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September 20, 2006
NEW MAP OF OHIO’S BEDROCK GEOLOGY NOW AVAILABLE FROM ODNR
First updated map of Ohio’s bedrock geology since 1920
 COLUMBUS, OH - An updated, detailed map of Ohio’s underlying bedrock formations is now available from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The new Bedrock Geologic Map of Ohio shows the distribution of bedrock formations occurring at the surface or immediately beneath the glacial deposits that commonly conceal much of the bedrock. It replaces the nation’s oldest existing state geologic map, created in 1920 by Ohio State Geologist John Bownocker.
The legend on this newly completed 1:500,000-scale map discusses not only the characteristics and distribution of the state’s various bedrock formations, but also details the many economic mineral commodities, environmental characteristics, and geological hazards occurring in Ohio.
Geologists, hydrogeologists, engineers, mineral and fossil-fuel producers, geotechnical consultants, land-use planners, educators, government officials, and others interested in various aspects of Ohio’s earth science, will benefit by the details illustrated and discussed on this new map.
These details include:
- the complex geology of the fractured bedrock beneath Adams, Highland, and Pike counties, a feature produced by a ancient meteorite impact;
- the location of the massive sandstone formation that is responsible for scenic wonders such as the Hocking Hills and Black Hand Gorge; and
- the specific locations of geologic formations composed mostly of shale, claystone, and mudstone that are notorious for landslides in southwestern and eastern portions of the state.
Nearly 50 bedrock units or combinations of units are shown statewide on the newly completed map, as opposed to 14 on the map created in 1920. The new map’s legend describes the geologic formations and shows their geologic age. A statewide geologic cross section provides a three-dimensional perspective of the geologic framework of Ohio.
Produced by the ODNR Division of Geological Survey, the new Bedrock Geologic Map of Ohio is a full-color, wall-sized product that culminates an extensive bedrock-geology mapping program begun by the division under former State Geologist Horace Collins in the early 1980s, and accelerated to completion by the present state geologist, Thomas Berg.
Principal compiler for the new 1:500,000 bedrock map was Ernie R. Slucher, a senior geologist in the division. Several cooperative bedrock-geology mapping initiatives among the division and the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ohio Department of Transportation helped facilitate the map’s completion.
What makes this new Ohio map unique is that much of the geologic information used in its compilation is in digital format and will be available soon for use by the division’s customers, especially those who utilize geographic information systems. Companion products, also developed during the mapping effort and available for purchase, include the Shaded Elevation Map of the Ohio (map MG-1), the Shaded Bedrock-Topography Map of Ohio (map BG-3), and the Shaded Drift-Thickness Map of Ohio (map SG-3).
Copies of the Bedrock Geologic Map of Ohio are available in folded versions for $15, plus $4 shipping and handling. Unfolded, rolled versions are available for an additional fee of $1.50. Orders are subject to Ohio state sales tax and applicable county taxes (Ohio addresses only). Orders for the bedrock map and companion maps can be placed by calling 614-265-6576, or writing: ODNR Division of Geological Survey, 2045 Morse Road, Bldg-C1, Columbus, OH 43229-6693. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
A copy of the new Bedrock Geologic Map of Ohio will be available for review at the Earth Science Week Expo, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, at Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike (U.S. 23, opposite Resurrection Cemetery) north of Worthington.
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