Program Name Colorado Late Cenozoic Fault and
Fold Database and
Internet Map Server
Administering Agency Colorado Geological Survey
Contact Vince Matthews, Senior Science Advisor
Address 1313 Sherman Street, Rm. 715, Denver, CO 80203
Telephone Number 303-866-3028
Fax Number 303-866-2461
E-mail vince.matthews@state.co.us
The product nominated for this award is Information Series 60a, the
Colorado Department of Natural Resources’ first fully web-based
publication, entitled “Colorado Late Cenozoic Fault and Fold Database and
Internet Map Server” by Widmann, B.L., Kirkham, R.M., Morgan, M.L, and
Rogers, W.P., with contributions by Crone, A.J., Personius, S.F., and
Kelson, K.I., and GIS/Web design by Morgan, K.S., Pattyn, G.R., and
Phillips, R.C. This publication contains detailed information about nearly
300 faults and folds that are known or suspected to have moved during the
Late Cenozoic (approximately the last 23.7 million years). It is part of
the Colorado Geological Survey's (CGS) ongoing efforts to promote public
awareness of Colorado's seismic hazards by identifying and characterizing
potentially active structures. Colorado's current stress regime was
initiated during the beginning of the Miocene Epoch (25 to 28 million
years ago), and although the extensional stress regime has probably
evolved and changed locally, the overall tectonic environment remains
essentially the same today. Structures that have been active under this
stress regime in the past may be active in the future as long as this
stress regime continues.
The web-based format of this publication allows for the integration of a
graphic display (map) and a comprehensive database into a user-friendly
interface using Autodesk MapGuide in conjunction with Macromedia
ColdFusion. The map server allows users to view the faults and folds in
Colorado on a topographic base map. Clicking on a desired structure
establishes a link to the database and brings forth a multi-page, detailed
report for that structure. The report contains a multitude of information
including geographic location, geologic setting, sense of movement, age of
faulted deposits, summaries of trenching investigations, references, and
much more. Those who are familiar with the formal name of any fault or
fold may also search simply by selecting that structure name from a pop-up
menu. This search allows the user to view the requested datasheet as well
as the location of the structure on the map. The dual method allows a
spatial or non-spatial search, so that even if the user does not know
where the structure is located, full information as well as the structure,
can be found. Additionally, users of the site may download the Access
database, free of charge, which contains all but the spatial (map)
information, allowing for endless possibilities in querying the data. The
web-based format allows for continuous data updating and quick delivery of
newly acquired information without the added time and cost of generating
new publications. This publication is a valuable and efficient resource to
government planners, private developers, and anyone interested in
earthquake hazards and the activity of faults and folds in Colorado.
