Cores collected from recent drilling in western Cape Cod, Massachusetts provide insight into the topography and petrology of the underlying bedrock. Cores from 64 drill sites spread over a approximately 140 km2 study area produced samples of granitoids (31), orthogneisses (20), basalts/diabases (4), amphibolites (3), felsic mylonites (2), and dolomitic rock (2). Granitoid composition ranges from granite to tonalite and quartz diorite, but it is dominated by two-feldspar granites. Hydrothermal alteration is common in nearly all cores as evidenced by the secondary growth of chlorite and epidote. Granitoids resemble rocks of the Dedham and Fall River plutons (Wones and Goldsmith, 1991). Gneisses generally contain the mineral assemblage K-feldspar+plagioclase+quartz+/-biotite+/- chlorite+/-muscovite+/-sphene+/-epidote+oxides. Amphibolites contain the assemblage hornblende+plagioclase+quartz+biotite+epidote+/-chlorite+/-sphen+/-K-feldspar+/-sericite+ oxides. Peak metamorphic grade based on mineral assemblages is estimated at lower amphibolite facies. X-ray powder diffraction of unmetamorphosed dolomitic cores shows presence of layered silicates (clays), plagioclase, and possible magnesite. Contours of the bedrock surface show locally irregular topography suggesting erosion by glacial scour. Lithologic distribution mapping suggests a possible continuation of the New Bedford gneissic terrane that outcrops 25 km to the west. Dolomitic rocks may represent a lithified fault gauge material at the eastern edge of the gneissic zone. Basalts/diabases are interpreted to be post-metamorphic dikes associated with Mesozoic rifting.
A GIS database of geologic units and structural features in Massachusetts, with lithology, age, data structure, and format written and arranged just like the other states.
The Digital Bedrock Geologic-GIS Map of Minuteman National Historical Site and Vicinity, Massachusetts is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) a 10.1 file geodatabase (mima_bedrock_geology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro map file (.mapx) file and individual Pro layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer), as well as with a 2.) 10.1 ArcMap (.mxd) map document (mima_bedrock_geology.mxd) and individual 10.1 layer (.lyr) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI 10.1 shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) this file (mima_geology.gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (mima_geology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (mima_bedrock_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the mima_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: http://www.google.com/earth/index.html. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri,htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: Boston College and U.S. Geological Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (mima_bedrock_geology_metadata.txt or mima_bedrock_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:24,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 25.4 meters or 83.3 feet of their actual location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).
This data set contains information on well yield and ancillary information at 7,287 wells in the bedrock aquifer in the Nashoba terrane in central and eastern Massachusetts. Well yield was compiled from records in databases and files of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Geological Survey. Ancillary data include well depth; bedrock geology, surficial geology, topographic setting, and wetlands at the well location; distance of the well to hydrologic and geologic features; and distance of the well to lineaments. The data in this data release were interpreted in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific-Investigations Report 2012-5155.
The Digital Bedrock Geologic-GIS Map of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Massachusetts is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) an ESRI file geodatabase (sair_bedrock_geology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro 3.X map file (.mapx) file (sair_bedrock_geology.mapx) and individual Pro 3.X layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) a readme file (sair_geology_gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (sair_geology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (sair_bedrock_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the sair_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri.htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: Massachusetts Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (sair_bedrock_geology_metadata.txt or sair_bedrock_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:24,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 12.2 meters or 40 feet of their actual location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).
Link to the ScienceBase Item Summary page for the item described by this metadata record. Service Protocol: Link to the ScienceBase Item Summary page for the item described by this metadata record. Application Profile: Web Browser. Link Function: information
This data release contains well yield and ancillary data for 7,287 bedrock wells used in an analysis of bedrock well yield in the Nashoba Terrane and surrounding area in eastern and central Massachusetts. The data release also contains Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers of lineaments delineated from aerial photographs and digital elevation data for a part of the Nashoba Terrane study area. Ancillary data consist of well depth; bedrock geology, surficial geology, topographic setting, and wetlands at the well location; distance of the well to hydrologic and geologic features; and distance of the well to lineaments. The data were interpreted in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific-Investigations Report 2012-5155, and a data layer of estimated well yield in 200 by 200 meter grid cells throughout the Nashoba Terrane and surrounding area, based on kriging of yield data from the 7,287 wells, is included in the data release. The data release contains 4 separate items: 1. Well yield and ancillary data for 7,287 bedrock wells 2. Well locations 3. Lineaments in a part of the study area 4. Estimated bedrock well yield from kriging of well yield data These data are associated with the following publication: DeSimone, L.A., and Barbaro, J.R., 2012, Yield of bedrock wells in the Nashoba terrane, central and eastern Massachusetts: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5155, 74 p., available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5155
no abstract provided
U.S. Government Workshttps://www.usa.gov/government-works
License information was derived automatically
These data are high-resolution seismic reflection profile data of the seafloor offshore of Massachusetts, from Nahant to Gloucester. Approximately 1,175 kms of seismic reflection profile data were collected using a Knudsen 320b chirp system Data were processed using SIOSEIS (Scripps Institute of Oceanography) and Seismic Unix (Colorado School of Mines) to produce segy files and jpg images of the profiles. Data were then imported into Landmark SeisWorks, an interactive computer system where horizons were interpreted and digitized to calculate depth to reflectors below the seafloor. Interpreted depth to reflectors were calculated, exported every 5 shots, and then imported to ArcGIS for interpolation into a 50-m raster grid. These data were used to generate a sediment isopach map, which shows the total thickness of sediment that overlies bedrock
The Stratified Deposits data layer is part of a comprehensive study to produce a statewide digital map of the surficial geology at a 1:24,000-scale. This compilation of surficial geologic materials defines the areas of exposed bedrock, and the boundaries between glacial till, glacial stratified deposits, and overlying postglacial deposits. The stratified deposits layer shows areas of glacial stratified deposits categorized as Coarse, Glaciolacustrine Fine, and Glaciomarine Fine. This data layer should be used in conjunction with the underlying till bedrock data layer and the overlying early postglacial and postglacial data layers. MassGIS stores this layer as SURFGEO24K_SD_POLY.
The data in this map service is a polygon feature class (converted from a 100-meter resolution raster dataset) that uses the hydraulic conductivity fields from SURFGEO24K_K_POLY, water table elevation from the statewide groundwater flow model, and bedrock altitude to calculate aquifer yield and minimum, maximum, and average transmissivity in square feet per day. Transmissivity was calculated as hydraulic conductivity multiplied by aquifer thickness. Aquifer thickness was determined by the water table elevation minus bedrock altitude. Transmissivity cutoff values to characterize aquifer yield were from the MassGIS Aquifers layer (AQUIFERS_POLY).The Hydrogeologic Atlas of Massachusetts provides data on the hydraulic properties of the statewide surficial aquifers. The datasets were developed using surficial geology, bedrock altitude, a statewide groundwater flow model, and a compilation of hydraulic property data from U.S. Geological Survey groundwater reports, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Zone II reports, and other Massachusetts-specific journal articles (a total of 23 sources).One of the goals of this project was to understand current and projected future groundwater flooding risks across the state. To understand groundwater flooding risks, we developed a statewide three-dimensional groundwater flow model to simulate the water table elevation. The Hydrogeologic Atlas of Massachusetts compiles new datasets developed as input into the groundwater model, groundwater model simulation results, and other statewide map products created through this project. For further information regarding the methods of this study see Corkran et al. (2024), a report submitted to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.Suggested Citation:Corkran, D., Kirshen, A., Moran, B.J., Blin, N., King, R., Bresee, M., & Boutt, D. (2024). Massachusetts State-wide Groundwater Model and Flooding Risk Assessment 1.0. Report funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and published on the ResilientMass website.See full metadata and the feature service.
The data in this map service uses the same polygons as the MassGIS 1:250,000 Surficial Geology data layer (SURFGEO250K_POLY) and includes minimum, maximum, and average specific yield for each surficial unit. Specific yield values were extracted from U.S. Geological Survey groundwater reports and Morris & Johnson (1967) (a total of 60 aquifer tests).The Hydrogeologic Atlas of Massachusetts provides data on the hydraulic properties of the statewide surficial aquifers. The datasets were developed using surficial geology, bedrock altitude, a statewide groundwater flow model, and a compilation of hydraulic property data from U.S. Geological Survey groundwater reports, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Zone II reports, and other Massachusetts-specific journal articles (a total of 23 sources).One of the goals of this project was to understand current and projected future groundwater flooding risks across the state. To understand groundwater flooding risks, we developed a statewide three-dimensional groundwater flow model to simulate the water table elevation. The Hydrogeologic Atlas of Massachusetts compiles new datasets developed as input into the groundwater model, groundwater model simulation results, and other statewide map products created through this project. For further information regarding the methods of this study see Corkran et al. (2024), a report submitted to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.Suggested Citation:Corkran, D., Kirshen, A., Moran, B.J., Blin, N., King, R., Bresee, M., & Boutt, D. (2024). Massachusetts State-wide Groundwater Model and Flooding Risk Assessment 1.0. Report funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and published on the ResilientMass website.See full metadata and the feature service.
These data are high-resolution acoustic backscatter measurements of the seafloor from Boston Harbor and the harbor approaches, Massachusetts. Approximately 170 km? of sidescan sonar data were collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ship Whiting in 2000 and 2001 and reprocessed by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
no abstract provided
This record is maintained in the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB). The NGMDB is a Congressionally mandated national archive of geoscience maps, reports, and stratigraphic information, developed according to standards defined by the cooperators, i.e., the USGS and the Association of American State Geologists (AASG). Included in this system is a comprehensive set of publication citations, stratigraphic nomenclature, downloadable content, unpublished source information, and guidance on standards development. The NGMDB contains information on more than 90,000 maps and related geoscience reports published from the early 1800s to the present day, by more than 630 agencies, universities, associations, and private companies. For more information, please see http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/.
This data set is line data layer of lineaments delineated in the Ayer, Hudson, Marlborough, and Westford quadrangles from shaded Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The lineaments are used in an analysis of well yield in the Nashoba Bedrock Terrane in central and eastern Massachusetts that is described in USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5155. Only lineaments identified independently by both of two independent observers are included.
This geographic information system (GIS) data layer shows the dominant lithology and geochemical, termed lithogeochemical, character of near-surface bedrock in the New England region covering the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The bedrock units in the map are generalized into groups based on their lithological composition and, for granites, geochemistry. Geologic provinces are defined as time-stratigraphic groups that share common features of age of formation, geologic setting, tectonic history, and lithology. This data set incorporates data from digital maps of two NAWQA study areas, the New England Coastal Basin (NECB) and the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames River Basins (CONN) areas and extends data to cover the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The result is a regional dataset for the lithogeochemical characterization of New England (the layer named NE_LITH). Polygons in the final coverage are attributed according to state, drainage area, geologic province, general rock type, lithogeochemical characteristics, and specific bedrock map unit.
The Sawmill Mountain quadrangle is located in the western Transverse Ranges of California, about 10 km west of Frazier Park. It includes Mt. Pinos, Mt. Abel (Cerro Noroeste), a part of the southern San Emigdio Mountains, and straddles an eleven-kilometer reach of the nearly east-west striking "Big Bend" section of the San Andreas Fault. South of the San Andreas Fault, the oldest rocks include undated amphibolite-grade biotite and hornblende-biotite gneiss that is probably early or middle Proterozoic in age. The older gneiss is intruded by strongly deformed and foliated biotite orthogneiss that has an age on biotite of 67.2+0.5 Ma (Late Cretaceous). Several other weakly foliated to massive Late Cretaceous granitic plutons intrude the orthogneiss, one of which has a 40Ar/39Ar on biotite of 65.9+0.2 Ma. The youngest granitic pluton, the coarse-grained, locally porphyritic granite of Mt. Pinos, is undated, but assumed to be Late Cretaceous in age. These granitic and gneissic rocks were thrust northward over Pelona Schist, which has a 40Ar/39Ar age on muscovite of 63.24+0.26 Ma. All crystalline rocks were subsequently thrust westward on the Abel Mountain thrust over rocks of the Miocene Caliente Formation. A thick section of Eocene to Pliocene sedimentary and igneous rocks is exposed in the quadrangle. In the south part of the quadrangle, lacustrine and fluvial sediments and basaltic volcanic rocks of the Plush Range Formation are in fault contact with Eocene marine shales and, across the Big Pine fault, are mostly in fault contact with rocks of the Miocene Caliente Formation; locally, the Caliente unconformably overlies the rocks of the Plush Ranch Formation. The Caliente is unconformably overlain by the distinctive Lockwood Clay, which is successively overlain by the Pliocene Quatal and Morales Formations. Rocks north of the San Andreas Fault are mostly Early Cretaceous tonalite and granodiorite containing strongly hornfelsed roof pendants of marble, metasandstone, and metapelite. Some of these rocks have been thrust over a mid-Tertiary marine section of sandstones and silicic shales. The San Andreas Fault zone is as wide as 0.7 km and occupies a valley across most of the quadrangle. It is characterized by linear scarps, grabens, sag ponds and contains several enigmatic fault-bounded phacoids of exotic rocks apparently derived from many kilometers east of the quadrangle. Many of the prominent scarps probably resulted from the giant Ft. Tejon earthquake of 1859.
The data layers in this map service published by MassGIS are part of a comprehensive study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to produce a statewide digital map of the surficial geology at a 1:24,000-scale level of accuracy. This compilation of surficial geologic materials defines the areas of exposed bedrock, and the boundaries between glacial till, glacial stratified deposits, and overlying early-postglacial and postglacial deposits. The database defines the distribution of nonlithified earth materials at the land surface and differentiates surficial materials of Quaternary age on the basis of their lithologic characteristics, constructional geomorphic features, stratigraphic relationships, and age. The purpose of this study is to provide fundamental geologic data for the evaluation of natural resources, hazards, and land information within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More details...
no abstract provided
Cores collected from recent drilling in western Cape Cod, Massachusetts provide insight into the topography and petrology of the underlying bedrock. Cores from 64 drill sites spread over a approximately 140 km2 study area produced samples of granitoids (31), orthogneisses (20), basalts/diabases (4), amphibolites (3), felsic mylonites (2), and dolomitic rock (2). Granitoid composition ranges from granite to tonalite and quartz diorite, but it is dominated by two-feldspar granites. Hydrothermal alteration is common in nearly all cores as evidenced by the secondary growth of chlorite and epidote. Granitoids resemble rocks of the Dedham and Fall River plutons (Wones and Goldsmith, 1991). Gneisses generally contain the mineral assemblage K-feldspar+plagioclase+quartz+/-biotite+/- chlorite+/-muscovite+/-sphene+/-epidote+oxides. Amphibolites contain the assemblage hornblende+plagioclase+quartz+biotite+epidote+/-chlorite+/-sphen+/-K-feldspar+/-sericite+ oxides. Peak metamorphic grade based on mineral assemblages is estimated at lower amphibolite facies. X-ray powder diffraction of unmetamorphosed dolomitic cores shows presence of layered silicates (clays), plagioclase, and possible magnesite. Contours of the bedrock surface show locally irregular topography suggesting erosion by glacial scour. Lithologic distribution mapping suggests a possible continuation of the New Bedford gneissic terrane that outcrops 25 km to the west. Dolomitic rocks may represent a lithified fault gauge material at the eastern edge of the gneissic zone. Basalts/diabases are interpreted to be post-metamorphic dikes associated with Mesozoic rifting.