Michigan Geological Survey

08/27/2026

Today is World Lake Day!
Did you know the Great Lakes contain 84% of North America's surface fresh water and
about 21% of the world's supply of surface fresh water?

08/26/2026

Mark your calendars... we hope to see you on Oct. 9th!

08/20/2026

We are getting closer and closer to moving our core to their new home ❤️

08/14/2026

Update from the Karst Team! Justin and Tiana lead a field trip for the Forest Service to show progress made on the project this summer season. At the start of the season, the Karst feature inventory was 148 features, now at the end of the season, our inventory consists of 444 features, covering 4,800 acres. During the field trip, the team showed karst features they have found (both subtle and impressive), demonstrated, and taught their field methods to the Forest Service, as well as discussed future goals of this project.

08/11/2026

08/10/2026

The Summer Reading Program takes the UP! Thank you Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, L'Anse Area Schools and Public Library, and Escanaba Public Library for having us! The Collaborative Summer Library Program's theme of "Unearth a Story" this year has been a great opportunity for our geologists to get out in the community and share their knowledge (and love!) for reading and the geosciences.

08/07/2026

Recently, MGS geologists Augustine and Eric traveled to Clinton County to investigate former beach ridges. While ice age glaciers were retreating from Michigan, portions of Clinton County became covered by glacial lakes. These lakes left behind beach ridges that are an excellent source of sand, a valuable material used in road construction. Studying these ancient beaches helps MGS map sand and gravel resources for future land-use planning.

08/06/2026

Check out the MGS Apparel Pop-Up Shop!

Place your orders until August 20th through the QR or: https://undergroundshirts.com/groups/mgs-apparel-2026

Thank you for your support of MGS!

08/04/2026

Michigan Beneath Your Feet

07/31/2026

On Tuesday, MGS staff Tom Valachovics and Matthew Bell collected geophysical data along with Grand Valley State University professor, Dr. Reece Elling and his student, Noah Tenhagen. The goal of the work was to collect gamma ray data for several boreholes and collect passive seismic readings near these boreholes to determine the thickness of the unconsolidated glacial material in the region.
Gamma logging is a technique that allows geologists to gain a more detailed look at the subsurface lithology in the borehole. The equipment counts the amount of natural gamma rays emitted by the surrounding material every second that it travels in the subsurface. These gamma readings can be interpreted to determine subsurface material and its variability.
Noah was given hands-on experience collecting the gamma log data and passive seismic readings in real-world applications. Further passive seismic studies could shed light on the thickness of the unconsolidated material within the region, with these first passive seismic recordings being the critical pieces for calibrating the study. It was a good day to be out in the field and training the next generation on geologic data collection!


P.C.: Dr. Reece Elling