Pennsylvania's interactive GIS map adds geologic data

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has added new state geologic information to the interactive geographic information systems map.

“Visitors to our website can now see layers of information on the map such as bedrock geology, earthquake locations and magnitude, and outstanding geologic features,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan said.

“With themes chosen and plotted on the map, you can scroll over and pick specific locations to get more information about geology, our state parks and forests, and recreational opportunities available throughout Pennsylvania,” Allan said.

Other geologic information includes state park geologic guides, maximum elevations by county and glacial boundaries.

Some of the state’s outstanding geologic features include:

• Chimney Rocks in Blair County, an outcrop of finger-like spires of limestone;
• The boulder field at Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County; and
• The 50-foot Alpha Falls in Lawrence County where a small stream exits from a “hanging valley” into the deeper Slippery Rock Gorge.

The map can be accessed at http://www.gis.dcnr.state.pa.us/maps/index.html and already includes a variety of information about state parks and forests.

[Excerpted from the DNR news release]

Colorado Map of Potential Evaporite Dissolution and Evaporite Karst Subsidence Hazards

Large areas of Colorado are underlain by Mesozoic and/or Paleozoic evaporite deposits. The purpose of Colorado Geological Survey’s (CGS) Colorado Map of Potential Evaporite Dissolution and Evaporite Karst Subsidence Hazards is to describe the geologic conditions where near-surface evaporite rocks occur in Colorado and the general description and hazard potential of ground subsidence that can occur from rock dissolution in evaporite terrain.

This on-line publication includes a statewide map in Adobe PDF format at a plate size of 54" by 42" size (1:500,000 scale), an illustrated 28-page map discussion report in Adobe .pdf format, and GIS digital data prepared as ESRI shapefiles (.shp).

The data in this publication includes those areas of Colorado underlain by near-surface evaporite bedrock and point locations of sinkholes and subsidence features where they have been discerned.  This mapping project was funded by the CGS Critical Geologic Hazards Program. Funding for this program comes from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources Severance Tax Operational Funds, from severance taxes paid on the production of natural gas, oil, coal, and metals in Colorado.

Charlie Mankin, "the type locality of state geologists"

“We use a term in geology, ‘type locality,’ which means standard of reference, and Charles was the type locality of state geologists.”  - current Oklahoma State Geologist Randy Keller, as quoted in the Norman Transcript.   [Right, Charlie testifying to Congress. Credit, C-Span]

The news story also quoted OU President (and former U.S. Senator) David Boren, “Charles Mankin’s record of service to the Oklahoma Geological Survey will never be surpassed. With half a century of leadership of the Survey, Dr. Mankin has left a lasting influence in the field of energy in our entire country.  The university family will never forget his dedication to generations of students.”

Upon his induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, The Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society called Mankin an “enrichment to the state and nation.”

Charlie served as Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey from 1967 to 2007.

Services will be 3 p.m. Monday, November 19, at First Christian Church, 220 S. Webster Ave. in Norman. Arrangements are by Havenbrook Funeral Home.

Charles Nankin, former State Geologist of Oklahoma

We do not have any details yet, but  we are sorry to report that Dr. Charles Mankin, former long-serving State Geologist of Oklahoma,  quietly passed away Monday morning. 

The address for Charlie's widow, Betty, is 3631 60th Ave. NE, Norman, OK  73026

AASG all over the GSA annual meeting

The State Geologists are everywhere at the Geological Society of America annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The AASG booth in the exhibit hall drew a crowd as soon as it opened on Sunday afternoon.  [Right,  NC State Geologist Ken Taylor and FL State Geologist Jon Arthur answer questions at the AASG booth]

State Geologists are in leadership roles on GSA committees and with many of the affiliated societies meeting in conjunction with the annual meeting.

TX State Geologist Scott Tinker gives the Michael T. Halbouty Distinguished Lecture on Tuesday in the Convention Center.

Record levels of tidal gages in Delaware from Hurricane Sandy

The Delaware Geological Survey has just posted on their website a summary of tidal and stream gage data, and other information recorded during Hurricane Sandy. Many of their tidal gages hit record levels. The site can be viewed at:

http://www.dgs.udel.edu/delaware-geology/stream-and-tide-gage-data-hurricane-sandy

[Right, Hurricane Sandy approaches East Coast of US. Credit NASA]