GEOLOGICAL MAPPING

PROCEDURES & EQUIPMENTS

INTRODUCTION

 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 .
 PROCEDURE

The procedure to be followed for the preparation of geologic

map is ;

 Initial step of mapping is locating own position in the map, the very first thing to be
done is locating the North direction with the help of Brunton compass and orienting
the map with reference to that direction.
 Brunton compass is an instrument used by geologist used to find direction on field.
 A keen and thorough study of the base map is to be done in order to plot the
position.
 The map oriented to the north direction and next step is to examine the base map
and the surrounding then try to find an object like hill or tree in the base map or also
near you.
 Orienting the map in the direction of object in front and along the
base map, then repeat this again with respect to another object in
front.
 A minimum of three points are needed for accurate plotting.

 The points adjoined and a triangle is formulated, then with respect

to base map our location is pin pointed.

 The location can also be plotted with the help of GPS, through
which the location is obtained accurately and within no time.

 The next step is to identify the lithology of the terrain.

 Lithology of a rock unit is described by identifying the physical properties visible at
outcrop or in hand samples.
 These physical properties include colour, texture, grain size, mineralogy etc.
 The constituent minerals are identified with the use of pocket lens, streak plate, mohrs
hardness box, magnet etc. on the basis of number properties. By careful examination
we can identify the structures present in the rock such as joints, foliations etc….
 Nomenclature should be done on the basis of abundance of minerals present in the
rock.
 After discovering the lithology, the next step is to identify the prominent structures in the
terrain Geologists use the ideas of strike and dip to gauge and explain the geometry of
geological layers.
 The line which is created when a horizontal plane and an inclined surface
intersects is referred to as strike and The direction the line points in is referred
as the strike direction.
 Dip is the angle measured perpendicular to the strike line down to the inclined
surface, between that horizontal plane and the inclined surface.
 Find a point where a contact and a horizontal surface cross to determine the
strike line.
 There are numerous striking lines to choose from because every dipping
contact intersects the horizontal surface in a horizontal line.
 Dip direction is the compass direction towards which the plane slopes. No
matter what angle the dip is at, the dip sign must be drawn parallel
 Find a point where a contact and a horizontal surface cross to determine the strike line.

 There are numerous striking lines to choose from because every dipping contact intersects
the horizontal surface in a horizontal line.

 Dip direction is the compass direction towards which the plane slopes.

 No matter what angle the dip is at, the dip sign must be drawn parallel to the strike symbol.

 Brunton Compass is used for these measurements which should be carried out more than
once with utmost precision.
 Points to consider while taking
structural measurements;

 Place the Brunton compass perpendicular to the strike and measure the
dip by adjusting the back pin of the compass and note down the value on
clinometer level place the compass horizontally parallel to the dipping
surface, balancing the bull's eye, note down the value.
 In steeply dipping surfaces, dipping direction is not evident, so 90 method
is used.
 Set the dip amount to 90' on the clinometer and find a vertical plane for
the surface.
 Place the compass to the surface, the direction of movement of bubble in
cylindrical tube indicates the dip direction.
 Take the direction of dip using the Brunton compass.
 FIELD MAP CONSTRUCTION

 The most important features to be noted while constructing of a map is the legend of the
map.

 systematic recording and identification of phanetic structures in the field.

 Selected list of geological symbols that are used in the present mapping. Data should be
plotted on the map either using a protractor or a compass directly.

 The line symbols are used for contacts, faults and folds.

 Symbols that indicate the direction of geologic features are to be carefully oriented in
their correct positions in the map.
 Universal convection symbols are used for plotting different surfaces.

 Plot strike value of the surface from the north of the map.

 Draw one centimeter line on our location with respect to this strike
point and then appropriate symbol on the exact side of the line with
respect to the dip direction and mark the dip amount there.

 Similarly, all the surfaces on that location can be plotted on the

basemap
DATA INCLUDED IN MAPS

The type of information's to be recorded on a field map

include

 1. The location of all rock exposures examined.

 2. Brief note on the rocks seen
 3. Structural symbols and measurements such as those for dip and strike
 4. Locations from which each rock or fossil specimen was collected
 5. The location at which every photograph was taken or field sketch
made.
 6. Topographic features from which geology may be indirectly inferred but which are
not already printed on the map.
 7. All major contacts including faults both inferred and certain
 8. River terraces, beach terraces and similar features.
 9. Alluvium, scree, boulder clay and any superficial materials including landslide debris
 10. Cuttings, quarries and other manmade excavations exposing geology.
 Surface mapping: Surface mapping geology is the process of recording geological information
from rocks that are exposed at the surface of the Earth. Geologists use this information to create
geologic maps.

 Traverse mapping: Traverse mapping in geology is a method of establishing a network of

survey stations on a map using a series of straight lines. These lines are called traverse lines, and
the points where they meet are called traverse stations

 Contact mapping: Contact mapping in geology is the process of accurately depicting the
boundaries between rock units on a map. It involves making field observations and recording
information about the rocks and their contacts.
 TYPES OF MAPPING

 Exposure mapping : Exposure mapping in geology is the process of recording observations of

rock exposures and plotting them on a map. It's a scientific process that helps geologists
understand the evolutionary history of rocks.

 Grid mapping : Grid mapping in geology is a method for mapping the distribution of small
landforms over large areas. It's a quick way to record the presence or absence of specific
features in each grid square.

 Digital geological mapping: Digital geological mapping is the process of recording and
analyzing geological information in the field, and displaying it on a computer in real time. This
technology helps geologists create accurate, up-to-date maps that can be used for a variety of
purposes.
 FIELD EQUIPMENTS
FIELD NOTEBOOK

 A field notebook is a crucial piece of equipment for any geologist. It is

used to record observations, measurements, and sketches made during
fieldwork .

GEOLOGIC MAP

 A geologic map is a graphical representation of the Earth’s surface that

shows the distribution of different rock types, structures, and geological
features. Geologic maps are essential for geologists as they help them to
understand the geological history of an area and predict the location of
minerals, oil, and other valuable resources.
GPS DEVICE
 A GPS device is an indispensable tool for geologists who work in the
field. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and it provides geologists
with the exact location of their fieldwork. A GPS device also helps
geologists to navigate through difficult terrain, ensuring that they can
carry out their work safely and efficiently

COMPASS
 A compass is a simple but essential tool for geologists. It is used to
determine direction and to map out geological formations. Compasses
come in different types, but the most commonly used by geologists is
the Brunton compass. This type of compass has a sighting mechanism
that allows geologists to take accurate readings, making it easier for
them to determine direction and map out geological formations.
ROCK HAMMER
 A rock hammer is a heavy-duty tool used by geologists to break
rocks and obtain samples. Rock hammers come in different
shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to provide
a safe and efficient way to obtain rock samples.
HAND LENS
 A hand lens is a small magnifying glass that is used by geologists
to examine rock samples and other geological specimens. Hand
lenses are essential for geologists as they allow them to see fine
details that may not be visible to the naked eye
MEASURING TAPE
 A measuring tape is a simple but essential tool for geologists. It is
used to measure distances and dimensions of geological features,
such as the size of a rock formation or the length of a fault.
 CONCLUSION

The geologic mapping project has provided valuable insights into the
lithological composition, structural features, and geological history of the
study area. Through detailed field mapping, data collection, and
analysis, we were able to delineate key geological units and interpret
their age, origin, and relationships.
 REFERENCE

 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY – A. K JAIN

 https://mimaed.com/geology-equipment/