The ocean holds great cultural and economic value and hosts numerous ecosystems that support life on Earth and produce valuable resources. USGS science focuses on improved understanding of many aspects of our world’s interconnected oceanic system, from the continental shelf to the deep sea.
The USGS is a world leader in characterizing the geologic structure; energy, biological, and mineral resources; and planetary-scale processes that occur at and beneath the ocean floor. The USGS brings state-of-the-art ocean research and scientific information to policymakers, resource managers, and the public in order to sustainably manage our limited marine resources.
The USGS conducts research on the continental shelf to better understand how sedimentary deposits and coral reefs grow and protect our coastlines. On the continental slope, scientists look at unique submarine canyon ecosystems and evaluate how sediments move through them, such as submarine landslides, which can trigger tsunamis to form. USGS scientists are also working with partners to explore the deep sea (much of which is still unmapped), searching for new life, minerals, and knowledge about these environments and their connectedness from microscopic to ecosystem levels.
Explore the topics below to learn how USGS science contributes to knowledge on ocean processes, resources, hazards, and more.
