
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

KGS assistant scientist receives early career award
Kansas Geological Survey assistant scientist Sam Zipper is the recipient of this year's Hydrologic Sciences Early Career Award from the Hydrology Section of the American Geophysical Union. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to hydrology through research, education or societal impacts.

KGS, state agency to measure groundwater levels in western Kansas
A crew from the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas, along with staff from three field offices of the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources will be in western Kansas to measure groundwater levels the first week of January 2026, weather permitting.

New elevation maps from KGS illustrate state’s varied topography
Two new maps from the Kansas Geological Survey tell the story of how geology and other natural features interact to form the unique and varied landscapes found across Kansas and offer a visual illustration that the state is not as flat as people believe.

KGS expands research, laboratory space for rock core, critical materials analysis
Industry executives, state policymakers and University of Kansas leadership joined the Kansas Geological Survey Nov. 6 for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Watney CORELAB, which includes a 5,500-square-foot expansion of the existing laboratory space.
Coming Events
March 13–15: Kansas City Gem and Mineral Show, Kansas City, MO
The KGS will highlight the state’s natural resources, geological features, and even samples of meteorites identified nearby. Enjoy activities for the entire family plus daily raffle prizes.
March 24–26: Kansas Rural Water Association 57th Annual Conference and Exhibition, Wichita
Visit Blair Schneider, KGS outreach manager and associate researcher, at Booth 117!
April 25: Earth Day Celebration
Details TBD — watch for more information!
May 28–31: Conference of the Mining History Association, Pittsburg
Blair Schneider, KGS outreach manager and associate researcher, will discuss the Great Coal Age of Kansas.