October 9, 2003

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed a proclamation designating October 12-18 as Earth Science Week. Earth Science Week is a nationwide observance emphasizing the importance of earth sciences to the health, safety, and economic well being of citizens. The Governor’s proclamation makes Michigan one of 35 states recognizing the week.

Most people are unaware of the important role played by geology and the other earth sciences in providing for mineral and fuel resources, and in protecting the environment, public health, and welfare. The Department of Environmental Quality’s Geological and Land Management Division is taking the lead in celebrating Earth Science Week in Michigan.

Geologic knowledge provides the basis for finding and developing Michigan’s valuable oil and gas resources, a $2 billion-a-year industry. Michigan ranks 12th among the states in natural gas production and 17th in oil, producing about 27 percent of the natural gas and a substantial part of the crude oil used in the state.

Geology also is essential in developing Michigan’s other mineral resources, which have an annual produced value of over $1.6 billion. Michigan ranks first among the states in the production of magnesium. It is second in the production of iron ore, sand and gravel, bromine, and peat; and is third in potash. The state is a significant producer of cement, gypsum, crushed stone, lime, clay, and steel.

Michigan’s scenic and varied terrain includes rugged remnants of ancient volcanoes and mountains, rolling sandy glacial hills and flat lakebed plains, and the majestic Great Lakes themselves. All of these features are the results of geologic processes that are ongoing today.

The DEQ’s GLMD develops and distributes a variety of geological data, maps, and publications for industry and public use. The division has compiled a list of geologists from state government, academia, industry, and professional organizations who can give presentations to schools and community groups on earth science topics.

Requests for speakers can be made at http://www.deq.state.mi.us/eforms/speakerrequest.html.

Information on geologic maps and publications are available by contacting Sharon Carter of the DEQ at 517-241-1520.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised October 9, 2003 by Pat Watson