Prairie Research Institute News

ISGS provides high-resolution digital elevation data for all 102 Illinois counties

Jun 27, 2019 1:00 pm

For the first time, high-resolution digital elevation data that are essential for planning by local, state, and federal agencies are available online for all Illinois counties.

ISGS researcher Joe Devera to participate in natural resources event for 30th year

Apr 12, 2019 1:15 pm

Each April in southern Illinois, students in grades K-6 participate in Stewardship Week, an outdoor education event. This year, just like every year for the past 30, Joe Devera, senior paleontologist at the Illinois State Geological Survey, will be back to share his knowledge and love of fossils with inquiring young minds.

Freshwater coastal erosion alters global carbon budget

Mar 27, 2019 1:30 pm

Shoreline erosion can transform freshwater wetlands from carbon-storage pools to carbon sources, according to a new study led by Illinois State Geological Survey researchers.

Initial results show Mt. Simon Sandstone in Macon County is suited to carbon storage

Feb 26, 2019 11:00 am

Preliminary results from a stratigraphic characterization well drilled in December 2018 by the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) and collaborators near Mt. Auburn, Illinois, indicate that the Mt. Simon Sandstone at this location has excellent reservoir characteristics for storage of CO₂. The T. R. McMillen #2 well is part of the CarbonSAFE Illinois–Macon County project, which is intended to establish the feasibility of storage of 50 million tonnes or more of CO₂.

Microplastic contamination found in common source of groundwater, researchers report

Jan 25, 2019 1:30 pm

map of Central Illinois' Mahomet aquifer

Mahomet Aquifer Protection Task Force issues recommendations

Jan 9, 2019 4:45 pm

A task force formed by the Illinois General Assembly to identify gaps in protection of the Mahomet Aquifer has issued its final recommendations. Illinois State Water Survey hydrologist George Roadcap served as a member of the task force, and other Prairie Research Institute scientists provided data and expertise to support the group’s yearlong effort.

ISGS drills Christian County well to investigate potential for carbon dioxide storage

Dec 18, 2018 1:45 pm

On Dec. 3 the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) completed drilling the T.R. McMillen #2 well in Christian County, Illinois, as part of its CarbonSAFE Illinois program. Preliminary results indicate the Mt. Simon Sandstone at this location is suitable for a commercial-scale CO₂ storage site.

ISGS, ISWS install new wells for national groundwater monitoring

Nov 6, 2018 12:30 pm

Scientists and staff from the Illinois State Geological Survey and the Illinois State Water Survey ollaborated with county and local governments in Kane County to install groundwater-monitoring wells in northeast Illinois as part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Ground Water Monitoring Network.

Finding water in Malawi

Oct 10, 2018 2:00 pm

Geophysicist Timothy Larson was part of a project through Geoscientists Without Borders to drill water wells in Malawi.

Diagram of the biphasic carbon dioxide absorption technology

DOE award received to develop and scale up carbon capture technology

May 7, 2018 2:15 pm

A biphasic CO2 absorption (BiCAP) technology developed at the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) has been selected for development and bench-scale testing by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a transformation technology for post-combustion carbon capture.

Yu-Feng Lin named director of Illinois Water Resources Center

Feb 13, 2018 2:15 pm

Yu-Feng Lin, a hydrogeologist at the Illinois State Geological Survey, is the new director of the Illinois Water Resource Center, which addresses the state’s water resources challenges through research and education.

Yu-Feng Lin on a tour of the University of Illinois Energy Farm

ISGS receives $720,000 award from DOE for geothermal research

Oct 23, 2017 2:15 pm

The Illinois State Geological Survey received a $720,000 grant from the Department of Energy to determine the feasibility of tapping geothermal energy for heating and cooling on the University of Illinois’ Urbana campus.

Walt Kelly, Zohreh Askari, and Sam Panno

PRI researchers gain new insights into how groundwater flows within the Illinois Basin

Sep 15, 2017 3:00 pm

A conceptual model of water movement in rock layers many feet underground, published by Prairie Research Institute scientists, shows for the first time that water is flowing steadily south through the thick sequence of rock layers that form the Illinois Basin.

Decades of mapping data builds highest resolution of earthquake risk yet

Jul 10, 2017 4:00 pm

helicopter tows electromagnetic equipment over Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan coast to get a complete physical checkup from the air

Mar 6, 2017 4:15 pm

Study finds aggregate industry shifting focus, still a stalwart in state economy

Jul 25, 2016 10:30 am

aerial view of an alfalfa field in Jo Daviess County during the 2012 drought

National award highlights power of science in sustainable development

Jul 20, 2016 1:45 pm

Patent awarded to ISGS engineers for a novel sorbent process to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants

Apr 22, 2016 2:45 pm

Geologic formation could hold clues to melting glacier floodwaters

Dec 23, 2015 10:45 am

Richard C. Berg Named New Director of the Illinois State Geological Survey

Jun 16, 2015 3:00 pm

On June 16, 2015, Dr. Richard C. Berg was named the new director of the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) and 13th Illinois State Geologist. Berg has served the ISGS in various positions with increasing responsibilities during his 40-year career—from research assistant, to geologist, to section head, to chief scientist/principal geologist, to interim director, and now director.

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