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Mission Areas

Start with Science

Making smart decisions about a changing world.

Changes to the natural world combined with growing human demands put our health and safety, national security, and economy at risk. We are focused on some of the most significant issues society faces, and our science is making a substantial contribution to the well-being of the Nation and the world. Learn more about the major topics our research covers and the programs focused on those topics.

    • Critical Zone

      Core Science Systems Mission Area

      USGS CSS serves as the primary national civilian mapping agency, including topographic and geologic mapping for Federal and State requirements, national geospatial coordination, satellite operations and remote sensing. Our products and data are necessary to understand, monitor, and detect changes that affect the Nation’s natural and agricultural resources, the economy, public safety, and security.
    • A grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem forages on greens in a meadow.

      Ecosystems Mission Area

      The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area provides science that directly benefits the health, safety, and prosperity of the American people by providing trusted and timely information to help address the Nation’s toughest management and conservation issues impacting public lands and the surrounding communities that benefit from them.
    • Icon image of landscape with electrical wires, wind turbines, a crane, an airplane, a road and trees.

      Energy and Minerals Mission Area

      We are the Nation’s primary source of impartial scientific information on geologic energy and mineral resources and their supply chains. We deliver actionable science that informs crucial resource management decisions and investments impacting the Nation. Our Earth MRI initiative is mapping geology and mineral resources across the Nation. We also lead development of the List of Critical Minerals.

    • Natural Hazards Mission Area

      Every year in the United States, natural hazards threaten lives and livelihoods and result in billions of dollars in damage. We work with many partners to monitor, assess, and conduct targeted research on a wide range of natural hazards so that policymakers and the public have the understanding they need to enhance preparedness, response, and resilience.
    • USGS streamgage located on Little Back Creek, Bath, Virginia

      Water Resources Mission Area

      Water information is fundamental to national and local economic well-being, protection of life and property, and effective management of the Nation’s water resources. The USGS works with partners to monitor, assess, conduct targeted research, and deliver information on a wide range of water resources and conditions including streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use and availability.
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