KGS Locations and Facilities

The Earth Analysis Research Library (EARL) is a division of the Kentucky Geological Survey dedicated to preserving and communicating geological information and facilitating research for the benefit of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The facility houses extensive collections of rock cores, oil and gas well cuttings, auger samples, coal samples, and limestone samples and mixed media collections including oil and gas wells documents, coal mine maps, oil and gas lease maps, and analysis data from across the Commonwealth. EARL is the mandated repository for requested oil-and-gas well cuttings and well documents for Kentucky.

The facility features a climate-controlled sample viewing room, a dedicated classroom, core photography, extensive workshop-support digital infrastructure, free guest WiFi, and non-destructive examination tools including microscopes, gamma scintillometer, black light, and scratch plates. The facility also includes a records room with an extensive collection of Kentucky geology reports, theses, field guides, well descriptions, and maps.

The KGS encourages use of the facility by any in academia, government or industry interested in a better understanding of Kentucky’s geology through examination of physical samples. Tours are available on request.

This facility provides an enhanced workspace tailored to the needs of our research, particularly for our new Horiba LabRAM Odyssey Raman microscope installed in May 2025. This space supports our advanced instrumentation and ongoing projects, enabling us to continue exploring the geochemical processes that shape mineral systems with even greater efficiency and precision.