Classification

[DirtSmuggler]

Hello
Just starting out at company in NJ. Been doing soil borings. Looked at logs of experienced geotech and noticed their logs mentioning generalized terms, "glacial deposit", "coastal plain deposits", "alluvium deposits" in their logs. Where are they getting this information from?

I've used NJGeoWeb and NJ Surficial gelogoy Maps to get information on soil present at site, but those descriptions are different and more concise terms. Idk how they know whether the soil encountered is glacial deposits, alluvium deposits, or costal plain deposits. I also know glacial deposits come from mountains, alluvium from river, and coastal from coasts. Is it based on just that? If the site is near one of those locations?

Thanks.

 

[MTNClimber]

It sounds like they have a good background in the local geology. You should talk to them so you can also understand the geology and how to identify different deposits in the field.

 

[GeoEnvGuy]

Echoing MTNClimber point talk to the senior geotech, ask for the mapping of the regional geology, review the relevant deposition mechanisms for your area, ask your senior how the material characteristics vary in these deposits in there experience.

 

[Steve3125]

I've been in Geotech for a few years and have found "The Geoscience Handbook" by the American Geological Institute a helpful book at my fingertips. County Soil Surveys are also helpful.

 

[zelgar]

There's also the Web Soil Survey that'll give you information on the upper 6' of soils in most areas of the US:

https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx