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U.S. Geological Survey 

 Role in Ocean Sciences 



As the Nation's earth science information agency, the U.S. Geological Survey's 

 (USGS) role in ocean sciences is to provide geologic information and expertise 

 pertaining to the Nation's coastal and offshore lands. The U.S. coastal ocean 

 is critical to the economic well being of the Nation. These areas are used 

 for transportation, recreation, and waste disposal; provide energy and 

 non-metallic mineral resources for the Nation; and provide habitat for most of 

 the commercial fisheries resources. In addition, natural hazards, such as 

 coastal erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and major storms, pose potential 

 threats to people, property, and the environment in coastal areas. A large 

 and growing population along our coastlines is placing increasing stress on 

 the coastal ocean environment. The impact of both human activities and 

 natural processes must be documented and assessed in order to develop workable 

 management strategies for the Nation's coastal realms and marine Federal 

 lands. USGS research and mapping activities in the marine realm are conducted 

 under four themes: Environmental Quality, Natural Hazards, Natural Resources, 

 and Information and Technology. Environmental research addresses the geologic 

 issues which influence the long-term quality and preservation of marine 

 environments. Specific issues addressed include: pollution and waste 

 disposal, fragile environments, including coastal wetlands, marine reserves 

 and biologic habitats, and geologic records of environmental change, including 

 past climates. Natural hazards research is conducted to better understand the 

 frequency and distribution of catastrophic events and the geologic processes 

 acting in the affected coastal regions. Specific issues addressed include: 

 coastal erosion and offshore earthquakes and landslides. Natural resources 

 research aims at providing an understanding of the distribution of mineral and 

 energy resources in our marine and coastal realms and of the processes that 

 control their composition, origin, and availability. Information and 

 technology activities provide reconnaissance sea-floor mapping of the 

 U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone as well as information management and 

 dissemination services. Through a series of regional and fundamental studies 

 conducted in partnership with other Federal and State agencies and academic 

 institutions, USGS develops a description and understanding of marine and 

 coastal geologic systems to address issues of societal importance. 



