Welcome from Iowa's State Geologist
 Understanding Iowa's geology
and hydrology provides the critical
information needed to ensure that our
natural resources are properly utilized
and protected. Gaining this knowledge
and helping Iowans apply it is the
core function of your Iowa Geological
Survey (IGS). The questions to be
answered are many. How were Iowa’s
bedrock formations, glacial deposits,
and alluvial materials deposited? How
have they been altered, weathered, and
eroded? Have these processes affected
the availability, quality, and movement
of groundwater? Where are mineral,
aggregate, or energy resources found?
What role do earth materials play in the
function of healthy watersheds, and how
do they impact stream quality? Where
are geologic hazards such as sinkholes,
slope failures, and fluctuating water
tables likely to occur? How are societal
activities, land use, and geology woven
together to impact our natural
resources?
 Inventory and study of Iowa’s
soils, rocks, and water are the keys
to understanding our resource base.
IGS records water levels in wells and
examines how water-well pumping affects
those levels. We monitor the quality
of our streams, lakes, and groundwater.
We study the hydrology of watersheds
and relate these factors to geology and
land use. Staff geologists map the extent
and thickness of geologic deposits, as
well as archive earth materials and
records from tens of thousands of water
wells. We map aquifer water levels,
define the three-dimensional water
supply zones for public wells, and assess
their vulnerability to contamination.
Our geographic specialists use remote
sensing and aerial imagery to examine
and interpret land uses and the land
surface in detail. In addition we assemble
geographically based data on land use,
water bodies, soils, regulated facilities,
infrastructure, and cultural features into
electronic map layers within the Natural
Resources Geographic Information
System (NRGIS) Library.Earth, water, landscapes,
infrastructure, and land use data
are integrated to provide accurate
resource information to Iowans. By
building partnerships with local, state,
and federal interests, more informed
decisions are made at the watershed,
county, and regional levels.
Data are available to you in
many ways. The NRGIS Library
and extensive databases for geology,
wells, and water quality are available on
our web site. IGS provides forecasts for
water wells to the public, drillers, cities,
and economic development projects,
and interpretations of geology to state
regulators and the affected community.
Our greatest strengths are the technical
expertise and experience of our staff
– only a phone call away. It is my
pleasure as State Geologist to invite
you to contact us whenever you need
information about what lies on and
beneath Our Common Ground.
Robert D. Libra
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