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Ohio Geological Survey

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Ohio Geological Survey

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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey increases awareness of Ohio’s geology and provides geologic information and services needed for responsible management of Ohio's natural resources.

06/02/2026

Looking for a fun way to beat the summer heat? The solution is right beneath your feet! Why not celebrate by cooling off in one of Ohio’s underground caves that are 54ºF year-round!

1. Ohio Caverns, West Liberty
(Champaign Co. and Logan Co.)
2. Olentangy Caverns, Delaware (Delaware Co.)
3. Seneca Caverns, Bellevue (Erie, Huron, Seneca, and Sandusky cos.)
4. Crystal Cave, South Bass Island State Park (Ottawa Co.)
5. Perry’s Cave, South Bass Island State Park (Ottawa Co.)

There are many different types of caves throughout the world. Here in Ohio, we have solution or karst caves. This type of cave is the most common and is formed by the dissolution of evaporite or carbonate rocks, such as limestone.

There are also sea caves, which form where waves break through cliff faces. Lava tubes form within volcanic terrains. Glacial caves or ice caves are created by the result of melting glacial ice. Lastly, desert areas often feature eolian caves carved out by wind.

06/01/2026

Stalac-tighten your belts Ohio– it’s ! 🕵️‍♀️We are really going to spelunk your interest and dive into what makes a cave, a cave. 🪨

It’s understandable to see a big, dark hole in a rockface and think, “there’s a cave!” But the term “𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗲” is a bit more specific. A 𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗲 is a type of karst feature that forms when soluble rocks, such as limestone, are dissolved by the passage of acidic and non-acidic water💧 through them. Generally, caves are described as naturally occurring openings in the ground past the point where light can reach and are sizable enough to fit one person (or more) inside. Caves can range from the size of a small bathroom to larger than your neighborhood!

⛺️A rock shelter, or shelter cave (like those seen at Hocking Hills and Salt Fork State Parks) are a cave-like opening at the base of an overhang (such as a cliff or a bluff). Rock shelters typically form within multiple rock units. In Ohio, this normally looks like a harder, more-resistant unit of rock that forms the cliff or overhang, and a softer, less-resistant unit that forms the base where erosion has occurred, creating the area that makes up the actual shelter.

🤩Ohio has some incredible caves that you can visit, as pictured here (L–R): Crystal Cave, Seneca Caverns, Olentangy Caverns, Ohio Caverns, and Perry’s Cave.

05/28/2026

The sun is out, we're less than a month from the first day of summer, and our 𝘓𝘢𝘻𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘴(𝘺) features the spectacular Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve!

This preserve is located on the Marblehead Peninsula of Lake Erie in Ottawa County and protects 136 acres of previously quarried land. While not pictured, the Lakeside Daisy (𝘛𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢) is a federally threatened species that only grows in the dry, sunny, and harsh landscape of bare limestone pavement and alvars. An alvar is a specialized habitat where expanses of flat limestone bedrock were scoured clean by glaciers and are very slow to be colonized by plant life (much like a parking lot).

To learn more about this alvars, this preserve, and other geologic destinations around Lake Erie, check out our Guidebook 24: Geologic Guidebook to Ohio State Parks in the Lake Erie Region.http://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/geology/GB24_Jones_revision2024.pdf

05/27/2026

You’re Invited! Geology Hike – Lake Hope State Park

In collaboration with Ohio State Parks, join geologist Frank Fugitt and Chuck Salmons for a hike to “Unearth a Story” in Lake Hope State Park. Hikers will learn about the area’s natural history with an examination of the rocks exposed there and how geology helped to shape numerous industries that fostered Ohio’s economic and cultural development.

Participants should meet at the amphitheater outside the Nature Center. The hike will take place on the Buzzard Cave Trail and is about 0.5 miles long. The terrain is moderately difficult. Hikers are encouraged to wear sturdy hiking boots and appropriate clothing for this early summer hike, to bring hiking/walking sticks, and to have plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. Please note that ticks may be active along the trail.

Learn more at ohiodnr.gov/earthsciencesummer.

The event is free and recommended for ages 5 and up.

05/26/2026

The Ohio Geological Survey welcomed a new cohort of Paul Edwin Potter Interns this week. We are thrilled to have 6 exceptional students join us this summer.

Left to right:
💧Danny De La Rosa, Washington and Lee University – Groundwater Resource Intern

🪨Matt Idzakovich, The Ohio State University – Energy Resources Intern

📚Maddie Logsdon, Ohio University – Pauline Smyth Geologic Records Center Intern

🔬Lily Inquilla, Columbia University – H.R. Collins Laboratory and Core Repository Intern

🛥️Maddie Reed, The Ohio State University – H.R. Collins Laboratory and Core Repository Intern

🥾Heather Bricker, University of Toledo – Geologic Mapping Intern

Our sincere gratitude goes to the late Dr. Potter and his family for their generosity, which allows this program to thrive. Welcome to Team ODNR, Heather, Maddie, Lily, Maddie, Matt, and Danny!

05/25/2026

You're invited!

In collaboration with the Ohio Statehouse, join the ODNR Division of Geological Survey for a day dedicated to Ohio fossils. We’ll “Unearth a Story” starting by gathering in the Statehouse Atrium, where visitors can engage with numerous activities related to life in ancient Ohio. Then, a guided tour will examine the vast array of fossils that make up the building stones of Ohio's capitol. This free event is sure to be a favorite for anyone interested in Ohio's cultural and natural history

AGENDA
10:00 AM‒2:00 PM – Activities in the Statehouse Atrium
2:00‒3:30 PM – Guided fossil tour of the Statehouse and grounds

Learn more at ohiodnr.gov/earthsciencesummer.

The event is free and open to all ages.

05/24/2026

Today is , and what a perfect time to discover one of Ohio’s remarkable geologic landmarks!

From towering cliffs and echoing caves to glacial grooves, massive boulders, and fossiliferous sites, Ohio’s landscape tells a story hundreds of millions of years in the making. Whether you’re planning a family road trip or simply looking for a new place to explore, there’s always something fascinating waiting to be found.

Start your adventure by visiting one of Ohio’s many geologic treasures.
Learn more and find destinations near you at: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/see-the-sights/geologic-features

05/22/2026

Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve – Then and Now
Yesterday some of our staff and our 2026 cohort of Paul E. Potter interns headed to Kelleys Island, Ohio.

Each spring, we spend time cleaning up the famous Glacial Grooves, helping to preserve them for future generations. 🧊🌿🪨

Cleaning efforts include pulling weeds and debris from fractures within the Columbus Limestone. This helps to slow natural weathering of this glacial feature. Staff also cleaned the educational signage that surround the upgraded ADA accessible walkway.

Learn more about the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve by reading our GeoFacts No. 36: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/geology/GF36_Peter_2022.pdf.

05/21/2026

Throughout 2026, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! 🗽🎉

Each month this year, we will share a special feature on social media that goes along with America 250-Ohio’s celebration themes. This month’s theme is “Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, & Literature.”

For decades, geologists have relied on artists to help bring Ohio’s geologic past to life! Paleoart, the science-inspired artwork, helps spark curiosity, support science learning, and connect people of all ages to the fascinating fossil record across our state.

One of the animals most frequently depicted in artwork published by the Ohio Geological Survey is our State Fossil Fish, 𝘋𝘶𝘯𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪.

Click through the images to explore how paleoart of the Dunk has evolved over time!

05/19/2026

Yesterday was we’re highlighting a truly unique museum exhibit: the Pokémon Fossil Museum, which opens THIS WEEK at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois.

Immerse yourself in the worlds of both Pokémon and natural history in this special, limited event, where real fossils of dinosaurs and ancient life coexist next to their inspired Pokémon characters, such as Archeops and Tyrantrum!

Learn more about the exhibit and the scientists who have curated this experience: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/blog/your-first-look-at-the-pokemon-fossil-museum-in-chicago.

Address

2045 Morse Road
Columbus, OH
43229

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16142656576

Website

http://geology.ohiodnr.gov/

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