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Quaternary Geology of Wisconsin
This 1:500,000 scale map of Wisconsin depicts sediment deposited by glaciers, streams, wind, and other processes during the Quaternary Period (2.58 million years ago to present). The map was made by compiling detailed Quaternary mapping and lithostratigraphic studies previously conducted by the WGNHS to generate consistent statewide Quaternary map units....-
GIS Data for the Quaternary Geology of Wisconsin (revised 2025) [dataset 1]
2025
GIS Data: GeMS file geodatabase, GeoPackage, shapefiles, metadata
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Evaluating pXRF instrument performance using reference materials
The portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) instrument provides fast, real-time, non-destructive, multi-element geochemical data (i.e. elemental concentrations) on rocks and minerals at a relatively low cost and with minimal sample preparation. This study quantifies the precision and accuracy of measurements collected by the WGNHS pXRF on reference materials...-
Evaluating pXRF instrument performance using reference materials
2023
Report: 50 p. (report) + 31 p. (appendices)
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Mineral Assessments for Conservation Easements in Wisconsin
If you’re thinking about donating land as a conservation easement but don’t own the subsurface (known as “severed mineral rights”), then you’ll need an assessment of the land’s mineral potential to determine whether the easement will qualify as a charitable tax deduction. Geologists at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey perform this... -
Depth-to-Bedrock Mapping in Wisconsin
Depth-to-bedrock maps show the thickness of unconsolidated materials overlying bedrock. These maps provide a key link between the underlying geology, groundwater flow, and land use and are important in guiding activities such as permitting, bridge construction, and the land application of waste products in sensitive areas. Given their role in guiding... -
Methods and Best Practices for Surveying Springs in Wisconsin
Description of the field methods and data management procedures used to produce the Springs Inventory (see Bulletin 113). -
An Inventory of Springs in Wisconsin
Report, database, field protocol, photos, and site sketches documenting the multi-year project inventorying springs in Wisconsin with discharge rates of at least 0.25 cubic feet per second. -
3-D Wisconsin
When viewed with 3-D glasses, Wisconsin’s land features pop off the page. Brief descriptions of major land forms paint the geologic history that shaped the state; expanded descriptions and photos are online. We’ve field-tested this map on fourth graders and can attest to its appeal. Sizes: 27.5 x 32 inches, 8.5 x 11 inches. Requires red-blue 3-D glasses. -
Sampling Methodologies and Data Analysis Techniques for Geologic Materials Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Elemental Analysis
Details the current WGNHS approach to pXRF analysis, including usage guidelines, sample preparation, calibration, and plotting techniques.-
Sampling Methodologies and Data Analysis Techniques for Geologic Materials Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Elemental Analysis [appendices]
2016
Data: PDF files + Excel spreadsheet
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Laurentide Ice Sheet: Ice-Margin Positions in Wisconsin
Series of 43 page-size maps showing the chronology of the last glaciation's advances and retreats across Wisconsin. Includes a brief discussion about how the maps were made, how lake positions were determined, as well as a list of selected references. -
Minerals of Wisconsin Postcards (set of 4)
Set of 4 postcards featuring exquisite specimens of phenakite, galena, marcasite, and chalcocite. (To learn more about these and other minerals, visit our Minerals of Wisconsin database.)-
Minerals of Wisconsin
2015
Item: 4 in x 6 in, set of 4 cards (phenakite, galena, marcasite, chalcocite)
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Landscapes of Wisconsin Postcard
Postcard showing Wisconsin in shaded relief. Also available as a poster and page-size map. -
Municipal Drinking Water Safety: The Link Between Groundwater, Pathogens, and Public Health
Most Wisconsin municipalities already disinfect their water supply. For those that don't, this publication describes how viruses from untreated sewage can contaminate groundwater, causing acute gastrointestinal illness. It also identifies available technology for treating water. -
Industrial Sand Potential in Wisconsin: Sandstone at or near the Surface
Shows where sandstone can be found within 100 ft (30 m) of the surface.-
Industrial Sand Potential in Wisconsin: Sandstone at or Near the Surface
2013
Map: 21 in x 22.5 in, scale 1:1,000,000
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Wisconsin Township and Range Reference Map
Page-size map showing township and range numbers for the state, along with a brief explanation of how to use the map. -
Frac Sand in Wisconsin
The state's golden sands have inspired Wisconsin's version of a gold rush. This 2-page fact sheet shows where sandstone formations occur in Wisconsin, where frac sand is being mined and processed, why our sand is so popular, and how it's being used. -
Wisconsin Indoor Radon Data: 2010 Report of Data
Open-file report; contains unpublished data that has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Publications Catalog
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
