Divine Guidance: Exploring Flood Geological Maps Through a Christian Lens

Flood Geological Maps: Exploring the Geology through a Biblical Perspective

Geologists have long recognized the importance of understanding the past history of the Earth. While secular geology often dismisses biblical history, Christian geologists embrace it as an eyewitness record of past events. By considering how these events would have impacted geology, they have developed geological models based on biblical history. These models provide a practical tool for understanding and classifying the geology of the Earth. One way to examine the geological evidence is through geological maps, which document the features of specific regions. In this article, we will explore flood geological maps and how they can be used to interpret the geology of an area from a biblical perspective.

Geological maps provide an excellent overview of any area of interest, allowing us to visually scan the entire region and understand its geological composition. By referring to adjoining maps, we can also see how the geology extends across continents, helping us understand the connection with Noah's Flood as a global event. These maps serve as a starting point for interpreting the geology from a biblical perspective. While there may be some subjectivity in defining the geological units shown on the maps, they provide valuable information about the rock types, formations, and geological structures present in an area.

What can we learn from Australia's 1:250,000 geological map series?

Australia has a comprehensive series of geological maps known as the 1:250,000 scale series. These maps were prepared in the 1960s and 70s as part of a government program and are now available for free download from Geoscience Australia's website. Each map covers an area of approximately 150 km by 100 km and provides detailed information about the geology of that region.

The Goondiwindi map in Queensland, Australia (figure 2), is a typical example. It includes an interpreted geological cross-section, information about quarries, mines, fossil finds, and gravity anomalies. By studying these maps, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the geological features present in the area. Additionally, we can easily refer to adjoining maps to see how the geology extends across the continent.

What insights can be gained from analyzing the geological cross-section on the Goondiwindi map?

The geological cross-section on the Goondiwindi map provides valuable insights into the area's geology from a biblical perspective. The section extends from west to east, and while it may appear steep due to vertical exaggeration, the dip of the strata is relatively gentle in reality. This section shows that the sedimentary layers dip down to the west and sit on a basement described as "intensely deformed," indicating a clear demarcation between the sedimentary strata and the underlying geological unit.

The total thickness of all the sedimentary layers exceeds 2 km at the western end of the section. A detailed analysis using biblical geological models suggests that these sediments were deposited during the first part of Noah's Flood, known as the Zenithic phase. The vast lateral extent of these sedimentary layers, spanning nearly 2,000 km westward into Northern Territory and South Australia, aligns with the expectation of sediments laid down during a global catastrophe like Noah's Flood.

How do footprints and trackways found in certain strata support the idea of deposition before the peak of Noah's Flood?

Certain strata within these sedimentary layers contain footprints and trackways of dinosaurs, indicating that they were temporarily stranded as they tried to escape rising floodwaters. This evidence suggests that these layers were deposited before the waters had reached their peak and all air-breathing animal life had perished (Genesis 7:20–24). Such footprints and trackways provide valuable insights into the timing of deposition during Noah's Flood.

How do the deformed sediments and volcanics beneath the strata connect to the biblical Flood?

The presence of deformed sediments and volcanics beneath the sedimentary strata raises intriguing possibilities about their origin within a biblical framework. One possibility is that they could have been deposited during Creation Week. However, these strata contain fossils, which indicates deposition during an earlier phase of the Flood. The presence of fossils suggests that significant tectonic activity occurred during the first part of the Flood, deforming the sediments after they were deposited.

This connection between the geological cross-section and biblical history provides further support for interpreting the geology of an area from a biblical perspective.

What does the location of the existing land surface reveal about Noah's Flood?

As floodwaters drained into the ocean, they initially flowed in vast sheets and eventually developed into huge channels, resulting in extensive erosional events on the continents. It is expected that the present landscape was mostly formed during this period, known as the Recessive stage of Noah's Flood. When we examine the horizontal land surface running across the geological cross-section, we can assume that it was mainly carved during this erosional phase.

On the cross-section, we can see that as the strata rise upwards to the east, they have been truncated at the land surface. This indicates that these thick strata once extended much further to the east but have been eroded away. The vast area of land surface affected and the quantity of material removed align with what we would expect from a global Flood event, supporting the biblical account.

How can geological maps be used to develop an authentic geological history within a biblical perspective?

Geological maps provide valuable information for developing an authentic geological history within a biblical perspective. By analyzing and interpreting the geological features documented on these maps, we can gain insights into the sequence of events that occurred during Noah's Flood. These preliminary ideas can then be checked and tested for consistency with other geological details, such as field guides, map commentaries, research papers, and field reconnaissance.

Geological maps serve as a practical tool for understanding the geology of an area from a biblical perspective. As these connections between geology and the Bible become more widely available, they will influence how people view the world and provide a deeper appreciation for the geological evidence that supports the biblical account of Noah's Flood.

In conclusion, flood geological maps offer a unique perspective for interpreting the geology of an area from a biblical standpoint. By using these maps, we can visualize the geological features, understand their connections to Noah's Flood, and develop an authentic geological history that aligns with the biblical narrative. The vast lateral extent of sedimentary layers, the presence of footprints and trackways, the deformed sediments and volcanics, and the location of the existing land surface all provide valuable insights into the global catastrophe of Noah's Flood. As we continue to explore and study the Earth's geology through a biblical lens, we deepen our understanding of God's creative power and His role in shaping our world.