Home > Encyclopedia of Science > Geologic Map

• Elements of geologic maps
• Words to Know
• The future of geologic information

Geologic maps display the arrangement of geologic features of a particular area. These features can include such things as types of rocks, faults, minerals, and groundwater. From studying a geologic map the user can better understand possible dangers like the potential for floods or earthquakes, and help locate important deposits of energy resources, such as water, oil, natural gas, and minerals. Through the use of letters, colors, lines, and symbols, geologic maps help the user gain a better understanding of Earth's makeup.

Elements of geologic maps

Geologic maps use color to represent various types of geologic features or units (a particular type of rock with a known age...