Szemle: USA national atlas, ground water & population

Summary

National atlases are gaining increasing global attention due to their unparalleled ability to present a comprehensive overview of a country's natural environment, society, and economy. This paper focuses on a hydrogeological and hydrogeographic map included in the national atlas of the United States. The map systematically depicts the distribution of productive water-bearing rocks and aquifers, integrating hydrological and geological information to reveal the nation's groundwater resources. The research purpose is to demonstrate how such thematic atlas maps can effectively communicate complex subsurface water conditions. Through the localized presentation of aquifer lithology and hydrogeological settings, the map identifies key groundwater reservoirs and their geographic extent. The cartographic methods employed combine extensive field data, borehole logs, and regional geological surveys to accurately delineate aquifer boundaries and productivity. Key findings highlight the spatial variability of productive aquifers, ranging from unconsolidated sediments to fractured bedrock, and underscore the significance of these resources for agriculture, industry, and domestic supply. The map also implicitly conveys the vulnerability of certain aquifers to overexploitation and contamination. The conclusion emphasizes that nationally coordinated atlas mapping of hydrogeological features provides essential baseline information for sustainable water management, land-use planning, and environmental protection. Such maps serve as decision-support tools, enabling policymakers and researchers to assess resource availability and identify areas requiring conservation or further investigation. The work illustrates the enduring value of national atlases in synthesizing multidisciplinary data into accessible visual formats.