The Houston Geological Society (HGS) is a professional organization dedicated to petroleum, energy, and environmental geoscientists.

The Society supports continuing education, technical exchange, networking, student outreach, scholarships, and young professional development. Founded in 1923, HGS proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. 

Objectives of the Houston Geological Society

The objectives of HGS are to:

• Stimulate interest in and promote the advancement of geology in the Houston area
• Disseminate geological knowledge and encourage technical discussion
• Foster professional relationships among geoscientists
• Support and encourage academic training in the geosciences

HGS fulfills these objectives through regularly scheduled technical meetings, continuing education programs, field trips, publications, scholarships, and community outreach initiatives. 

Publications and Professional Contributions

Through its publications program, HGS has provided valuable resources to its members, the geoscience profession, and the broader community. Notable publications include:

• Houston Area Environmental Geology: Surface Faulting, Ground Subsidence, Hazard Liability
• Deltas: Models for Exploration
• Deltas in Their Geologic Framework
• Directory of Oil Company Name Changes (22nd Edition, 2012)
• Exploration and Exploitation of Coastal Salt Basin Diapiric Structures in the Lower Pliocene through Eocene Trends: Geology and Techniques (published jointly with the New Orleans Geological Society)
• Productive Low Resistivity Well Logs of the Offshore Gulf of Mexico

Several of these works have been reprinted due to continued industry demand and remain important contributions to geological literature. 

Student Support and Outreach

HGS is committed to supporting the next generation of geoscientists through scholarships, student awards, mentorship, and outreach programs. The Society administers both the Calvert Memorial Scholarship Fund for graduate students and the Undergraduate Scholarship Fund.

HGS also recognizes outstanding geology students at institutions including:

• Stephen F. Austin State University
• Lamar University
• Texas A&M University
• The University of Texas at Austin
• Rice University
• University of Houston
• Sam Houston State University

In addition, HGS actively supports participation in the Houston Science and Engineering Fair and other educational outreach initiatives. 

Calendar of Events

HGS maintains a calendar of events for technical meetings, social gatherings, special interest groups, continuing education and field trips. Reservations for HGS events may be made online through the HGS website or by contacting the HGS office. Walk-in attendees will be accommodated on a space-available basis and charged the applicable walk-up registration rate. 

Active, Associate, Emeritus, Honorary Life, and Student Members are responsible for paying the current Board-approved registration and meal fees for meetings and events.

Speakers for HGS technical meetings receive complimentary registration and meals for the events at which they present.

At the discretion of the appropriate Board member and Committee Chair, complimentary registration or meals may also be provided to volunteers, underemployed members assisting with event operations, distinguished guests, award recipients, or others contributing significantly to the success of an event, provided those costs are included within the event budget.

Scholarship recipients and faculty sponsors attending the annual awards meeting may also receive complimentary meals through the event budget or sponsorship support. 

Event Cancellation Policies

Meetings, Conferences, and Events

If a member cannot attend a reserved luncheon, dinner, or event, it is the member’s responsibility to cancel the reservation or arrange for an alternate attendee.

Cancellation deadlines are as follows:

• No later than 3:30 PM on the last business day prior to an evening event
• No later than noon on the business day prior to a breakfast or luncheon event

Cancellation requests received after these deadlines, including phone messages, texts, or voicemail, will not be honored. 

Continuing Education Courses and Field Trips

Cancellation policies for continuing education courses, conferences, and local field trips vary depending on instructor and venue requirements. Specific cancellation details will be posted on the registration page for each event.

Committee Chairs may maintain waiting lists to help fill vacancies created by cancellations

Download a Copy of the Latest Approved HGS By-Laws.

Download a Copy of the HGS Policy Manual.

Click Here to Read an "Informal History" of how the Houston Geological Society was Created.