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Arizona Geological Survey

Revision Date: 
Friday, September 2, 2016

Authority (Transferred)

The Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) was established as an independent state agency by Laws 1987, Chapter 158, when it assumed the responsibilities of the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Technology. The Office of the State Geologist was created at the same time. In 2016 AZGS responsibilities were transferred to the University of Arizona and the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR).  Statutory authority is found at A.R.S.§§27-101 through 27-110.

Function

The AZGS serves as a primary source of geologic information, including maps and reports; provides information and advice in matters related to geological processes and use of the state’s mineral resources; encourages the wise use of lands and mineral resources; and provides technical advice and assistance to the public and persons in the industry. As of 2016, ABOR directs the work of the AZGS and administers the Geological Survey Fund.  The State Geologist serves at the pleasure of ABOR.

History

The Arizona Geological Survey is the latest in a line of academic departments and state agencies serving the people of the Arizona Territory and now the State of Arizona. In 1883, then Territorial Governor Tritle, requested federal assistance in establishing a geologic survey for the Arizona Territory. The U.S. Congress responded in 1888 by creating the post of Territorial Geologist of Arizona. The unpaid position of Territorial Geologist first went to John F. Blandy, who served until the mid-1890s. Upon gaining statehood in 1912, the position of Territorial Geologist was abolished.

Territorial and state geologic agencies follow, in chronological order from earliest to most recent.

From 1893 until 1915, the role of geologic mapping and reporting was the responsibility of the University of Arizona Bureau of Mines. In 1915, the Arizona Bureau of Mines was established at the University of Arizona with Charles Willis as its first director.

In 1971, the first volume of Fieldnotes, a non-technical geologic newsletter was published.  Its successor, Arizona Geology, first issued in the fall of 1988 is still published quarterly. That same year Dr. William H. Dresher was named Director, and for the first time, State Geologist.

Laws 1977, Chapter 93 changed the name of the Bureau of Mines to the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Technology, and established it as a division of the University of Arizona. The geologic survey branch became responsible for assessing and informing the public about geologic hazards in Arizona.

Laws 1987, Chapter 158 established the State Geologist and the Arizona Geological Survey as an independent state agency, replacing the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Technology while maintaining strong collegial ties with faculty and staff at the University of Arizona.

In 1991, the AZGS became the institutional home of Arizona’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (OGCC) – a five-member commission charged with supporting and monitoring oil and gas exploration in the state. The US Geological Survey in conjunction with the AZGS opened the jointly run Tucson Earth Science Information Center in August 1992. AZGS moved to its present location at 416 W. Congress St., Tucson in July 1995.

In 2011, the AZGS assumed the responsibilities of the Department of Mines and Mineral Resources, including administrative matters, contracts, equipment, records and personnel (Laws 2011, Chapter 27).

Laws 2016, Chapter 128 transferred the responsibilities of the AZGS to the University of Arizona, under the jurisdiction of ABOR; provided the state geologist serves at the pleasure of ABOR (rather than the Governor) and modified certain duties of the AZGS.  The measure transferred the requirement, from AZGS to ADEQ, to provide administrative and staff support to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.  Also transferred to ADEQ was the requirement to appoint a person to administer provisions of law related to oil and gas.  The measure outlined a process to refurbish and open the former Mining and Mineral Museum, located on West Washington Street in Phoenix, if certain conditions are met by July 1, 2018.  Meeting the conditions determines whether the AZGS or the Arizona Historical Society operates the museum and affects the structure of the museum advisory council.

Sources

Arizona Revised Statutes

Session Laws

  • Laws 1977, Chapter 93
  • Laws 1987, Chapter 158
  • Laws 2011, Chapter 27
  • Laws 2012, Chapter 19
  • Laws 2016, Chapter 128
  • A.R.S. §§ 27-101 to 27-110
  • Laws 1977, Chapter 93
  • Laws 1987, Chapter 158
  • Laws 2011, Chapter 27
  • Laws 2012, chapter 19
  • http://www.azgs.az.gov/history.shtml

Arizona Geological Survey website: http://www.azgs.az.gov/history.shtml

Related collections at Arizona State Archives

RG 67 – Arizona Geological Survey