Geological Sciences

The Geologic Resources Division (GRD) assists the National Park Service and partners in the servicewide coordination, support, and guidance necessary to understand and implement science-informed stewardship of geologic and associated park resources; reduce impacts from past and present energy, mineral, and other development; and protect visitor values.

The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) is an archive of geoscience maps (including geology maps), reports, and stratigraphic information for the United States. The NGMDB contains information on more than 90,000 maps and related geoscience reports published from the early 1800s to the present day, by more than 630 agencies, universities, associations, and private companies.

Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. The USGS monitors, analyzes, and predicts current and evolving Earth-system interactions and delivers actionable information at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. The USGS provides science about natural hazards, natural resources, ecosystems and environmental health, and the effects of climate and land-use change.

The U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Geological Sciences (USNC/IUGS) serves as a focal point for U.S. discussions on how to best maintain the viability and relevance of the geological sciences internationally. The committee provides guidance and input to the IUGS on these issues, and plans and implements U.S. participation in furthering the goals and work of the IUGS. The USNC/IUGS works in cooperation with scientific societies and seeks their input on nominations to the committee.

The USGS Volcano Hazards Program (VHP) monitors and studies active and potentially active volcanoes, assesses their hazards, and conducts research on how volcanoes work in order for the USGS to issue "timely warnings" of potential volcanic hazards to emergency-management professionals and the public. Thus, in addition to collecting and interpreting the best possible scientific information, the program works to effectively communicate its scientific findings and volcanic activity alerts to authorities and the public.