Multiple Glaciations in the Foothills, Rocky Mountain House area, Alberta

In 1968 a program of hydrogeological reconnaissance mapping of Alberta was started by the Alberta Research Council, with completion envisaged in approximately 11 years. The purpose of the program is to publish hydrogeological maps-graphic portrayals of the groundwater onditions and their controlling factors-for each of 47 different areas in the province. These maps will provide an overview of the hydrogeological conditions in the province, and as well will assist in the solution of groundwater-related problems such as water resources development, land use planning, civil engineering and environmental queries, basic and applied research, and the planning of future research projects. The maps are published at the scales of :125,000, 1:250,000 or 1:500,000 depending upon the amount of vailable data. The main items on a typical map sheet are a central main map, four hydrogeological cross sections, four to six side maps, a conversion table and a legend. The maps, though self-contained, are accompanied by short reports which give information on features not readily illustrated pictorially. The sources of basic data include water well drillers'' reports, oil company information, geological eports, chemical analyses of water samples, field surveys, test drilling and pump testing. The maps are produced at a rate of one map sheet per geologist per year or a total of two to four map sheets annually. Out of the approximately 47 map areas of the province 32 have been mapped to date and maps for 15 areas have been published. The average cost of the completed maps to the Alberta Research ouncil is approximately $15.50/sq mi ($6.00/sq km) of area mapped.