Digital database of the Surficial Geologic Map of Nebraska

Surficial geologic mapping in Nebraska has been conducted primarily at the 1:24,000 scale since the mid-1990s, although there have also been limited efforts to map generalized Quaternary and surficial geology within the state and the region. We compiled and evaluated disparate maps (1:24,000 to 1:1,000,000) and datasets—including geologic, soil and soil parent material, and geomorphic maps as well as LiDAR data—to produce a single 1:500,000 scale surficial geologic map of Nebraska that is the first of its kind. This new map provides a coarse-scale surficial geologic map that will be incorporated into a nationwide U.S. Geological Survey Quaternary geologic map (Barrette et al., 2025; Johnstone et al., 2025). It also reflects the variability and uniqueness of physical landscapes in the state, where two physiographic provinces meet, further developing a richer interdisciplinary understanding of regional geomorphology in the heart of North America.