How does the significant aquifers map relate to surficial materials and surficial geology maps?
Surficial materials maps show the actual field observations which help locate sand and gravel deposits. The geologist uses this information, in addition to air photos, topographic maps, soils maps, and wetlands maps to compile the surficial geology map. The aquifer mapper begins with the materials and surficial geology information and decides which of the sand and gravel deposits have the potential to be “significant” aquifers. In the end, the significant aquifer maps show a subset of the sand and gravel deposits mapped on the surficial geology map.
