Minerals and Surficial Geology

Metadata:
Geologic Map of Minnesota: Bedrock Geology, from MGS State Map Series S-20 1996 (Digital Version 2) - This layer describes the bedrock geologic conditions of Minnesota as delineated and classified by the Minnesota Geological Survey.  It is a digital version of the Minnesota Geological Survey State Map Series S-20 (Geologic Map of Minnesota: Bedrock Geology), by G. B. Morey, 1994, rev. 1996.  Scale is 1:1,000,000.  The map was created in digital form in 1994, and revised as of July 1, 1996. 

Geologic Map of Minnesota: Quaternary Geology, from MGS (Map S-1), 1982 (Digital Version) - This layer describes the general distribution of surficial sediments in Minnesota, as delineated and classified by the Minnesota Geological Survey.  It is a digital version of the Minnesota Geological Survey State Map Series Map S-1 (Geologic Map of Minnesota: Quaternary Geology), 1982, by H.C. Hobbs and J.E. Goebel. (1:500,000).  The digital file was created by scanning the 1:500,000-scale paper map and then converting the scanned image into an ARC/INFO polygon coverage.  The Arc coverage was also converted to an EPPL7 40-acre grid cell file, and then later updated for incorporation into the EPPL7 statewide 100 meter data set.

Statewide 100 Meter EPPL7/EPIC2000 Data Set - a statewide data set that consists of approximately 400 raster-formatted data layers.  It is available on a single CD-ROM in either EPPL7 or ERDAS format.  The data themes cover a wide range of physical and biological variables along with administrative, political, sociodemographic, and transportation data.  The data collection unit for most of the variables is the 40-acre parcel.  Files have been subdivided into 100-meter by 100-meter grid cells and spatially corrected to provide improved geographic reference.  However, this processing step does not improve the original 40-acre resolution accuracy.  The data set is designed for use in regional and statewide planning, not for site-specific decision making.  This dataset is effectively the MLMIS100 county data set appended into a statewide coverage.  There is also a Twin Cities Metropolitan Area 30-meter EPPL&/EPIC2000 Data Set.

The following are examples of geology and hydrogeology data layers included in the statewide data set:
aquifer materials; depth to bedrock (includes rock outcrops); geomorphic regions; ground water susceptibility to pollution; quaternary geology; and recharge potential. 

Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment - Anoka Sand Plain - A County Geologic Atlas is a systematic study of a county's geologic and ground water resources.  Geologic studies include both near-surface deposits and bedrock.  Ground water studies include flow systems, aquifer capacity, and ground water chemistry.  In some areas sand and gravel deposits, sinkholes, or other features are studied.  Interpretation of sensitivity to pollution is also part of an atlas.  The information is organized, analyzed, and displayed using geographic information technology.  A Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment (RHA) is similar to a County Geologic Atlas in that both geology and ground water are studied.  However, a Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment covers a larger area, typically four to nine counties, in less detail.  The RHA emphasizes near-surface geologic, ground water, and pollution sensitivity mapping. 

Other Information Resources:
The County Geologic Atlas and Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment Program

USGS Geologic Division NSDI Node - A list of metadata records searchable through the National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, a distributed catalog of geospatial data sets from numerous Federal, state, and private-sector agencies.  This list contains approximately 100 metadata records. 

USGS Geologic Data - Geological data available from the USGS on CD-ROM: earthquake, volcano, and landslide hazards research; geologic framework and process studies; global change research; marine and coastal geologic surveys; and mineral and energy resource surveys.