U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey
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Transcript of U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological SurveyU.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
British Geological Survey175th Anniversary Symposium28 September 2010
Dr. Marcia McNutt, DirectorU.S. Geological Survey
Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges with Integrated Science
A Look AheadThe need for trusted, authoritative science information
The fundamental role of government-sponsored science
The nature of USGS science
Integrated science promotes synergy in knowledge and in practice
A recent example of integrated science
New frontiers for geological surveys
Night light produced largely from fossil fuels
An index of population and human power in the environment
NASA
Night light produced largely from fossil fuels
Human-induced changes on a global scale
Rising demand for resources
Climate change
Approaching thresholds of ecosystems
Increased demand
EnergyMineralsWaterAgriculture
Global issues concerningsociety and the environmentCompetition for, natural threats to, natural resources
Natural hazards – floods, earthquakes, landslides
Effects of wildlife disease on human health
Availability of water for people and ecosystems
Effects of climate change on resources, ecosystems, human health_______________
An urgent need for authoritative, trusted science information
The role of government-sponsored science
The Nation’s natural science agency.
Conducts independent research.
Our reputation is our most important asset.
Science resources leveraged in partnership withmore than 2,000 agencies in the U.S. and abroad:
. State, local, tribal governments
. Academic community
. Other Federal allies
. Non-governmental organizations
. Private sector
The Nature of USGS Science
USGS Science InformationThe National MapUsually held in large archives
Provides historical record for improved baselines
Beyond the capabilities of states or universities
Helps forestall duplicative efforts
Free access, in public domain
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.John Muir
The Earth behaves as a system in which oceans, atmosphere and land, and the living and non-living parts therein, are all connected. Global Change and the Earth SystemSteffen et al, 2005
USGS Science Strategy: A Systems Approach
USGS Realignment follows USGS Science Strategy
Ecosystems
Climate and Land-Use Change
Energy, Minerals, and Human Health
Natural Hazards
SAS
Water
Informatics and Data Integration
Science Quality and Integrity
U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
USGS Science in the Gulf: the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Effects April 20 explosion, 11 fatalities Total oil released: Apr. 22 – July 15 (when flow suspended)
4.9 million barrels, +/- 10% (FRTG) Over 1.8 M gallons of dispersant (as of 8/23) Over 80,000 square miles
of Gulf closed to fishing (8/10) 642 mi. of coastline impacted,
343 mi. currently oiled (8/25)
Three Day Projected Oil Spill Movement Forecast – June 3
Pre-Impact AssessmentWater, sediment and benthic samples taken at ~70 locations
Conducted coastal vegetation photo surveys and ground truthing
Remote sensing and production of maps and GIS layers showed historical and current locations of trust resources, coastal ecosystems, and shoreline conditions``````````````````````````
Flow Rate Technical GroupMass Balance Team
Methodology peer reviewed and published, May 14http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2010/1101/
Well Integrity Team
Director McNutt with Well Integrity Team members (l to r):Paul Hsieh, Water Mooney, Marcia McNutt, Steve Hickman, Cathy Enomoto, Phil Nelson
The Relevance of National Surveys
Authoritative, unbiased
Accessible
Extensive national and global observation networks and databases require a national commitment
Historical perspective essential for information continuity and archival
Decision support tools
Partnerships optimize science resources, build consensus
New frontiers for Geological Surveys Move beyond traditional categories of natural resources Assess effects of societal actions on the environment Consider societal resilience to hazards Create decision support systems using all available scientific data
Geological surveys can expand as vital sources for science information
Toward future geological surveys