The Continental Margins Program in Georgia

From 1984 to 1993, the Georgia Geologic Survey (GGS) participated in the Mi nerals Management Service-funded Continental Margins Program. Geological an d geophysical data acquisition focused on offshore stratigraphic framework studies, phasphate-bearing Miocene-age strata, distribution of heavy minera ls, near-surface alternative sources of groundwater, and development of a P C-based Coastal Geographic Information System (GIS). Seven GGS publications document results of those investigations. In addition to those publication s, direct benefits of the GGS's participation include an impetus to the GGS 's investigations of economic minerals on the Georgia coast, establishment of a GIS that includes computer hardware and software, and seeds for additi onal investigations through the information and training acquired as a resu lt of the Continental Margins Program. These additional investigations are quite varied in scope, and many were made possible because of GIS expertise gained as a result of the Continental Margins Program Future investigation s will also reap the benefits of the Continental Margins Program.