ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

United States Geological Survey

United States Geological Survey

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a government–run agency that provides decision makers with reliable scientific data about Earth systems, natural disasters, and natural resources.

Grades

5 - 8

Subjects

Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Human Geography, Physical Geography

Image

USGS Surveyor

Scientist Doug Caprette ventures out in the rain to remove a GPS sensor from its spot on a USGS benchmark in the woods of McCarthy, Alaska, where it had been gathering data for a study on regional deformation caused by tectonic movements.

Photograph by George F. Mobley
Scientist Doug Caprette ventures out in the rain to remove a GPS sensor from its spot on a USGS benchmark in the woods of McCarthy, Alaska, where it had been gathering data for a study on regional deformation caused by tectonic movements.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior. It is a scientific agency that researches Earth systems. Its mission is to make scientific data available to help people understand Earth, prepare for natural disasters, and manage the nation’s natural resources. The agency also provides data to lawmakers and community leaders to assist in decision-making.

The USGS was established in 1879. Originally its mission was to study the nation’s land, including natural resources and geological structures. This research was to be used to classify public lands and make decisions about land use. Since its formation, the USGS has evolved to meet the changing needs of the nation. Over time, its activities have ranged from surveying oil and natural gas resources to mapping the landscape to assisting in conservation efforts.

Today the USGS is involved in a variety of areas of scientific research. These “Mission Areas” include Core Science Systems, Ecosystems, Energy and Minerals, Land Resources, Water Resources, Environmental Health, and Natural Hazards. Another Mission Area, Core Science Systems, is tasked with “characterizing and understanding complex Earth and biological systems through research, modeling, mapping, and the production of high-quality data.”

Through its Natural Hazards Mission Area, the USGS plays an important role in protecting people and property. It monitors natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. The data collected by the agency help communities predict and prepare for natural disasters.


Media Credits

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Director
Tyson Brown, National Geographic Society
Author
National Geographic Society
Production Managers
Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society
Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society
Program Specialists
Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society, National Geographic Society
Margot Willis, National Geographic Society
other
Last Updated

October 19, 2023

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