps show the distribution of surficial materials, some depict only bedrock, and commonly, both are represented. In the hands of a skilled interpreter, geologic maps reveal the location of many types of natural hazards, indicate the suitability of the land surface for various uses, reveal problems that may be encountered in excavation, provide clues to the natural processes that have shaped an area, and lead to the potential location of important natural resources. For these reasons, civil and environmental engineers, land-use planners, soil scientists, and geographers, as well as geologists, use geologic maps.