North Dakota Geological Survey

The North Dakota Geological Survey serves as the primary source of geological and map-related information in the State. It promotes better public understanding of the State's natural resources by creating, collecting, and disseminating geologic and map-related information, and it administers several regulatory programs as well as acting in an advisory capacity to other state agencies. Regulatory responsibilities include storing and curating oil-well core and samples and making these materials available for study at their core and sample library in Grand Forks. The Survey also regulates coal exploration, geothermal resources, subsurface minerals, Class III Underground Injection Control Wells, and fossil resource protection. One of the most important things that NDGS geologists do is - interpret the geologic history of the state. In turn, through Survey fieldwork and studies, a large amount of geological information can be obtained from NDGS publications; comprehensive collections of cores, samples, and fossils; oil and gas records; and coal and subsurface mineral records. Survey investigations add to the overall understanding of our surroundings for the benefit of everyone. The Geological Survey publishes maps and reports on the mineralogical, paleontological, and geochemical resources of North Dakota, including oil and gas, coal, uranium, clay, sand and gravel, volcanic ash, potash and other salts, etc. In addition to the mapping of subsurface resources, the Survey is actively mapping the surface geology throughout the state with an emphasis on urban areas and the identification of geohazards such as landslides. Survey publications support the regulatory programs of the North Dakota Industrial Commission, as well as other state and federal agencies, and assist mineral companies, geotechnical consulting firms, city and county governments, landowners, and citizens of the state.