Publications

Search publications produced by the South Carolina Geological Survey.

General Information

The South Carolina Geological Survey develops, publishes, and distributes information on South Carolina's geology. Publications include Geologic Quadrangle Maps, Open File Reports, Mineral Resource Assessments, Bulletins, and Field Trip Guidebooks. Hard copies and digital downloads of these publications are available. Users are encouraged to read the User Agreement.

In addition to the titles listed, many publications pertaining to South Carolina geology are available for inspection at our office. This library includes journal articles, theses, dissertations and state and federal publications. Publication office hours are M-F 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Another resource for geologic maps can found at the U.S. Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database. Maps produced by the South Carolina Geological Survey, as well as other organizations and individuals, are contained in this database. Map searches can be customized by location, author, publisher, scale, or map type.

Publications with a map preview, are print-on-request and require time to prepare. Please call ahead!

Quick Links

Geology of South Carolina Online Map

geologic map

Publications Map

Publications Map Web Page

Ordering Information

The price of each publication can be found at the end of the description.

You must pay 8% SC sales tax on the sub-total of publications ordered. If you are tax exempt, you must include your EIN # on the order form. Cash (accepted in person only), checks, and money orders are all acceptable methods of payment. Checks are payable to the S.C. Geological Survey and should accompany the Order Form. Card payment is not being accepted at this time.

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Mail orders and inquiries to:
SC Geological Survey
5 Geology Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Phone: (803) 896-7931
E-Mail: scgs@dnr.sc.gov

Publications Table

Use the drop-down below to browse publications by type, or search for a keyword by using the search bar.

Descriptions of Publication Types

General Geologic Map Series (GGMS)

Maps in the General Geologic Map Series (GGMS) are published at 1:500,000-scale or smaller, and include statewide compilations of geology, geologic hazards, mineral resources, and geophysical information. All GGMS products are available for digital download, or as a poster.

General Geologic Chart (GGC)

Minerals and Rocks (MRX)

Geologic Quadrangle Map (GQM)

The Geologic Quadrangle Maps (GQM) series are 1:24,000 scale maps which were digitally produced starting in 2001. They all have detailed unit descriptions and most have one or more cross sections. More recent publications may have additional information such as photographs and illustrations. The price listed is for print-on-request product. Call about digital availability.

Map Series (MS)

Map Series publications (MS) include quadrangle maps, multiple quadrangle compilation maps, and geophysical maps. MS maps are published at the 1:24,000-scale or smaller, and may or may not include supplementary information such as cross sections, photographs or reports. MS publications prior to 2000 are available as scanned copies of the original maps and are in the process of being digitized.

Open-File Report (OFR)

The majority of geologic maps are published as Open-File Reports (OFR). These products are available as hard copies or as digital PDFs. OFRs may or may not include cross sections. Older OFR reports are photocopies of original mylar drafts. The SCGS is working diligently to digitize these older products.
Most geologic mapping for the Coastal Plain reports is supplemented by auger drilling. The drill logs are available to the public at a cost of $0.25/page for photocopies.

Open-File Poster (OFP)

Open-File Posters are publications that have additional information included with the geologic map such as, photographs, discussions, and graphics. These are all print-on-request products.

Circular (C)

The Circular series (C) are indices of geologic maps, reports, mines and other reports produced by the SCGS prior to 2013.

Bulletin (B)

The Geological Survey Bulletin Series (B) includes reports on mineral and water resources, and geologic hazards across South Carolina.

Field Trip Guidebook (FTG)

The Geological Survey publishes Field Trip Guidebooks (FTG) from field trips across the state. These field trips were led by geologists from academic institutions, private industry, and professional organizations.

Mineral Resources Series (MR)

The Mineral Resource Series (MR) features reports on specific mineral resources across the state, including: monazite, radioactive minerals, and granite and groundwater resources.

EDMAP Series (EQM)

EDMAP is the component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) that trains the next generation of geologic mappers. The NCGMP allocates funds to colleges and universities in the United States and Puerto Rico through an annual competitive grant process. Every Federal dollar that is awarded is matched with university funds. Geology professors, who are skilled in geologic mapping, request EDMAP funding to support undergraduate and graduate students at their college or university in a one-year mentored geologic mapping project that focuses on a specific geographic area.

South Carolina Geology (formerly Geologic Notes)

South Carolina Geology (ISSN 0272-9873) is an annual peer-reviewed journal, with national and international circulation, published by the S.C. Geological Survey. It is dedicated to research on all aspects of geology related to the state of South Carolina.

Digital Data

These datasets were developed by the SCGS and are provided for general use. Statewide General Geology Map Data layers can be downloaded via the SC DNR GIS Clearinghouse.

Miscellaneous

Gold Information

The following are lists of SCGS and USGS publications that include information on gold. Use the search bar in the table to find more information on SCGS publications and click on the links included in the USGS publications to access pdfs.

SCGS Publications

USGS Publications