HomeMy WebLinkAboutU.S. Geological Survey 09.16.1985f
United States Department of the Interior
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
FEDERAL BUILDING
300 EAST 8TH STREET
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701
September 16, 1985
The Hon. Carl Doering and
Members of City Council
City of Georgetown
P. 0. Box 409
Georgetown, TX 78626
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
9 =Y
The enclosed document describes the mission and goals of the U.S. Geological
Survey and the authorities by which it operates. It is intended to serve as a
guide in planning, developing, and implementing new programs and activities in
the earth sciences. We believe that the close and mutually beneficial working
relationship between the Survey and the cooperating agencies is a major reason
for the outstanding success of the Federal -State Cooperative Program, and that
an understanding of the mission and goals of the Survey will enhance this rela-
tionship. Accordingly, we ask that you examine the document and give us the
benefit of your knowledge and experience. We are genuinely interested in your
comments, ideas, and suggestions on how we can improve its contents and the
manner in which the information is presented.
Please send your comments to:
Director
U.S. Geological Survey
National Center
Mail Stop, 100
Reston, Virginia 22092
If possible we would appreciate your response within 3 weeks after your receipt
of this letter. After consideration of all review comments, a final document
will be prepared, and a copy will be sent to you after publication later this
year. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
XIAV&�
C. W. Boning
District Chief
MISSION, GOALS,
AND
AUTHORITIES
of the
U.S. Geological Survey,
June 1985
P R O V I S I O N A L E D I T I O N
Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
NATIONAL NEEDS
Population growth, expansion of material needs, and rapidly changing technology
have placed great demands on the Nation's natural resources and environment.
Satisfying present and future needs for food, water, energy, living space, shelter,
transportation, recreation, and other requirements of a modern civilized society
create many complex problems. Solution of these problems demands application of
earth -science information to guide the development, conservation, and
management of land, mineral, and water resources. Some of the national needs,
and ways in which earth sciences can be applied to meet them, are listed below.
Energy
o Use of nonrenewable energy resources requires continuing efforts by earth
scientists to locate and understand the genesis of these resources, and to
maintain current knowledge of the supply, demand, and discovery of energy
resources worldwide.
o Development of other energy resources, such as hydroelectric, geothermal,
solar, or fusion power, may require decisions about alternative uses of land,
water, and materials.
o Extraction of certain energy -producing materials from the Earth carries
with it the risk of serious environmental damage. Examples are wastes
from the mining and processing of energy -producing materials, increased
output of atmospheric pollutants that affect the quality of precipitation,
destruction of habitats because of mining activity, land subsidence around
oil fields, and pollution of water from the disposal of energy -related wastes.
Solutions to these problems require understanding of the chemical,
physical, and biological processes occurring in the air, in the land surface,
and in the ground.
Minerals
o Our industrial society consumes large quantities of mineral resources. At
the same time, urban growth and withdrawal of public lands prevent many
areas from being developed for mineral extraction. Accurate appraisals of
mineral resources of public and private lands, both onshore and offshore,
are needed to (1) facilitate decisionmaking about the long-term
availability of minerals and about technological problems associated with
alternative uses and (2) make policy decisions about the use of the
Nation's land.
o Many major mineral districts are nearly depleted. Important mineral
deposits either may be undetected or are not currently being exploited
because of low grade or poor accessibility. New techniques are needed to
detect undiscovered deposits and to utilize lower grade mineral deposits.
o Many strategic and critical minerals needed to sustain our society are not
found in abundance within the United States and have to be imported.
Study of the origins of these minerals, their worldwide distribution, and the
development of methodologies for their detection can identify new sources
and lessen our reliance on uncertain foreign sources.
MISSION
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey is to provide geologic, topographic, and
hydrologic information that contributes to the wise management of the Nation's
natural resources and that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of the
people. This information consists of maps, data bases, and descriptions and
analyses of the water, energy, and mineral resources, land surface, underlying
geologic structure, and the dynamic processes of the Earth.
To accomplish its mission, the Survey:
o Conducts and sponsors research in geology, hydrology, mapping, and
related sciences to address national needs.
o Produces and updates geographic, cartographic, and remotely sensed
information in graphic and digital forms.
o Describes the onshore and offshore geologic framework and develops an
understanding of its formation and evolution.
o Assesses energy and mineral resources, determines their origin and manner
of occurrence, and develops techniques for their discovery.
o Collects and analyzes data on the quantity and quality of surface water and
ground water, on water use, and on the quality of precipitation.
o Assesses water resources and develops an understanding of the impact of
human activities and natural phenomena on hydrologic systems.
o Evaluates hazards associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, floods,
droughts, toxic materials, landslides, subsidence, and other ground failures.
o Participates in the exploration of space by characterizing processes and
materials within the solar system.
o Publishes reports and maps, establishes and maintains earth -science data
bases, and disseminates earth -science data and information.
o Provides scientific and technical assistance for the effective use of earth -
science techniques, products, and information.
o Coordinates topographic, geologic, and land -use mapping, digital
cartography, and water -data acquisition.
-5-
Such knowledge is obtained by developing and using techniques of resource
evaluation including geologic mapping, resource -distribution modeling,
geophysical and geochemical investigations, and supporting basic research.
Water Resources Assessment
INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND QUALITY OF THE
NATION'S GROUND -WATER AND SURFACE -WATER RESOURCES SO
THAT RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS AND THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO
FORMULATE AND EVALUATE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT AFFECT
WATER RESOURCES.
This entails knowing aquifer properties, the general configuration of water levels,
and patterns of ground -water recharge, circulation, and discharge; average runoff,
its seasonal variation, and low flow and flood characteristics of the Nation's rivers;
the chemical and physical quality of these resources; and the quality of
precipitation including geographic variations and time trends. This knowledge is
developed by analyzing data collected over many years, mapping the resource,
and interpreting these observations in light of the relevant natural and human
factors.
Water Use
IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WAY IN WHICH SOCIETY USES WATER
RESOURCES SO AS TO SUPPORT WATER MANAGEMENT AND TO
IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF WATER -USE FORECASTS.
Such information assists officials to plan and design dams, well fields, water -
distribution systems, water -treatment plants, and other water -related facilities.
The development of a full range of water -management options depends, in part,
upon knowledge of existing water -use processes, ways in which they may be
altered, and the impact the processes have on water quality. This knowledge is
acquired by collecting and analyzing data about the location, amount, and
purposes of withdrawals from ground -water and surface -water systems; the
location, amounts, and quality of water returned to hydrologic systems; and the
amounts of water used.
Energy and Mineral Resource Processes
ENHANCE THE ABILITY TO DISCOVER HIDDEN OR AS YET
UNRECOGNIZED TYPES OF ENERGY AND MINERAL DEPOSITS TO FORM
ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES BY
DEVELOPING INFORMATION ON THE NATURAL PROCESSES BY WHICH
MATERIALS IN THE EARTH ARE FORMED, TRANSPORTED, AND
CONCENTRATED.
Such information is needed to improve our understanding of the origins and
occurrence of this wealth. This knowledge is obtained by field investigations,
laboratory experiments, analyses, and construction of conceptual models.
Hydrologic Processes
ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROCESSES THAT AFFECT OR
CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF WATER AND ITS DISSOLVED AND
SUSPENDED CONSTITUENTS THROUGH HYDROLOGIC SYSTEMS.
changes, require the rapid determination of the location, magnitude, or nature of
the event for immediate and effective responses. The timely documentation of
these conditions and events is accomplished by the continued operation of
networks of sensors, including streamgages and seismometers, and by the rapid
processing, analysis, and dissemination of relevant information and warnings.
Coordination
IMPROVE THE COORDINATION OF EARTH -SCIENCE DATA COLLECTION,
RESEARCH, AND MAPPING SO AS TO MINIMIZE DUPLICATION OF
EFFORT, INCREASE DATA ACCESSIBILITY, AND REDUCE COSTS.
Coordination is carried out by sharing plans, technologies, and data bases, and by
making approaches to standardize information formats.
Earth -Science Standards
ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR ACCURACY, FORMAT, AND
MAINTENANCE OF EARTH -SCIENCE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION AND FACILITATE THE EXCHANGE OF
INFORMATION AMONG USERS.
Standards are developed in operational programs and are reviewed by earth -
science colleagues and other potential users. Standards also are revised as the
result of improvement in technology and evolving scientific thought and as a
result of user requirements. Some standards are developed in concert with other
Federal agencies, professional organizations, or international councils. Selected
earth -science standards are submitted for review and promulgation as Federal
standards.
Information Dissemination
IMPROVE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR ACCESSIBILITY AND
UNDERSTANDING OF EARTH -SCIENCE INFORMATION AND
TECHNOLOGIES.
This is achieved by publishing reaps, scientific and technical reports, and data
bases and by operating public information centers and clearinghouses that enable
potential users to readily identify and obtain existing information.
Training and Assistance
INCREASE CAPABILITIES OUTSIDE THE SURVEY, ESPECIALLY OF
ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AND STATE AGENCIES, TO CONDUCT EARTH -
SCIENCE RESEARCH, TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN HELP
SOLVE RESOURCE -RELATED PROBLEMS, AND TO TRAIN AN ADEQUATE
SUPPLY OF EARTH -SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS.
This is accomplished by cooperative programs and by research grants.
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MISSION
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey is to provide geologic, to ographie, and
hydrologic information that contributes to the wise management of the Nation's
natural resources and that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of the
people. This information consists of maps, data bases, and descriptions and
analyses of the water, energy, and mineral resources, land surface, underlying
geologic structure, and the dynamic processes of the Earth.
To accomplish its mission, the Survey:
o Conducts and sponsors research in geology, hydrology, mapping, and
related sciences to address national needs.
o Produces and updates geographic, cartographic, and remotely sensed
information in graphic and digital forms.
o Describes the onshore and offshore geologic framework and develops an
understanding of its formation and evolution.
o Assesses energy and mineral resources, determines their origin and manner
of occurrence, and develops techniques for their discovery.
o Collects and analyzes data on the quantity and quality of surface water and
ground water, on water use, and on the quality of precipitation.
o Assesses water resources and develops an understanding of the impact of
human activities and natural phenomena on hydrologic systems.
o Evaluates hazards associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, floods,
droughts, toxic materials, landslides, subsidence, and other ground failures.
o Participates in the exploration of space by characterizing processes and
materials within the solar system.
o Publishes reports and maps, establishes and maintains earth -science data
bases, and disseminates earth -science data and information.
o Provides scientific and technical assistance for the effective use of earth -
science techniques, products, and information.
o Coordinates topographic, geologic, and land -use mapping, digital
cartography, and water -data acquisition.
-5-
Such knowledge is obtained by developing and using techniques of resource
evaluation including geologic mapping, resource -distribution modeling,
geophysical and geochemical investigations, and supporting basic research.
Water Resources Assessment
INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND QUALITY OF THE
NATION'S GROUND -WATER AND SURFACE -WATER RESOURCES SO
THAT RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS AND THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO
FORMULATE AND EVALUATE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT AFFECT
WATER RESOURCES.
This entails knowing aquifer properties, the general configuration of water levels,
and patterns of ground -water recharge, circulation, and discharge; average runoff,
its seasonal variation, and low flow and flood characteristics of the Nation's rivers;
the chemical and physical quality of these resources; and the quality of
precipitation including geographic variations and time trends. This knowledge is
developed by analyzing data collected over many years, mapping the resource,
and interpreting these observations in light of the relevant natural and human
factors.
Water Use
IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WAY IN WHICH SOCIETY USES WATER
RESOURCES SO AS TO SUPPORT WATER MANAGEMENT AND TO
IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF WATER -USE FORECASTS.
Such information assists officials to plan and design dams, well fields, water -
distribution systems, water -treatment plants, and other water -related facilities.
The development of a full range of water -management options depends, in part,
upon knowledge of existing water -use processes, ways in which they may be
altered, and the impact the processes have on water quality. This knowledge is
acquired by collecting and analyzing data about the location, amount, and
purposes of withdrawals from ground -water and surface -water systems; the
location, amounts, and quality of water returned to hydrologic systems; and the
amounts of water used.
Energy and Mineral Resource Processes
ENHANCE THE ABILITY TO DISCOVER HIDDEN OR AS YET
UNRECOGNIZED TYPES OF ENERGY AND MINERAL DEPOSITS TO FORM
ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES BY
DEVELOPING INFORMATION ON THE NATURAL PROCESSES BY WHICH
MATERIALS IN THE EARTH ARE FORMED, TRANSPORTED, AND
CONCENTRATED.
Such information is needed to improve our understanding of the origins and
occurrence of this wealth. This knowledge is obtained by field investigations,
laboratory experiments, analyses, and construction of conceptual models.
Hydrologic Processes
ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROCESSES THAT AFFECT OR
CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF WATER AND ITS DISSOLVED AND
SUSPENDED CONSTITUENTS THROUGH HYDROLOGIC SYSTEMS.
-7-
changes, require the rapid determination of the location, magnitude, or nature of
the event for immediate and effective responses. The timely documentation of
these conditions and events is accomplished by the continued operation of
networks of sensors, including streamgages and seismometers, and by the rapid
processing, analysis, and dissemination of relevant information and warnings.
Coordination
IMPROVE THE COORDINATION OF EARTH -SCIENCE DATA COLLECTION,
RESEARCH, AND MAPPING SO AS TO MINIMIZE DUPLICATION OF
EFFORT, INCREASE DATA ACCESSIBILITY, AND REDUCE COSTS.
Coordination is carried out by sharing plans, technologies, and data bases, and by
making approaches to standardize information formats.
Earth -Science Standards
ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR ACCURACY, FORMAT, AND
MAINTENANCE OF EARTH -SCIENCE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION AND FACILITATE THE EXCHANGE OF
INFORMATION AMONG USERS.
Standards are developed in operational programs and are reviewed by earth -
science colleagues and other potential users. Standards also are revised as the
result of improvement in technology and evolving scientific thought and as a
result of user requirements. Some standards are developed in concert with other
Federal agencies, professional organizations, or international councils. Selected
earth -science standards are submitted for review and promulgation as Federal
standards.
Information Dissemination
IMPROVE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR ACCESSIBILITY AND
UNDERSTANDING OF EARTH -SCIENCE INFORMATION AND
TECHNOLOGIES.
This is achieved by publishing maps, scientific and technical reports, and data
bases and by operating public information centers and clearinghouses that enable
• potential users to readily identify and obtain existing information.
Training and Assistance
INCREASE CAPABILITIES OUTSIDE THE SURVEY, ESPECIALLY OF
ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AND STATE AGENCIES, TO CONDUCT EARTH -
SCIENCE RESEARCH, TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN HELP
SOLVE RESOURCE -RELATED PROBLEMS, AND TO TRAIN AN ADEQUATE
SUPPLY OF EARTH -SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS.
This is accomplished by cooperative programs and by research grants.
-9-
AUTHORITIE
The U.S. Geological Survey derives authority for its activities from
specific pieces of legislation, including its annual appropriation acts
and various executive orders. The Survey was established by an Act
of Congress on March 3, 1879, that authorized "a ro riations for
sundry civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1880, and for other purposes." This Act is commonly referred
to as the Survey's Organic Act, codified in 43 U.S.C. 31 as follows:
"The Director of the Geological Survey,
which office is established, under the
Interior Department, shall be appointed
by the President by and with the advice
and consent of the Senate. This officer
shall have the direction of the Geological
Organic Survey and the classification of the public
Act lands and examination of the geological
structure, mineral resources, and products
of the national domain. The Director and
members of the Geological Survey shall
have no personal or private interests in
the lands or mineral wealth of the region
under survey, and shall execute no
surveys or examinations for private parties
or corporations."
The Survey's authority was made more specific over the years by
additional legislation (listed in the appendix) that clarifies its role and
authority. For example, the geographic scope of the Survey's activities
was expanded beyond the national domain when on
Geographic August 23, 1958, the Secretary of the Interior was authorized by
Scope P.L. 85-743 (43 U.S.C. 1457) "to perform surveys, investigations, and
research in geology, biology, minerals and water resources, and
mapping.. . in Antarctica and the Trust Territories of the the Pacific
Islands;" and on September 5, 1962, when the Survey was authorized
by P.L. 87-626 (43 U.S.C. 31b) to conduct "such examinations outside
the national domain where determined by the Secretary to be in the
national interest."
Authority for conducting geologic surveys is expressly contained in the
1879 Organic Act. Chemical and physical research was recognized
Geologic and undertaken as an essential part of geologic investigations.
Surveys Specific appropriation for such work was made by Congress in an act
of October 2, 1888 (25 Stat. 505, 526).
-11-
OMB Circular A-67, issued by the Bureau of the Budget on August 28,
1964, gives the Department of the Interior (delegated to the Geological
Water Survey) responsibility "for the design and operation of the national
Data network for acquiring data on the quantity and quality of surface and
Coordination ground waters, including sediment load of streams," and responsibility
"for exercising leadership in achieving effective coordination of
national network and specialized water data acquisition activities."
A memorandum to heads of departments from the Director, Office of
Management and Budget, on April 4, 1983, assigns the Department of
the Interior (delegated to the Geological Survey) the chair of a Federal
Digital Interagency Coordinating Committee on Digital Cartography "to
Cartographic improve the use of digital cartographic base data within the Federal
Data Government and to provide a framework for its proper manage-
ment...." This memorandum is in effect until March 15, 1986.
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AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION OF THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (Continued)
Popular Title Public Law
or Subject Number Date
Purpose
Joint Pub. Res. 22 May 16, 1902 Authorizes publication by the
Resolution of 57th Congress Geological Survey of water
May 16, 1902 supply and irrigation papers.
(44 U.S.C. 1318)
Sale of Data Pub. Law 383 June 30, 1906
59th Congress
Authorizes the Geological
Survey to furnish copies of
maps to any person, concern,
institution, State, or foreign
government, with receipts to
be deposited in the general
fund of the Treasury.
(43 U.S.C. 44)
Production Pub. Law 328 Mar. 4, 1909 Authorizes the Director to
and Sale of 60th Congress produce and sell copies of
Photographs photographs, mosaics, and
and Records other official records.
(43 U.S.C. 45)
USGS Share of Pub. Law 100 Mar_ 7, 1928
Cost for Work 70th Congress
in Cooperation
with State and
Local Governments
Extension Pub. Law 29 June 17, 1935
of Cooper- 74th Congress
ative Work to
Puerto Rico
Production Pub. Law 206 July 21, 1947
and Sale of 80th Congress
Photographs
and Records
-15-
Directs that the Geological
Survey share in any topo-
graphic mapping or water
resources investigations
carried out in cooperation
with any State or municipality
shall not exceed 50 percent of
that cost.
(43 U.S.C. 50)
Authorizes the Geological
Survey to make topographic and
geologic surveys and to con-
duct investigations relating
to mineral and water resources
in Puerto Rico.
(43 U.S.C. 49)
Authorizes the Director to
produce and sell copies of
aerial photographs and
provides for receipts to be
deposited in the Treasury to
the credit of the current
appropriations.
(43 U.S.C. 45)
AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION OF THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (Continued)
Popular Title Public Law
or Subject Number Date
Purpose
Examination of P.L. 87-626 Sep. 5, 1962 Authorizes the examination of
the Geological the geological structure,
Structure Outside mineral resources, and pro -
the National ducts outside the national
Domain domain.
(43 U.S.C. 31(b))
Wilderness Act P.L. 88-577 Sep. 3, 1964 Authorizes the Geological
of 1964 Survey and Bureau of Mines to
assess the mineral resources
of each area proposed or
established as wilderness if
no prior mineral survey was
done.
(16 U.S.C. 1131)
Delmarva P.L. 89-618 Oct. 4, 1966 Authorizes the Secretary*
Peninsula to make a comprehensive
Hydrologic 5-year study and investigation
Study of the water resources of
the Delmarva Peninsula.
(42 U.S.C. 1962d-7)
Classes and P.L. 90-620 Oct. 22, 1968 Requires that publications of
Sizes of the Geological Survey shall
Publications include maps, folios, and
atlases required by law.
Further provides for printing
and reprinting of Geological
Survey reports and distribu-
tion to Congress and the
Library of Congress.
(44 U.S.C. 1318)
Also authorizes the Geological
Survey to send publications to
public libraries.
(44 U.S.C. 1320)
Federal Water P.L. 92-500 Oct. 18, 1972 Directs EPA to have a water
Pollution quality surveillance system
Control Act that will use the resources of
Amendments of the Geological Survey.
1972 (33 U.S.C. 1254(a))
* The Secretary of the Interior has assigned responsibility to the Director,
U.S. Geological Survey.
SPAS
AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION OF THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (Continued)
Popular Title Public Law
or Subject Number Date
Purpose
Earthquake P.L. 96-472 Oct. 19, 1980 Authorizes the Director to
Hazards Reduction issue earthquake predictions
Act Amendments of or advisories after notifying
1980 FEMA.
(42 U.S.C. 7704(f))
Alaska National P.L. 96-487 Dec. 2, 1980 Authorizes the Secretary* to
Interest Lands assess oil and gas and other
Conservation Act mineral resources on Federal
lands in Alaska.
(16 U.S.C. 3150)
Appropriations P.L. 97-394 Dec. 30, 1982 Authorizes the Geological
Act of Fiscal Survey to accept contributions
Year 1983 from public and private
sources.
Nuclear Waste
Policy Act of
1982
Appropriations
Act of Fiscal
Year 1984
Water Resources
Research Act
of 1984
P.L. 97-425 Jan. 7, 1983 Authorizes the Geological
Survey to act in a consulta-
tive and review role to the
DOE for siting, building, and
operating high-level radio-
active waste repositories.
(42 U.S.C. 10101 et. seq.)
P.L. 98-146 Nov. 4, 1983 Authorizes the Geological
Survey to retain receipts from
the sale of all published
maps. Also transfers
responsibility for issuing
grants to State water
resources research institutes
from the Office of Water
Policy to the Geological
Survey.
P.L. 98-242 Mar. 22, 1984
Authorizes the Secretary* to
make grants to water resources
research institutes for
research and training and to
make matching grants to aca-
demic institutions, State or
local governments, or the
private sector for water
research and technology
development.
(42 U.S.C. 10301)
* The Secretary of the Interior has assigned responsibility to the Director,
U.S. Geological Survey.
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