About the Geology Discipline

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picture: Pat Leahy, Associate Director for Geology, USGS, Reston, VA.

Pat Leahy
Associate Director
for Geology, USGS

U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
National Center 911
Reston, VA 20192
(703) 648-6600

Welcome to the U.S. Geological Survey, Geology Discipline home site.

The Geology Discipline is proud of its outstanding history of addressing the needs of the Nation for accurate and timely information and research on geologic hazards, resources, and geologic processes. For more than 120 years, we have provided essential scientific information, research, and products to aid the economic development and management of the Nation's earth resources and to reduce the human and monetary effects of natural disasters.

Through our diverse scientific expertise, we are monitoring, assessing, and researching causes of earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes worldwide, conducting geologic mapping of land and seafloor resources, and assessing energy and mineral resources on national and global scales. We produce more than 2000 scientific reports, maps, and digital data each year and we are committed to making the information more accessible and useful to a wide array of users including scientists, educators, policy makers, and the general public.

Enjoy your visit,

Dr. P. Patrick Leahy
Associate Director
for Geology, USGS

Our programs, which are based on insightful monitoring, assessments, and research activities, address natural hazards, earth resources, and geologic processes. We provide comprehensive, high quality, and timely scientific information to decision makers at Federal, State, and local government levels, as well as the private sector.

"Communication,
Consultation, and
Cooperation,
all in the service
of Conservation."

Secretary Norton's words ring true at the USGS as we continue to work with our sister agencies within the Department of Interior, other Federal and State agencies, universities, and the private sector to improve our understanding of natural hazards, energy and mineral resources, coastal and marine geology and the geologic framework of our Nation.

For more information on how the Geology Discipline serves the nation and the world, visit our Science Strategy pages.