Geologic Maps in the Research Center

Map Reading Tips | Research Center Map Series & Locations
Map Indexing & Ordering | Geological Web Sites

Most types of maps show man-made or natural features found on the earth's surface. Geologic maps are different from other maps since they typically show what is beneath the surface of the earth. Geology itself is the study of the earth and its history. Thus, geologic maps are used to present, among other things, formations of rocks and minerals, underground liquids and gases, and the movements and changes of the earth that occur over time.

Geologic maps serve an important purpose since, as stated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 'the geology of an area has a profound effect on many things, from the likelihood of landslides, to the availability of groundwater in wells, from the amount of shaking suffered in an earthquake, to the presence of desirable minerals, from the way the landscape is shaped to the kinds of plants that grow best there. Understanding the earth underneath is the first step in understanding the world around us.'

Map Reading Tips

The USGS has detailed information on reading geologic maps. Some of the basic things to remember are:

A base map, which is a regular map, is printed under the geologic map in light colors to help orient the user.
Look for a map key to identify symbols and colors used in the map. Sometimes the key is on a separate map sheet if it is extensive.
Letters on the map refer to the age and name of the particular geologic unit.
Lines on the map represent contact between geologic units. The shorter the dashes in the line, the more uncertain the location of the units.
Short lines with numbers are used to show the angle and direction of tilted rock beds that have been thrust up unevenly.

Research Center Map Series and Locations

The Tulsa City-County Library's Central Library has geological maps on the state, national, and international levels. These maps, which are mainly published by state or national geological societies, are located on the fourth floor in the Research Center.

State Geological and Mineral Maps
These maps are arranged alphabetically by state in map cabinets. Each drawer includes an index of the maps found within that drawer. In general, geology maps are on top, followed by oil and mineral maps, and then miscellaneous maps. There is also a full set of indexes in the geological map indexes vertical file.

USA and North American Geological and Mineral Maps
USA and North American maps are arranged similarly to the state maps with geology maps first, then the oil, mineral, and miscellaneous maps. Indexes for these are also found in each drawer again with a set in the geological map indexes vertical file. Remember, if you are looking for Canadian maps check both the North American and Canadian map series. Some United States petroleum maps also fall in the North American drawer.

Foreign Geological and Mineral Maps
This collection is organized mainly by continent and then by country. However, we do also have ocean and world maps included at the end of this series. Indexes are located in each drawer and in the geological map indexes vertical file. More Canadian series maps as well as the Levorsen series maps are in storage.

Special State Series Geological Maps
Many state geological societies issue geological maps in special series. These are filed in the vertical file drawers on the fourth floor in the Research Center and are arranged alphabetically by state. Included among these are the GM (Geologic Maps) and HA (Hydrological Atlases) Oklahoma Geological Survey series. Indexes for these state series, as well as for other geological maps, are also in the vertical files in the top left drawer. In the drawer beneath the geological map indexes, we have geological map catalogs.

Geological Highway Maps
These maps produced by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) are found in the front of the vertical file drawer containing the state geological map indexes. The maps cover the United States and are divided into multiple state regions. In addition to the standard geological map, they list places of geological interest, fossil localities, and mineral and gemstone locations.

Tulsa's Physical Environment in the Research Center 's workroom has some useful maps too.

Surface Geology and Bouguer Gravity of Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
General Soil Map of Tulsa County, Oklahoma, and Environs.
General Construction Conditions At a Glance, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, and Environs.
Locations of All Known or Reported Oil Wells, Gas Wells, and Dry Holes Drilled in Tulsa County and Adjacent Portions of Creek, Osage, Rogers, and Wagoner Counties, Oklahoma Prior to January 1, 1971.

Map Indexing and Ordering

State geological map indexes, found in the vertical file drawers on the fourth floor in the Research Center, typically show a map divided into areas boxed off with colored borders. The colors sometimes indicate the scale of the maps while the numbers in each boxed-off area correspond to a numbered key showing the appropriate map source. Other indexes may be available, but it varies from state to state.

State geological publications catalogs can be helpful in determining what publications are available and, if we do not have them, how to order them. To find these, check the vertical files beneath the geological map index drawer. Each state will differ in the types of catalogs it offers. Oklahoma puts out special publications which have year-by-year indexes and bibliographies. When searching the alphabetical indexes, use key geological features, map series names, or the term 'counties.'

Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey r557.3 U58xa is an annual catalog of all of the USGS publications grouped by type of publication and indexed by subject and author. When looking for maps in the subject index, search by state, type of map, or the word 'maps.' An abbreviations list is located at the front of the alphabetical index to identify the series or type of publication containing the information. The Research Center has in print the New Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey dating back to 1879; the online version goes back to 1995.

According to the USGS, effective with the July-September 2003 issue the quarterly version of the New Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey will no longer printed and distributed. The July- September 2003 and October-December 2003 issues will be released online through the USGS at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/.

Also from the USGS, effective January 2004 the catalog New Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey will be available on a monthly and annual basis only, and the quarterly version will be discontinued. The catalog will be online only.

Online indexing and ordering information is also available through the USGS. The Geology Publications site contains a listing of new publications, a link to searching for USGS publications, general ordering information, availability of digital products, and access to the National Geologic Map Database. This database allows searches by town, feature, state, county, author, and geologic units or age. Useful links are given for national geological organizations, related federal agencies, and state geological surveys. You can use these sites to find publications and ordering information for maps issued by agencies other than the USGS.

Geological Web Sites

USGS Geology
This site provides a gateway into the USGS world of geology. Some of the links take you into the realm of volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides, while others explore our mineral and energy resources. Check out information on our continually changing earth, our marine and coastal areas, or reach out into our solar system with the astrogeology page. To experiment with some interactive digital geological maps, visit the GEODE (Geologic Data Explorer) site. The USGS also provides a link for searching their own publications here as well as connections to partnering agencies.

Geological Surveys
Use this site for a worldwide view of geological organizations. International surveys are listed alphabetically by country and grouped by continents. Links to United States geological surveys are at the bottom of the page. You can also find university departments, geologic journals, geologic societies, oil and gas companies, geo-software, and job postings in the field of geology on this site.

USGS Education and Outreach
The USGS' Geology in the Eastern Region site is rich in learning resources for children, educators, and the general public. Fact sheets are available on the environment, geologic hazards, minerals and fossils, and a variety of current research areas. Take a look at the educational information sites that provide links geared for students to investigate the earth sciences. For those interested in obtaining geological maps, the USGS has compiled a list of maps published by state and national geological agencies complete with ordering information or a contact for the issuing agency.

USGS Geology in the Parks
The USGS' Western Region Geologic Information site contains basic explanatory information about geologic maps and about the impressive geologic formations found in some of our national parks. The Basics provides an introduction to geology and geologic maps, gives a glossary of terms, and links to some educational resources. In another section titled More. discover how formations such as sand dunes, caves, and glaciers formed. For a detailed look at some of the geologic wonders within our national parks and the forces that worked on them, delve into the Park Geology section. This site provides a wealth of information for the beginning geologist.

If you're looking for indexes to the publications within the USGS' series, you may find these four sites helpful.

USGS: Scientific Publications allows searching by keyword or publication number. You can find most of the Bulletins, Circulars, Professional Papers, Water-Supply Papers, and Thematic Maps dating back to the very beginning with a title, publication number, and date for each entry.

USGS Central Region Geology Publications has some full text USGS Central Region Geology Publications. Once you choose a series, you will find a list of the linked online publications by number and title from newest to oldest.

USGS Geologic Information - Maps and USGS Books & Other Publications are both great sources for more full-text USGS geological map and book series publications. Whether you want maps or books, simply click on the appropriate link and select the proper series for a list from oldest to newest of titles available online.

USGS State Geologic Maps is a list providing 'descriptions and availability information for geologic maps of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These geologic maps are published by a variety of organizations, including state geologic agencies, the USGS, universities, and private companies. This list gives title, date, scale, publisher, series (where applicable), and basic ordering information for each map. . . . At the top of each State entry is the address and phone number of the sales outlet where State maps can be purchased.'