New geologic maps are free to download

Originally posted on EAR TO THE GROUND WITH DNR & COMMISSIONER FRANZ:
This outcrop on the east shore of Dabob Bay contains faulted and folded sediments thought to be about 100,000 years old, which is considered young in geologic terms. Photo: Trevor Contreras/DNR. This outcrop, which features faulted and folded sediments possibly related to an…

The October/November 2013 issue of TsuInfo Alert is now available

Highlights of this issue include an article on the vertical tsunami evacuation structure to be incorporated into the design of the new Ocosta Elementary School in Grays Harbor County, and the publication announcement for Landslide and liquefaction maps for the Long Beach Peninsula, Pacific County, Washington: Effects on tsunami inundation zones of a Cascadia subduction […]

Do You TsuInfo?

The August edition of TsuInfo Alert is now published and available online! TsuInfo Alert is a bi-monthly newsletter that links scientists, emergency responders, and community planners to the latest tsunami research. This newsletter is published by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Earth Resources on behalf of the National Tsunami Hazard […]

Interested in WA mining history?

DGER has just published Inactive and abandoned mine lands—Old Dominion Mine, Colville Mining District, Stevens County, Washington by F. E. Wolff, B. T. Garcia, D. T. McKay Jr., N. J. Heheman, and D. K. Norman. This information circular details the history of one of Washington State’s first metal mines. Discovered in 1885, the Old Dominion […]

Seattle Times article profiles our Seismic Scenario Catalog, sends tremors through system

Yesterday’s article published in the Seattle Times, profiling the DNR-hosted Seismic Scenarios Catalog, prompted so many hits to our site that many users received intermittent service error notifications. Rest assured, we are working on this issue and expect service to return to normal soon. We first blogged about the Seismic Scenarios Catalog on its public […]

Our Lahar Report is Tops!

The stats have been tallied and we (DNR Geology) were responsible for the most popular DNR news release of 2012! According to the DNR communications department, our June 6, 2012 news brief titled “Mount Rainier lahar losses could reach $6 billion or more in Puyallup Valley” received the most hits (at almost 3500) of any […]

Announcing the release of the Lake Joy 7.5 minute quadrangle map

The Washington State Geological Survey (DNR Division of Geology and Earth Resources) is pleased to announce the publication of the Lake Joy 7.5-minute quadrangle geologic map. This map is part of the division’s plan to map around the active southern Whidbey Island fault zone as well as the subsidiary Carnation and Cherry Creek fault zones […]

Welcome to Washington State Geology News

In Washington State we count ourselves fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful and geologically active states in the nation. Our majestic mountains, picturesque volcanoes, rugged coastlines, and hilly terrain are products of the geologic forces that formed them. We can experience their constant evolution through events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and […]