Geology News
Oklahoma Current Events

The Center for Disease Control has a collection of tornado resources. One is the instructions for “how to survive a tornado”. Persons who know what to do when an emergency arises have the greatest chance of survival.

The folks at MyTopo.com are now printing supersized topo maps; large enough make a huge 8′ x 5′ (or 5′ x 8′) map that will look fantastic on the wall of your office, conference room, lobby, cabin or den. These maps are custom-centered on any location that you pick using their online map-making tool.

We are affiliates of MyTopo.com and receive a commission on sales.

“Devon Energy Corp. is using vapor recovery units to capture emissions from vapor storage tanks at [...] operations in the Cana Woodford Shale of western Oklahoma. [...] The captured gas can be sold rather than burned or vented into the air.” Quoted from the NewsOK.com article.

Raven Maps are beautiful examples of shaded-relief wall maps that display the elevation of a state in vibrant colors. These large maps look great in a classroom, den or office. Use one to mark the locations of your work or company.

A publication by the Oklahoma Geological Survey documents the geologic history of the state with a great presentation of maps, cross sections and text. The publication consists of four oversize pages – one is shown at right.

Inaccurate News Reports about Newberry Caldera and Salton Buttes

Life Beneath the Seafloor

Not Caused by Fracking

Rare Earth Elements in Arizona?

Stolen Petroglyphs

Dispute: Natural Gas Under Natural Gas Storage Fields

Volcano Movies

About this time last year a swarm of over 100 earthquakes occurred in Oklahoma. Although many people initially pointed at hydraulic fracturing as the cause, USGS has a map and explanation… ” The aftershocks near the main shock appear to align along a northeast-southwest trend that is probably defining the fault rupture below the ground surface.” Quoted from the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.

An article titled “Three States of Water” on the UCAR website explores how snowmelt, hurricanes and drought create different interactions between humans and water in Colorado, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

USGS has published: Saturated thickness and water in storage in the High Plains aquifer, 2009, and water-level changes and changes in water in storage in the High Plains aquifer, 1980 to 1995, 1995 to 2000, 2000 to 2005, and 2005 to 2009.

The Center for Disease Control reports record levels of West Nile virus in humans. Over 70 percent of the cases have been reported from six states (Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan) and almost 45 percent of all cases have been reported from Texas. The common symptoms are fever and neck stiffness

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. This article on the TulsaWorld.com website explores the topic of earthquake insurance in Oklahoma where a recent earthquake damaged a number of homes where owners were not covered.

Related: Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover Earth Science Hazards

Twenty-two states are soliciting bids for natural gas vehicles that will be used in state government auto pools.

Several companies are drilling horizontal wells for light oil in the Mississippi Lime of northern Oklahoma, western Kansas and southwestern Nebraska.

Mountain Press Publishing has released a new book by Albert B. Dickas titled: 101 American Geo-Sites You’ve Gotta See.

It provides a two-page presentation on each site that features photos, text and a map. It is a good way to get a quick glimpse of these 101 fantastic sites. It sells for $23.99.

See a table of contents.

The-Vug.com has an impressive listing of mineral clubs organized by state. You might be surprised at how many clubs are listed and there is probably one that meets within a short drive of your home.

“Helium is produced by the decay of uranium and thorium in granitoid basement rocks. The liberated helium is buoyant and moves towards the surface in porosity associated with basement faults. The helium then moves upwards through porous sedimentary cover until it is trapped with natural gas under beds of anhydrite or salt.” Quoted from the Geology.com article.

The leading states for natural gas production during 2011 were: Texas, Louisiana, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Together they produced 65% of US natural gas.

The Oklahoma Geological Survey has published a “Position Statement on Triggered or Induced Seismicity” that was motivated by many people attributing recent earthquake activity to fluid injection.

Five states account for over 50% of the USA’s crude oil production with production rapidly increasing in Texas and North Dakota.