Welcome to the California Department of Conservation
CGS

Welcome to the California Geological Survey 

CALIFORNIA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Welcome to the California Geological Survey Web Site! 

In April 1860 the California Legislature established the Geological Survey of California that has evolved during its 150 years of service, and several name changes, into today’s modern California Geological Survey (CGS).  Of course, the earliest history of CGS has its founding roots entwined with the discovery of gold in 1848.

CGS is dedicated to the fulfillment of its mission to provide scientific products and services about the state's geology, seismology and mineral resources that affect the health, safety, and business interests of the people of California.

CGS geoscientists, engineers and support staff take great pride in upholding the heritage of an organization that has a 150 year legacy of providing the highest quality of scientific and engineering products and services to the State of California.

Altiora Petimus (1860)

News & Events

  • October 18 at 10:18 AM - The Great California ShakeOut!
    Join millions of people who will Drop, Cover, and Hold On in the 2012 Great California ShakeOut! Learn more about earthquake safety and preparedness. Sign up and check out who else is participating! And definitely, spread the word!  http://www.shakeout.org/california/
  • October 14-19, 2012 - Earth Science Week
    California Geological Survey invites you to recognize and participate in a week full of Earth Science, fossils, geologic maps and the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill!  Click here to learn more!
  • CGS Library Catalog now online!
    CGS now offers the ability to search the entire CGS library catalog.  Click here to begin your search!
  • A New Way to Access CGS Natural Hazard Information
    A collaborative web service called MyPlan has been established by the California Emergency Management Agency and the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to provide a “one-stop shop” for local agency access to inter-active map information regarding natural hazards in California.  Alongside contributions from Cal Fire and Water Resources, CGS provides information for earthquake and tsunami hazards.  CGS worked closely with CNRA developers to ensure accurate representation of its hazard information, and will continue to provide more data offerings through this service.  Ready access to these data allows for enhanced dissemination of agency products to support local land-use and development decisions, and facilitates preparation and updating of local hazard mitigation plans.  The new site can be accessed at: http://hazardmitigation.calema.ca.gov/myplan CGS will continue to provide natural hazard information through its own website in addition to the new service.


  • CGS now has the entire collection of the California Geology magazine accessible in an online searchable database.
    Click here to begin your search!


  • Access Interactive Tsunami Maps using a Google Maps Interface


    • Click on the image to access the maps.





  • CGS offers online access to Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone Maps and GIS data.
    Click here to view/download the maps  
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  • State Geologic Map and State Fault Activity Map!


    Click here to learn more about the State Geologic Map.


    Click here to learn more about the State Fault Activity Map.

  • Click here to learn more about the History of Geologic Maps of California.
  • Engineering Geologist Exam now available online
    Click here to learn more about the exam and take the online test.
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  • Click here for more news!
 

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