Special Note: As of July 1, 2026, our samples and data will not be available onsite while we are preparing to move to our new facility, currently under construction. You can still access thousands of high-resolution photographs of samples and data, as well as 3D scans of samples at ScholarWorks and SketchFab. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you to our new facility.
ABOUT MGRRE
The Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE) is a foundational component of the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS). We preserve more than 600,000 linear feet of cores, and cuttings and well records from more than 50,000 wells. These data sources were produced during the last 110 years. Even the oldest samples have not lost their usefulness. The raw data they preserve, coupled with new analytical technologies, can now produce solutions to problems that didn’t even exist when those samples were first produced.
For more than 30 years, we have been committed to preserving these materials and using them in research, education, and outreach to members of the K-12, industry, and government communities. This work is essential to preparing and supporting geoscientists, and to producing and distributing fact-based data that everyone can use.
You can explore our samples and well records at the Michigan Borehole Inventory Dashboard, an interactive GIS-based dashboard, or obtain traditional spreadsheets by specific data types.
Active Research Projects Using MGRRE Resources
- Characterizing subsurface formations that act as reservoirs and/or seals for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) to provide more domestic energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Assessing historic, current and potential availability of Michigan Critical Mineral Resources, to reduce our reliance on foreign countries
- Mapping Michigan’s building materials, including sand, gravel, and limestone, to provide essential material for roads and infrastructure projects
- Mapping our glacial landforms at high resolution to support land use planning and better understand Michigan’s glacial history
- Evaluating formations for underground energy storage to reliably heat our homes and businesses
- Assessing subsurface formations for storing industrial waste to safely and permanently isolate these materials
- Investigating subsurface formations that are prospective for hydrogen production and storage to provide more domestic energy
- Assessing three-dimensional distribution, quality and quantity, of Potash deposits to provide a domestic source of this fertilizer component
- Developing a centralized statewide groundwater data inventory to manage emerging water use challenges
- Provide data about our subsurface formations’ technical strength to mitigate risk associated with surface and subsurface development
- Preserve and reinterpret legacy seismic data to better identify Michigan’s geological resources
Geoscientist Workforce Development through Hands-on Learning
In the United States, a generation of industry and academic scientists is beginning to retire, creating a shortage of geoscientists in the workforce. This shift comes at a time when geoscientists are needed more than ever to address complex climate questions, manage the nation’s coastlines, find water resources, help balance urban and industrial development with environmental protection, and help us use earth resources wisely.
Through experience-based training and by using the newest modeling tools, including Petra and Petrel software, our students have the opportunity to apply classroom learning to evolving real-world issues:
- Addressing issues related to water quality and availability issues
- Supporting research to store more energy in the subsurface
- Increasing our ability to identify geologic hazards
- Identifying prospective sources of critical mineral resources
- Supporting development of unconventional and emerging energy sources
For a brief summary of our facility, resources, research, and staff, please see our MGRRE Fact Sheet.