The Michigan Geological Survey, with its long history of geologic research in Michigan, is housed in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University. The survey facilitates research to promote the wise use of natural resources while serving the general public through quality research, invaluable expertise and a historic data repository.

News

Michigan Geological Survey has received annual funding beginning in the October 2022-2023 state budget and again in 2023-2024.  Budget also received a grant through the Department of Natural Resources for 5 years at $1 million per year to map the aggregates of Michigan.

 John Yellich oversees this ongoing investment that will be used to map the subsurface of Michigan to enhance the economic development and ensure that the vital resources are analyzed, protected and used wisely throughout Michigan.

 The Michigan Geological Survey with the annual funding has now begun the process of filling Full time positions. 

MGS is searching for a Director to replace John Yellich.  Please see information on this position here.  Please apply here.

 Michigan Basin Geological Society Meeting 12 January 2022: John Yellich, Director of the Michigan Geologic Survey, presentation “Lake Michigan Shorelines, Catastrophic Failure or Stable, That is the Question”. >Watch the zoom recording here

New funding: The Michigan Geological Survey was recently awarded $500,000 from Gov. Whitmer's state budget to support ongoing work including mapping geological resources and critical minerals, archiving specimens at the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education, tracing PFAS contamination, and understanding bluff erosion along Lake Michigan. Read the full story here. 

Michigan lighthouse

What is causing bluffs to fail? Watch the TV8 Wood Grand Rapids television interview on Oct. 22 at MGRRE. MGS reviews Geological Survey research on Lake Michigan bluffs in 3 areas, St. Joseph, Miami Park South and Pentwater. View the MGS presentation to the Casca Township commissioners on May 17, 2021 - long version or short version.

Water

Did you know there is a water quality crisis and shortage in Ottawa county? The Michigan Geological Survey has been working with Ottawa County to better understand geologically where, why and what can we/they do to conserve and protect our precious water resources as our population grows. Watch the MGS segment on the PBS episode: Water's Restored.

MGRRE

At the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS) and the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE), we are leaving no stone unturned in our search for minerals that you may have never heard of. In a new NPR interview, Stateside discusses Michigan's role in mining these raw materials with Drs. William Harrison and Peter Voice. The interview begins at 18:40.

News article: Tromino technology at the Michigan Geological Survey
Sept. 28, 2018 | Michigan Oil & Gas News
The Michigan Geological Survey provides affordable method of identifying Michigan's freshwater resources.

MGS Icon

Funding: The MGS was awarded $500,000 of state funding to conduct geologic mapping to protect and develop Michigan’s natural resources. This award is a testament to the vision and hard work of the staff at the MGS and the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education. Special thanks to MGS Director John Yellich, Department Chair Mohamed Sultan, President Emeritus John Dunn, Vice President for Government Affairs and University Relations Greg Rosine, Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs Katie John, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Timothy Greene, Interim Dean of CAS Dean Hearit, Vice President for Research Dan Litynski and the Geosciences Advisory Council, without whose support this milestone could not have been achieved. Read more.

Photo of John Yellich

Interview: Survey Director John Yellich explains the importance of soil identification and use of consistent terminologies for water well drillers at the Michigan Ground Water Association conference in Battle Creek, Michigan. Watch the video.

 

A more comprehensive list of recent news can be found here.

Annual reports

MGS store

Visit the MGS store to purchase reports, maps, data and other documents, including historical documents and recent publications. The extent and availability of maps can be viewed using the MGS Geoplatform application.

Visit the Michigan Geological Survey online store.