Roadcut of the Blue Rapids Shale, Funston Limestone, and Speiser Shale

Geology and Mineral Resources Program

Geologic materials and mapping are essential elements and often the initial starting point of basic research into the properties and history of geologic resources in the state.




Stratigraphic Research

The KGS Stratigraphic Nomenclature Committee addresses stratigraphic issues, establishes formally accepted stratigraphic nomenclature, and oversees guidelines for revisions to stratigraphic units for Kansas. The KGS maintains an online chart showing formally accepted nomenclature (including newly adopted revisions).

Tuttle Creek fault in a rock outcrop

Mining and Mineral Resources

Kansas has a long history of producing coal, rocks, and minerals of economic value.

Rolfe Mandel standing inside of the Hutchinson Salt Mines with a pick ax

STATEMAP Program

The STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) is a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey, Association of American State Geologists (AASG), and state geological surveys, part of an effort to meet the current and future needs of federal and state governments and the private sector for detailed geologic maps.

County map of Kansas showing where geologic mapping is in progress and where it has been completed

County Geologic Bulletins

Online versions of county bulletins have been created because many of the published versions are out of print. In general, these are the original texts as published. The information has not been updated.

Examining an Ogallala Formation outcrop in Graham County



Recent Publications

  • Open-File Report 2022-2

    Lithostratigraphic Correlations of the Upper Desmoinesian and Missourian Stages (Pennsylvanian) in Eastern Kansas, by S. C. Oborny and F. Hasiuk

  • Open-File Report 2022-3

    Geological Details for 2021 Geological Mapping of Miami County, Kansas, by S. C. Oborny, A. L. Layzell, K. D. Newell, R. D. Mandel, and J. J. Smith