SCIENCE PRODUCTS NEWS CONNECT ABOUT Search Search s We monitor, assess, and conduct targeted science research so that policy makers and the public have the understanding they need to enhance preparedness, response, and resilience. Learn More ABOUT US Who We Are History Past Directors SURVEY MANUAL ORGANIZATION KEY OFFICIALS CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OPPORTUNITIES DOING BUSINESS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT About Us We provide science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods, the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on, the health of our ecosystems and environment, and the impacts of climate and land-use change. Our scientists develop new methods and tools to enable timely, relevant, and useful information about the Earth and its processes. Who We Are Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey has evolved over the decades, matching its talent and knowledge to the progress of science and technology. The USGS is the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. It is sought out by thousands of partners and customers for its natural science expertise and its vast earth and biological data holdings. History On March 3, 1879, we were established by the passing of the Organic Act through Congress. Our main responsibilities were to map public lands, examine geological structure, and evaluate mineral resources. Over the next century, our mission expanded to include the research of groundwater, ecosystems, environmental health, natural hazards, and climate and land use change. Past Directors A listing of our past USGS Directors. Skip to upper content Privacy Policy Legal Accessibility Site Map Contact USGS SCIENCE Science Explorer Mission Areas Programs Science Centers Observatories Laboratories Unified Interior Regions Frequently Asked Questions Education PRODUCTS Data and Tools Maps Publications Software Multimedia Gallery Park Passes USGS Library NEWS Featured Stories News Releases Science Snippets Technical Announcements Employees in the News Get Our News Media Contacts I'm a Reporter CONNECT Headquarters Locations Contact Us Staff Profiles Social Media ABOUT About Us Organization Key Officials Congressional Budget Opportunities Doing Business Emergency Management Survey Manual U.S. Department of the Interior DOI Inspector General White House E-Gov USA.gov No FEAR Act Data FOIA Follow Twitter Facebook GitHub Flickr YouTube Instagram