3:27 p.m., Nov. 7, 2007--The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) at the University of Delaware has released a new geologic map on the geology of Kent County, titled, “Geologic Map of Kent County, Delaware.” The map is the second in a series of three county-wide geologic maps showing geologic formations found at the land surface. A similar map of New Castle County was released in 2006.

The maps provide geologic information on a county-wide scale that can be used for determining the geology of watersheds, recognizing the relationship between geology and regional environmental or land-use issues, identifying potential locations of sand and gravel resources and providing geologic data for local land-use and regulatory planning decisions.

When used in conjunction with subsurface geologic information, the maps aid in locating water supplies for public, domestic, agriculture, and industrial use, mapping groundwater recharge areas and protecting ground and surface water resources.

Groundwater provides nearly all fresh water for public, domestic, commercial, irrigation and industrial uses in Delaware south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and about 25 percent north of the Canal.

The new map, also known as Geologic Map No. 14, includes cross-section views of the stratigraphic units that lie beneath the surficial units depicted on the map. Many of the subsurface units function as aquifers and are used for public, domestic, irrigation and industrial water supplies. Also included are descriptions and ages of all the units shown on the map and cross-sections.

The new map documents a combination of several ongoing DGS projects to map the geology of Delaware and was funded, in part, by a STATEMAP grant from the Association of American State Geologists and the U.S. Geological Survey.

This map is part of the Delaware Geological Survey's ongoing mission to understand geologic and hydrologic systems and to advise, inform and educate Delawareans about the results of such investigations for use in agriculture, water resources, economic development, land-use planning, environmental protection, public health, mineral resources, recreation and emergency planning, response and recovery.

Geologic Map Series No. 14 is available in PDF format at [www.udel.edu/dgs/Publications/pubform.html#geologic]. Printed copies of the publication may be requested by contacting DGS at (302) 831-2833 or via e-mail to [delgeosurvey@udel.edu].