PRESS RELEASE: New Geologic Map for Monroe County, Indiana

For immediate release April 1, 2009

Bloomington, Ind. — The Indiana Geological Survey has published a new bedrock geologic map of Monroe County. The Bedrock Geologic Map of Monroe County is a color map that shows the distribution of the bedrock units immediately below the soil and unconsolidated material in the county at a scale of 1:48,000 (meaning that one inch on the map represents 4,000 feet on the land). Also shown on the map is the surface topography in shaded relief, the location of stone quarries, and the main roads and highways in the county.

“This map represents what can result when traditional field geology and a strategic drilling program are merged with remote sensing and geographic information system technology. It is truly a state-of-the-art product,” said IGS Director John Steinmetz.

The map contains detailed geologic information that can be used as a guide for infrastructure development; the use of resources, such as the economically important Salem Limestone; and delineation of areas of karst features for environmental planning. Land-use planners, county officials, environmental planners, geologists, and educators will find the map useful. A more detailed map (scale 1:24,000) of just the Bloomington area—Geologic Map of the Bloomington 7.5-Minute Quadrangle—is also available. Other parts of Monroe County will be available as detailed maps in the future.

Several years of work by the staff of the IGS went into the making of the bedrock geology map; it was produced from original data collected from outcrops and new bedrock cores, which greatly increased the amount of information on the geology of Monroe County. Survey geologists integrated this new information with existing data to make the computer-generated color maps as part of a project funded by the U.S. Geological Survey STATEMAP program.

“The maps would not have been possible utilizing only our own resources, and we are most appreciative of the U.S. Geological Survey for providing a means by which we could undertake this important research,” said Steinmetz.

Currently, the IGS is working on a geologic map of Lawrence County.

These maps are available for purchase from the Indiana Geological Survey; for additional information, visit the IGS Web site at http://igs.indiana.edu or contact the IGS Publication Sales office at 812-855-7636.

The Indiana Geological Survey is a research institute of Indiana University; its mission is to provide geologic information and counsel that contribute to the wise stewardship of the energy, mineral, and water resources of the state. Since 1837, the health, safety, and welfare of Indiana’s citizenry have benefited through a combination of Indiana Geological Survey activities:

• Focused research initiatives and cooperative investigations with governmental agencies, businesses and industries, and educational organizations
• Geologic sample and data collection and archiving
• Dissemination of information in many forms, including published maps, reports, databases, and educational outreach programs

Bedrock Geologic Map of Monroe County, Indiana, 2009, by W. A. Hasenmueller, C. M. Estell, B. D. Keith, and T. A. Thompson, T. A.: Indiana Geological Survey Miscellaneous Map 73, scale 1:48,000, size 41 by 46 inches, price $22.00.
View online

Geologic Map of the Bloomington 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, 2008, by T. A. Thompson, B. D. Keith, W. A. Hasenmueller, and C. M. Estelle: Indiana Geological Survey Miscellaneous Map 75, scale 1:24,000, size 33.5 by 37 inches, price $10.00.
View online

For more information, contact:

Walter Hasenmueller
Indiana Geological Survey
611 N. Walnut Grove Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405
Ph:  (812) 855-1365 or (812) 855-7636
E-mail: whasenmu@indiana.edu

Copyright © 2009, The Trustees of Indiana University