The Arizona Geologic Survey has released an online version of the geologic map of Arizona. It uses a Google Maps interface, and allows you to zoom in on any area in the state to view the geologic units overlaid on a Google base map or satellite image. You can adjust the level of transparency of the map and view the unit descriptions as well. They have set the bar high for other geologic surveys! [Source: Arizona Geologic Survey via Geology.com. Image: Geology.com]
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Earth Fissures in the News
Arizona State Geologist Lee Allison blogged about some recent news coverage of earth fissures as a result of the AZGS’ release of the first of their earth fissure maps. Here is what he said:
The East Valley Tribune published an extensive set of news features on earth fissures in their Sunday edition, including timeline, maps, videos, and an animation of how fissures form.
KPHO, CBS channel 5 in Phoenix, also has a nice video segment with great aerial shots of the 2005 fissure in Chandler Heights that triggered the recent interest in this hazard.
Here is the video he was referring to.
Landslide on Arizona SR 87 Closes Highway
On March 21, 2008 a landslide caused the closure of Arizona State Route 87 between Payson and Phoenix near mile post 224. So far there are no official estimates as to the size, but based on aerial photos, it appears to be at least 50,000 sq-ft in plan. The offset at the head scarps was approximately 2-meters (6.6-ft) according to AZGS Geologists on site. It appears to have been a rotational slide as the toe of the landslide heaved the southbound roadway up by as much as 1-meter (3.3 ft). There was an existing soil-nail retaining wall on the slope that was destroyed by the slide as well. Lateral deformations can be seen in photos of the median barrier and the roadway striping. The deformations extended into the northbound lanes as well. More photos and links after the break. (Photo by ADOT)