U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Science Program Overview U.S. Department of the InteriorUpdated 12/04 U.S. Geological Survey

The USGS is a world leader in the natural sciences through our scientific excellence and responsiveness to society’s needs The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to: –Describe and understand the Earth –Minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters –Manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources –Enhance and protect our quality of life VISION & MISSION

125 Years of Experience >9,000 Employees 6,000 Scientists 340 Locations 3 Regions 4 Disciplines $1.3 Billion Annual Budget 50 Active International MOU’s USGS Numbers

4 USGS Organization Chart Directory of Key Officials

SCIENCE PROGRAMS Provide the science needed to support the sound management and conservation of our Nation's biological resources Provide of objective, reliable earth-science information on geologic hazards and resources and the Nation's geologic framework Provide the Nation's basic geospatial data, ensuring access to and advancing the application of these data and other related earth science information for users worldwide Provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed by others to achieve the best use and management of the Nation's water resources

Biology

Biological Research and Monitoring Improve understanding of how contaminants affect organisms, populations, and ecosystems Determine factors affecting fish and aquatic fauna reproduction, survival, and health Investigate factors regulating wildlife distribution, abundance, and condition

Biological Research and Monitoring Improve knowledge about the complex interactions among the living and abiotic components of ecosystems Investigate the life requirements of endangered and at-risk species necessary for restoration of populations Detect, monitor, and assess non-indigenous invasive plants, animals, and organisms causing harm to native species or causing economic impacts on society

Location of Biological Science and Technology Centers

Geology

Earthquake Hazards Improve earthquake hazard identification and risk assessment methods and their use Maintain and improve comprehensive earthquake monitoring in the United States with focus on "real-time" systems in urban areas Improve the understanding of earthquakes occurrence and their effects and consequences

Volcano Hazards Assess and monitor potential volcanic hazards Provide warning information on volcanic activity and rapid monitoring response to events Improve scientific understanding of volcanic processes

Landslide Hazards Assess and monitor potential landslide hazards Provide warning information on landslide activity and rapid monitoring response to events Improve scientific understanding of landslide hazards

Earth Surface Dynamics Provides studies that concentrate on characterizing and understanding past and present natural variability of Earth's climate and environment Seeks to achieve a better understanding of processes at the Earth's surface that affect or are affected by climate change, with specific emphasis on the carbon cycle

Nat’l Cooperative Geologic Mapping Primary source of multi-purpose digital geologic maps that depict the nation’s sediment and rocks FEDMAP provides regional mapping and sysnthesis projects STATEMAP supports cooperative mapping studies by state geological surveys EDMAP supports the training of geologic mapping in colleges and universities

Coastal and Marine Geology Improve the knowledge and understanding of coastal and marine geologic systems and processes Address the effect that rare or large- magnitude catastrophic events have on coastal and marine geologic systems Analyze long-term measurements to distinguish human-induced effects from natural changes Provide a systematic evaluation of the status of geologic systems or processes

Mineral Resources Provides objective scientific tools for sustaining our Nation with adequate mineral resources Providing national and regional long-term data on mineral potential, production, use, and recycling Conducts environmental and public health studies in conjunction with partners Disseminates databases of geochemistry, geophysics, mineral and mine localities, and lithology

Energy Resources Assess global energy resources and conduct research on the origin, occurrence, and preservation of energy resources and on assessment methodologies Conduct research on the environmental effects of the natural occurrence and exploitation of global energy resources Serve as a national source of geoscience information related to energy

Geography & Geospatial Information

National Mapping Facilities

Makes available consistent, multi-purpose map and geospatial data products on a national scale Production accomplished largely by private firms Partnerships with producers and users Contributes to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Includes data coordination and standards Mapping Data Collection & Integration

Satellite Land Remote Sensing Data –Landsat 7 –NASA’s TERRA Satellite –NOAA satellites –Declassified intelligence photos –National Technical Means assets Mapping Data Collection & Integration

Earth Science Information Management & Delivery Long-term archiving and rapid delivery of maps and natural science data and imagery Archive includes 11 million frames of imagery, 130 terabytes of digital geospatial data, and 130,000 published product titles Over 1,300 business partners for retail distribution and sales Trends in paperless access and delivery

Geographic Research & Applications Geographic research to better understand the processes that influence the land surface and near surface, the response to natural and human induced forces, and applications to land stewardship Cartographic research to develop advanced analytical methods and spatial data tools Information science research to anticipate technology-induced change in the geospatial sciences and data management

Water Resources

Ground Water Resources Evaluates the availability and sustainability of ground water in the Nation’s major aquifer systems Conducts regional ground water assessments Planning for the development of a National Aquifer Database that contains up-to-date information on the Nation’s regional aquifer systems

National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Describe the status and trends in the quality of the Nation’s surface water and ground water resources Provide an improved understanding of the natural and human factors influencing these conditions Provide decision support information for other agencies

National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Cycle I focus on the occurrence and distribution of contaminants in 49 watershed study units Cycle II focus on conditions that influenced the distribution of contaminants in 42 watershed or aquifer study units National synthesis of key findings for pesticides, nutrients, volatile organics, trace elements, and aquatic ecology

Toxic Substances Hydrology Provides unbiased scientific information needed to: – improve characterization and management of contaminated sites –protect human and environmental health –reduce potential future contamination problems

Hydrologic Research and Development Develops new fundamental knowledge about processes affecting water Develops new hydrologic methods and interpretive techniques Provides for the foundation for hydrologic technologies and conceptual approaches Approaches include small individual studies, large interdisciplinary studies, and development of tools and methods

Hydrologic Networks and Analysis Maintains national networks for collecting comprehensive historical and real-time water quantity and quality data Identifies atmospheric and oceanographic patterns responsible for variations in hydrologic conditions Provides real-time flood warning for safer communities

National Water Quality Laboratory Provides the USGS and the public with high- quality, reliable water quality data Methods development supported by other programs Data analysis supported by reimbursable fee-for- service

35 Integrated Science Centers –Florida Integrated Science Center –Alaska Science Center

INTEGRATED SCIENCE Central Region Geographic Focus Areas: –Desert Southwest & US/Mexico Border Water, ecosystems, urbanization, mining –Great Plains Agriculture, ground water, habitat loss –Gulf Coast & Lower Mississippi River Water quality, coastal erosion, wetland loss –Missouri River & Middle Mississippi River Agriculture, land use, floods, habitats, contaminants, river hydrology –Mountain West Land use, natural resources, mining, water, public lands, hazards