jg,
In response to your question on the USGS I have enclosed a couple paragraphs from their Web site. As the name implies, one of their primary duties is to survey the geological make up of the United States. The information is available to all, heck, your taxes are helping pay for the survey. I hope this information clears this up for you. The web site is www.usgs.gov. As you can see, they've been at this for a while.
U.S. Geological Survey Mission
The U.S. Geological Survey provides the Nation with reliable, impartial information to describe and understand the Earth.
This information is used to:
minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters;
manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources;
enhance and protect the quality of life; and
contribute to wise economic and physical development.
Part 3: Business Activities:
Business Activity 6:
Nonrenewable Resources
National Goal/Desired Outcome: Enhance economic development and growth.
Role of the USGS: (1) Determine the location, quantity, and quality of nonrenewable resources both internationally and domestically, (2) Determine the environmental effects of resource extraction and use, and (3) Improve assessments of resource potential, making possible the formulation of the best strategies for development of future resource supplies.
Discussion: Investigations of nonrenewable resources will undergo fundamental changes during the coming decade, and such investigations will likely decrease as a percentage of the total USGS effort.
Studies of metallic minerals and fossil fuels have been at the core of the USGS's activities for more than a century.
Increasing dependence on international sources for many mineral and energy commodities signals a shift from exploration for domestic reserves to identifying and characterizing conventional and unconventional sources throughout the world. Successful national economic policy now depends on knowledge beyond that of locations and quantities of these resources. Knowledge also is necessary about economic, social, and environmental costs; quality; and availability of these resources, especially as potentially influenced by shifting political situations and technological innovations.
Have a great Sunday
Mark G |
