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
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.
KGS launches updated online database on Kansas oil and gas wells
The Kansas Geological Survey has launched an updated version of its online oil and gas wells database. This database tool allows users to view all available public information related to an oil and gas well in Kansas. ...
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 Events
June 20–21: GPR Cemetery Mapping
KGS Scientific Outreach Manager Blair Schneider will use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to map locations of unmarked graves at Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20, and 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, June 21.
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.