Article
Article
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Geologic mapping
Article By:
Soller, David R. Geologic Division, National Geologic Map Database, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
Last reviewed:2004
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB040715
Geologic mapping is a highly interpretive, scientific process that can produce a range of map products for many different uses, including assessing ground-water quality and contamination risks; predicting earthquake, volcano, and landslide hazards; characterizing energy and mineral resources and their extraction costs; waste repository siting; land management and land-use planning; and general education. The value of geologic map information in public and private decision-making (such as for the siting of landfills and highways) has repeatedly been described anectodally, and has been demonstrated in benefit-cost analyses to reduce uncertainty and, by extension, potential costs.
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