Kansas Geological Survey
Advancing Science, Serving Kansas
Research Programs
Water Resources and Geohydrology
Studying aquifers, rivers, and streams to provide a scientific foundation for water management.
Aquifer Water Quality Assessment for Kansas (AWQUA)
Assessing groundwater quality in aquifers across the state.
Energy
Exploring oil and gas resources, carbon and hydrogen storage, and other energy initiatives.
Research Programs
Geophysics and Hazards
Monitoring earthquakes, developing seismic techniques, and supporting field-based research.
Geology and Mineral Resources
Studying and mapping the geologic resources of the state.
Geoarchaeology
Searching for evidence of the earliest people to inhabit the Central Great Plains.
Quick Links
Outreach, Education, and Publications
Educational Resources
Learn about the geology of Kansas featuring geologic sites, classroom activities, and more
Publications
Books and maps on the geology, minerals, and natural resources of the state.
Archives and Libraries
Kansas Geologic Sample Repository, Data Resources Library, and KGS Drill Core Library.
KGS in the News
Kansas Geological Survey’s Paleocamp gives students hands-on lessons about fossils
The Kansas Geological Survey’s third annual Paleocamp attracted students from towns across Kansas for five days of hands-on activities focused on paleontology. The free, educational camp is offered to fourth- through sixth-grade students during spring break at the KGS headquarters in Lawrence. The camp started in 2023 and now has...
Airborne electromagnetic survey of Ogallala aquifer conditions planned in southwest Kansas
Beginning in late May and continuing until late July, residents of southwest Kansas may see a low-flying helicopter towing a large hexagonal frame. This aerial arrangement is part of a project to map groundwater conditions in the Ogallala aquifer in Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District (GMD) 3.
KU hydrologist receives Fulbright Scholar Award to research High Plains aquifer
Sam Zipper, an ecohydrologist at the Kansas Geological Survey and assistant professor at the University of Kansas, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Groundwater levels in the Kansas High Plains aquifer see first overall increase since 2019
Preliminary measurements by the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) show an overall increase in 2025 groundwater levels across Kansas High Plains aquifer regions, due in part to periods of above-average rainfall. In south-central Kansas, water levels increased an average of nearly 2.5 feet — the highest since 2019.
KGS Events
August 3–5: Kansans Live Well
Learn more about a free workshop for Kansas STEM and agriculture educators in Scott City. The workshop is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of water quantity and quality in Kansas through hands-on learning, field experiences, and direct interaction with scientists, policymakers, and water professionals.
August 4–6: Kansas Environmental Conference
Hear the latest on program and regulation updates, emerging issues, and technological advances at this conference. The KDHE-organized event is at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan.
August 15: Rocks and Rockets
Mark your calendars for the fifth annual Rocks & Rockets from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Colby Event Center. It’s free, open to all, and jam-packed with geology and space science fun!
September 19: The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science Annual Conference
Make an impact on science education in Kansas at KATS Kamp 2026 at Emporia State University. K-12 science teachers from across the state gather to collaborate and learn from industry leaders and colleagues.