Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
well as profound damage to public morale and confidence. Finally, attacks using
components of the nation's CIKR as weapons of mass destruction could have
even more devastating physical and psychological consequences. CIKR sectors are
described next.
Agriculture and Food
The Agriculture and Food Sector has the capacity to feed and clothe people well beyond
the boundaries of the nation. The sector is almost entirely under private ownership
and is composed of an estimated 2.1 million farms, approximately 880,500 firms,
and more than one million facilities. This sector accounts for roughly one-fifth of the
nation's economic activity and is overseen at the federal level by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, and Food and Drug
Administration.
Banking and Finance
The Banking and Finance Sector, the backbone of the world economy, is a large and
diverse sector primarily owned and operated by private entities. In 2007, the sector
accounted for more than 8% of the U.S. gross domestic product.
Chemical
The Chemical Sector is an integral component of the U.S. economy, employing
nearly one million people, and earning revenues of more than $637 billion per
year. This sector can be divided into five main segments, based on the end product
produced: basic chemicals, specialty chemicals, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceu-
ticals, and consumer products.
Commercial
Facilities associated with the Commercial Facilities Sector operate on the principle
of open public access, meaning that the general public can move freely throughout
these facilities without the deterrent of highly visible security barriers. The major-
ity of the facilities in this sector are privately owned and operated, with minimal
interaction with the federal government and other regulatory entities.
Communications
The Communications Sector is an integral component of the U.S. economy as it
underlies the operations of all businesses, public safety organizations, and govern-
ment. Over 25 years, the sector has evolved from predominantly a provider of voice
services into a diverse, competitive, and interconnected industry using terrestrial,
