Programs
Explore our Earth-and biological science programs and learn about our people, partners, and products.
Core Science Systems Mission Area
Core Science Systems Mission Area
-
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) is the primary source of funds for geologic map production in the U.S. NCGMP funds geologic mapping projects through its FEDMAP, STATEMAP, and EDMAP components and the Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC). The NCGMP also maintains the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) which serves as the National Archive for geologic maps.
National Geospatial Program
The USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) provides vital, trusted topographic mapping information for the United States through The National Map. NGP’s broad portfolio and cross-cutting initiatives span from emergency response support to cutting edge geospatial research. The American people rely on NGP’s publicly available products and services to remain informed and to stay healthy and safe.
National Land Imaging Program
Our Nation’s economic security and environmental vitality rely on continuous monitoring of the Earth’s continents, islands, and coastal regions. The USGS National Land Imaging (NLI) Program makes it possible to record, study, and understand how the surface of the Earth is changing at local, regional, national and global scales.
Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program
Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) emphasizes a science data lifecycle approach to Earth systems data and information. We strive to accelerate research and decision making through data science, information delivery, advanced computing, and biodiversity analytics.
Ecosystems Mission Area
Ecosystems Mission Area
-
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program
The Biological Threats Research Program delivers science to protect public safety, property, and ecosystems from invasive plants and animals and infectious fish and wildlife diseases that pose significant ecologic and economic threats to the resources of the United States.
-
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
From wildfires to sea-level rise, climate change creates evolving challenges for ecosystems across the nation. The USGS National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) is a partnership-driven program that teams scientists with natural resource managers and communities to help fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a changing climate.
Ecosystems Land Change Science Program
The Land Change Science Program in the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area strives to advance the understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological components of the Earth system, the causes and consequences of climate and land use change, and the vulnerability and resilience of the Earth system to such changes.
Cooperative Research Units
Established in 1935 at Iowa State University, our mission is our hallmark: work with University students to develop the conservation workforce, help decision-makers make complex conservation decisions, and to provide technical assistance between natural resource agencies and universities. We support 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities. Our Program Office is in Reston, Virginia.
Environmental Health Program
The Environmental Health Program (Contaminant Biology and Toxic Substances Hydrology) supports integrated natural science expertise and capabilities across the USGS related to environmental contaminants and pathogens. This One Health approach recognizes the interdependence of human and animal health and the health of ecosystems that they share.
-
Land Management Research Program
The Land Management Research Program conducts research to improve the effectiveness of land management and inform restoration of priority ecosystems on millions of acres including public lands such as National Parks, refuges, and other critical landscapes that support the biodiversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species, as well as thriving economies.
-
Species Management Research Program
The Species Management Research Program provides science that is used by managers, policy makers, and others for decisions that protect, conserve, and enhance healthy fish and wildlife populations across the United States and beyond.
Energy and Minerals Mission Area
Energy and Minerals Mission Area
-
Energy Resources Program
From transportation to electricity, energy resources are critical to keep the Nation running. We provide actionable science and tools to support decision-making related to all aspects of the energy resource lifecycle .
Mineral Resources Program
We are the Nation’s primary source of scientific information about the full life cycle and supply chains of mineral resources. Our science is essential to responsibly managing natural resources and to procuring minerals needed to sustain and advance modern manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and low-carbon energy production.
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Natural Hazards Mission Area
-
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Scientists and staff study coastal and ocean processes, from shorelines to the deep sea, to identify hazards and provide critical information on our nation's resources. This work supports preparedness, emergency response, and the protection of people and resources in coastal and ocean environments.
Earthquake Hazards Program
The USGS monitors and reports on earthquakes, assesses earthquake impacts and hazards, and conducts targeted research on the causes and effects of earthquakes. We undertake these activities as part of the larger National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), a four-agency partnership established by Congress.
Geomagnetism Program
We monitor the Earth's magnetic field. Using ground-based observatories, we provide continuous records of magnetic field variations; disseminate magnetic data to various governmental, academic, and private institutions; and conduct research into the nature of geomagnetic variations for purposes of scientific understanding and hazard mitigation.
-
GSN - Global Seismographic Network
The Global Seismographic Network is a permanent digital network of state-of-the-art seismological and geophysical sensors connected by a telecommunications network, serving as a multi-use scientific facility and societal resource for monitoring, research, and education.
-
Landslide Hazards Program
The primary objective of the National Landslide Hazards Program is to reduce long-term losses from landslide hazards by improving our understanding of the causes of ground failure and suggesting mitigation strategies.
Volcano Hazards Program
There are about 170 potentially active volcanoes in the U.S. The mission of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program is to enhance public safety and minimize social and economic disruption from volcanic unrest and eruption through our National Volcano Early Warning System. We deliver forecasts, warnings, and information about volcano hazards based on a scientific understanding of volcanic behavior.
Water Resources Mission Area
Water Resources Mission Area
-
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
The Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program (GWSIP) serves as the national source of impartial, timely, rigorous, and relevant data for short- and long-term water decisions by stakeholders across the United States. In 2018, the USGS began piloting the Nation’s Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) that will provide high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity and quality.
National Water Quality Program
The National Water Quality Program provides an understanding of water-quality conditions; whether conditions are getting better or worse over time; and how natural features and human activities affect those conditions.
Water Availability and Use Science Program
The Water Availability and Use Science Program (WAUSP) assists in the determination of water that is available for human and ecological uses, now and in the future. This includes evaluating the quantity and quality of water, identifying long-term trends in water availability, and developing an improved ability to forecast water availability for economic, energy production, and environmental uses.
Water Resources Research Act Program
The Water Resources Research Act Program is a Federal-State partnership that plans, facilitates, and conducts research that helps resolve State and regional water problems; promotes technology transfer; promotes dissemination and application of research; trains scientists through participation in research; and awards competitive grants under the Water Resources Research Act.
Science Support Mission Area
- Administration and Management
- Information Services
Facilities
- Deferred Maintenance and Capital Improvement
- Rental Payments and Operations & Maintenance
