ILLINOIS STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

A city or farmer needs a new water supply. Where can suitable water-bearing formations be found? A new limestone quarry is considered. Where are the most suitable limestone deposits? A coal mine is being planned. How deep must a shaft be sunk to reach the nearest minable coal and what will the mining conditions be? A land owner has a clay deposit on his land. What uses can be made of it? A road is to be constructed. Are sand and gravel or limestone deposits available nearby for construction materials? A farmer wants to know whether 23 there might be oil on his property. Are oil-bearing structures present and, if so, at what depth?

These are typical questions brought to the Illinois State Geological Survey by the industries and people of Illinois. From its accumulated store of information and experience, the Survey provides answers. This storehouse of knowledge is the result of the Survey’s continuous program of geologic exploration, mapping, research, and organization and interpretation of data.

The Survey explores and maps the geology and mineral resources of the state, does research to find new and improved uses for our mineral resources, and organizes and interprets basic geologic information gathered from well logs, rock samples, and field studies, putting them all into usable form.

Such knowledge is shared with the public through publications, maps, lectures, and personal consultations with industries, drillers, engineers, land owners, teachers, and others in need of geologic information.

The discovery of facts about the rich mineral resources of Illinois has, in effect, only begun, and it is the task of the Geological Survey to continue to collect and apply new information so that our resources can be used to the best advantage.