A cartographic representation depicts the surface and subsurface geology of the Commonwealth. It uses colors, symbols, and patterns to show the distribution of various rock units, geological structures like faults and folds, and surficial deposits. These maps are products of extensive fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation by geologists.
Such depictions are critical tools for resource management, hazard assessment, and land-use planning. They provide essential information for identifying potential sources of economically valuable minerals, evaluating groundwater resources, and mitigating risks associated with landslides, sinkholes, and earthquakes. Historically, their creation has aided in understanding the region’s complex geological history and its impact on landscape formation and resource availability.