On a 1:7100,000 scale map, how much ground distance does one centimeter on the map represent?

On each 1:250,000 map, one centimeter on the map will represent 2.5 kilometers on the ground.

Large-scale maps such as 1:1,000,000 and 1:7,1000,000 are based on what types of surveys?

These types of maps have been compiled and printed based on the 1:250,000 and 1:100,000 maps, along with supplementary and control surveys.

How can one access small-scale geological maps if needed?

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The 1:100,000 geological maps prepared by the Geology and Mineral Exploration Department of the country include the following information layers:

Lithology: Identification of the types of rocks present in each geological unit.

Stratigraphy: The age of units, the arrangement of units relative to each other, and their relationships in terms of continuity and discontinuity. Also, the formations present in the area for which the map is being prepared.

Linear data:

Structural layers: Information related to faults, their movement mechanisms, folds, planation surfaces, main and secondary roads within the map area, rivers, and streams.

Point data includes:

Layering, economic geology (indices, deposits, and mines in the map area), locations where fossil samples were collected, and elevation points of the area. Additionally, geological cross-sections from selected sections are prepared in these maps, which include subsurface information.

Moreover, the report of the 1:100,000 geological map is printed on the back of the map, including explanations of lithological units, morphology, geography, climate, general geology, structural geology, economic geology, and more.

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What layers are included in 1:100,000 geological maps?

The 1:100,000 geological maps prepared by the Geology and Mineral Exploration Department of the country include the following information layers:

Lithology: Identification of the types of rocks present in each geological unit.

Stratigraphy: The age of units, the arrangement of units relative to each other, and their relationships in terms of continuity and discontinuity. Also, the formations present in the area for which the map is being prepared.

Linear data:

Structural layers: Information related to faults, their movement mechanisms, folds, planation surfaces, main and secondary roads within the map area, rivers, and streams.

Point data includes:

Layering, economic geology (indices, deposits, and mines in the map area), locations where fossil samples were collected, and elevation points of the area. Additionally, geological cross-sections from selected sections are prepared in these maps, which include subsurface information.

Moreover, the report of the 1:100,000 geological map is printed on the back of the map, including explanations of lithological units, morphology, geography, climate, general geology, structural geology, economic geology, and more.

What was the necessity of revising the Mila Formation in the Alborz Zone and how was the Mila Group introduced?

Geyer et al. (2014) and Batigol et al. (2014) noted the inconsistency of the Mila Formation members with the definitions of the International Stratigraphic Commission. Considering the unconformities between members 2 and 3, and members 4 and 5, they revised the lithostratigraphy of this formation and introduced these deposits as the Mila Group, which includes the Fasham Formation (basal quartzite, equivalent to the Top Quartzite of the Lalun Formation), Deh Sofian Formation (equivalent to members 1 and 2 of the Mila Formation), Deh Mala Formation (equivalent to members 3 and 4 of the Mila Formation), and Lashkarak Formation (equivalent to member 5 of the Mila Formation). The Mila Group in central Iran includes the Fasham, Kalshaneh, Darenjal, and Shirgash formations.

Name the most important indicators for identifying fault block displacement series.

Geological and morphological indicators: 1- displaced markers, 2- mineral growth steps, 3- fault surface steps (step face), 4- tool marks, 5- conjugate and non-conjugate fractures, 6- arcuate fractures, 7- tensile fractures, 8- folds related to faulting, 9- structures

Sampling for conodont identification and age determination is required in which geological periods and by what methods?

From the Neoproterozoic, the end of the Dunning, since foraminifers have not yet appeared, sampling for conodonts is the best available method to identify rock units. Sampling should be done from limestone horizons, preferably fossiliferous, with a weight of about 1 kilogram, taken from thin to medium layers (maximum thickness 20 centimeters).

What is the Solvus curve?

It exists in a solid state, and phase separation occurs at temperatures below it.

What is the difference between norite and troctolite?

Olivine is more abundant in hypersthene norite and troctolite.

The Abukuma-type metamorphism corresponds to which facies series?

Andalusite–Sillimanite, or low-pressure – high-temperature metamorphism.

The metamorphic threshold is determined by which mineral pair?

Lawsonite and Laumontite

What is stromatacite structure and in which environment is it typical?

A network of irregular or semi-horizontal cavities in carbonate rocks, with a flat base and an irregular upper part. Usually, the cavity floor is filled with micrite and the upper part with sparry calcite. These cavities are larger than bird-eye pores and are characteristic of the intertidal and subtidal environments.

What is the purpose of preparing engineering geological maps and studying geological hazards, and what are their applications?

The answer to this question lies in the definition of engineering geology. By definition, engineering geology is the study of the technical and engineering properties of the Earth and their application in engineering projects. Understanding and recognizing the engineering characteristics of rock masses, soils, and geological hazards is essential for the safe and sustainable design of engineering structures. Engineering geology and geological hazard maps serve as good guides in this regard, providing a proper understanding of ground conditions. By quantifying geological concepts, these maps can act as a bridge between pure geology and applied geology, aiding construction and environmental adaptation.

Conducting engineering geology and geological hazard studies, which result in the preparation of maps and practical technical reports, is a useful tool that can be employed to improve quality of life and environmental compatibility.

Applications of engineering geology studies include:

Assessment and selection of suitable sites for various constructions such as cities and residential and industrial towns, infrastructure and vital networks such as dams, power plants, bridges, roads, railways, power transmission towers, water and gas pipelines; improvement and stabilization of sites and various structures; utilization of borrowable resources available in each region; identification and monitoring of geological hazard zones, and more.

The Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Group of the Geological Survey of the Country, in line with its governmental duties, prepares engineering geology and geological hazard maps to better understand the land in different regions of the country. On one hand, this identifies and evaluates the limitations and problems of each area, and on the other, it introduces the capabilities and available resources for optimal utilization.

What are the practical activities of the hydrogeology group of the Geological Survey?

At what scales are the organization’s maps offered?

1:25,000, 1:100,000, and 1:250,000

What are the activities of the seismotectonics and seismology group, and how can we access seismotectonic information of a regio

The scientific concept of seismotectonics involves studying the relationship between natural and tectonic factors of Earth's crust deformation and the occurrence of earthquakes. To understand this relationship, a broad comprehension of plate tectonics and its connection to earthquakes is necessary. Currently, the group at the Geological Survey that addresses this topic is the Seismotectonics and Seismology Group. The activities and projects of this group are currently based on four main pillars:

a) Preparation of the Seismotectonic Atlas of Iran, b) Detailed mapping of faults in Iran, c) Monitoring volcanic activity of Mount Damavand, d) Recording earthquake precursors.

The primary goal of seismotectonic studies in a region is to provide an appropriate assessment of earthquake hazards. This is achieved using various methods, including statistical and analytical approaches, geomorphological studies, and investigation of hidden faults in the area, enabling safe construction within a given structure or region, or applying the results in relevant codes and regulations.

To access this information, one can consult the library or the Publications Department of the Geological Survey of the Country. If information for a specific area is unavailable, the project can be contracted to the Seismotectonics and Seismology Group for execution.

What is the necessity of collecting marine geophysical data?

Advanced equipment is used to remove water volume from the seabed to enable better seabed and sub-seabed studies.

What methods are used for subsurface marine surveys?

Depending on the objective defined in the project scope, the survey tools and methods differ. For geotechnical purposes, a Sub Bottom Profiler is used; for petroleum-related objectives, an Air Gun and Streamer are employed; and for studies of crustal structure, OBS (Ocean Bottom Seismometer) is utilized.

What method is used for seabed surface studies?

Acoustic imaging using a Side Scan Sonar and 3D visual modeling with a Multi Beam device.

Are there other marine geophysical survey methods?

Yes. Marine magnetometry and marine gravimetry are two methods used for marine geophysical studies, depending on the project scope.

By what method is sediment grain size analysis conducted in the organization?

Grain size analysis at the organization is performed in the sedimentology laboratory using the wet method. Particles larger than 63 microns are analyzed with a wet sieve shaker, while those smaller than 63 microns are measured using a laser particle sizer.

In grain size analysis of sediments below 118 microns, is the hydrometer method used?

No. In the organization, sediment grain sizes below 63 microns are measured using a laser particle sizer, and the sediment sizes are determined by laser analysis.

Is the amount of clay measured in the sedimentology laboratory?

Yes, using an autoclave meter, which has the capability to distinguish calcite from dolomite, providing the amounts of calcite and dolomite in the sample as a percentage.

Into what fractions are grain size samples delivered?

In sediments larger than 63 microns, six fractions are used: 2 mm, 1 mm, 500 microns, 250 microns, 125 microns, and 63 microns. For sediments smaller than 63 microns, the fraction ranges can be adjusted according to the project objectives and the client's requirements.

Are sediment core studies conducted in the sedimentology laboratory?

Yes, depending on the project objective and client requirements, the study of sediment cores is conducted from core cutting to sampling.

Are morphoscopy and morphometry conducted in the laboratory?

Yes, both of the mentioned procedures are performed, and imaging is also carried out if necessary.

How should samples be sent to the laboratory, and what is the cost of analyses?

The samples are delivered to the laboratory department, and the fees are published annually as a PDF file on the organization's website.

Can climate systems be examined in geomorphological studies?

Yes – identification and classification of climatic systems; study of fluvial processes, including identifying river movement and pathways, determining river hazard zones, and predicting river discharge and strength during floods.

Can coastal lines, beach formation, and coastal plains be studied?

Yes – determining factors influenced by aridity and erosion of coastal plains and lines, and studying tectonic processes that significantly impact coastal formation. This also includes examining sea-level fluctuations through short- and long-term sea and lake transgressions and regressions, and analyzing flood conditions in coastal plains and their effect on the geomorphological evolution of coastal areas.

From an applied perspective, what activities and projects are included in the environmental geology group’s work?

The activities of this group aim to study the impact of geological hazards on human health and the environment, enhance human utilization of the Earth with minimal environmental pollution, understand geologically sourced environmental pollution, assess the effects of human activities on the Earth, and provide strategies to minimize associated damages. These activities include:

- Conducting applied scientific research in the group's study areas using modern technologies

- Studying soil pollution across the country

- Assessing pollution of surface and groundwater resources

- Evaluating volcanic hazards

- Investigating the environmental geological impacts of major Iranian mines

- Preparing a soil pollution atlas of the country

- Preparing a water resources pollution atlas of the country

- Preparing a mining pollution atlas of the country

- Producing multi-purpose environmental geological maps at various scales across the country

- Studying paleoclimate and its changes and consequences in the country

- Examining and locating sites for urban and industrial waste disposal

- Developing an environmental geological database of Iran

- Establishing national standards for environmental geological maps

- Planning for the scientific advancement of experts through short- to long-term training courses

Last updated date: Aug 26 2025
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