Geology for a Changing World

A Science Strategy for the Geologic Division
of the U.S. Geological Survey, 2000-2010

Publication Information



The Geologic Division of the U.S. Geological Survey
outlines seven science goals to address pressing issues
facing the Nation in the next decade





Photograph of Mount Rainier, as seen from Tacoma, WA. Recent work by the Geologic Division of the U.S. Geological Survey has identified regions of hydrothermally-altered rock at Mount Rainier that are particularly susceptible to collapse, potentially endangering developed population centers downstream from the volcano (see Highlight 1). Through the goals and actions outlined in this report, the Geologic Division can help reduce the risk and uncertainty in human interaction with the Earth. Photograph from the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory.

Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

Working with Others

Science Goals

Goal 1-Conduct geologic hazard assessments for mitigation planning
Goal 2-Provide short-term prediction of geologic disasters and rapidly characterize their effects
Goal 3-Advance the understanding of the Nation's energy and mineral resources in a global geologic, economic, and environmental context
Goal 4-Anticipate the environmental impacts of climate variability
Goal 5-Establish the geologic framework for ecosystem structure and function
Goal 6-Interpret the links between human health and geologic processes
Goal 7-Determine the geologic controls on ground-water resources and hazardous waste isolation

Objective 1-Greatly enhance the public's ability to locate, access, and use Geologic Division maps and data
Objective 2-Maintain a first-rate earth-system science library
Objective 3-Effectively transfer the knowledge acquired through Geologic Division science activities
Objective 4-Promote vitality and flexibility of the scientific staff
Objective 5-Promote interdisciplinary research
Objective 6-Institute internal and external reviews

References Cited

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