Chapter Three

Simple Geologic Maps and Cross-

sections
 3. Simple Geologic Maps and Cross-sections
• Geologic map is a type of thematic map that
graphically communicate vast amounts of geologic
information.
• A geologic map is usually printed on top of a
regular topomap (called a base map) showing the
distribution of elevation contours, roads, rivers,
places and/or county boundaries such that it is
helpful to locate anyone on the map.

• The geology is represented by colors, fill patterns,

lines, and special symbols unique to geologic
maps.
• Geologic maps are important for two reasons.
– First, as geologists make geologic maps and
related explanations and cross-sections,
• they develop a theoretical understanding of the
geology and geologic history of a given area.
– Second, geologic maps are essential tools for
practical applications such as
• zoning,
• civil engineering, and
• hazard assessment
• finding and developing geological resources,
 TYPES OF GEOLOGICAL MAPS
Geological maps fall into four main groups. These
are
 reconnaissance map
 regional map
 large-scale map
 specialist purposes
Reconnaissance map is made to find out as
much as possible about the geology of an
unknown area as quickly as possible
It is usually made at a scale of 1:2,000,000 or less
 Regional geological maps

 Reconnaissance has given the outline of rock

distribution and general structure
 now the geology must be studied in more
detail, most commonly at a scale of 1:25,000
or 1:50,000.
 Shows main regional lithostructural features
that can be used for many applications
 Detailed geological maps
 Here, scale is anything from 1:10,000
upwards and they are usually made to
investigate a specific geological problem
maybe resulting discoveries made during
regional mapping, or perhaps with an
economic objective, such as a dam site or
mineral investigation.
 Specialized maps
 Specialized maps are many and varied. They
include large-scale maps made in great detail of
small areas to record specific geological
features.
 Many are made for economic purposes, such
as open pit mine plans at scales from 1: 1,000
to 1: 2,500; and engineering site investigation
at similar scales or dam/ canal alignment
 Basic rules helpful to understand or
prepare geologic maps
Fundamental to an understanding of geologic maps
and the information contained thereon is
recognition of the complications of certain basic
rules regarding the relationships between geologic
bodies and structures. Some of these rules are:
1. The law of superposition
2. The law of cross-cutting relationship
3. The law of inclusion
4. The law of original horizontality and continuity
5. The principle of faunal succession
The law of superposition – states that if a series of sedimentary
rocks has not been overturned, the top most layer is always the
youngest and the lower most layer is the oldest.
The law of crosscutting relationship- states that a rock is
younger than any rock that it cuts across

The law of inclusion (or included fragments)- states that a

fragment of a rock incorporated or included in another is older
than the host rock. E.g. A pebble in a conglomerate must be
older than the conglomerate.

The law of original horizontality and continuity- states that

layers were essentially horizontal and continuous when they were
deposited
 The principle of faunal succession (and correlation by
fossils)
states that groups of fossil animals and plant
occur in geologic record in a definite and
determinable order and that a period of
geologic time can be recognized by its
characteristic fossils.
 That is, rocks containing the same fossil
assemblages are similar in age
Based on the law of superposition and cross-cutting relationship determine the stratigraphic order of the rock units
The sequence of events must have been as follows :
 Essential Components of Geologic Maps
• A complete geologic map has at least two
features: (1) the map itself,
(2) the map legend or key that explains
all the symbols on the map.
• Professional geologic maps usually have two
other components as well:
(3) supplementary explanation of the
rock or sediment units,
(4) geologic cross-sections of the map
area.
Geologic Cross-Sections

• A geologic cross-section is a sideways view of

a slice of the earth.
 It shows how the different types of rock are
layered or and it portrays/ shows geologic
structures beneath the earth's surface, such
as faults and folds.
 Types of geologic maps
• Different maps are produced to show different kinds and levels of
information;
• Geologic maps can be classified into
– complete
– bedrock, depending upon the depth/ type of geologic
information contained in map.
– surficial and
– special maps types

• Complete Geologic Map portrays/ represents both bedrock and

unconsolidated material in areas where both are prevalent/
common.
• Bedrock Map portrays only the bedrock geology as best as can be
inferred from available outcrop.
• Surficial (or Quaternary) Map portrays the distribution of
unconsolidated earth materials.
• Specialty Maps include tectonic, Structure contour, isopach, paleogeologic,
Tectonic Maps
• Emphasizes the distribution of structural features rather
than rock units.
» faults and fold axes
» stratigraphic contacts,
» unconformities,
» igneous intrusions or
» metamorphic domains/ areas.
Structure Contour Maps
• similar to topographic contour maps but represent some
underground surface rather than land surface.
• show the geometric configuration/ pattern of a rock
surface by contour lines passing through points of equal
elevation above or below a selected datum (sea level).
Isopach Maps
• An Isopach map shows the varying thickness
of a stratigraphic unit by contour lines drawn
through points of equal thickness.
Paleogeologic maps
• examine the aerial distribution of rock
formation on a buried unconformable surface
• examine the kind of rocks and the age of rock
bodies both beneath and above any given
stratigraphic unit, whether unconformity is
involved or not.
• Geologic maps might show very small or
rather large number of map units.
• The disposition/outlook of some or many
units on a geologic map is generally controlled
by
• intensity of erosion and
• depth of incision/cut along river valleys.
• In general, deeper and steeper river valleys
give rise to more geological units.
 Quiz
Explain briefly the next terminology
1. the difference between small scale and large
scale map?
2. Outcrop
3. Law of inclusion
4. Which one of the following is different from
the others scale ?
a. 1:20 0,000 c. 1:500,000
b. 1:10,000 d. 1:100,000