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detailed geologic data essential to mineral, energy, and hazard assessments. • Offshore geologic studies identify and describe the mineral and petroleum resources of the offshore areas of the United States, including the Exclusive Economic Zone, a total area of 3.9 billion

acres.

• Mineral resource investigations assess the distribution, quantity, and quality of the Nation's mineral resources, particular emphasis being placed on strategic and critical minerals.

• Surveys of energy resources provide as

resources that can result from volcanic eruptions and related hydrologic events. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the Cascades Volcano Observatory are the principal field research centers for this program.

The Landslide Hazards Program emphasizes field and laboratory research into the active earth processes that result in ground failures such as landslides, mudflows, and debris flows.

sessments of the Nation's coal, petro- Land Resource Surveys leum, uranium, and geothermal resources and enhance capabilities to explore for and develop new sources of

energy.

Organization

The headquarters office of the Geologic Division is located in Reston, Va., and consists of the Office of the Chief Geologist and six subordinate offices: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Engineering; Regional Geology; Mineral Resources; Energy and Marine Geology; International Geology; and Scientific Publications. Assistant Chief Geologists for the Eastern, Central, and Western Regions act for the Chief Geologist in carrying out general objectives, policies, and procedures for the Division. Project operations are conducted by personnel located principally in regional centers at Reston, Denver, Colo., and Menlo Park, Calif., and at field centers in Flagstaff, Ariz., Anchorage, Alaska, and Woods Hole, Mass.

Geologic Hazards Surveys

The Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program conducts a national research effort to reduce hazards and risks from future earthquakes in the United States. Specific tasks include evaluation of earthquake potential for seismically active areas of the United States and operation of global seismic networks.

The Volcano Hazards Program conducts research on volcanic processes to help reduce the loss of life, property, and natural

The Geologic Framework and Synthesis Program conducts basic geologic research to acquire fundamental data on the Nation's geologic structure and the environmental and dynamic processes that have shaped it. Geologic mapping, geophysical research on the properties of Earth materials, and age determinations of rocks are key components of this program.

The Geomagnetism Program measures and interprets changes in the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic field. Eleven geomagnetic observatories provide data for continual updating of global navigational charts and maps produced by various Federal agencies.

The Climate Change Program conducts research on the prehistoric natural variability of past climate, on the extent of man's influence on natural patterns of change, and on the magnitude of climate change demonstrated in the geologic record.

Offshore Geologic Surveys

The Offshore Geologic Framework Program conducts scientific investigations to acquire an understanding of basic geologic and geophysical characteristics of the continental margins and adjacent slope and deep-ocean areas. Results of these studies and analysis of new information are essential for energy and mineral resource evaluation of these areas.

The Coastal Erosion Program provides geologic information on the nature, extent, and cause of coastal erosion that is used by various Federal and State agencies to mitigate coastal retreat and land loss.

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The Evolution of Sedimentary Basins Program studies the tectonic framework and depositional, thermal, and diagenetic processes of sedimentary basins in the United States to develop data essential to the successful evaluation of water, mineral, and hydrocarbon resources.

The Coal Investigations Program conducts geologic, geophysical, and geochemical research to develop scientifically based assessments of the quality and quantity of the Nation's coal resources.

The Oil and Gas Investigations Program supports basic and applied research on the habitat, generation, migration, and entrapment of petroleum.

The Oil Shale Investigations Program conducts research to assess oil shale resources, including investigation of the structure and chemistry of oil shale deposits and identification of deposits suitable for exploitation under current environmental and technological constraints.

The Uranium/Thorium Investigations Program conducts basic research to determine the nature and distribution of regional, national, and foreign uranium and thorium resources, including newly forming

Water Resources Division Mission

The Geological Survey has the principal responsibility within the Federal Government to provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed by others to achieve the best use and management of the Nation's water resources. To accomplish this mission, the Water Resources Division, in cooperation with State, local, and other Federal agencies:

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