U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2012–3009

February 2012

Core Science Systems—Mission Overview

The Core Science Systems Mission Area delivers nationally focused Earth systems and information science 

that provides fundamental research and data that underpins all Mission Areas of the USGS, the USGS Science 

Strategy, and Presidential, Secretarial, and societal priorities. 

 —Kevin T. Gallagher, Associate Director, Core Science Systems

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Core Science Systems (CSS) Mission Area spans the 

Earth’s “Critical Zone” (National Research Council, 2001). The Critical Zone is the near-surface 

interface that extends from the tops of the trees down to the base of the deepest groundwater. 

CSS provides a foundation for all USGS Mission Areas, as well as for the mission of the 

Department of the Interior (DOI), in the following ways:

•	 Conducts	basic	and	applied	science	research	and	development

•	 Fosters	broad	understanding	and	application	of	analyses	and	information

•	 Provides	a	framework	for	data	and	information	sharing

•	 Creates	new	geospatially	enabled	data	and	information	

•	 Provides	technical	expertise	in	standards	and	methods	

•	 Builds	and	facilitates	partnerships	and	innovation

Mapping

Research

Standards

Synthesis

Collections

Partnerships

Critical Zone

CSS continuously strives to better understand, characterize, synthesize, and apply context to the complex processes and 

interactions taking place in the Critical Zone.
Mapping

One of the cornerstones of the USGS is our role as the 

civilian mapping agency for the Nation. Through collaborative 

efforts with Federal, State, and local partners, the USGS 

delivers nationally consistent, high-quality geologic, topographic, 

and biogeographic information. USGS mapping products and 

services have many uses—from recreation to scientific analysis 

to emergency response. Accurate geologic maps and threedimensional framework models are used to help mitigate natural 

hazards and sustain and improve the quality of life and economic 

vitality of the Nation. 

Mapping is also foundational to addressing 

the DOI mission to protect America’s treasures for 

future generations, provide access to our Nation’s 

natural and cultural heritage, offer recreational 

opportunities, honor our Trust responsibilities, 

conduct scientific research, provide wise stewardship 

of energy and mineral resources, foster sound use 

of land and water resources, and conserve and 

protect fish and wildlife. 

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•	 The	National	Cooperative	Geologic	Mapping		

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(Above) Three-dimensional geologic models are critical 

to most earthquake and regional tectonic studies.

(Left ) The National Map is a suite of mapping products 

and services that provides access to geospatial 

information for the United States and its territories 

and allows users to develop maps tailored to their 

purposes. The next generation of topographic maps is 

called “US Topo.” 

(Right) Geologic map of the 

conterminous United States.

Santa Barbara

N

Deep seismic tremor

M6.5 San Simeon

 mainshock 2003

Central California Coast Ranges

3-D Model: fault surfaces

OCEANIC FAULT

SAN ANDREAS FAULT

HOSGRI 

 FAULT

Earthquakes

The National Map

Protected Areas in the United States

Lark Bunting gap analysis
Standards

CSS leads the USGS in the development and implementation

of national standards that aid in the creation, management, and

dissemination of digital Earth systems information to stakeholders.

•	 Federal	Geographic	Data	Committee,	Office	of	the	

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•	 National	Cooperative	Geologic	Mapping	

•	 Center	of	Excellence	for	Geospatial	

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•	John	Wesley	Powell	Center	for	Analysis	and	

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Research

Scientific research within CSS addresses 

myriad societal issues and contributes to 

research activities in other USGS Mission 

Areas.

Synthesis

Computer and information sciences play an increasingly 

important role in achieving the USGS mission. CSS facilitates 

multiple Bureau activities in support of data integration and 

synthesis.

ScienceBase-Catalog Virtual Catalogs New Search Add Item
Partnerships

Scientific research is inherently based on collaboration, and developing and managing partnerships is a key component of CSS. 

From facilitating a community for data integration to supporting research projects, CSS develops and applies standards, data management 

tools, and strategies that address research priorities for the USGS and its partners. CSS leads and collaborates with Federal, State, and 

international agencies, universities, private industry, and others to achieve societal goals. Also, USGS grants and cooperative agreements 

managed by CSS provide critical funding to partners. 

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Contact Information

Kevin T. Gallagher

Associate Director for Core Science Systems

U.S. Geological Survey 

108 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, Virginia 20192

Voice: 703-648-5748, Fax: 703-648-7031

kgallagher@usgs.gov

http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/

Collections

Earth and natural science research is based on the 

cumulative observation, analysis, and documentation of 

generations of researchers. The USGS is the custodian of the 

record of much of those activities for the 

Nation, and collections managed 

by CSS are truly foundational 

resources for future research 

activities. 

Collections managed by 

CSS include national map 

databases, physical samples, 

data derived for analysis, 

published research, 

current and historical 

photographs, field notes, and 

records produced in the pursuit of 

science. These collections continue 

to grow and are now largely digital. 

Physical and digital collections are the 

starting point for much of our future research efforts, and the 

contexts that these materials provide for ongoing efforts 

are important and valuable to researchers across the USGS 

and worldwide.

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•	 National Digital Catalog of Geological and

Reference Cited

National Research Council, 2001, Basic research opportunities in 

Earth science: Washington, D.C., National Academies Press, 

153 p.

National ICE CORE Laboratory