Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils

Rocks, minerals, and geologic curiosities in Kansas

Rocks and minerals on and below the surface in Kansas create a varied landscape and provide economic opportunities.

Fossils in Kansas

Through fossil finds, geologists and paleontologists piece together evidence of earlier life and landscapes on Earth.

Geoarchaeology

Geoarchaeologists combine geologic and archaeological techniques and research to learn more about when, where, and how early people lived in North America and what natural environments were like during prehistoric times.

How rocks are named

In the same way that biologists use categories to identify animals and plants, geologists have created categories such as formations, groups, and members to distinguish one rock layer from another.