State Geologist of Louisiana, Greg Upton

Dr. Gregory B. Upton is Acting Director of the Louisiana Geological Survey. Greg’s expertise is in energy and environmental economics, mainly oil and gas markets, and energy transition in Louisiana. Dr. Upton holds a B.S., M.A., and Ph.D., the latter in 2014, in Economics from Louisiana State University. Welcome, Greg!

Utah Geological Survey ROI

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is Utah’s “go-to” source for all geologic resources information. The data we collect has a wide variety of uses across entities ranging from all types of private industry to local, state, and federal government. Our research often forms the basis for important activity that drives the current and future economy of the state. As such, the information and data that we make readily accessible add significant value to the prosperity of the state of Utah, our industry, and our citizens. In this article, we provide insights from recent efforts to assess the value of geological data provided by state geological surveys.

Ohio launches new interactive geology map

The Ohio Geological Survey has launched a refreshed version of the Ohio Geology Interactive Map (OGIM). The update features new search and visualization tools, an improved user interface, and enhanced accessibility considerations. The application serves as the primary platform for public access to geological observations and inferences in the state. Included are well logs, aquifer details, and potentiometric surfaces, as well as earthquake epicenters, seismic stations, coastal erosion, aggregate extent and thickness, and groundwater vulnerability. The update is emblematic of the Survey’s commitment to fully up-to-date public service that is in tune with the needs and capabilities of the late 2020s. Well done!

Richard Berg, 2025 Career Achievement Award

Dick Berg has been honored upon his retirement this year after 50 years of service at the Illinois State Geological Survey. When he was named State Geologist in 2015, he had worked under seven of the 13 ISGS directors who preceded him since the survey’s founding in 1851. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University, a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in soil geomorphology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Berg is a pioneer in 3D geological mapping and groundwater protection. As part of a governor’s task force, he helped develop the State Groundwater Protection Act of 1985. He has since played immense roles on the state, national, and international scene in advancing the essential role that geological mapping plays in addressing the needs of society.

Keith Schilling to complete his time as State Geologist of Iowa

In coming months, Dr. Keith Schilling will complete his time as State Geologist of Iowa and Director of the Iowa Geological Survey at the University of Iowa. He has held the position since 2017. He also is a research engineer in Hydroscience at U of Iowa, and adjunct faculty at U of Iowa and Iowa State. Keith has focused on Iowa water-related issues, including groundwater flow and quality, surface water and groundwater interaction, nonpoint source pollution, and watershed and floodplain processes. He holds an M.S. in water resources from Iowa State and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Iowa. He has performed superbly as AASG Water Chair. Well done, Keith!

The Texas Imperative

The Bureau of Economic Geology is the State Geological Survey of Texas. The Texas Imperative is comprised of a series of separate, project-based resource studies on water systems and drought, mineral resources, geothermal energy, and non-hydrocarbon gas. A majority of the research is applied and focuses on Texas issues, resources, and policy, ultimately increasing foundational and technical knowledge for the improved production and application of geoscience and the assessment of subsurface resources throughout the world.

https://youtu.be/4JgvVw0deC0?si=j_CnwEELz70G6diY

KGS expands research, lab space for core, critical materials analysis

Industry executives, state policymakers and University of Kansas leadership joined the Kansas Geological Survey Nov. 6 for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Watney CORELAB, which includes a 5,500-square-foot expansion of the existing laboratory space. Wow!

https://kgs.ku.edu/news/article/kgs-expands-research-laboratory-space-for-rock-core-critical-materials-analysis