Ontario Geological Survey
Encyclopedia
The Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) is an administrative Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry. It is responsible for documenting and communicating the geology
of Ontario
, and manages the Assessment File Research Imaging database.
OGS helps people understand how to apply the geological knowledge about Ontario to address a range of public policy issues. The OGS is a public good organization. Its geological survey function is mandated by the Ontario Government
. OGS has no regulatory responsibility. Ontario's geology includes: a) the rock (bedrock
); b) the deposits of sand, gravel, and till left by the glacier
s; c) the mineral resources and potential; d) the energy resource potential within the rocks and soils; and e) the groundwater
aquifers that contain groundwater resources. An understanding of what is at, and below, our feet is fundamental to human existence on the Earth, to understand the environment and habitats, and our ability to adapt to future changes, such as global warming. This geological knowledge is used to assess Earth resource potential, to attract investment, to ensure the health and safety of Ontario people from geo-hazards, and to plan the present and future use of the land. The OGS also collaborates with Ontario's Aboriginal people
to achieve a mutual understanding, mutual respect, and to achieve mutual interests. The OGS is a science-based organization that conducts field studies.
Geology
Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
of Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, and manages the Assessment File Research Imaging database.
OGS helps people understand how to apply the geological knowledge about Ontario to address a range of public policy issues. The OGS is a public good organization. Its geological survey function is mandated by the Ontario Government
Government of Ontario
The Government of Ontario refers to the provincial government of the province of Ontario, Canada. Its powers and structure are set out in the Constitution Act, 1867....
. OGS has no regulatory responsibility. Ontario's geology includes: a) the rock (bedrock
Bedrock
In stratigraphy, bedrock is the native consolidated rock underlying the surface of a terrestrial planet, usually the Earth. Above the bedrock is usually an area of broken and weathered unconsolidated rock in the basal subsoil...
); b) the deposits of sand, gravel, and till left by the glacier
Glacier
A glacier is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight...
s; c) the mineral resources and potential; d) the energy resource potential within the rocks and soils; and e) the groundwater
Groundwater
Groundwater is water located beneath the ground surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. A unit of rock or an unconsolidated deposit is called an aquifer when it can yield a usable quantity of water. The depth at which soil pore spaces or fractures and voids in rock...
aquifers that contain groundwater resources. An understanding of what is at, and below, our feet is fundamental to human existence on the Earth, to understand the environment and habitats, and our ability to adapt to future changes, such as global warming. This geological knowledge is used to assess Earth resource potential, to attract investment, to ensure the health and safety of Ontario people from geo-hazards, and to plan the present and future use of the land. The OGS also collaborates with Ontario's Aboriginal people
First Nations in Ontario
First Nations in Ontario constitute many nations. Common First Nations ethnicities in the province include the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and the Cree.-First Nations in Ontario:* Aamjiwnaang First Nation* Alderville First Nation...
to achieve a mutual understanding, mutual respect, and to achieve mutual interests. The OGS is a science-based organization that conducts field studies.