Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Discover, Protect, and Shape Alaska's Future with DGGS
At the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), we’re not just collecting data—we’re unlocking Alaska’s potential. Our cutting-edge research and geologic discoveries are the backbone of resource development and the shield that protects Alaskans from geologic hazards. Every map we create, report we publish, and sample we analyze plays a crucial role in driving the state's economy and safeguarding its communities. As part of our mission, you'll dive deep into Alaska's untamed wilderness, identifying promising locations for oil, gas, and other valuable resources. You'll also map groundwater supplies and construction materials while assessing geologic hazards that could impact vital infrastructure. By shaping Alaska's future, you'll find unparalleled opportunities for your own professional growth and development.
Fieldwork is at the heart of what we do. As you collect critical data and samples, you'll find yourself trekking through remote wilderness, from towering mountain ranges to expansive tundra. Whether you're traversing icy rivers or navigating dense forests, each expedition brings new challenges and discoveries. This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Alaska firsthand, while contributing to groundbreaking geological research that will shape the state's future.
If you're passionate about geology and eager for a challenge, DGGS is your next adventure.
DGGS Sections
The Administration & Grants section drives Alaska's geological innovation by ensuring smooth operations, managing budgets, and securing essential funding. You'll oversee various programs, manage resources, and build key partnerships with government and industry to support groundbreaking research.
The Energy Resources Section generates new, unbiased information on the geologic framework of frontier areas in Alaska that may host undiscovered oil, gas, coal, and geothermal resources. The section includes six full time geologists with expertise in depositional systems, sequence stratigraphy, structural geology, geochronology, petroleum geology, and coal geology.
The Mineral Resources Section collects, analyzes, and makes available new information on the geological and geophysical framework of Alaska as it pertains to the state's mineral resources. Summary maps, surveys, and reports illustrate the geology of the state's prospective mineral terranes and provide data on the location, type, and potential of the state's mineral resources.
The Geologic Hazards Section is focused on geologic processes that threaten lives and infrastructure. The section features five programs that study and respond to hazards that impact Alaskans at a range of scales and intensities, from potential catastrophic damage to pressing local community concerns to the health of individual Alaska residents. The programs focus on specific geologic hazards as well as baseline data collection to support multi-program activities.
The Hydrology & Surficial Geology Section provides crucial maps, data, and reports on flooding, groundwater, and construction materials across Alaska. It helps identify sand and gravel for infrastructure and ensures safe water supplies through groundwater analysis and aquifer modeling. Key functions include protecting life and property, supporting resource development, and guiding informed land-use decisions to enhance community safety and infrastructure.
The Volcanology Section focuses on the processes and hazards associated with Alaska's more than 50 active volcanoes. The section is home to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, an interagency collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and DGGS. Volcanology Section staff conduct geologic studies of active volcanoes to estimate their future eruptive potential and behavior, thus aiding in mitigating volcano-hazard risks.
The Geologic Information Center (GIC) is pivotal for DGGS, managing the design, publication, and dissemination of geologic maps, reports, and datasets. The GIC also leads public outreach, engaging with audiences through social media and responding to thousands of inquiries, while fostering collaborations with federal and state organizations.
The Alaska Geologic Materials Center (GMC) connects the state's largest geologic collections to research, industry, and education communities for the purposes of greater geologic understanding, increased awareness of economic opportunities, and to stimulate public interest and understanding in Alaska's geologic history.
Office Locations
