Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)
Work done by GLGMC member states has been used to make wise decisions at all levels.
GLGMC projects range from core drilling to creating detailed 3D subsurface maps of glacial sediments in the region.
The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes Region. This region includes 8 U.S. States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian Province of Ontario.
During the last million years, the Great Lakes region has been subjected to several glacial advances and retreats, resulting in profound effects on the landscape and extensive deposition of sand, gravel, and mud.
The Coalition member states are linked by commonalities of:
- glaciation history
- sand and gravel resources
- Great Lakes ecology
- industrial agriculture
- legacy automotive, coal, steel, and manufacturing industries
Members work collaboratively to advance the understanding of the three-dimensional (3-D) distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments overlying the bedrock of the Great Lakes region. Understanding the subsurface 3-D framework of the glaciated region is necessary to provide decision-makers at all levels with the critical earth-science data needed to make wise decisions regarding the exploration, use, and protection of vital resources such as critical minerals, industrial materials, and aquifers, thus contributing to the economic prosperity and well-being of the citizens of this geologically unique region.
"Geologic maps are like journal articles in graphic form."
-Richard Berg, Illinois State Geological Survey
As one Coalition geologist stated, "geologic maps are like journal articles in graphic form" making the essential information they contain accessible to a wide range of audiences from scientists to decision makers and industry partners, to the general public. This statement underscores the vital role geologic maps play in benefiting society.
For a bit of context, the following block diagrams compare artistic illustrations of what the Earth's surface would have looked like during the last ice age with present day land usage. Scroll between the two to explore how we benefit today from sediments left behind when the glaciers retreated.
Click the images below to learn more about the critical science projects being conducted by our GLGMC partners.
Current Projects
GLGMC Science in Action
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Glaciated Regions Project
GLGMC Science in Action
GLGMC Current Projects
FEDMAP
STATEMAP
EDMAP
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB)
The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated terrain of the Great Lakes Region. This region includes 8 U.S. States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the Canadian Province of Ontario.
During the last million years, the Great Lakes region has been subjected to several glacial advances and retreats, resulting in profound effects on the landscape and extensive deposition of sand, gravel, and mud.
The Coalition member states are linked by commonalities of:
- glaciation history
- sand and gravel resources
- Great Lakes ecology
- industrial agriculture
- legacy automotive, coal, steel, and manufacturing industries
Members work collaboratively to advance the understanding of the three-dimensional (3-D) distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial sediments overlying the bedrock of the Great Lakes region. Understanding the subsurface 3-D framework of the glaciated region is necessary to provide decision-makers at all levels with the critical earth-science data needed to make wise decisions regarding the exploration, use, and protection of vital resources such as critical minerals, industrial materials, and aquifers, thus contributing to the economic prosperity and well-being of the citizens of this geologically unique region.
"Geologic maps are like journal articles in graphic form."
-Richard Berg, Illinois State Geological Survey
As one Coalition geologist stated, "geologic maps are like journal articles in graphic form" making the essential information they contain accessible to a wide range of audiences from scientists to decision makers and industry partners, to the general public. This statement underscores the vital role geologic maps play in benefiting society.
For a bit of context, the following block diagrams compare artistic illustrations of what the Earth's surface would have looked like during the last ice age with present day land usage. Scroll between the two to explore how we benefit today from sediments left behind when the glaciers retreated.
Click the images below to learn more about the critical science projects being conducted by our GLGMC partners.
Current Projects
GLGMC Science in Action
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Glaciated Regions Project
GLGMC Science in Action
GLGMC Current Projects
FEDMAP
STATEMAP
EDMAP