Services
Geological services
Frequently asked questions: Service
Yes! We welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to visit the IGWS Learning Lab to explore our collections and participate in science. For groups larger than 10, please submit a group visit request.
To visit a specific staff member, please see the Staff Listing for contact information.
To visit a specific staff member, please see the Staff Listing for contact information.
No, the Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists (LPG) examines and licenses all eligible candidates for entry into the profession as a professional geologist. The IGWS is the managing agency and maintains the LPG website. The state geologist serves a permanent member of the board, and is often selected as the board's chair to facilitate its management.
Please visit the Licensing page for more information.
Please visit the Licensing page for more information.
The Indiana Journal of Earth Sciences (IJES) is an online, open-access serial publication of the Indiana Geological and Water Survey. IJES publishes peer-reviewed earth science research about Indiana and the surrounding region. We accept data sets, GIS layers, StoryMaps, technical notes, and research articles.
For more information, please visit the Indiana Journal of Earth Sciences.
For more information, please visit the Indiana Journal of Earth Sciences.
No, we do not visit field sites outside of IGWS research projects.
The IGWS does provide free evaluations of geological hazards and mineral resources for locations in Indiana through our online Environmental Assessment tool. Please fill out the Environmental Assessment form to receive an assessment.
If you are looking for a geologist to help with an environmental or personal property issue, we recommend contacting a geological consultant in your area.
The IGWS does provide free evaluations of geological hazards and mineral resources for locations in Indiana through our online Environmental Assessment tool. Please fill out the Environmental Assessment form to receive an assessment.
If you are looking for a geologist to help with an environmental or personal property issue, we recommend contacting a geological consultant in your area.
If you have an artifact, such as an arrowhead or stone tool, please contact the IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. If you have a modern animal bone, please contact the William R. Adams Zooarchaeology Laboratory.
If you have a rock, mineral, or fossil from Indiana, we may be able to help. Please email us a description of the object, where it was found, and two to three well-lit, sharply focused photographs. Specimens cannot be identified over the phone. Please limit identification requests to no more than five objects per year.
Please note that the IGWS does not authenticate suspected meteorites.
If you have a rock, mineral, or fossil from Indiana, we may be able to help. Please email us a description of the object, where it was found, and two to three well-lit, sharply focused photographs. Specimens cannot be identified over the phone. Please limit identification requests to no more than five objects per year.
Please note that the IGWS does not authenticate suspected meteorites.
We are committed to providing free educational resources related to Indiana's natural resources, geologic hazards, and geoheritage. Educators can download, share, and adapt all IGWS materials for noncommerical use.
To learn more about upcoming teacher workshops, please see our Events page or email us.
To find lesson plans, posters, or other reference materials, please visit our Educational Resources page.
To reserve a classroom kit of earth science materials, please visit our Discovery Trunks page.
To schedule a field trip to the Learning Lab, please submit a group visit request.
To learn more about upcoming teacher workshops, please see our Events page or email us.
To find lesson plans, posters, or other reference materials, please visit our Educational Resources page.
To reserve a classroom kit of earth science materials, please visit our Discovery Trunks page.
To schedule a field trip to the Learning Lab, please submit a group visit request.
Physical collections have limited access and are open by appointment only. Read more about our Collections Needs here. Interested researchers should email us three weeks ahead of their preferred visit date to make arrangements.
IGWS digital collections are available here.
IGWS digital collections are available here.
The Indiana Geological and Water Survey’s vast collection of physical samples has been in temporary storage since 2018. Visitation is open by appointment only. Read more about our Collections Needs here.
Geospatial data is available through a number of IGWS web applications here. If you have trouble finding a specific data set, please email us.
The IGWS store offers a unique selection of geology-themed books and gifts. Visit our onsite store in the Learning Lab or shop our online store at store.igws.indiana.edu. The onsite and online stores accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.