The potential of soil survey data in a quantitative evaluation of surficial geology mapping in northern Maine

The soil-surficial geology relationships along the St. John River in northern Maine suggest that surficial geology is the most important factor controlling soil-profile genesis. Therefore, the information available on soil survey maps is predictive of the surficial geology of those areas. The agreement between a derivative surficial geology map created from soil survey data and maps created by conventional geological mapping differs little from the agreement between conventional geological maps.; Soil survey maps can be used to make general assumptions about surficial geology patterns in northern New England and adjacent Canadian Provinces. Site-specific applications using soil survey maps to determine surficial geology may not be as accurate. While not a substitute for basic geologic mapping, soil surveys can be useful tools for geologists' assessment of hydrogeological resources and surficial materials.