USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in SW Wyoming’s Mesaverde Group and Lance Formation
4.7 trillion cubic feet of gas estimated
Interior Department releases final 2025 List of Critical Minerals
USGS supports 13 states in joint work on critical minerals in mine waste
States get boost to characterize and inventory minerals from former and active mines
Landsat at Work: USGS Informing Domestic Lithium Development
USGS Unveils New National Geologic Map
A Comprehensive, Interactive Web Tool for Understanding the Nation's Geology
U.S. Geological Survey
Part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the USGS began in 1879 to study the nation’s lands and resources. Today, we monitor, analyze, and predict Earth’s changing systems. Our science provides clear, reliable data that protects lives and property, supports energy and mineral decisions, strengthens water infrastructure, and promotes economic growth.
Latest Earthquake and Volcano Notifications
Magnitude 5.8
Magnitude 3.25
Magnitude 4.04
Magnitude 6
Magnitude 6.6
Magnitude 3.98
Magnitude 4.8571139523805
Magnitude 5.4
Magnitude 4.11
Magnitude 3.48
Maps
The USGS has over a century of experience producing maps and related information providing critical data for sustaining and improving quality of life and economic vitality of the nation. We organize, maintain, and publish the foundational data of the nation's topography, natural landscape, developed areas, and more.
Intro to Mapping
Topographic Maps
Geologic Maps
Build Your Own Map
GIS and Mapping Data
Order a Map
Research
We provide scientific information and near real-time data on current conditions that helps communities prepare for natural hazards, manage water supplies, earth observations, and guide energy and mineral development.
Core Science Systems
Ecosystems
Geology, Energy, and Minerals
Natural Hazards
Water Resources
USGS Library
Critical Minerals
The USGS leads national efforts to map mineral resources and analyze the supply chains needed to drive the U.S. economy including analyzing global supply chain risks and mineral needs for domestic industry, defense, and future production capacity. We partner with state geological surveys, private industry, universities and federal agencies in efforts to identify new mineral resources below ground and in old mine tailings and energy wastes.
What are Critical Minerals?
Where are critical minerals?
Meet the National Minerals Information Center
Interactive Mineral Maps
Minerals from China
Interactive Mineral Commodity Data
Park Passes
America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes are a suite of annual and lifetime passes providing access to federal recreation lands.