About the Office of the Massachusetts State
Geologist
The Office of the Massachusetts State Geologist
is housed in the Geosciences
department at the University
of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is the equivalent of a state geological
survey. We have been in existence since Fall 2002. The office employs
a number of geologists, GIS technicians, and students who perform research
and disseminate earth science information about the Commonwealth. We
are also connected with a number of research and outreach programs at
the University.
For more information on who we are and
what we do, please read our mission statement below, and explore the
menu to the left to read News, find out more
about our Staff and Current
Projects, or read the most recent report
on the office's activities.
Our mission
is to:
- Perform research on the land, mineral, and water
resources of the state
- Coordinate/facilitate research and communication
among various agencies, researchers and stakeholders
- Collect, compile, analyze, correlate and preserve
all data pertaining to the geological environment
- Disseminate to the public all information leading
to a better understanding of the geology, hydrology, and natural environment
through the preparation of maps, databases, reports and other publications.
Our Immediate Goals:
- Promote and encourage geologic mapping within the Commonwealth
in support of land use, mineral use and water resource policy decision-making
by taking advantage of STATEMAP, FEDMAP, EDMAP and similar mapping programs
offered by the U.S. Geological Survey.
- Increase the visibility of the State Geologist’s
Office among state agencies and citizens of the Commonwealth.
- Complete surficial geologic map coverage at 1:24,000
scale for the entire state.
- Compile a statewide surficial materials map and Quaternary
history map at 1:100,000 scale.
- Expand bedrock and fracture characterization mapping
at 1:24,000 scale.
- Make all geologic quadrangle maps available as GIS
products through MassGIS and as downloadable images.
- Work to establish a centralized and standardized database
of subsurface geologic and environmental data.
- Create a web page for the citizens of the Commonwealth
to expedite the retrieval of geologic information and environmental
data.
- Promote collaboration with academia, state agencies,
the U.S. Geological Survey and other organizations on issues related
to the mission of the State Geologist Office
- Seek external funding for mapping efforts and new initiatives.
Questions / Comments / Problems with our website? Please
let us know: jkopera@geo.umass.edu
webpage last updated 7/2006
|