Michigan Geological Survey

Welcome to the official website of the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS). Our team of scientists works to better understand, preserve, and share Michigan geology. Using best available scientific methods, the survey conducts and facilitates geological investigations of Michigan’s natural resources and provides the public access to the state geological data repository.

Use the Programs and Information menu on the left to browse all MGS content or use the Popular Topics menu on the right to find information more quickly.

Learn more about MGS on our about page and don’t forget to check out our Core Quarterly Newsletter!

Educational Opportunities

Explore educational opportunities with the MGS! Whether you’re a student, educator, or geoscience enthusiast, MGS has something for you.

  • K-12 CoreKids Program: Access educational materials, classroom visits, and field trips tailored for K-12 students.
  • Outreach Team: Partner with us to bring geoscience to your events. We offer exhibits and speakers to enhance your event experience.
  • Career Development: Participate in career development activities, including large-scale exhibitions, local and regional events, and access digital resources available on our website.
Connect with the MGS Education and Outreach program to schedule your event.
MGS staff promoting earth science education at Capitol Day in Lansing. Staff are standing behind a table covered with rocks, minerals, 3D models, and other activities.
MGS staff promoting earth science education at Capitol Day in Lansing.

What's New

Surficial Geology Maps

In Fall 2025, we released a new surficial geology map for Muskegon County, an online web application for viewing the surficial geology of Allegan County in 2D and 3D, and the Michigan Borehole Inventory Dashboard. Links to the newly released maps and data are provided below.

Surficial Geology of Muskegon County

Recommended Citation:

Colgan, P.M., Erber, N.R., Ringle, G.B., Anderson, G.P., 2025, Surficial Geology of Muskegon County, Michigan, Michigan Geological Survey – Western Michigan University, Surficial Geologic Map Series SGM-25-01, Scale 1:62,500, September, 2025.

Thumbnail of the surficial geology of Muskegon County, Michigan.
Surficial geology map of Muskegon County.

Allegan County Surficial Geology Web Application

Recommended Citation:

Colgan, P.M., Erber, N.R., Esch, J.M, Yellich, J.A., and Anderson, G.P., 2023, Surficial Geology of Allegan County, Michigan. Michigan Geological Survey – Western Michigan University, Surficial Geologic Map Series SGM-23-01, 1:62,500 Scale.

Oblique view of the 3D surficial geology model for Allegan County.
Surficial geology of Allegan County in 3D.

Michigan Borehole Inventory Dashboard Application

With this dashboard you can explore statistics about our cores and cuttings, information regarding other facilities that have Michigan specific cores, a calendar showing availability to visit our facilities, and other external resources by exploring our other pages. 

Screenshot of the Michigan Borehole Inventory Dashboard map showing the relative locations of borehole data.
Michigan Borehole Inventory Dashboard map.