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LAWRENCE -- A new geologic map of Anderson County is available from the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas.
The map, based on field work by retired U.S. Geological Survey geologist William D. Johnson Jr., depicts the age and type of rocks at the earth's surface. The map also shows roads, towns, rivers and ponds, railroads and other features.
Because geologic maps show the rock formations likely to be encountered at a particular location, they are useful in construction, in understanding soils and agriculture, in searching for water and mineral deposits, and in a variety of engineering and environmental uses.
Anderson County is in the Osage Cuestas physiographic region of the state, an area where the bedrock is predominantly limestone, sandstone and shale. These rocks were deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period of geologic history, about 300 million years ago. In addition, much younger silts, sands, gravels and other geologic materials were deposited along the rivers and streams in the region,
The map shows a number of areas where the hilltops are covered by gravel largely composed of chert (or flint). These deposits are unusual because the rocks are rounded, an indication that they were deposited by streams. In this area, however, the gravel generally occurs on hilltops, high above present-day streambeds, suggesting it was deposited by ancient rivers. A number of small pits have been dug to mine the gravel, which is used on roads and for other construction purposes. Quarries have also mined the county's limestone for crushed rock. The map shows both types of quarries.
The map, produced in full color, is drawn at a scale of 1:50,000, so that one inch on the map equals about three-fourths of a mile of actual distance. The map measures about 36 by 44 inches.
Copies of the new map are available from the Kansas Geological Survey, 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047; (785) 864-3965. The cost is $15 plus $4 for handling and postage. Kansas residents should add 6.9 percent sales tax to the cost of the entire order. More information about the maps and other survey products is available online.
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