University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON-The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey has just published a new map, "Landscapes of Wisconsin."

This map shows the elevations of Wisconsin through the use of color and shaded relief; the shading gives the map an almost three-dimensional, textural feel by simulating the appearance of sunlight and shadow. By stripping away vegetation and most human influences, the map shows the geologic underpinnings that help make the Wisconsin landscape look the way it does. It's easy for non-geologists to see immediately the differences in the landscape in various parts of the state. For example, only a cursory glance is needed to see that southwestern Wisconsin looks very different from the rest of the state.

Brief text on the map will enable the recipient to impress others with a knowledge of Wisconsin's geologic history and allow them to explain why there's such a difference: Southwestern Wisconsin was probably never scoured by glaciers like the rest of the state, and thus retained its rugged topography. The text also describes some of the well known and often visited Wisconsin features such as the Blue Hills, Blue Mounds, Kettle Moraine, the drumlin field of southeastern Wisconsin, and the Baraboo Hills.

The full-color map is 42 inches by 42 inches, and it has been published at a scale of 1:500,000. Available for $10 from the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, 3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53705-5100; telephone 608-263-7389. Mail-order customers should add $4.50 for shipping and handling. Wisconsin residents should add appropriate sales tax to the entire amount of the order. MasterCard and Visa customers may telephone their orders (608-263-7389) between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Additional information about the Survey, which is a part of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, can be found on the web site http://www.uwex.edu/wgnhs/ .