New Alluvial Fan Inventory of Klickitat County Published!

We are pleased to announce the release of our new “Alluvial fan inventory of Klickitat County”. The publication, which consists of a pamphlet summarizing key results, is accompanied by an interactive story map. The newly mapped alluvial fans have been added to our WASLID landslide database, which can be viewed on our Geologic Information Portal. […]

A new way to easily explore and access geophysical data for Washington State

Geophysicists have studied the complex geology of Washington State for decades, generating countless geophysical datasets. These datasets encompass various geophysical methods, which are techniques that use instruments such as seismometers, magnetometers, and gravimeters to study the structure and composition of the subsurface. Geophysical datasets can be an enormously valuable resource for researchers, students, planners, and […]

Introducing a new way to understand the data on our Geologic Information Portal

Our Geologic Information Portal hosts many different datasets, ranging from information about natural hazards such as tsunamis and landslides, to surficial geologic mapping at a variety of scales. With so much exciting science to share, we want to make sure our users can find the layers they are interested in and understand what they are […]

New Aggregate Resource Inventory of Kitsap County Published!

We are excited to announce the publication of the Aggregate Resource Inventory of Kitsap County. The publication includes a 1:100,000-scale map plate and accompanying pamphlet. What are aggregate resources? Sand, gravel, and bedrock may be mined or quarried to produce raw materials known as construction aggregate. Construction aggregate is used in the manufacturing of concrete, […]

Update to our Subsurface Database

This month, we published a major update that added 3,344 records to our Subsurface Database. The new entries come from Spokane, Lewis, Thurston, and Kittitas Counties. The Subsurface Database now contains 120,244 records of geotechnical borings and water wells from across Washington State, and we continue to add historical records and new data as they […]

New Mines and Minerals Database Published to the Geologic Information Portal

The Washington Geological Survey recently published a new Mines and Minerals database to the Washington Geologic Information Portal. The database was created as part of a grant from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP). The database consolidates existing digital data about mines and minerals in Washington State, created by […]

Celebrate the New Year with new lidar images!

Happy New Year from the Washington Geological Survey! In honor of the New Year we’ve created many new lidar-derived images that we would like to share with you. These new images cover the state from east to west and include mountains, floodplains, glaciers, and other landscapes sculpted by geologic forces. Scroll down to read more […]

Three New 1:24,000-Scale Geologic Maps Published!

We recently released three new 1:24,000-scale geologic maps covering parts of Thurston, Pierce, King, and Kittitas Counties. Read on to learn more about the maps and find links to download the publications. Geologic map of the Chester Morse Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle, King County, Washington Abstract We combine new geologic mapping, geochronology, geochemistry, thin-section analysis, a […]

A new look and new features for our Recently Reported Landslides map

Are you curious whether there have been any landslides near you recently? Now you can find out on our new and improved Recently Reported Landslides map! The interactive map shows recent landslides compiled by the Washington Geological Survey based on reports from media sources and government agencies. The compilation is updated regularly throughout the year […]

Building a sustainable world through geology

Happy Earth Science Week! In celebration of this year’s theme, “Earth Science for a Sustainable World”, we are excited to introduce the new Earth Resource Program at the Washington Geological Survey. The program studies the intersection of groundwater, geothermal energy, and carbon sequestration in the Columbia Basin of southeastern Washington. The development of the Earth […]