Natural hazards science strategy

Abstract

The scope of each of these new mission areas is broader than the science directions outlined in the USGS Science Strategy and together cover the scope of USGS science activities. In 2010, I also commissioned seven Strategic Science Planning Teams (SSPTs) to draft science strategies for each USGS mission area. Although the existing Bureau Science Strategy could be a starting point for this exercise, the SSPTs had to go well beyond the scope of the existing document. What is of value and enduring from the work of the programs that existed under the former science disciplines needed to be reframed and reinterpreted under the new organization of the science mission areas. In addition, new opportunities for research directions have emerged in the five years since the Bureau Science Strategy was drafted, and exciting possibilities for cooperating and collaborating in new ways are enabled by the new mission focus of the organization. Scientists from across the Bureau were selected for these SSPTs for their experience in strategic planning, broad range of experience and expertise, and knowledge of stakeholder needs and relationships. Each SSPT was charged with developing a long-term (10-year) science strategy that encompasses the portfolio of USGS science in the respective mission area. Each science strategy will reinforce others because scientific knowledge inherently has significance to multiple issues. Leadership of the USGS and the Department of the Interior will use the science vision and priorities developed in these strategies for program guidance, implementation planning, accountability reporting, and resource allocation. These strategies will guide science and technology investment and workforce and human capital strategies. They will inform our partners regarding opportunities for communication, collaboration, and coordination. The USGS has taken a significant step toward demonstrating that we are ready to collaborate on the most pressing natural science issues of our day and the future. I believe a leadership aligned to support these issue-based science directions and equipped with the guidance provided in these new science strategies in the capable hands of our scientists will create a new era for USGS of which we can all be proud.

The Potential Uses of Operational Earthquake Forecasting: Table 1

“…The short-term earthquake probability (STEP) model of Gerstenberger et al (2005) added spatial information and hazard to the Reasenberg and Jones model; the USGS produced STEP forecasts for California for several years but discontinued these postings in 2010 due to maintenance issues. Improving OEF capabilities is an identified strategic goal of the USGS (Holmes et al, 2012;pp. 32) with two current foci.…”

Earthquake Shaking Hazard Estimates and Exposure Changes in the Conterminous United States

“…Over the years, the EHP has continued to develop improved earthquake hazard assessment methods and products and conducted research on earthquake occurrences and effects for the purpose of developing effective loss-reduction strategies. USGS scientists also continue to work with user communities throughout the nation to ensure that USGS earthquake hazard information and products are readily available, easily understood, and appropriately used for earthquake mitigation and response planning (Holmes et al 2012).…”