Geological survey
Encyclopedia
The term geological survey can be used to describe both the conduct of a survey
for geological purposes and an institution holding geological information.
A geological survey is the systematic investigation of the subsurface of a given piece of ground for the purpose of creating a geological map or model.
A geological survey employs techniques from the traditional walk-over survey, studying outcrop
s and landforms, to intrusive methods, such as hand augering and machine driven borehole
s, to the use of geophysical techniques and remote sensing
methods, such as aerial photography
and satellite imagery
.
A Geological Survey can also be a national or federal institution employed to maintain the geological inventory
and advance the knowledge of geosciences for the benefit of the wealth and health of the nation.
In the United States, the 50 state surveys are coordinated by the Association of American State Geologists
.
Some examples of national geological surveys are listed here:
Individual states or provinces may also have a geological survey. Examples include:
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
for geological purposes and an institution holding geological information.
A geological survey is the systematic investigation of the subsurface of a given piece of ground for the purpose of creating a geological map or model.
A geological survey employs techniques from the traditional walk-over survey, studying outcrop
Outcrop
An outcrop is a visible exposure of bedrock or ancient superficial deposits on the surface of the Earth. -Features:Outcrops do not cover the majority of the Earth's land surface because in most places the bedrock or superficial deposits are covered by a mantle of soil and vegetation and cannot be...
s and landforms, to intrusive methods, such as hand augering and machine driven borehole
Borehole
A borehole is the generalized term for any narrow shaft bored in the ground, either vertically or horizontally. A borehole may be constructed for many different purposes, including the extraction of water or other liquid or gases , as part of a geotechnical investigation, environmental site...
s, to the use of geophysical techniques and remote sensing
Remote sensing
Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon, without making physical contact with the object. In modern usage, the term generally refers to the use of aerial sensor technologies to detect and classify objects on Earth by means of propagated signals Remote sensing...
methods, such as aerial photography
Aerial photography
Aerial photography is the taking of photographs of the ground from an elevated position. The term usually refers to images in which the camera is not supported by a ground-based structure. Cameras may be hand held or mounted, and photographs may be taken by a photographer, triggered remotely or...
and satellite imagery
Satellite imagery
Satellite imagery consists of photographs of Earth or other planets made by means of artificial satellites.- History :The first images from space were taken on sub-orbital flights. The U.S-launched V-2 flight on October 24, 1946 took one image every 1.5 seconds...
.
A Geological Survey can also be a national or federal institution employed to maintain the geological inventory
Inventory
Inventory means a list compiled for some formal purpose, such as the details of an estate going to probate, or the contents of a house let furnished. This remains the prime meaning in British English...
and advance the knowledge of geosciences for the benefit of the wealth and health of the nation.
In the United States, the 50 state surveys are coordinated by the Association of American State Geologists
Association of American State Geologists
The Association of American State Geologists is an organization of the chief executives of the state geological surveys in 50 states and Puerto Rico. The responsibilities of the various state surveys differ from state to state, depending upon the enabling legislation and the traditions under which...
.
Some examples of national geological surveys are listed here:
- Geoscience AustraliaGeoscience AustraliaGeoscience Australia is an agency of the Australian federal government. It carries out geoscientific research.On a user pays basis it produces geospatial products such as topographic maps and satellite imagery.-History:...
- known from 1992 to 2001 as the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO) - Geological Survey of Canada
- Geological Survey of IndiaGeological Survey of IndiaGeological Survey of India , established in 1851 is a government organization in India which is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines of Union Government of India for conducting geological surveys and studies. It is one of the oldest of such organizations in the world and the second oldest...
- Saudi Geological SurveySaudi Geological SurveyThe Saudi Geological Survey is the national geologic survey of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and was established as an independent entity attached to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources following a Council of Ministers Decision in 1999...
- British Geological SurveyBritish Geological SurveyThe British Geological Survey is a partly publicly funded body which aims to advance geoscientific knowledge of the United Kingdom landmass and its continental shelf by means of systematic surveying, monitoring and research. The BGS headquarters are in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, but other centres...
- United States Geological SurveyUnited States Geological SurveyThe United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
Individual states or provinces may also have a geological survey. Examples include:
- Alberta Geological SurveyAlberta Geological SurveyAlberta Geological Survey is part of the Energy Resources Conservation Board, a provincial agency of the Government of Alberta. Alberta Geological Survey provides geological information and expertise to government, industry and the public about Alberta’s Earth resources and geological processes for...
- Geological Survey of Newfoundland and LabradorGeological Survey of Newfoundland and LabradorThe Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador is a scientific research agency that is part of the Department of Natural Resources of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador...
- Pennsylvania Geological SurveyPennsylvania Geological SurveyThe Pennsylvania Geological Survey or Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey , is a geological survey enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly "to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania by collecting, preserving, and disseminating impartial information on the Commonwealth's geology, geologic...
- Utah Geological SurveyUtah Geological SurveyThe Utah Geological Survey is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. It also has an office in Cedar City, Utah.It is a division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources and is an applied scientific agency, which creates, interprets, and provides information about Utah's geological environment,...
- Delaware Geological SurveyDelaware Geological SurveyThe Delaware Geological Survey is a science-based, public-service-driven Delaware state agency at the University of Delaware that conducts geologic and hydrologic research, service, and exploration for the benefit of the citizens of the First State...