This lease rider form may be used when you are involved in a lease transaction, and have made the decision to utilize the form of Oil and Gas Lease presented to you by the Lessee, and you want to include additional provisions to that Lease form to address specific concerns you may have, or place limitations on the rights granted the Lessee in the “standard” lease form.
Maryland Surface Pits: Exploring the Variety and Significance Surface pits in Maryland refer to various types of geological features that are visible on the Earth's surface, typically formed by geological processes such as erosion, weathering, or human activities. These distinctive pits play a significant role in both the state's natural landscape and its historical heritage. 1. Sinkholes: One type of surface pits found in Maryland are sinkholes. These are depressions or hollows in the ground formed when underlying limestone or other soluble rock layers dissolve or collapse, leaving a visible cavity on the surface. Sinkholes can vary in size and depth, from small depressions to large, gaping holes, and frequently occur in areas with limestone bedrock, such as in Frederick, Carroll, and Washington counties. 2. Gravel Pits: Gravel pits are human-made excavations often found in rural areas throughout Maryland. These pits are dug to extract gravel and other construction aggregates, essential for building roads, foundations, and various infrastructure projects. Gravel pits often appear as large, open excavations or depressions, sometimes filled with water after mining activities cease. 3. Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater: An exceptional and highly notable surface pit in Maryland is the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater. Located in the region surrounding the Chesapeake Bay, this crater is estimated to be around 35 million years old and is the result of a massive asteroid impact. With a diameter of roughly 85 kilometers (53 miles), it constitutes one of the largest and best-preserved impact structures on Earth. While not visually evident on the surface, studies and geological research have confirmed its existence. 4. Abandoned Mines: Another type of surface pits found in Maryland includes the remnants of abandoned mines. Maryland's mining history spans several centuries, and many mines, such as coal or ore mines, were once active in various parts of the state, particularly in Alleging and Garrett counties. When these mines were abandoned, some left behind surface pits that have become distinct features of the landscape, often exhibiting unique geological characteristics. Maryland's surface pits carry both scientific and historical significance. Geologists study these formations to understand the geological processes shaping the state's landscape. Some surface pits also act as valuable indicators of the underlying geological formations, aiding in the search for natural resources like groundwater or minerals. Moreover, surface pits serve as reminders of Maryland's rich mining heritage and the impacts of human activities on the environment. They provide opportunities for exploration, educational tours, and even recreational activities such as swimming or diving in some gravel pits. In conclusion, Maryland's surface pits encompass a diverse range of geological features, including sinkholes, gravel pits, the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater, and remnants of abandoned mines. These visible formations offer unique insights into the state's geology, mining history, and contribute to its overall natural and cultural heritage.
