Indiana Geological and Water Survey

Indiana Geological and Water Survey
Name	Indiana Geological and Water Survey
Formed	0 1837
Jurisdiction	State of Indiana
Headquarters	Bloomington, Indiana
Parent agency	Indiana University Bloomington
Website	https://igws.indiana.edu/

Indiana Geological and Water Survey. The Indiana Geological and Water Survey is the official state geological survey for the State of Indiana, operating as a research institute within Indiana University Bloomington. It is charged with researching the state's geology, mineral resources, and water resources to provide scientific information for economic, environmental, and public policy decisions. The agency's work encompasses fundamental geologic mapping, applied research on energy and water, and the stewardship of extensive physical and digital collections.

History

The agency traces its origins to the 1836 appointment of David Dale Owen as the first state geologist by the Indiana General Assembly, with formal operations beginning in 1837. Early work focused on the first systematic geologic and mineralogical survey of the state, documented in Owen's seminal 1859 report. Following periods of inactivity, the survey was re-established in 1869 under E.T. Cox and later reorganized in 1919 under the direction of W.N. Logan. A major consolidation occurred in 2011 when it merged with the Indiana Water Survey, a division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, to form the present-day integrated agency. This merger, authorized by the Indiana General Assembly, combined expertise in hydrogeology with traditional geologic survey functions.

Mission and functions

The primary mission is to provide objective geologic and hydrologic information contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of the citizens of Indiana. Core functions include conducting and publishing foundational geologic and hydrogeologic research, maintaining and providing access to extensive subsurface data and sample archives, and offering technical expertise to state agencies, local governments, and the public. The survey serves as a critical non-regulatory scientific advisor to entities like the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

Research and programs

Research programs are organized around key resource themes, including the assessment of coal, oil, and natural gas resources within the Illinois Basin. The survey conducts extensive mapping of aquifers and studies of groundwater availability and quality, supporting the state's water resource management. Other active research investigates industrial minerals like limestone and sand, geologic hazards such as earthquakes in the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone and sinkholes in karst regions, and the potential for carbon sequestration and geothermal energy.

Facilities and collections

The survey is headquartered at the Indiana University Bloomington campus, housing the Midwest Regional Core Repository, which contains drill cores and cuttings from across the state. Its Well Log Library maintains records from over 700,000 borings, water wells, and oil and gas tests, forming one of the most comprehensive subsurface databases in the Midwestern United States. Additional facilities include specialized laboratories for geochemistry, hydrogeology, and geospatial analysis, as well as extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and historic geologic maps.

Publications and data

The agency disseminates findings through a variety of formats, including traditional bulletins, reports, and maps, as well as dynamic web-based applications and open-data portals. Key publications include the Geologic Map of Indiana and county-level hydrogeologic atlases. Digital data services provide public access to interactive maps of bedrock and surfical geology, groundwater levels, and locations of mines and quarries. All publications and data are made available through the survey's website and in partnership with the United States Geological Survey.

Leadership and organization

The survey is led by a State Geologist and Director, who is appointed by the President of Indiana University in consultation with the Indiana Governor. The director oversees a staff of geologists, hydrologists, GIS specialists, and support personnel organized into research, technical, and outreach sections. While administratively part of Indiana University Bloomington, the survey operates under a statutory mandate from the Indiana General Assembly and maintains a close advisory relationship with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Category:Geological surveys of the United States Category:State agencies of Indiana Category:Indiana University