CALIFORNIA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Welcome to the California Geological Survey Web Site. We're here to help you find information on the geology, natural resources and geologic hazards of California.
In 1880 the California Legislature established the State Mining Bureau which has evolved during its 127 years of continuous service into the modern California Geological Survey (CGS). Of course the earliest history of CGS has its founding roots entwined with the discovery of gold in 1848.
The CGS staff is dedicated to the fulfillment of our stated mission of providing information and advice to protect life and property from natural hazards and to promote a better understanding of California's diverse geologic environment.
CGS geoscientists, engineers, and support staff take great pride in being part of an organization that has a 127 year legacy of providing scientific and engineering service to the State of California.
Thank you, California!
News & Events
- August 29, 2008 - EXTENDED ABSTRACT SUBMITTAL DEADLINE
Third Conference on Earthquake Hazards in the Eastern San Francisco Bay Area - Science, Hazard, Engineering and Risk. October 22-24, 2008, California State University, East Bay Campus, Hayward, CA.
ABSTRACTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED ONLINE - CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT.
This conference will highlight information on Eastern San Francisco Bay Area earthquake hazards that has been developed since 1982 and 1992 conferences. Click here for the Conference web page.
- July 29, 2008 - 5.4 Magnitude Earthquake near Los Angeles.
Click here to view a ShakeMap.Click here for Strong-Motion data and more information.
- March 10, 2008 - 75th Anniversary of the Long Beach Earthquake
CGS has created a special webpage and poster commemorating the earthquake and its aftermath. Because this earthquake caused significant damage to schools in the area, the California Legislature passed the Field Act requiring the State Architect to review and inspect construction of new public school facilities in the state. CGS assists the State Architect in this review process. Read more about the earthquake and the Field Act here...
- January 28, 2008 - Starting today, all CGS publication prices will be reduced by 20% at our Menlo Park and Sacramento Offices. This discount applies to walk-in over-the-counter sales only. Just ask for the website discount.
Click here for Menlo Park OfficeClick here for Sacramento Office.
- January 15, 2008 - United Nations proclaims 2008 "International Year of Planet Earth". Click here for more information.
- Click here for more news!
RECENT RELEASES
- August 27, 2008 - New Map Release
CGS has released two new Official Seismic Hazard Zone Maps for the Dublin and Livermore Quadrangles, in Alameda County. Click here to view the maps.
CGS has also released a new preliminary Seismic Hazard Zone Map for the Altamont Quadrangle, in Alameda County. Click here to view the map.
- July 30, 2008 - New Regional Geologic Map
CGS has released a Geologic Map of the San Diego 30' x 60' Quadrangle. Click here for the Release Statement and Sample Map.
- May 22, 2008 - Special Report 207 & Preliminary Report 25
It is only a matter of time until Southern California is hit by a major earthquake. These reports describe the ShakeOut Scenario, which applies the best current scientific understanding to describe the effects of a major earthquake and identify what can be done now to avoid an earthquake catastrophe. Click here for the Release Statement.Click here for the Reports.
- April 14, 2008 - Special Report 203
The 2007 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities (WGCEP) has developed a statewide earthquake-rupture forecast that uses “best available science”. Click here for the Release Statement.Click here for the Report.
- March 13, 2008 - Bulletin 189 (Reprint Release)
Minerals of California. Click here to view the Release Statement.
- February 22, 2008 - Special Report 201
Radon Potential in Monterey County, California.Click here for the Release Statement.Click here for the Report.
- January 31, 2008 - New Map Release
CGS has released 5 new Landslide Inventory Maps. Click here to view the Release Statement.Click here to view the maps.
- Click here for more recent releases!