UNDERGROUND TREASURES
Many of Michigan’s valuable natural resources are underground in rocks that formed during three different geological times.
Millions of Years in the Making
When a natural resource takes millions of years to form, you can’t replace it once you use it. We call these non-renewable resources.
| TYPES OF ROCKS | AGE OF ROCK | DEPOSITS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA | Igneous Metamorphic Sedimentary | 500-3,600 million years old | Iron, copper, and other metals |
| MICHIGAN BASIN | SEDIMENTARY | 17--500 million years old | Limestone; gas; oil; salt and other minerals |
Protecting Our Natural Resources
Natural resources are critical to Michigan’s economy and our quality of life. With a team of highly trained professionals, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages our state’s natural and cultural resources in order to protect them for future generations.
Did You Know?
Millions of years ago, the Michigan Basin was covered by a vast ocean.
When the oceans dried up, they left behind plants, animals and minerals that became the limestone, oil, gas and salt we mine today. Look for fossils of these prehistoric plants and animals in the cave.
