Summary
Federal programs — STATEMAP and Earth MRI — provide Arkansas with essential geologic mapping that supports public health, groundwater development, natural heritage protection, and academic research.
STATEMAP & Earth MRI
- Public Water Supply & Health:
- Arkansas Department of Health uses maps to guide casing decisions for public wells.
- Mapping assists municipalities and rural communities in selecting new well sites, ensuring greater access to safe drinking water.
- Hydrogeologic Framework:
- Provides elevations and thicknesses of aquifer systems, refining the state’s hydrogeology for water resource planning.
- Natural Areas & Biodiversity:
- Arkansas Department of Natural Heritage uses geologic maps to identify sites where unique geology and landforms create habitats for rare plant species.
- These areas are then incorporated into the Arkansas Natural Areas System.
- Research & Education:
- Updated maps are used by universities to refine undifferentiated geologic units.
- Field notes from mapping projects provide new research sites that would otherwise go unrecognized.
Impact for Arkansas:
- Ensures safe, sustainable public water supplies, especially in rural areas.
- Supports state conservation goals by protecting unique geologic and ecological areas.
- Strengthens academic research and workforce development through new geologic insights.
- Provides a stronger scientific foundation for statewide groundwater and resource planning.