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, […]

New tsunami vertical evacuation structure and evacuation maps for the Washington coast.

On August 5th, the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe dedicated the new Auntie Lee Vertical Evacuation Tower in Tokeland. The Tokeland tower is the third vertical evacuation structure in North America, joining rooftop structures in Westport, Washington and Newport, Oregon. The Auntie Lee Vertical Evacuation Tower can accommodate over 400 people and has dramatically reduced the […]

New map poster offers a bird’s-eye view of Mount St. Helens

In recognition of Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State, the Washington Geological Survey (WGS), with support from the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), has released a new map poster: ‘Mount St. Helens: A Mountain Reborn’. The map features a bird’s-eye view of the volcano that famously erupted on May 18, 1980. That eruption instantly transformed […]

High-resolution lidar images of Washington’s geology now freely available

The Washington Geological Survey (WGS) has released 50 high-resolution lidar-derived images of the State’s geology and geomorphology through the Washington State DNR’s Flickr page. The images are available in 16:9 format (7,200 x 4,050 pixels) and 4:3 format (7,200 x 5,400 pixels). Ten of the images are new (see below) and 40 of them were […]

New Tsunami Hazard Maps of the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters

We are pleased to announce the publication of new tsunami hazard maps for the Puget Sound and adjacent waters! Tsunami Hazard Maps of the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters — Model Results From An Extended L1 Mw 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone Megathrust Earthquake Scenario New tsunami modeling using a large earthquake scenario along the Cascadia […]

Newly Published: Port Angeles and Port Townsend Tsunami Inundation Hazard Maps

We are pleased to announce the publication of new tsunami hazard maps for Port Angeles and Port Townsend! Tsunami hazard maps of Port Angeles and Port Townsend, Washington—Model Results from a ~2,500-year Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Scenario New tsunami modeling along the Strait of Juan de Fuca within an area surrounding the communities of Port […]

New Washington lidar data and screensaver images!

New lidar data The Washington Geological Survey (WGS) has just released new lidar data for several areas in Washington. Since 2016 we have been involved in collecting over 6,400 square miles of lidar and have added many additional lidar datasets from our partners for public use. Lidar is a technology that uses light pulses to collect elevation […]