16.2: What are the Essential Components of Geologic Maps?

 

What Are the Essential Components of Geologic Maps?

Most geologic maps have the following features (Figure 16.2):

  1. The map itself 
  2. The map legend or key that explains all the symbols on the map
  3. Geologic cross-section(s) of the map area. These will be explored further in the next chapter.
Map illustrating the geology of the metropolitan area, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties, California.

Figure 16.2: 1) Geologic map, 2) legend and 3) cross-sections. (Public Domain; R.W. Gramer/USGS Links to an external site.; modified by Chloe Branciforte)