Earth Science Programs - Basic Research Opportunities in Earth Science - page 128

reimbursable contracts. Of this amount, $228 million was devoted to
directed research, equipment and facilities in the Earth sciences. Major topics of
research within the Geologic Division include geologic hazards, landscapes and
coasts, and Earth resources:
• Earthquake Hazards Program supports research on earthquake
characteristics, disseminates information to the public on the likelihood
and potential effects of moderate to large earthquakes in high-risk
regions, and assesses the risks of aftershocks and related ground motion
following an earthquake. Major program elements include the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) and the Global
Seismic Network, a worldwide network of 107 seismographic stations.
• Volcano Hazards Program supports research on volcanic processes,
assesses and monitors potential volcanic hazards, and provides warning
information on volcanic activity. The program also supports four volcano
observatories.
• Landslide Hazards Program supports research on landslide hazards in the
urban environment, and landslides that occur in association with other
natural disasters such as earthquakes. Applied research focuses on
developing and deploying instrumentation to monitor potential landslides
and forecast the onset of catastrophic movement.
• Geomagnetism supports research on understanding geomagnetic processes
and their effects on our physical and social environment. The program
also supports a network of 13 magnetic observatories, and a center to
disseminate information on the Earth's changing magnetic field to the
public.
• Earth Surface Dynamics supports research on surficial cycles and
processes, rates of surface modifications, and the factors that control these
rates of change, with an emphasis on natural and anthropogenic climate
variability.
• National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program supports geologic
mapping studies and provides digital geologic maps to the public.
• Coastal and Marine Geology Program supports research on
environmental quality and preservation of coastal and marine areas, and
provides information on coastal erosion, storm effects, and offshore
landslide, earthquake, and tsunami hazard potential to the public. The
program also supports reconnaissance surveys and map production of the
U.S. coast and Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Mineral Resources Program provides scientific information for resource
assessments, including mineral potential, production, consumption, and
impact of extraction and production on the environment.