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The Delaware Geological Survey at the University of Delaware has released a new technical report that formally names two important water-bearing lithostratigraphic units in Sussex County.

Lithostratigraphy is a subdiscipline of geology concerned with the organization and systematic description of rocks and sediments based on their composition (gravel, sand, silt and clay) and relationships to other rocks and sediments.

The report, titled “The Cat Hill Formation and the Bethany Formation of Delaware,” provides information that is useful to geologists, hydrologists, water-resource and land-use managers, engineers and water well contractors, A. Scott Andres, DGS scientist and author of the report, said.

The Cat Hill Formation, which contains the Manokin aquifer, and the Bethany Formation, which contains the Pocomoke aquifer, are being increasingly used for water supply in eastern Sussex County as demand increases and shallower sources of water become less desirable for use. The report can help guide anticipated growth and economic development and can be used to support development and protection of groundwater resources, Andres said.

The new report, known as Investigations No. 67, is available in PDF format at the DGS web site [www.udel.edu/dgs/] under “Publications.” Printed copies of publications may be requested by calling (302) 831-2833, or by e-mail to [delgeosurvey@udel.edu].

Contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, or e-mail [mbugua@udel.edu]
September 17, 2004