U.S. Geological Survey water science strategy—Observing, understanding, predicting, and delivering water science to the Nation

January 1, 2013

Executive Summary

This report expands the Water Science Strategy that began with the USGS Science Strategy, “Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges—U.S. Geological Survey Science in the Decade 2007–2017” (U.S. Geological Survey, 2007). This report looks at the relevant issues facing society and develops a strategy built around observing, understanding, predicting, and delivering water science for the next 5 to 10 years by building new capabilities, tools, and delivery systems to meet the Nation’s water-resource needs. This report begins by presenting the vision of water science for the USGS and the societal issues that are influenced by, and in turn influence, the water resources of our Nation. The essence of the Water Science Strategy is built on the concept of “water availability,” defined as spatial and temporal distribution of water quantity and quality, as related to human and ecosystem needs, as affected by human and natural influences. The report also describes the core capabilities of the USGS in water science—the strengths, partnerships, and science integrity that the USGS has built over its 134-year history.

Publication Year	2013
Title	U.S. Geological Survey water science strategy—Observing, understanding, predicting, and delivering water science to the Nation
DOI	10.3133/cir1383G
Authors	Eric J. Evenson, Randall C. Orndorff, Charles D. Blome, John Karl Böhlke, Paul K. Hershberger, Victoria E. Langenheim, Gregory J. McCabe, Scott E. Morlock, Howard W. Reeves, James P. Verdin, Holly S. Weyers, Tamara M. Wood
Publication Type	Report
Publication Subtype	USGS Numbered Series
Series Title	Circular
Series Number	1383
Index ID	cir1383G
Record Source	USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization	Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

U.S. Geological Survey water science strategy—Observing, understanding, predicting, and delivering water science to the Nation

Research Geologist

Scientist Emeritus

Emeritus Scientist

Emeritus Scientist

Research Geophysicist

Research Hydrologist

Scientist Emeritus

Research Geologist

Scientist Emeritus

Emeritus Scientist

Emeritus Scientist

Research Geophysicist

Research Hydrologist

Scientist Emeritus

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center