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Division of Geology and Land Survey

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Ha Ha Tonka State Park and surrounding area.

Photo circa 1970s. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Celebrating 160 years of service to Missourians

One hundred sixty years is not a very long time when speaking in geologic terms. However, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Geological Survey is observing this noteworthy milestone this year. Since 1853, the Missouri Geological Survey has provided reliable scientific information to describe and understand Missouri's wealth of natural resources.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend our week-long Open House, April 22-26, 2013 where you will find special exhibits, visit with staff, tour the Edward L. Clark Museum of Missouri Geology and attend daily presentations about the contributions staff members have made to both the environmental and economic vitality of Missouri. Read more.

Sinkhole Collapse

Sinkholes are depressed or collapsed areas formed by dissolution of carbonate bedrock or collapse of underlying caves. They range in size from several square yards to hundreds of acres and may be very shallow or hundreds of feet deep. Sinkholes are part of what is called “karst” topography, which also includes caves, spring and losing streams. While many sinkholes occur as circular, bowl shaped depressions, others are not readily visible on the surface because voids are plugged or capped with soil or think layers of rock. The department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey provides technical assistance to the citizens of Missouri by evaluating the causes and repercussions of landslide development and sinkhole and mine collapse. Staff perform visual reconnaissance to determine if collapse or landslide is attributed to a natural karst feature or is associated with the failure of a man-made feature. Read more in the Geologic Hazards brochure. Create a map showing sinkholes that have been reported to the department or are on U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps. Other sinkholes may exist that have not been reported to the department.