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Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

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A world of minerals in your mobile device

Mobile phones and other high-technology communications devices could not exist without mineral commodities. More than one-half of all components in a mobile device—including its electronics, display, battery, speakers, and more—are made from mined and semiprocessed materials (mineral commodities). Some mineral commodities can be recovered as byproducts during the production and processing of other commodities. As an example, bauxite is mined for its aluminum content, but gallium is recovered during the aluminum production process. The images show the ore minerals (sources) of some mineral commodities that are used to make components of a mobile device. On the reverse side, the map and table depict the major source countries producing these mineral commodities along with how these commodities are used in mobile devices. For more information on minerals, visit http://minerals.usgs.gov .

General Information Product↗

US GeoData: Digital cartographic and geographic data

The increasing use of computers for storing and analyzing earth science information has sparked a growth in the demand for various types of cartographic data in digital form. The production of map data in computerized form is called digital cartography, and it involves the collection, storage, processing, analysis, and display of map data with the aid of computers. The U.S. Geological Survey, the Nation's largest earth science research agency, has expanded its national mapping program to incorporate operations associated with digital cartography, including the collection of planimetric, elevation, and geographic names information in digital form. This digital information is available for use in meeting the multipurpose needs and applications of the map user community.

General Information Product↗

Navigation: traveling the water highways!

NAVIGATION is travel or transportation over water. Many different kinds of boats and ships are used on rivers and oceans to move people and products from one place to another. Navigation was extremely important for foreign and domestic trade and travel in the early days of our country before cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes were invented. In those days, rivers were used as "roads" to connect inland settlements to river and coastal ports. Communities established at these commercial ports became important economic, cultural, and social hubs in the development of our Nation.

General Information Product↗

Water: Essential resource of the southern Flint River Basin, Georgia

Introduction Abundant water resources of the Flint River Basin have played a major role in the history and development of southwestern Georgia. The Flint River-along with its tributaries, wetlands, and swamps-and the productive aquifers of the river basin are essential components of the area's diverse ecosystems. These resources also are necessary for sustained agricultural, industrial, and municipal activities. Increasing, and in some cases conflicting, demand for water makes careful monitoring and wise planning and management of southwestern Georgia's water resources critical to the ecological and economic future of the area. This poster presents the major issues associated with increasing competition for water resources in the southern Flint River Basin.

Georgia↗

How would a volcanic eruption affect your Tribe?

Volcanic eruptions are rare, but when they occur, they can profoundly affect nearby communities. In order to determine which communities are at risk, and in order for those communities to mitigate their risk, communities need to know whether they are in or near volcano hazard zones and have basic information about the hazards within those zones. In addition, individuals need to know whether they live in, work or go to school in, or cross volcano hazard zones as part of their routine so they can plan for what to do in the event of an eruption. The purpose of this product is to serve as a starting point for dialogue with Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest who may be at risk from future volcanic eruptions. The map shows Tribal land boundaries and land-based volcano hazard zones, allowing Tribes to determine quickly if they are at risk from these hazards. A rose diagram in the map explanation shows typical Pacific Northwest wind directions and, hence, the most likely directions airborne material (tephra) from explosive eruptions will travel (primarily to the northeast, east, and southeast). We also provide basic information about the hazards and simple protective actions to take during unrest and eruptions, guidance for finding information about current volcanic activity and preparedness, and additional resources.

Oregon, Washington↗

Hazardous waste: cleanup and prevention

Our lifestyles are supported by complex Industrial activities that produce many different chemicals and chemical wastes. The Industries that produce our clothing, cars, medicines, paper, food, fuels, steel, plastics, and electric components use and discard thousands of chemicals every year. At home we may use lawn chemicals, solvents, disinfectants, cleaners, and auto products to Improve our quality of life. A chemical that presents a threat or unreasonable risk to people or the environment Is a hazardous material. When a hazardous material can no longer be used, It becomes a hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes come from a variety of sources, from both present and past activities. Impacts to human health and the environment can result from Improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste.

General Information Product↗

Cartography at the U.S. Geological Survey: the National Mapping Division's cartographic programs, products, design, and technology

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the prime source of many kinds of topographic and special-purpose maps of the United States and its outlying areas. It is also a prime source of digital map data. One main goal of the USGS is to provide large-scale topographic map coverage of the entire United States. Most of the Nation is already covered. We expect that initial coverage will be completed by 1991. For many purposes, many public agencies, private organizations, and individuals need reliable cartographic and geographic knowledge about our Nation. To serve such needs, all USGS maps are compiled to exacting standards of accuracy and content.

General Information Product↗

Critter Tales—Adventures in restoration activity book for kids

Product Information “Critter Tales: Adventures in Restoration Activity Book” is an interactive educational resource designed for children ages 5–9, produced by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Restoration and Damage Assessment. Through the journey of Lulu the loon and a cast of animal friends, young readers explore the importance of ecological restoration across diverse habitats—from sand dunes and wetlands to prairies and streams. The activity book blends storytelling, science, and hands-on activities to teach children how restoration efforts help wildlife thrive. Readers learn about native plants, animal life cycles, and the role of restoration in protecting habitats for birds, turtles, butterflies, mussels, and more. Engaging puzzles, coloring pages, and interactive challenges encourage kids to become nature’s helpers, fostering environmental stewardship and awareness. With vibrant illustrations and accessible language, the publication highlights practical actions—such as planting native milkweed, using lead-free fishing tackle, and supporting mussel restoration—that empower children to make a positive change in their own communities. The book also introduces basic ecological concepts and celebrates the interconnectedness of living things, making it an ideal resource for families, educators, and anyone interested in environmental education.

General Information Product↗

A brief history of the U.S. Geological Survey

Established by an Act of Congress in 1879 and charged with responsibility for "classification of the public lands, and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain," the U. S. Department of the Interior's Geological Survey has been the Nation's principal source of information about its physical resources the configuration and character of the land surface, the composition and structure of the underlying rocks, and the quality, extent, and distribution of water and mineral resources. Although primarily a research and fact-finding agency, it has responsibility also for the classification of Federal mineral lands and waterpower sites, and since 1926 it has been responsible for the supervision of oil and mining operations authorized under leases on Federal land. From the outset, the Survey has been concerned with critical land and resource problems. Often referred to as the Mother of Bureaus, many of its activities led to the formation of new organizations where a management or developmental function evolved. These included the Reclamation Service (1902), the Bureau of Mines (1910), the Federal Power Commission (1920), and the Grazing Service (1934, since combined with other functions as the Bureau of Land Management). Mrs. Rabbitt's summary of the Survey's history in the following pages brings out well the development of these diverse activities and the Survey's past contributions to national needs related to land and resources.

General Information Product↗

Making a world of difference; recent USGS contributions to the Nation

Public service is about making a difference. As the Federal government's principal natural science and information agency, the USGS is committed to providing excellence in public service and to making a difference to the world we live in. Our motto conveys an enduring message: science for a changing world . The changing nature of the natural and physical world is the primary driving force and motivation behind all of the work USGS does in biology, geology, mapping, and water. We live our motto each day in fulfilling our mission to provide reliable, impartial information to the citizen of this country and to the global community.

General Information Product↗

USGS maps

Discover a small sample of the millions of maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in its mission to map the Nation and survey its resources. This booklet gives a brief overview of the types of maps sold and distributed by the USGS through its Earth Science Information Centers (ESIC) and also available from business partners located in most States. The USGS provides a wide variety of maps, from topographic maps showing the geographic relief and thematic maps displaying the geology and water resources of the United States, to special studies of the moon and planets.

General Information Product↗

Topographic mapping

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produced its first topographic map in 1879, the same year it was established. Today, more than 100 years and millions of map copies later, topographic mapping is still a central activity for the USGS. The topographic map remains an indispensable tool for government, science, industry, and leisure. Much has changed since early topographers traveled the unsettled West and carefully plotted the first USGS maps by hand. Advances in survey techniques, instrumentation, and design and printing technologies, as well as the use of aerial photography and satellite data, have dramatically improved mapping coverage, accuracy, and efficiency. Yet cartography, the art and science of mapping, may never before have undergone change more profound than today.

General Information Product↗

Maps of the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) sells a variety of maps of the United States. Who needs these maps? Students, land planners, politicians, teachers, marketing specialists, delivery companies, authors and illustrators, attorneys, railroad enthusiasts, travelers, Government agencies, military recruiters, newspapers, map collectors, truckers, boaters, hikers, sales representatives, communication specialists. Everybody. Users of these maps range from a corporation planning a regional expansion or a national marketing campaign, to a person who wants a decoration to hang on the wall. If you are not sure which map best meets your needs, call the Earth Science Information Center for assistance.

General Information Product↗

Tour guide: John Wesley Powell Federal Building

Data from 5,594 samples collected from 1931 through 2006 were used to describe naturally occurring fluoride concentrations in freshwater aquifers in Louisiana. Statistical analyses were used to summarize fluoride concentrations in the aquifers.

Virginia↗

National Center tour guide

On behalf of each employee at the Geological Survey's National Center, I [H. William Menard, Director] extend a warm welcome to you during our Centennial Year. We hope that your visit to our headquarters will be a pleasant and rewarding experience. Our scientific research is directed towards helping to solve some of the critical environmental and natural resource problems that face our Nation today. We want you to see some aspects of this work, and we hope you will visit us again. As part of the Federal Government, we are deeply committed to the concept of public service. We are proud to serve you.

Virginia↗

Topographic map symbols

Interpreting the colored lines, areas, and other symbols is the first step in using topographic maps. Features are shown as points, lines, or areas, depending on their size and extent. For example, individual houses may be shown as small black squares. For larger buildings, the actual shapes are mapped. In densely built-up areas, most individual buildings are omitted and an area tint is shown. On some maps, post offices, churches, city halls, and other landmark buildings are shown within the tinted area.

General Information Product↗

The Antarctic and its geology

To the seamen of the 18th century who skirted its ice-choked seas in their wooden vessels, Antarctica was known as "Terra Australis Incognito" - the unknown land of the south.

General Information Product↗

Catalog of US GeoData

The development of geographic information systems (GIS) is a rapidly growing industry that supports natural resources, studies, land management, environmental analysis, and urban and transporation planning. The increasing use of computers for storing and analyzing earth science information has greatly expanded the demand for digital cartographic and geographic data. Digital cartography involves the collection, storage, processing, analysis, and display of map data with the aid of computers. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Nation's largest earth science research agency, through its National Mapping Program, has expanded digital cartography operations to include the collection of elevation, planimetric, land use and land cover, and geographic names information in digital form. This digital information is available on 9-track magnetic tapes and, in the case of 1:2,000,000-scale planimetric digital line graph data, in Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) format. Digital information can be used with all types of geographic and land information systems.

General Information Product↗