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ScoutDadNC

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Does anyone know a general research site that I can use to find out about the geological history of my area. I have been told that the area that I live in has some areas that I could use as an Earth Cache. But I am having a hard time trying to find information.

 

If someone can point me in the right direction it would be helpful.

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Does anyone know a general research site that I can use to find out about the geological history of my area. I have been told that the area that I live in has some areas that I could use as an Earth Cache. But I am having a hard time trying to find information.

 

If someone can point me in the right direction it would be helpful.

Although 'the internet' is a great resource, a lot of information is rather general and/or not quite accurate/current. So I quite often suggest to go to your local library to get (scientific) books or articles on the topic/area you are interested in, as these usually provide more specific and accurate information. Or if they don't have the books you want, let them order those from other libraries (though I don't know how easy that is in the USA, for Western Europe this usually is not a problem and mostly free of charge).

 

Cheers,

 

GeoawareGBL

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GSA receives lots of questions about where to get reliable geoscience information to use for the development of EarthCaches.

 

Here are some ideas:

 

1. Don’t just rely on the Internet. Much of the best geoscience information will be found in books and journals, some of which may not be available online. Look at your local public library, university library, book store, etc.

2. Look for the most up to date information sources available. Geoscience is a rapidly changing field, so an old book about the geology of Georgia, published in 1962, may contain obsolete information or factual errors.

3. Mountain Press publishes two series of books that are great for EarthCaching:

Roadside Geology - http://mountain-press.com/series_detail.php?series_key=2

Geology Underfoot - http://mountain-press.com/series_detail.php?series_key=8&series_name=Geology%20Underfoot

4. Many local universities have earth science departments that can be a good information resource. Check their website, look for public visiting hours, a lending library, a museum/exhibit area, or staff who have time to provide assistance.

5. Local science or natural history museums often have exhibits, books, and staff that can provide information about an area’s geology.

6. Most countries and states/provinces have a “Geological Survey”, or a similar agency that is responsible for earth science information and resources. In the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey is the national agency responsible for earth science: www.usgs.gov. The Association of American State Geologists maintains a lists of state-based agencies that deal with earth science: http://www.stategeologists.org/surveys.php

7. The EarthCache program is coordinated by Geocaching.com and the Geological Society of America (GSA). Many nations, states/provinces, and even some smaller regions have their own geological societies, which can serve as a good source of local earth science information. Here is a list of societies affiliated with GSA: http://www.geosociety.org/divisions/. Here’s an example of a state-based society, the West Texas Geological Society: http://www.wtgs.org/. Your area may have its own geological society as well.

8. A good geologic map is indispensable when developing EarthCaches: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geologic_map. These are often provided by agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or state-based geological surveys.

9. Your local reviewer may be able to point you to resources, but keep in my mind some reviewers cover large areas.

10. Check other caches in the area, and if they provide links or resources, they may be useful to you also.

 

(I will soon add this info to the EarthCache.org website.)

 

--Matt, GeoawareHQ

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