Water-Related Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey in Minnesota, 1946-94

The U.S. Geological Survey was established as an agency in the Department of the Interior by an Act of Congress in 1879. The growth of its scientific investigations has paralleled the growth of the United States and has contributed to that development. Initially, the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey was to assess the mineral resources of the United States. However, as need arose, the Survey mission expanded and the organization eventually was divided into several operating Divisions and Offices, each addressing specific aspects of natural resources. As a result of its expanding research and fact-finding role, the U.S. Geological Survey has become the Nation's largest earth science research agency, the largest civilian mapmaking agency, the primary source of data on the Nation's surface-water and ground-water resources, and the employer of the largest number of professional earth scientists. Today's programs, which serve a diversity of needs and users, include: * 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 in 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 and ground water. * Conducting water-resources 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 management. * Providing earth-science information through an extensive publications program and network of public access points. Along with its continuing commitment to meet the growing and changing earth-science needs of the Nation, the Survey 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."