416/Maryland Manual

maps. In addition, the Committee receives reports
from the U.S. Geological Survey on the status of
mapping in Maryland; makes recommendations for
map funding and revision; and considers computer
mapping techniques and methods of developing
Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The Committee includes representatives from
the Department of the Environment, Department
of Natural Resources, Maryland Agricultural Land
Preservation Foundation, State Department of As-
sessments and Taxation, State Highway Ad-
ministration, Salisbury State University Towson
State University Maryland-National Capital Park
and Planning Commission, Baltimore Regional
Council of Governments, Office of Planning,
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Har-
ford County Government, Queen Anne's County
Department of Planning and Zoning, Baltimore
City Department of Public Works, Baltimore Gas
and Electric Company, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and U.S. Geological Survey

COMMISSION OF THE MARYLAND
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Dr. M. Gordon Wolman, Chairperson

Appointed by Secretary of Natural Resources: John E.
Carey, 1991; Dr. F. Pierce Linaweaver, 1993; Dr.
Robert W. Ridky, 1994; Thomas 0. Nuttle, 1995.

The Commission of the Maryland Geological
Survey advises the Director on matters concerning
the Survey The Commission's five members are
appointed by the Secretary of Natural Resources
(Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 2-204).

HYDROGEOLOGY & HYDROLOGY
PROGRAM
Dr. Harry J. Hansen, Chief
554-5554

The Hydrogeology and Hydrology Program
was formed in 1972. In cooperation with the U.S.
Geological Survey, the Program maintains a
statewide water data network and investigates the
hydrologic and geologic characteristics of
Maryland's resources.
The surface water data network provides infor-
mation on minimum, maximum and average
streamflows for the planning of water supply and
sewage facilities, water power projects, dams and
bridges. The ground water network measures water
levels in aquifers and selected springs and relates
changes in ground water levels to withdrawals and
precipitation. The ground water network also
monitors the hydrologic effects of long-term chan-
ges in pumpage, land use patterns, and rainfall.
Special studies undertaken with local and county
governments include the extent of saltwater in-
trusion, aquifer and streamflow characteristics,

water quality and rates of replenishment, and water
well sampling for basic chemistry, nutrients, radon
and either industrial organic constituents, or
agricultural herbicide or pesticide residues.

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY & MINERAL
RESOURCES PROGRAM
Dr. James P. Reger,Acring Chief
554-5523

The Environmental Geology and Mineral Resour-
ces Program makes geologic, environmental and
topographic maps and investigates mineraland energy
resources. Program studies provide an earth science
framework for managing Maryland's mineral, energy
and land resources. The Program was created in 1972
from the former Geologic Investigations Program and
the Topographic Maps Program.
Topographic maps are used by the public for
activities such as hiking and camping and by State
and local governments for a myriad of technical and
planning applications. Geologic maps provide data
about the kinds of rocks and the location of minerals
(predominantly sand, gravel, stone, and coal) and
provide background for the intelligent planning
and use of Maryland's geologic natural resources.

The Program has opened a new Geologic Ex-
hibits and Visitors Center at Sideling Hill in western
Maryland. Through the Survey's library and the
Earth Science Information Center, aerial photos
and large-scale maps are available to the public and
private industry.

COASTAL & ESTUARINE GEOLOGY
PROGRAM
Randall T. Kerhin, Chief
554-5544

Created in 1971 from the Shore Erosion Inves-
tigation Program, the Coastal and Estuarine Geol-
ogy Program investigates the geologic framework
and resources of the State's coastal environments
extending from the barrier island of the Atlantic
Ocean tn the wetlands and shorelines of
Chesapeake Bay. Orthophoto quadrangle maps
from aerial photography, combined with historical
shoreline erosion maps, provide the basis to
evaluate shoreline changes in the Bay region.
Using the Survey's research vessel, the
geochemical components and physical features of
the sediments are being monitored around the
Hart-Miller Island Containment Facility
In 1975, the Chesapeake Bay Earth Science
Study was added to the Program. The Study was
initiated to determine the distribution of sands,
silts, and clays; identify the patterns of erosion and
deposition of these sediments; and analyze the
geochemistry of the pore waters in these sediments.