Introduction

Demographics and economic development in Kansas are greatly influenced by the state's natural resources. In 1889 the Kansas Geological Survey was permanently established at the University of Kansas in Lawrence with three employees and a mission to explore those resources. Today, with more than 80 geologists, geophysicists, geohydrologists, computer scientists, and technical support staff and approximately 70 student employees, the Survey has remained a non-regulatory research agency that oversees dozens of projects annually and continuously develops new techniques and equipment to analyze the state's physical attributes, both above and below the surface. To keep other scientists, agencies, and the public informed, the staff produces reports, maps, and databases about the state's rocks and minerals, energy resources, and water quality and quantity. Over the past 116 years, the Survey has conducted research in every county in the state, published more than 140 maps and 650 technical and educational reports, and created numerous computer programs, databases, and a multi-faceted web page. This report highlights several of the many KGS research projects and programs and provides a list of the 2005 publications produced by the Survey staff, a list of grants and contracts, and a financial statement for FY2005.

Survey Programs and Projects

The Kansas Geological Survey has four research sections: Geohydrology, Energy Research, Exploration Services, and Stratigraphic Research. Several service sections provide assistance to the research sections and the public. They include public outreach and geology extension, publication sales, a library and archives, a data library of petroleum and water-well records, editing and publishing, graphic design, web design, cartography, computer services, and administration.

Although each research and service section has a particular focus, their endeavors overlap. Geophysicists use seismic techniques to explore energy sources and underground rock units, computer scientists provide central design and support services for databases and internet-based systems to display data collected on water quality and quantity, cartographers help create maps collected by geologists in the field. As a result, projects cannot always easily be attributed to one section or another so in this report, projects and resources are divided into the following categories: Energy, Subsurface Imaging Techniques, Water, Geology and Stratigraphy, Mapping, and Information Dissemination.

KGS Home || Annual Report 2005 Home || Director's Report || Introduction || Energy || Subsurface Imaging Techniques

Water || Geology and Stratigraphy || Mapping || Information Dissemination || New Grants || Financial Statement

Online August 28, 2006

Comments to: webadmin@kgs.ku.edu
URL:"http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/AnnRep05/05intro.html"