U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices

摘要

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was established during the final session of the 45th Congress by the Organic Act of March 3, 1879 (20 Stat. 394; 43 U.S.C. 31). The USGS was placed in the Department of the Interior and was charged with a unique combination of responsibilities: classification of the public lands, and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain. The legislation stemmed from a report by the National Academy of Sciences, which in June 1878 had been asked by Congress to provide a plan for surveying the Territories of the United States that would secure the best possible results at the least possible cost. The necessity for communication of the best possible results led to the establishment of an ongoing tradition of internal and external publication of USGS information products and the longstanding USGS reputation for scientific excellence guided by the internal quality standards and processes applied when developing these products. The USGS is an independent science agency that serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.