Introduction to the geological specification IC GS Harvey Thorleifson, 13 March 2007 Harvey Thorleifson, Association of American State Geologists

Geological maps  an essential service

CLIMATE CHANGE NGDC  we require geological mapping to fulfill our objectives

 geology explains earth system linkages, climate processes, & carbon sources/sinks  geology guides work on natural records that document variability, drivers, extreme events, & regional impacts  geology will guide carbon capture and storage by deep geologic sequestration  geology identifies thresholds & vulnerabilities in coastal zone dynamics, sea level change, permafrost degradation, reduced glacier cover, groundwater quality and quantity, flooding, dust storms and landslides Climate change: the need for geological mapping Climate change: the need for geological mapping

Heritage Heritage Health Health Security Security Wealth Wealth  geological mapping plays an essential role in addressing the full range of human needs

Heritage Heritage  Earth  Oceans  Land  Life Role of geological mapping

Health Health  Toxic substances  Waste disposal

Security Security  Hazards Role of geological mapping

Wealth Wealth  Materials  Energy  Engineering Role of geological mapping

Water Water  Heritage  Aquatic ecosystem integrity Role of geological mapping

Water Water  Health  groundwater protection  source water composition Role of geological mapping

Water Water  Security  Flooding  Shoreline erosion Role of geological mapping

Water Water  Wealth  water resources Role of geological mapping

Heritage Heritage Health Health Security Security Wealth Wealth Role of geological mapping  an essential service

1:25M

1:5M

1:~1M

Detail Sand

Benefits to our agencies  Increased awareness of our role  Increased awareness of our products  Increased use of our products  Increased support for our role  Increased benefits for our users

1G goal  Coordinated web accessibility of existing ~1:1M mapping, in its current geologic format Our task  produce the 1st version of the 1G geological specification & establish a process to revise it

Question:  What sort of geological specification will OneGeology require?

OneGeology geological specification  National scale, commonly 1:500k - 1:5M  Your principal geological map, whether bedrock, surficial, or combined  Ownership & control remains with you; credit to your agency is clear  You have already written the geological specification for your map  Is that enough?

Considerations  Topographic base  Language  Time scale  Lithology  Structure  Genesis  Cover – offshore, lakes, ice, sediments

Discussion required  Throughout the meeting  This afternoon  Wednesday morning breakout  Thursday morning presentation  Post-meeting discussions

Geological maps  an essential service