Geological Survey of Alabama
State geological agency of Alabama
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Geological Survey of Alabama (GSA) is the Alabama state agency responsible for examining, cataloging, mapping, and reporting on the state's mineral, energy, water, coastal, and biological resources. It is headed by the State Geologist and headquartered in Walter B. Jones Hall on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | January 2, 1848 |
| Jurisdiction | Alabama |
| Headquarters | Walter B. Jones Hall, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa |
| Website | gsa |
The agency was established on January 2, 1848, when Michael Tuomey began work as the first State Geologist, making it one of the earliest state geological surveys in the United States. It carries out its work through four programs covering geologic investigations, groundwater assessment, energy resources, and ecosystems research.
History
The GSA has been closely associated with the University of Alabama since its founding. In late 1847, the Alabama Legislature created the position of State Geologist to document the state's natural resources.[1] Michael Tuomey, a mineralogy professor at the University of Alabama, began work on January 2, 1848, officially establishing the GSA.[1] Tuomey served as both State Geologist and professor until his death in 1857.[2] The survey's activities were interrupted by the American Civil War, during which much of Tuomey's original specimen collection was destroyed when the university campus was burned in 1865.[2]
Eugene Allen Smith was appointed State Geologist in 1873, reviving the agency. Smith established the GSA library, organized the Alabama Museum of Natural History, and produced significant regional mapping. His work laid the foundation for later statewide geologic mapping efforts, including subsequent printed and digital geologic maps of Alabama produced in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey (USGS).[3]
Walter B. Jones succeeded Smith in 1927, expanding the agency's scope to include archaeology and contributing to the establishment of what is now Moundville Archaeological Park.[1] Philip LaMoreaux, appointed in 1961, oversaw the separation of the Alabama Museum of Natural History from the GSA, the completion of a statewide topographic map series, and the publication of a revised state geologic map.[1]
Berry H. "Nick" Tew Jr. was appointed State Geologist in 2002.[1] By statute, the State Geologist also serves as State Oil and Gas Supervisor and ex officio secretary of the Alabama State Oil and Gas Board.[1]
The main GSA office, publications office, library, and most scientific and support staff are housed in Walter B. Jones Hall on the University of Alabama campus.[1] The agency provides public access to GIS data, interactive mapping portals, publications, and a core warehouse containing drilled-rock samples from across the state.[1]
Programs
The GSA is organized into four programs:[1]
- Geologic Investigations Program: Produces 1:24,000-scale geologic maps, monitors natural hazards including earthquakes and sinkholes, documents nonfuel mineral resource production, and maintains an extensive paleontological collection.
- Groundwater Assessment Program: Conducts hydrogeologic and geochemical assessments across the state's aquifers. The program participates in the National Ground Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN), contributing data through a real-time observation well network.[4] It also includes a Coastal Resources Section focused on shoreline morphology and environmental quality in coastal counties.
- Energy Investigations Program: Evaluates conventional oil and gas, coalbed methane, and shale gas resources. The program is involved in carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) research through the Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (SECARB),[5] focusing on geologic formations including the Black Warrior Basin and the Citronelle Oil Field.[6]
- Ecosystems Investigations Program: Monitors biological assemblages and water quality within Alabama's watersheds, including endangered species assessments, fish movement studies in large river systems, and biological monitoring in sensitive environments such as cave and karst systems in northern Alabama.[7]
