U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological SurveyU.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey

British Geological Survey175th Anniversary Symposium28 September 2010

Dr. Marcia McNutt, DirectorU.S. Geological Survey

Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges with Integrated Science

A Look AheadThe need for trusted, authoritative science information

The fundamental role of government-sponsored science

The nature of USGS science

Integrated science promotes synergy in knowledge and in practice

A recent example of integrated science

New frontiers for geological surveys

Night light produced largely from fossil fuels

An index of population and human power in the environment

NASA

Night light produced largely from fossil fuels

Human-induced changes on a global scale

Rising demand for resources

Climate change

Approaching thresholds of ecosystems

Increased demand

EnergyMineralsWaterAgriculture

Global issues concerningsociety and the environmentCompetition for, natural threats to, natural resources

Natural hazards – floods, earthquakes, landslides

Effects of wildlife disease on human health

Availability of water for people and ecosystems

Effects of climate change on resources, ecosystems, human health_______________

An urgent need for authoritative, trusted science information

The role of government-sponsored science

The Nation’s natural science agency.

Conducts independent research.

Our reputation is our most important asset.

Science resources leveraged in partnership withmore than 2,000 agencies in the U.S. and abroad:

. State, local, tribal governments

. Academic community

. Other Federal allies

. Non-governmental organizations

. Private sector

The Nature of USGS Science

USGS Science InformationThe National MapUsually held in large archives

Provides historical record for improved baselines

Beyond the capabilities of states or universities

Helps forestall duplicative efforts

Free access, in public domain

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.John Muir

The Earth behaves as a system in which oceans, atmosphere and land, and the living and non-living parts therein, are all connected. Global Change and the Earth SystemSteffen et al, 2005

USGS Science Strategy: A Systems Approach

USGS Realignment follows USGS Science Strategy

Ecosystems

Climate and Land-Use Change

Energy, Minerals, and Human Health

Natural Hazards

SAS

Water

Informatics and Data Integration

Science Quality and Integrity

U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey

USGS Science in the Gulf: the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Effects April 20 explosion, 11 fatalities Total oil released: Apr. 22 – July 15 (when flow suspended)

4.9 million barrels, +/- 10% (FRTG) Over 1.8 M gallons of dispersant (as of 8/23) Over 80,000 square miles

of Gulf closed to fishing (8/10) 642 mi. of coastline impacted,

343 mi. currently oiled (8/25)

Three Day Projected Oil Spill Movement Forecast – June 3

Pre-Impact AssessmentWater, sediment and benthic samples taken at ~70 locations

Conducted coastal vegetation photo surveys and ground truthing

Remote sensing and production of maps and GIS layers showed historical and current locations of trust resources, coastal ecosystems, and shoreline conditions``````````````````````````

Flow Rate Technical GroupMass Balance Team

Methodology peer reviewed and published, May 14http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2010/1101/

Well Integrity Team

Director McNutt with Well Integrity Team members (l to r):Paul Hsieh, Water Mooney, Marcia McNutt, Steve Hickman, Cathy Enomoto, Phil Nelson

The Relevance of National Surveys

Authoritative, unbiased

Accessible

Extensive national and global observation networks and databases require a national commitment

Historical perspective essential for information continuity and archival

Decision support tools

Partnerships optimize science resources, build consensus

New frontiers for Geological Surveys Move beyond traditional categories of natural resources Assess effects of societal actions on the environment Consider societal resilience to hazards Create decision support systems using all available scientific data

Geological surveys can expand as vital sources for science information

Toward future geological surveys