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A geologic hazard or "geohazard" is a geologic condition, either manmade or natural, that poses a potential danger to life and property. Ohio has its share of geohazards, including karst (caves and sinkholes), mine subsidence, earthquakes, landslides, and shore erosion. To avoid or mitigate geologic hazards, a fundamental understanding of the geology of the affected area is required. Such geohazards are investigated by the Division of Geological Survey.
Geologic maps produced by the division, which depict glacial or bedrock deposits, tell the reader a great deal more than the name and distribution of units or material. The descriptions of those units or materials indicate additional information that can be transferred into useful geohazards mapping. For example, maps that show the Columbus Limestone exposed at the surface also depict areas subject to karst development, and maps that show shale-rich Ordovician bedrock present on steep slopes in southwest Ohio also indicate landslide-prone areas.
Explore the links below for more information on geohazards in Ohio and the division's efforts to research them.
Mine Subsidence and Abandoned Mines
Sinkholes and Karst
Lake Erie Coastal Erosion
Landslides in Ohio
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