Permitted small-scale gold mining site along the Cuyuni River in northwestern Guyana, June 2022. The picture depicts two gold mining hydraulic “dredges” in an excavated pit approximately 1 hectare in size. (Pete Chirico, USGS).
Peter George Chirico
Pete Chirico is the Associate Director of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center in Reston, VA. He also leads the USGS Special Studies project as a research scientist focused on terrain analysis and geomorphological mapping.
Pete Chirico is the Associate Director of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center in Reston, VA. In over 20 years at USGS, he has focused his research on the geography and geomorphology of illicit small-scale mining of diamonds and mineral deposits in conflict zones and during complex emergencies. He has worked extensively with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Agency for International Development, the United Nations, and the Kimberley Process to understand how diamonds and other natural resource exploitation contribute to funding conflicts. While his regional expertise is Sub-Saharan Africa, he has led or been a member of more than 30 field expeditions throughout Central America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. He is author or co-author of over 50 peer reviewed scientific reports and journal articles in the fields of geography, geomorphology, remote sensing, and natural resources in conflict zones. Pete also serves as scientific and technical advisor to the Office of Threat Finance Countermeasures in the Department of State's Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.
Science and Products
Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Glaciated Regions Project
Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Glaciated Regions Project
Special Geologic Studies: Artisanal and small-scale mining of conflict minerals
This project focuses on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones globally and the illegal mining and transport of these natural resources. Project scientists employ field mapping, geomorphological techniques, and remote sensing to map, monitor, and evaluate mineral deposits and ASM activities in conflict zones and during complex emergencies. The research is directly applied...
Filter Total Items: 23
Gold mining site along the Cuyuni River, Guyana
Permitted small-scale gold mining site along the Cuyuni River in northwestern Guyana, June 2022. The picture depicts two gold mining hydraulic “dredges” in an excavated pit approximately 1 hectare in size. (Pete Chirico, USGS).
Biography of Florence Bascom
This video is a brief but informative introduction to the life and work of Florence Bascom, the first woman hired by USGS! It describes the significance of her accomplishments at USGS and the legacy of her work beyond geology.
This video is a brief but informative introduction to the life and work of Florence Bascom, the first woman hired by USGS! It describes the significance of her accomplishments at USGS and the legacy of her work beyond geology.
Karst Hazards Research at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
Special Geologic Studies at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergenci
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergenci
Special Geologic Studies at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center -AD
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergencies.
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergencies.
Arctic Sea Ice Research at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
Arctic Sea Ice Research at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
Karst Hazards Research at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
FBGC Quaternary Wetlands and Permafrost Research
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise
FBGC Quaternary Wetlands and Permafrost Research (AD)
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise, and perm
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise, and perm
Geologic Mapping at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Geologic Mapping at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Pollen Laboratory Research at the FBGC (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Pollen Laboratory Research at the FBGC
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Paleoecology and Ecosystem Restoration Science at the FBGC (AD)
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center - Who we are (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Paleoecology and Ecosystem Restoration Science at the FBGC
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center - Who we are
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
USGS Scientists Help Address Conflict Mining
Artisanal miners digging a mining pit using simple tools such as shovels, buckets and water pumps. This was taken in 2013 in Fourona in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa.
Artisanal miners digging a mining pit using simple tools such as shovels, buckets and water pumps. This was taken in 2013 in Fourona in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa.
USGS Scientists Help Address Conflict Mining
Photograph of an inactive artisanal mining site in Safoule, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows the environmental damage informal mining can leave as miners leave open pits and waste piles once mining is completed.
Photograph of an inactive artisanal mining site in Safoule, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows the environmental damage informal mining can leave as miners leave open pits and waste piles once mining is completed.
USGS Scientists Help Address Conflict Mining
Photograph of a new, informal mining site in Banyama, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows miners digging pits in an area where diamonds were recently discovered.
Photograph of a new, informal mining site in Banyama, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows miners digging pits in an area where diamonds were recently discovered.
Science and Products
Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Glaciated Regions Project
Quaternary Geologic Mapping of the Glaciated Regions Project
Special Geologic Studies: Artisanal and small-scale mining of conflict minerals
This project focuses on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones globally and the illegal mining and transport of these natural resources. Project scientists employ field mapping, geomorphological techniques, and remote sensing to map, monitor, and evaluate mineral deposits and ASM activities in conflict zones and during complex emergencies. The research is directly applied...
Filter Total Items: 23
Gold mining site along the Cuyuni River, Guyana
Permitted small-scale gold mining site along the Cuyuni River in northwestern Guyana, June 2022. The picture depicts two gold mining hydraulic “dredges” in an excavated pit approximately 1 hectare in size. (Pete Chirico, USGS).
Permitted small-scale gold mining site along the Cuyuni River in northwestern Guyana, June 2022. The picture depicts two gold mining hydraulic “dredges” in an excavated pit approximately 1 hectare in size. (Pete Chirico, USGS).
Biography of Florence Bascom
This video is a brief but informative introduction to the life and work of Florence Bascom, the first woman hired by USGS! It describes the significance of her accomplishments at USGS and the legacy of her work beyond geology.
This video is a brief but informative introduction to the life and work of Florence Bascom, the first woman hired by USGS! It describes the significance of her accomplishments at USGS and the legacy of her work beyond geology.
Karst Hazards Research at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
Special Geologic Studies at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergenci
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergenci
Special Geologic Studies at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center -AD
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergencies.
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergencies.
Arctic Sea Ice Research at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
Arctic Sea Ice Research at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
This video introduces research that Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) scientists are conducting on the 500,000 year history of Arctic sea ice to assess changes in weather, sea ice extent, temperature and ecosystems.
Karst Hazards Research at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions.
FBGC Quaternary Wetlands and Permafrost Research
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise
FBGC Quaternary Wetlands and Permafrost Research (AD)
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise, and perm
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise, and perm
Geologic Mapping at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Geologic Mapping at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Pollen Laboratory Research at the FBGC (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Pollen Laboratory Research at the FBGC
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Paleoecology and Ecosystem Restoration Science at the FBGC (AD)
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center - Who we are (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
Paleoecology and Ecosystem Restoration Science at the FBGC
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC).
USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center - Who we are
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public.
USGS Scientists Help Address Conflict Mining
Artisanal miners digging a mining pit using simple tools such as shovels, buckets and water pumps. This was taken in 2013 in Fourona in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa.
Artisanal miners digging a mining pit using simple tools such as shovels, buckets and water pumps. This was taken in 2013 in Fourona in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa.
USGS Scientists Help Address Conflict Mining
Photograph of an inactive artisanal mining site in Safoule, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows the environmental damage informal mining can leave as miners leave open pits and waste piles once mining is completed.
Photograph of an inactive artisanal mining site in Safoule, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows the environmental damage informal mining can leave as miners leave open pits and waste piles once mining is completed.
USGS Scientists Help Address Conflict Mining
Photograph of a new, informal mining site in Banyama, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows miners digging pits in an area where diamonds were recently discovered.
Photograph of a new, informal mining site in Banyama, Guinea, in 2012. This image shows miners digging pits in an area where diamonds were recently discovered.