New geologic map refines Southwestern Oregon Coast, Dec. 20

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries has released Open-File Report O-13-21, Geologic map of the southwestern Oregon coast between Crook Point and Port Orford, Curry County, Oregon. It provides an updated and spatially accurate geologic framework for the southwestern Oregon coast in westernmost Curry County. This work refines our understanding of geologic conditions that control the distribution, quantity, and quality of groundwater resources, the distribution of terrain susceptible to landslides and seismic hazards, and areas of potential aggregate and other mineral resources. The publication provides a basis for future geologic, geohydrologic, and geohazard studies for the area. “We understand this area’s complex geology much better now, thanks to lidar mapping technology,” says Jason McClaughry, DOGAMI geologist and project lead. “The new map will allow us and partner agencies to focus on areas that need more study for hazards, mineral resources, and water issues.” This geologic mapping is part of a multi-year project, begun in 2012, to map the southwestern Oregon coast from the California border north to Coos Bay. The project is a high priority of the Oregon Geologic Map Advisory Committee and was supported in part during 2012 and 2013 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program under assistance award G12AC20184. Mapping is continuing in 2013 and 2014, with additional work between Port Orford and Bandon. The publication CD contains an Esri ArcGIS(R) v10.1 (SP 1) geodatabase, GIS shapefiles, four 1:24,000-scale geologic map plate PDFs (each 34 x 34 inches), a 55-page pamphlet PDF describing the geology, and data spreadsheets. To preview this publication, visit: http://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/ofr/p-O-13-21.htm