Natural Disaster Reduction and Risk Assessment – Role of USGS

Tim CohnScience Advisor for HazardsU.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to:

Describe and understand the Earth Manage water, biological, energy, and

mineral resources Enhance and protect our quality of life Minimize loss of life and property from

natural disasters.

--USGS Strategic Plan

Natural hazards for which USGS has mandated responsibility:

Earthquakes Volcanoes Landslides Geomagnetic

storms Wildlife

disease

Floods Droughts Coastal erosion Tsunamis Wildland fire

USGS Hazards Activities

Develop basic scientific understanding of natural processes

Monitor the Earth to provide: Hazards maps Real-time warnings Long-term records

ANSS -- Seismic Monitoring

NSIP -- Base Federal Streamgaging Network

Active USGS Site Inactive USGS Site Other Agency Site New/Proposed Site

Volcano Monitoring

Summary

USGS works with its partners to provide the scientific information needed for effective mitigation and response to natural hazards