Geologic maps are an important source of natural-resource information. Technically, these maps should be called bedrock geologic maps. Examples of bedrock that occur in Kansas are limestone, sandstone, and shale. This material, termed alluvium , is younger in terms of geologic time than the underlying bedrock. Windblown silt deposits are called loess .
Glacial drift is material transported by glaciers and deposited directly on the land.
A geologic map shows the distribution of rock units and other geologically related information within a specific geographic area. Each rock unit is identified and named based on distinctive characteristics that can be mapped over large distances. Geologic maps provide a way of presenting the three-dimensional shape of the bedrock geology on a flat piece of paper using lines, symbols, and colors. You may also want to visit the KGS Digital Geologic Mapping Page , containing information on maps available and sample county maps.