SURFICIAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF THE VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK AND SURROUNDING AREAS IN VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

This study was conducted to update and integrate the previously existing floodplain map and newly produced surficial geologic maps within the Vicksburg National Military Park and surrounding areas in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The National Park Service has prioritized cataloging the geologic resources/hazards of the Military Park. Four adjacent 7.5-minute quadrangles (Redwood, Long Lake, Vicksburg East, and Vicksburg West) were mapped in detail for this study. Each quadrangle contains a portion of the Vicksburg National Military Park. This study produced detailed geologic maps of the quadrangles through new field mapping aided by geophysical logs, geotechnical logs, and prior structural mapping of the Glendon Limestone. Field geologic mapping was done continuously during the summer of 2015 and continued through January 2016. Various additional data sources were used to create the geologic maps were collected from the National Park Services (NPS), Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. LIDAR data and aerial photographic interpretation were also used to augment the field mapping. Topographic interpretation, as well as geophysical logs were used to determine the subcrop mapping below the loess, along with a stratigraphic bore hole and subsequent geophysical log that was dedicated to this project by the Mississippi Office of Geology. The revised floodplain maps and the new geologic maps will be used to improve historical understanding and preservation of the Military Park, delineate geologically hazardous areas, and for engineering purposes such as location of natural resources and mitigation of slope failure. The resultant maps have been integrated into a GIS format that will be published by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.