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A current area of interest for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGM) is coastal North Carolina (for more information, please see FEDMAP and the NCGM Program Priorities 2000-2005). One of the NCGM Program goals is the construction of digital maps and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore and evaluate geospatial links between human health and geology, hydrology, and biology. Part of reaching this goal is improving the understanding of the geologic framework for ground-water resource assessments; to that end we are currently drilling coreholes in the northeastern part of North Carolina.
In March 2004 the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Earth Surface Processes Team began drilling a deep core hole that reached basement at the Hope Plantation in Bertie County. Data are being collected from this location to provide better resolution for the regional aquifers and confining units which will increase understanding of the geologic controls on the Coastal Plain.
The first round of drilling ran from March 8 to March 27, 2004; the second round of drilling ran from April 1 to April 18, 2004. USGS Eastern Earth Surface Processes Team used their wireline core drilling rig to collect continuous core to a depth of 1094 feet. The collection of continuous core provides a more complete lithologic sample than many other drilling methods. Scientists anticipated to be on site include geologists, paleontologists, hydrologists, and core-recovery specialists. Progress updates will be available through the drilling section of this web site.
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