Florida Geological Survey
The Florida Geological Survey (FGS), established in 1907, is part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It provides geological information about Florida based upon geological research and provides the foundation for scientific-based protection and conservation of Florida’s environment, including water, energy and mineral resources.
Organization[edit]
The Geological Investigations Section conducts geological research and mapping; provides information and research on sinkhole potential and other geological hazards; conducts oil-gas-mineral resource assessments on state lands being considered for acquisition; conducts core and well drilling for agency needs; and manages more than 19,700 well samples (cores and cuttings) in the state geological repository. It also provides outreach and education to a variety of customers, and edits all FGS publications.
The Applied Geoscience Services Section conducts mapping and assessments for protection and conservation of Florida’s water resources . It manages and develops geographic information system mapping and data, administers the geological research library services, and oversees the FGS publication program.
History[edit]
The Survey originated in the year 1852 when the office of State Engineer and Geologist received legislative approval. The office was held by “General” Francis L. Dancy, a former militia officer and mayor of St. Augustine. Dancy was not a geologist, but was experienced in engineering and spent his time draining lowlands for agricultural development. After requesting $500 to do soil tests in Florida, the legislature abolished the office of State Engineer and Geologist in 1855. When commercially valuable phosphate deposits were discovered in Florida in the 1880s, Governor Edward A. Perry appointed Dr. John Kost, a medical doctor and amateur geologist, as state geologist in 1886. After Kost completed his studies of phosphate, the legislature abolished his post a year later. Legislation in 1907 finally created an autonomous, permanent Florida Geological Survey, and an office of State Geologist based in Tallahassee.[1][2][3] The Director of the FGS serves as the official State Geologist, per Chapter 377.075 Florida Statutes and is a member of the Association of American State Geologists. Past State Geologists have been:
- E. H. Sellards, 1907-1909
- Herman Gunter, 1909-1958
- Robert O. Vernon, 1958-1971
- Charles W. Hendry, Jr., 1971-1988
- Walter Schmidt, 1988-2009
- Jonathan D. Arthur, 2009–Present
Products and Services[edit]
The FGS provides:
- geological data
- geological and hydrogeological mapping, research and assessments
- geological information products and publications
- geological sample repository maintenance and access
- geological hazard response
- library services
- response to e-mail or phone inquiries
- outreach and public education
Data and Publications[edit]
The FGS maintains a lithologic database, subsidence incident reports database, University of Florida/FGS vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology collections, and various geological and hydrogeological GIS coverages. FGS geological and hydrogeological publications date back to 1908, the year after the FGS was formally established. More than 95 percent of FGS publications have been digitized and posted on several websites of the University of Florida Libraries. URL links to them are built into the List of Publications (Information Circular 87 revised) which is downloadable as a PDF.
Education and Outreach[edit]
The Survey maintains an Education and Outreach Program, including the FGS website , Videos available to teachers, and an annual Open House in celebration of Earth Science Weekfor students from ages K-12. The FGS also sends geologists to speak to local schools on a staff-available basis.
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Hoenstine, R.W. and Weissinger, S., 1983, The Florida Bureau of Geology, Past, Present and Future". Florida Geological Survey Special Publication No. 26, 49 p.
- ↑ "Lane, B.E., 1998, The Florida Geological Survey: An Illustrated Chronicle and Brief History". Florida Geological Survey Special Publication No. 42, 70 p.
- ↑ "Rupert, F.R., 2007, Timeline of Highlights and Significant Historical Events in the Evolution of the Florida Geological Survey" (PDF). Florida Geological Survey Leaflet 18, 2 p.
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