Phanerozoic

Overview

Geological mapping is in the long-term national interest in most countries, and is carried out independently of time constraints and specific needs, geared to the needs of decision makers in government and industry, those engaged in research, and the general public that use and value geologic information. A geologic map shows the distribution, relationship, and composition of the Earth’s surface, including rocks and surficial deposits as well as structural features such as faults and folds. Geological maps are used to interpret the structure, stratigraphy, paleontology and the development of the Earth’s crust with time. The maps are the foundation of most earth science studies and are also used in the search for energy and mineral resources, including industrial minerals (e.g. phosphate, limestone, dolomite), and metallic minerals. Geological maps are often used in conjunction with topographic mapping, aerial photographs and satellite imagery in order to give a clearer understanding of the surface of the earth and environmental conditions.

Recognizing the need to have up-to-date geologic information for the nation, the Saudi Geological Survey and its predecessors have been engaged in systematic 1 by 1.5 degree quadrangle geologic mapping of the country at 1:250,000 scale for the past several decades. This has included the study of the lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and the paleoenvironment of the rock units, and the data generated is added to the GIS database at SGS. Specialist maps focus on particular aspects, such as structural and tectonic studies, marine and coastal geology, geodesy, and environmental issues. The value of the geologic mapping is also shown by the economic gain resulting from the use of the maps in the search for mineral resources.

Objectives

• Complete systematic 1 by 1.5 degree quadrangle
   geologic mapping of the cover rocks at 1:250,000
   scale.
• Preparation of complete geologic map coverage of
   Saudi Arabia at 1:250,000 scale to international
   standards.
• Establishment of a digital geologic map database
   for Saudi Arabia.
• Publication of geologic maps in digital and hard
   copy formats.
• Updating the stratigraphic nomenclature of the
   Phanerozoic rock units to ensure consistency
   between the published quadrangles for the
   1:250,000 geologic maps series of SGS.
• Documenting the extension of structures, studying
   solution-collapse structures (geohazards) and the
   depositional environment of the rock units, and
   undertaking regional structural interpretations and
   locating areas with industrial mineral resources

Geological Mapping at SGS

Maps are compiled using field observations, aerial
photographs, remote sensing and thematic mapper
images, topographic maps at various scales, and
laboratory analyses of samples collected in the field.
Geological maps and the accompanying explanatory
notes are published by the SGS publication unit.

Geological Services
Technical expertise, advice and services in all
aspects of mapping of sedimentary rocks can
be provided by SGS. This is available to the
governmental and private sectors, as well as to
those engaged in academic research.

Publications:

The department produces geosciences maps at 1:250,000 scale with explanatory notes.
Recent publication
Geologic map of the Judayyidat 'Ar ' Ar quadrangle, sheet 31E, and Faydat Al Adyan quadrangle, sheet 31F.
Publication in preparation
Geologic map of As Sulayyil quadrangle, sheet 20H

Geological Services:

Technical expertise, advice and services in all aspects of mapping of sedimentary rocks can be provided by SGS. This is available to the governmental and private sectors, as well as to those engaged in academic research.