Geologic map of the Alva 30¢ X 60¢ quadrangle, Alfalfa, Grant, Major, Woods, and Woodward Counties, Oklahoma

Frequently asked questions:
•	What does the data describe? 
•	How should the data be cited? 
•	What geographic area does the data cover?
•	What does it look like?
•	Does the data describe conditions during a particular time period? 
•	How are geographic features stored in the data? 
•	What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features? 
•	How does the data describe geographic features? 
•	Who are the originators of the data? 
•	Who also contributed to the data? 
•	To whom should users address questions about the data? 
•	Why was the data created? 
•	From what previous works were the data drawn? 
•	How were the data generated, processed, and modified? 
•	How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data? 
•	Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data? 
•	Who distributes the data? 
•	What's the catalog number I need to order the data? 
•	What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read? 
•	How can I download or order the data? 
•	Who wrote the metadata? 

What does the data describe?
Title: Geologic map of the Alva 30¢ X 60¢ quadrangle, Alfalfa, Grant, Major, Woods, and Woodward Counties, Oklahoma.

Abstract: The geologic map of the Alva quadrangle was compiled from existing, previously published geologic maps (listed on map and below) and from field reconnaissance by the authors. The reconnaissance geology was compiled onto modern 7.5¢ topographic quadrangles; the geology was subsequently digitized for ultimate publication at a scale of 1:100,000. This map was published originally as Open-File Report OF16-2003. The map has been transferred from Open-File Reports to Oklahoma Geologic Quadrangle Maps and now revised and published as Oklahoma Geologic Quadrangle OGQ-42.

How should the data be cited? 

Miller, Galen W.; and Stanley, Thomas M., 2003, Geologic map of the Alva 30¢ X 60¢ quadrangle, Alfalfa, Grant, Major, Woods, and Woodward Counties, Oklahoma: Oklahoma Geological Survey Oklahoma Geologic Quadrangle OGQ-42, scale 1:100,000.
What geographic area does the data cover?
West Bounding Coordinate: -99.00
East Bounding Coordinate: -98.00
North Bounding Coordinate: 37.00
South Bounding Coordinate: 36.50
What does it look like?
A PDF of the published geologic map, a zipped (ZIP) file containing all the geologic map features in an ESRI shapefile format, and a metadata document
Does the data describe conditions during a particular time period?
Calendar Date: 2003
Currentness Reference: Publication date 
How are geographic features stored in the data?
PDF and ESRI shapefile format
What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
Grid Coordinate System: Universal Transverse Mercator
UTM Zone: 14N
Scale Factor at Central Meridian: 0.99960
Longitude of Central Meridian: -99.00
Latitude of Projection Origin: 0.00
False Easting: 500000.00
False Northing: 0.00
Planar Coordinates: Meters
Horizontal Datum: North American Datum 1927 (NAD27)
Ellipsoid: Clarke 1866
Semi-Major Axis of the Ellipsoid: 6378206.40
Flattening of the Ellipsoid: 1/294.9786980
How does the data describe geographic features?
The published geologic map of the Alva 30¢ X 60¢ quadrangle uses a digital U.S. Geological Survey 1:100,000 topographic base map, where symbols and line work are the same as those found on the published U.S. Geological Survey 1:100,000 paper topographic map for the quadrangle. Geologic symbols and line work are shown in the explanation on the map. Structural information and how the areal extent of geologic units is shown, also are typical of geologic maps published by the USGS and other state geological surveys. The PDF file is a digital representation of a paper geologic map and all the topographic and geologic symbols are the same as those used on commonly used and widely accessible federal- and state-survey-produced geologic maps. The geologic symbols conform closely, but not exact in every case, to the FGDC Digital Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization. The ESRI shapefiles of the geologic map can be symbolized by the user to represent the published map or other geologic standards.
Who are the originators of the data?
Geologists: Galen W. Miller and Thomas M. Stanley
Digital Cartographer: G. Russell Standridge
Who also contributed to the data?
Manager of OGS Cartographic Section: James H. Anderson
To whom should users address questions about the data?
Thomas M. Stanley
Oklahoma Geological Survey
100 E. Boyd St., Rm. N-131
Norman, Oklahoma  73019
Phone: (405) 325-3031
Fax: (405) 325-7069
E-mail: tmstanley@ou.edu
Why was the data created?
The data was created to provide a geologic map of the Alva 30¢ X 60¢ quadrangle. The map or any parts of it can be printed or viewed at a variety of scales and be used in many ways by homeowners, landowners, civil engineers, land-use planners, government agencies, businesses, etc. This map data is not meant to be used or displayed at any scale larger than 1:100,000 (e.g., 1:62,500 or 1:24,000).
From what previous works were the data drawn?
Cederstrand, J.R., 1996, Digital geologic map of the Woodward quadrangle, south-central Oklahoma:  U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report OFR-96-381, scale 1:250,000.
Fay, R.O., 1961, Geology and mineral resources of Woods County, Oklahoma: Oklahoma Geological Survey Bulletin 106, 189 p.
Jeary, G.L., 1961, Areal geology of western Major County, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma unpublished M.S. thesis, 130 p.
Morton, R.B., 1980, Reconnaissance of the water resources of the Woodward quadrangle, northwestern Oklahoma:  Oklahoma Geological Survey Hydrological Atlas HA-8, 4 sheets, scale 1:250,000.
Muir, J.L., 1933, Sedimentary studies of the Blaine Formation, University of Oklahoma: unpublished M.S. thesis, 132 p.
Sorrel, F.D., 1961, Areal geology of Quinlan area, Woodward County, Oklahoma:  University of Oklahoma unpublished M.S. thesis, 79 p.
How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

The geology from previously published maps was redrawn by hand onto 32 modern 7.5¢ topographic maps. Differences in geologic contacts and distribution of geologic units were noted. The 7.5¢ topographic maps were taken into the field and used as the base maps for revising the geology of the area. The geologists field checked all the geologic contacts and distribution of units and, where necessary, modified or reinterpreted previously published data. In general, most of the field checking was done in areas that were readily accessible by vehicles; contacts and units were then projected to those areas that were not checked directly.

The geology was digitized at a scale of 1:24,000 from revisions drawn on 32 modern 7.5¢ topographic maps with each map unit as a separate layer in an ESRI shapefile format. All shapefiles are then assembled together and overlain by a USGS 1:100,000-scale topographic base map and checked for errors. Symbology and labels were designated for a final map layout at 1:100,000 scale. The final map was then converted to a PDF and published on a CD as Open-File Report OF16-2003. 

OF16-2003 has been transferred to new map series called Oklahoma Geologic Quadrangle Maps. This new series offers digital data download via the OGS website. All quadrangle maps in this new series were reviewed and edited for continuity and consistency. OF16-2003 became published as Oklahoma Geologic Quadrangle OGQ-42 as a PDF along with the data files in ESRI shapefile format.
How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data?
The geologic map is based on reconnaissance field checking of previously existing geologic maps and interpretation by the authors. Most of the contacts bordering Quaternary units are gradational. There may be several different units that are included within the unit labeled “Older Alluvium” – differentiation of these units is an important unstudied geologic issue. The distinction between “Cover Sand” and “Dune Sand” is based on the lack of definite dune structures having positive topographic relief in the former unit. Both units probably formed via similar aeolian processes, but not necessarily at the same time, even though they may be juxtaposed. Gypsite refers to a unique lithostratigraphic unit associated with the Great Salt Plains Lake, consisting of an intermixing of sediments of fluvial and probable laucustrine origins. Large, well-developed crystals of selenite will annually precipitate out of solution at the sediment/groundwater interface. The contact between the Hennessey Formation and Flowerpot Shale is extremely subjective, and is based on slight weathering differences between the two units. The Flowerpot Shale tends to be slightly more indurated than the Hennessey, and therefore will exhibit slightly greater topographic relief on average. Thin beds and stringers of gypsum are also slightly more common in the Flowerpot relative to the Hennessey.

The format of the data as an ESRI shapefile was originally used as a cartographic tool for constructing a printable map. The map was digitized at a scale of 1:24,000 from 7.5¢ topographic maps. Errors may exist from the digitizing process done at that scale and transferring the geology onto a 1:100,000-scale 30¢ X 60¢ topographic quadrangle. This may include errors in relation to the locational accuracy and precision of:  the contact or map unit boundary to the topographic contour; a map unit layer to another map unit layer (e.g., gaps, overlaps, slivers, overshoots). These data and adjoining data for other quadrangles were produced on a quadrangle-by-quadrangle basis. Therefore, misalignment issues may exist between these data and other data downloaded for adjoining quadrangles. Also, the attribute table for each geologic feature layer may not contain detailed information except when used for categorizing some feature objects. Specific information about each geologic unit can be found in the Description of Units on the published PDF map. Currently underway, these issues are being resolved for each quadrangle map through revision and implementation of a geologic data model based on an ESRI geodatabase environment. These revised data files will be available for download on the OGS website in the future. Finally, some geologic contacts abruptly end at a water body as mapped by the authors; therefore, a Water layer is included that represents an open water contact.

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access Constraints: None

Use Constraints: This digital map is not meant to be used or displayed at any scale greater than 1:100,000. Users should cite the Oklahoma Geological Survey as the original source of the data, but clearly denote cases where the original data has been updated, modified, or in any way altered from the original condition. There are no restrictions on the distribution of the data or interpretations shown on this data or reproduction of the data from the graphics files. However, users are encouraged to refer others to the Oklahoma Geological Survey to acquire the original data or any updated versions of the data.
Who distributes the data?
Oklahoma Geological Survey
100 E. Boyd St., Rm. N-131
Norman, OK  73019
What's the catalog number I need to download the data?
Oklahoma Geologic Quadrangle OGQ-42.
What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) provides these geologic data “as is”. The OGS makes no guarantee or warranty concerning the accuracy of information contained in the data. The OGS further makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, as to any other matter whatsoever including, without limitation, the condition of the product, or its fitness for any particular purpose. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. Although these data have been processed successfully on computers at the OGS, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the OGS regarding the use of these data on any other system, nor does the fact of distribution constitute or imply any such warranty.
In no event shall the OGS have any liability whatsoever for payment of any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, or tort damages of any kind, including, but not limited to, any loss of profits arising out of use of or reliance on the geologic data or arising out of the delivery, installation, operation, or support by OGS.
This digital geologic map of the Alva 30¢ X 60¢ quadrangle, Alfalfa, Grant, Major, Woods, and Woodward Counties, Oklahoma is not meant to be used or displayed at any scale larger than 1:100,000.
How can I download or order the data?
Availability in Digital Form:
Data Format:
PDF and ESRI shapefile		
Free Download at: 
Oklahoma Geological Survey website
http://www.ogs.ou.edu/geolmapping.php
Who wrote the metadata?
	Dates: 
Last Modified: June 2008

Metadata Author:
Oklahoma Geological Survey
c/o Thomas M. Stanley and/or G. Russell Standridge
100 E. Boyd St., Rm. N-131
Norman, OK  73019
Phone (405) 325-3031
Fax (405) 325-7069