Geologic map of the harrington quadrangle, delaware project period: 04/01/2026 through 03/31/2028 purpose: to conduct new surficial mapping at 1:24,000 under FY2025 statemap program guidance…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded the University of Delaware a $280,014 cooperative agreement on April 1, 2026, under the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (CFDA 15.810) to conduct surficial geologic mapping of the northern half of the Harrington Quadrangle in Delaware through March 31, 2028.

The project will collect, analyze, and archive 20 new cores using the Delaware Geological Survey's drill rig, supplemented by well completion reports from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, soil auger boring reports from the Delaware Department of Transportation, and geophysical logs from newly drilled wells where available. Deliverables include a surficial geologic map of the project area at 1:24,000 scale and a Level 3 GEMS database entry for the offshore geologic map of Delaware. The mapping will identify surficial units, determine the updip limit of two to three aquifers intersecting the surficial sand deposits, and help delineate the extent of two heavily used aquifers. Intended beneficiaries include the DNREC Water Supply Section, Delaware Wildlands, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Kent County Planning, and residents of the Harrington area experiencing low-yield wells.

The award is a STATEMAP component project under the program's competitive process, which supports state geological surveys in producing geologic data to address economic, social, and scientific priorities including water resources management. Work is performed in Delaware.

Intended beneficiaries

Dnrec water supply section, delaware wildlands, delaware department of agriculture, kent county planning, and residents of the harrington area who experience low-yield wells.