Conducting detailed assessments of the energy and mineral potential of the Nation's land and offshore areas.-Investigating and issuing warnings of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic and hydrologic hazards. Conducting research on the geologic structure of the Nation. Studying the geologic features, structure, processes, and history of the other planets of our solar system. Conducting topographic surveys of the Nation and preparing topographic and thematic maps and related cartographic products. Developing and producing digital cartographic data bases and products.-Collecting data on a routine basis to determine the quantity, quality, and use of surface water and ground water. Conducting water-resource appraisals to describe the consequences of alternative plans for developing land and water resources. Conducting research in hydraulics and hydrology, and coordinating all Federal water-data acquisition. Using remotely sensed data to develop new cartographic, geologic, and hydrologic research techniques for natural resources planning and management. Providing earth-science information through an extensive publications program and a network of public access points. Along with its continuing commitment to meet the growing and changing earth-science needs of the Nation, the USGS remains dedicated to its original mission to collect, analyze, interpret, publish, and disseminate information about the natural resources of the Nation providing "Earth Science in the public Service." Water Resources Division's Mission and Program The mission of the Water Resources Division is to provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed for the optimum use and management of the .Nation's water resources for the overall benefit of the people of the United States. This is accomplished, in large part, through cooperation with other Federal and non-Federal agencies by:-Collecting, on a systematic basis, data needed for the continuing determination and evaluation of the quantity, quality, and use of the Nation's water resources.-Conducting analytical and interpretive water-resource appraisals describing the occurrence, availability, and the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of surface water and ground water.-Conducting supportive basic and problem-oriented research in hydraulics, hydrology, and related fields of science to improve the scientific basis for investigations and measurement techniques and to understand hydrologic systems sufficiently well to quantitatively predict their response to stress, either natural or manmade.-Disseminating the water data and the results of these investigations and research through reports, maps, computerized information services, and other forms of public releases.-Coordinating the activities of Federal agencies in the acquisition of water data for streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and ground water.-Providing scientific and technical assistance in hydrologic fields to other Federal, State and local agencies, to licensees of the Federal Power Com...
