July 23, 2008

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) has released a new geologic map covering parts of Kane and Washington Counties, Utah, and Coconino and Mohave Counties, Arizona.

The map encompasses approximately 1,900 square miles of some of the most spectacular scenery and geology of Utah. Within its boundaries are parts of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and about one-third of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

"Colorful layers of sedimentary rock seen in this area range from approximately 280 to 45 million years old," said Buck Ehler, UGS GIS Analyst. Alternating hard and soft rock layers across the width of the map form some of the "risers" and "treads" of the "Grand Staircase." Basalt flows cover some areas. Also identified on the map are three major fault zones, the Sevier, Paunsaugunt, and Bald Knoll, and several smaller faults.

This map represents the most recent compilation of the geology for this area and incorporates new mapping in many places, particularly along the western quarter of the map area. The map and included data will be useful tool for federal, state, and county agencies along with consulting geologists, developers, researchers, and recreation enthusiasts.

The Geologic Map of the Kanab 30'x60' Quadrangle, Kane and Washington Counties, Utah and Coconino and Mohave Counties, Arizona (Miscellaneous Publication 08-2DM) is in digital format and includes Geographic Information System (GIS) data and two plates. Now available for $24.95 at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, located at 1594 West Temple, Salt Lake City (801-537-3320 or 1-888- UTAHMAP; geostore@utah.gov).

The map can be viewed on the UGS website at http://geology.utah.gov/maps/geomap/30x60/pdf/mp-08-2.pdf (37MB).

Mapping was jointly funded through a cooperative agreement between the UGS and the U.S. Geological Survey under the National Geologic Mapping Act.