Geological Survey Program
Educational Outreach – The work of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources teaches environmental stewardship and wise use of our precious natural resources through a broad understanding and appreciation for Missouri’s natural, cultural and energy resources. Read about recent activities, watch some of our educational videos, and consider a trip to our museum.
U.S. Geological Survey Director recognizes importance of State Geological Surveys – USGS Director Marcia McNutt makes statement of support for state geological surveys – Cites 130 year partnership that has helped the Nation and states address future economic, sociological, environmental and resource challenges now and for generations to come.
Learn about careers in geology – watch this short, informative video!
Search for Well or Pump Installation Contractors 
Celebrating 160 years of service to Missourians
One hundred sixty years is not a very long time when speaking in geologic terms. However, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Geological Survey is observing this noteworthy milestone this year. Since 1853, the Missouri Geological Survey has provided reliable scientific information to describe and understand Missouri's wealth of natural resources.
Plan to visit our Edward L. Clark Museum of Missouri Geology this year to learn about the geology of Missouri and about contributions staff members have made to both the environmental and economic vitality of Missouri. Read more.
Sinkhole Collapse
Sinkholes are depressed or collapsed areas formed by dissolution of carbonate bedrock or collapse of underlying caves. They range in size from several square yards to hundreds of acres and may be very shallow or hundreds of feet deep. Sinkholes are part of what is called “karst” topography, which also includes caves, spring and losing streams. We provide assistance to the citizens of Missouri by evaluating the causes and impacts of sinkhole formation and collapse. Geologists perform geologic and hydrologic evaluation to determine if collapse is attributed to a natural karst feature or is associated with the failure of a man-made feature. Learn more.
Bill Duley, former Assistant State Geologist and Deputy Director of the Geology and Land Survey Division, encourages citizens to loan the department historic maps of abandoned underground coal mines. As part of a continuing effort to protect citizens and expand its existing database of abandoned underground coal mines, maps will be scanned, entered in to the database and returned to owners. Read more and watch our YouTube video featuring Bill as Miner Gus.
Popular Rock and Mineral sets donated by Hutcheson Ford to Steelville Middle School -- The Steelville School District recently received a rock-solid donation in which Butch Tucker, owner of Hutcheson Ford Sales in St. James, donated eight Missouri Rock and Mineral Sets.
Traveling I-55, southbound? Be sure to visit the Visit the Marston Welcome Center, located at exit 42.4 -- Geological Survey Program director Jerry Prewett and other invited guests spoke during the May 24 ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the completion of the facility. The center highlights the great New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12 and the region's rich culture. News Archive
The Geological Survey Program is organized into three sections that perform the following major functions:
- The Geologic Resources Section fulfills many of the traditional tasks of the Geological Survey. It acquires and maintains basic geologic data that are used by the other sections and provides technical assistance to both the private and public sectors. Staff Listing
- The Environmental Geology Section conducts field investigations and provides services in determining the environmental hazards posed by waste disposal practices and spills. Staff Listing
- The Wellhead Protection Section ensures that any new private water well (this includes domestic and multiple family class wells) is constructed to minimum standards as set by the state regulations. The section regulates the construction of private water wells irrigation wells, monitoring wells and heat pump wells. In addition, we regulate how to properly plug all types of wells. Staff Listing
Program Brochure | Museum | Publications
The Missouri Geology Bibliography
This electronic bibliography brings together the nine books that comprise the Bibliography of the Geology of Missouri, published by the Division of Geology and Land Survey and its predecessor agencies from 1945 through 1972. ...more
Back by popular demand! Missouri Rock and Mineral Sets
Want to delight your favorite rock enthusiast? If so, consider giving a Missouri Rock and Mineral Set. Accompanying the set is a 16-page, full-color booklet that describes each rock and mineral and its uses. To learn more about this set and other educational items, visit the publications desk in Rolla at 111 Fairgrounds Road or order online from the Missouri Geology Store.
Links of Interest
- Survey to play key role in geothermal energy search in Missouri.
- Rolla's Energy Efficient Makeover.
- The Geologic Column of Missouri is online in PDF and is available in print.
- Dyeing to Follow the Water -- Cecil Boswell, technical assistant with the Department, conducts water traces and provides technical assistance to industry and researchers who also conduct water traces.
- Missouri's Black Gold -- Oil and Gas
- STATEMAP AND AIPG -- Mapping for the Future
- Reusing Missouri's Underground Space -- Get Down!
- Proffit Mountain Geology -- Revealed as a result of the Taum Sauk Reservoir failure.
- What to do before, during and after an earthquake
