An overview of the
Central Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition

The central Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio constitute one of the most productive and economically important regions in the country. The agriculture, industry, business, recreation, and ecology of these states are based on a common geologic heritage. During the past 1.8 million years, glaciers repeatedly advanced and retreated across the region, leaving behind a thick, complex blanket of intermixed layers of mud, clay, silt, sand, and gravel.
 
These glacial deposits contain bountiful resources-rich soils; plentiful ground water; minerals for construction; land for agriculture, development, recreation, and wildlife habitat; and lakes and rivers for recreation and wildlife habitat. These materials are also subject to natural hazards-floods, erosion, landslides, radon, and earthquakes-and manmade problems such as soil, sediment, and water contamination from point and nonpoint sources. Resulting land degradation has impaired and restricted human use and enjoyment of the land and caused degradation and loss of wildlife habitat.
 
The continued economic growth of the region and the security of its population and environment are related to fundamental issues involving land, water, mineral, and biological resources. Addressing the conflicting demands on these resources without adequate information can result in land-use decisions that are not compatible with sustainable development and a continued high quality of life for future generations. Decision-makers need knowledge of the glacial deposits-their characteristics, three-dimensional distribution, and thickness.
 
To provide this knowledge, a coalition of state and federal geological surveys (Illinois State Geological Survey, Indiana Geological Survey, Michigan Geological Survey Division, Ohio Division of Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey) has been formed to conduct the necessary studies in these four states to depict the three-dimensional nature of these glacial and related deposits and to interpret these data in cooperation with the user community for specific societal needs.
 
For more information about the Central Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition see USGS Information Circular 1190. http://pubs.usgs.gov/circular/c1190/c1190-72.pdf
 
Ohio Geological Survey Coalition efforts.

Source:
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey CIRCULAR 1190
Sustainable growth in America's heartland-3-D geologic maps as the foundation
By the Central Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition
Illinois State Geological Survey
Indiana Geological Survey
Michigan Geological Survey Division
Ohio Division of Geological Survey
U.S. Geological Survey