farm

Imaging Iowa’s Levees

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Iowa has approximately 700 miles of levees protecting towns, agricultural land, and other infrastructure. Assessing the condition of levees is a critical component to ensure they remain strong during flood events. The IGS recently established methods to use geophysics to image levees via a pilot investigation with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Surficial map of Lee County, Iowa

Geologic mapping at the Iowa Geological Survey

Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Geologic maps have tremendous societal, economic, and educational value. Bedrock and surficial geologic maps may be used to assist in aggregate resource evaluations, flood protection, hazard identification (sinkholes and karst), and water resource assessments.
Map of proposed Well Head Protection Area (WHPA)

Source Water Delineation for Communities

Friday, January 20, 2023
For better and more accurate source water delineations, IGS is available to assist communities with their well head protection planning, especially in the crucial delineation of the well head protection area.
Map showing USDM drought classifications for Iowa, as of Dec 8, 2022.

Drought Regions of Iowa

Wednesday, December 14, 2022
The Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) has significantly assisted in creating the drought plan by providing scientific expertise on the state’s regional characteristics and available hydrologic data.
Boxes of core samples stored at the OIGS warehouse

Questions Answered

Friday, August 26, 2022
Check out IGS GeoCore if you have questions about what a certain type of rock looks like. You may be able to find your answer.
Sunset over an oxbow in late summer.

A Day in the Field

Friday, April 29, 2022
Waking up early or working into the early evening allows us to see some great sunrises and sunsets, and some field sites are located off the beaten track, enabling us to see wildflowers and native aquatic or bird species up close.
Typical streamflow hydrograph showing hydrograph nomenclature, dominant pollutant pathways, and where on the hydrograph various conservation practices might be most effective

Water Farming for Conservation

Monday, March 28, 2022
The key component needed for water farming is thinking about how water moves across your field and then designing a water management system that meets your goals.
Generalized geologic cross-section of Iowa from northeast to southwest

What is Carbon Sequestration and Why Should Iowans Care?

Friday, January 28, 2022
If Iowa wants to get serious about doing its part to combat climate change then investments will need to be made to better understand the potential for geologic storage of CO2 in Iowa. . . . The IGS stands ready to lead this charge while collaborating with industry partners and lawmakers to make sure that Iowans do not miss the opportunity to play an integral role in securing a better climate future for our state.
Photo of Mike Gannon in the field

Reflections from a Retiring Hydrogeologist

Monday, January 10, 2022
Water is a critical for life and prosperity, and the investment in protecting and managing Iowa’s water resources is essential.
IGS group photo

The Inside Story

Tuesday, November 30, 2021
The Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) has a long and illustrious history in the state, beginning in 1855, when legislation proposed by Governor James W. Grimes provided for a geological survey of the state, which was led by State Geologist James Hall. It was the start of great things for the state of Iowa, with its many geological resources. Iowa established a permanent geological survey as a separate agency of state government in 1892