Geologic Study Of Frederick Sinkholes Completed
BALTIMORE, MD — A recently completed investigation conducted by the Maryland Geological Survey sheds light on a geologic hazard in the Frederick Valley: sinkholes. Of particular concern are “collapse sinkholes,” which are those where the ground actually collapses; other sinkholes cause only depressions.
The Maryland Geological Survey, a division of the Department of Natural Resources, conducted a four-year study, which is the first detailed one of sinkhole occurrence in the entire region. The study, partially funded by the Maryland State Highway Administration, examines geologic factors that may contribute to the number, size, and distribution of sinkholes.
Maryland Geological Survey Report of Investigations No. 75 describes the types and character of the soluble rocks (those that water can dissolve) that underlie the areas around Frederick, Maryland. The report also discusses how sinkholes and other solution features (those caused by rocks dissolving) are distributed with respect to these rocks. During the course of this study, more than 1,800 solution features were identified and located in the region. Most were previously unknown. A 1:50,000-scale map of the types and distribution of sinkholes and the underlying rock types is included with the report.
Detailed 1:24,000-scale maps of individual 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey quadrangles covering the project area are available from the Maryland Geological Survey for the Buckeystown, Point of Rocks, Frederick, Walkersville, Woodsboro, and Catoctin Furnace quadrangles. Individual printed maps can be purchased for either the bedrock geology or the solution-features distribution for each quadrangle. Digital files are available on compact disks (CDs). Each CD contains both the geologic and the sinkhole distribution maps for one quadrangle in printable portable document files (PDFs) and in formats for Geographic Information Systems.
For more information or to purchase either the report or individual maps, please call 410-554-5500, or visit the Maryland Geological Survey online at www.mgs.md.gov.