Research Drilling Program

Providing Subsurface Access for National Science

Most of what governs groundwater supply, mineral resources, and earthquake hazards lies below the land surface, beyond the reach of direct observation. Research drilling is how scientists get to it. Boreholes recover intact cylinders of rock and sediment, called cores, and support instrumented wells that measure conditions at depth over time; together they provide physical evidence of what the subsurface contains.

The U.S. Geological Survey Research Drilling Program provides that capability to scientists nationwide. Our crews work throughout the United States and offer coring, rotary drilling, and monitoring well installation to depths of 5,000 feet, across a wide range of geologic and environmental conditions. We support projects from planning through completion.

RDP works across USGS mission areas and with Federal, State, Tribal, academic, and private partners, supporting investigations in energy, minerals, groundwater, geologic hazards, and land-surface change. Science centers and cooperating agencies can contact RDP to discuss project requirements and scheduling.