Future Roles and Opportunities for the U. S. Geological Survey

by National Research Council (U. S.) Committee on Future Roles, Challenges, and Opportunities for the U. S. Geological Survey

• ISBN13: 9780309072649
• ISBN10: 0309072646
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-02-01
• Publisher: Natl Academy Pr

Summary

(National Research Council) The results of a study undertaken by a panel of 16 experts formed by the National Research Council, on issues related to the future roles, challenges, and opportunities of the U.S. Geological Survey. Discusses the major needs the USGS should address, appropriate internal functions of the USGS, and other issues. Softcover.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary	1	(10)
Introduction	11	(8)
Vision and Mission of the USGS	14	(1)
Strategic Change at the USGS	15	(1)
Study and Report	16	(3)
The Past and Present as a Prologue	19	(18)
The Public Domain and the USGS	19	(2)
The Evolution of the USGS	21	(10)
Changes in Society	24	(3)
Changes in Relationships Between Society and Science	27	(3)
Changes Within the USGS	30	(1)
The USGS Today	31	(6)
Future Societal Trends	37	(24)
Natural Resources	39	(10)
Mineral Resources	40	(1)
Energy Resources	41	(3)
Water Resources	44	(3)
Biological Resources	47	(2)
Environmental Issues	49	(3)
Globalization and National Security	52	(2)
Societal Expectations and the Demand for Information	54	(1)
Serving the Underserved Population	55	(4)
Summary	59	(2)
Evolving to Meet National Needs	61	(58)
Role of the USGS	61	(3)
Serving Customers	64	(5)
Future Program Emphasis	69	(18)
Integrative System Models	73	(3)
The USGS as a Scientific Information Portal	76	(5)
Other Program Areas	81	(6)
International Activities	87	(3)
Future Research Opportunities	90	(23)
Hazards	92	(6)
Environment	98	(13)
Natural Resources	111	(2)
Transition Toward an Integrated Natural Science and Information Agency	113	(3)
Summary	116	(3)
Future Challenges	119	(18)
Priority Setting	119	(2)
Research Program	121	(3)
External Guidance	124	(2)
Human Resources	126	(2)
Coordination and Collaboration	128	(4)
Federal Partnerships	129	(2)
Industry and University Partnerships	131	(1)
External Grants Programs	131	(1)
Employee Exchanges	132	(1)
Reimbursable Programs	132	(2)
Budget and Funding	134	(1)
Summary	135	(2)
Preparing for the Future: Conclusions and Recommendations	137	(16)
Natural Science and Information Agency	138	(3)
Major Responsibilities	141	(3)
Monitoring, Reporting, and Forecasting	142	(2)
Assessing Resources	144	(1)
Providing Geospatial Information	144	(1)
National and International Roles	144	(2)
Improving Effectiveness	146	(5)
Priority Setting	146	(2)
Meeting Technical Needs	148	(3)
Budget	151	(1)
Summary	151	(2)
References	153	(12)
Appendix A Biographical Sketches of Committee Members	165	(8)
Appendix B Orla Presentations and Written Statements Submitted to the Committee	173	(4)
Acronyms	177