Iowa Geology
All sorts of content about Iowa geology: its rocks, landforms and deep history.
Bedrock Geologic Map of Iowa
Presented here at two sizes, with a brief geologic history.
Presented here at two sizes, with a brief geologic history.
Surface Geologic Map of Iowa
Presented here at two sizes, with a brief glacial history.
Presented here at two sizes, with a brief glacial history.
Iowa Geological Survey
The bureau has a wide and appealing assortment of Web publications about the land and rocks of the state, many of them clustered in the Browse area.
The bureau has a wide and appealing assortment of Web publications about the land and rocks of the state, many of them clustered in the Browse area.
Fossils of Iowa
The Iowa Geological Survey shows examples of the major types.
The Iowa Geological Survey shows examples of the major types.
Geologic Sources of Historic Iowa Stone Buildings
Iowa stone resources make up many buildings both homely and impressive, shown in this Iowa Geological Survey page.
Iowa stone resources make up many buildings both homely and impressive, shown in this Iowa Geological Survey page.
Glacial Boulders of Iowa
They're found all over the state, carried there from the north, and are easy to recognize.
They're found all over the state, carried there from the north, and are easy to recognize.
Backbone State Park
A showpiece of picturesque karst terrain is preserved along the Maquoketa River in Iowa's northeast.
A showpiece of picturesque karst terrain is preserved along the Maquoketa River in Iowa's northeast.
Bellevue State Park
A 100-meter cliff of Paleozoic limestone overlooks the Mississippi River here south of Dubuque.
A 100-meter cliff of Paleozoic limestone overlooks the Mississippi River here south of Dubuque.
The Caves of McGregor
The Mississippi River town of McGregor dug many rooms into the local sandstone bluffs for storage and habitation.
The Mississippi River town of McGregor dug many rooms into the local sandstone bluffs for storage and habitation.
Crystal Lake Cave
Just outside Dubuque is this living cave, first uncovered by lead miners.
Just outside Dubuque is this living cave, first uncovered by lead miners.
Dubuque's Lead and Zinc Mines
America's oldest mining district began around Dubuque, and workings are still visible in places.
America's oldest mining district began around Dubuque, and workings are still visible in places.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Classic Paleozoic sections are part of this riverside park along the Mississippi.
Classic Paleozoic sections are part of this riverside park along the Mississippi.
Fort Dodge Gypsum Beds
The wallboard industry is supported by the large, distinctive gypsum deposits of central Iowa.
The wallboard industry is supported by the large, distinctive gypsum deposits of central Iowa.
Iowa Glacial Landmarks Trail
A ten-stop tour in northern Iowa visits some remarkable state-managed Ice Age lands.
A ten-stop tour in northern Iowa visits some remarkable state-managed Ice Age lands.
The Iowa Great Lakes
Gull Point State Park shows some of the Ice Age features that typify northwestern Iowa, where the latest glacial invasion stopped.
Gull Point State Park shows some of the Ice Age features that typify northwestern Iowa, where the latest glacial invasion stopped.
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
The "big bend" in the Des Moines River is preserved here, along with its Mississippian sedimentary rocks and modern birdwatching opportunities.
The "big bend" in the Des Moines River is preserved here, along with its Mississippian sedimentary rocks and modern birdwatching opportunities.
Lead Mining in Iowa
Mineral exploitation was Iowa's earliest source of wealth, starting with the lead rush of the 1820s.
Mineral exploitation was Iowa's earliest source of wealth, starting with the lead rush of the 1820s.
Lithograph City
A boomtown in north-central Iowa once existed based on its splendid lithographic limestone.
A boomtown in north-central Iowa once existed based on its splendid lithographic limestone.
Iowa Quarries
All about the Iowa stone industry, from Peggy Perazzo's "Stone Quarries and Beyond" site.
All about the Iowa stone industry, from Peggy Perazzo's "Stone Quarries and Beyond" site.
The Loess Hills
The remarkable ridges of windblown silt lining Iowa's southwestern border are preserved as a National Natural Landmark.
The remarkable ridges of windblown silt lining Iowa's southwestern border are preserved as a National Natural Landmark.
The Manson Impact Structure
Totally buried in northwestern Iowa is an ancient impact crater about 30 kilometers across and about 74 million years old.
Totally buried in northwestern Iowa is an ancient impact crater about 30 kilometers across and about 74 million years old.
Pikes Peak State Park
The undisturbed woods and gorges of the Mississippi-Wisconsin river confluence show Cambrian and Ordovician rocks to perfection. The same sort of land is preserved in Wisconsin's Wyalusing State Park, just across the river.
The undisturbed woods and gorges of the Mississippi-Wisconsin river confluence show Cambrian and Ordovician rocks to perfection. The same sort of land is preserved in Wisconsin's Wyalusing State Park, just across the river.
Pilot Knob State Park
Knob-and-kettle topography typical of glaciated regions is at its best in this part of north-central Iowa.
Knob-and-kettle topography typical of glaciated regions is at its best in this part of north-central Iowa.
Springbrook State Park
About an hour from Des Moines, this park displays Cretaceous sandstones and glacial drift.
About an hour from Des Moines, this park displays Cretaceous sandstones and glacial drift.
Wildcat Den State Park
Devonian and Pennsylvanian limestones and sandstones are on display in this eastern Iowa park.
Devonian and Pennsylvanian limestones and sandstones are on display in this eastern Iowa park.
Yellow River State Forest
Paleozoic limestones are well exposed in this preserve in the Driftless Area near Harpers Ferry.
Paleozoic limestones are well exposed in this preserve in the Driftless Area near Harpers Ferry.
Iowa Campgrounds
About.com's David Sweet guides you to the best outdoor places to stay.
About.com's David Sweet guides you to the best outdoor places to stay.
Iowa Maps
About.com's Matt Rosenberg helps get you oriented.
About.com's Matt Rosenberg helps get you oriented.
Iowa Scenic Roads
About.com's Darren Smith shows you the best ways to get around.
About.com's Darren Smith shows you the best ways to get around.