DGS releases new geologic map of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island area

The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) has published a new geologic map of the Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island area in eastern Sussex County titled Geologic Map of the Bethany Beach and Assawoman Bay Quadrangles, Delaware.

Geologic Map 18 presents the results of research by Kelvin W. Ramsey and Jaime Tomlinson of the DGS and is the first web-only map published by the DGS.

The map illustrates and describes the geologic units found at the land surface and in the shallow subsurface in the map area. The purpose of the map is to provide geologic information that can be used to define the geology of watersheds, to support regulatory land use decision-making and to identify potential locations of sand and gravel resources. When used in conjunction with subsurface geologic information, the map can be used to aid in locating water supplies for public, domestic, agricultural and industrial use, for mapping groundwater recharge areas and for protecting groundwater and surface water resources in a rapidly developing portion of Sussex County.

The map contains detailed descriptions and ages of all units presented on the map as well as cross sections that show stratigraphic units underlying the surficial units. The map also includes the seafloor geology just north of Indian River Inlet to the Maryland state line and from the shoreline to a distance of approximately 2.5 miles offshore.

The map is part of the Delaware Geological Survey’s ongoing mission to understand geologic and hydrologic systems and to advise, inform, and educate Delawareans about the results of such investigations for use in issues regarding surface and groundwater resources, agriculture, economic development, land-use planning, environmental protection, resource evaluation, engineering applications, hazard identification and mitigation, and recreation.

DGS Geologic Map No. 18 is available as a PDF to view online or as a downloadable product from the DGS web page.

For questions and information, contact DGS at
delgeosurvey@udel.edu, 302-831-2833

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