Question

USGS researches all of the spheres of the Earth system. Sort the following USGS mission areas into groups according to the Earth system sphere with which they are most closely associated?

Answer 1

The USGS mission areas involve researching Earth's different system spheres: the lithosphere (earthquakes), hydrosphere (water cycle and resources), atmosphere (climate and weather), and biosphere (ecological systems). Their work spans from studying natural hazards affecting the land to examining life's role in shaping Earth's environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The USGS mission areas can be sorted into groups associated with different Earth system spheres. The spheres are the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (life). Research related to earthquakes typically concerns the lithosphere, whereas studies of the water cycle and water resources would fall under the hydrosphere. Information related to weather or climate is associated with the atmosphere. Lastly, the biosphere is connected to any USGS work that investigates ecological systems, the distribution of life on Earth, and how life forms interact with other spheres.

One key USGS mission area is the study of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, which closely relates to the lithosphere. Understanding the hydrosphere is vital as well, given the USGS's work with the water cycle and water resources. Their research into the impacts of climate and land-use change also involves studying the atmosphere and biosphere. The presence of life and its role in shaping the Earth is examined through studies that connect biological aspects with the geological and hydrological properties of the planet, all within the scope of the biosphere.

Specific to the atmosphere, data about the Earth's atmospheric layers, including the most abundant component of the atmosphere, how life affects atmospheric composition, and the phenomena such as the greenhouse effect, fall under atmospheric research. When it comes to the effects of comets and asteroids on Earth's geology, atmosphere, and life evolution, such topics would interconnect the lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere due to their broad and transformative impact on the planet's systems.

Answer 2

Hi

The USGS provides reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth, minimize the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. In addition, it manages water, biological, energy and mineral resources, and finally, it improves and protects our quality of life. It has 7 fundamental axes:

1-Core science system: Perform detailed studies and develop high-precision topographic, geological, hydrographic and biogeographic maps and data. This mapping allows precise planning that serves to evaluate the sources of minerals; energy development; infrastructure projects; urban planning, etc.

2-Ecosystem: Provide science to help the United States achieve sustainable management of its biological resources.

3-Energy and minerals: Conduct research and evaluations that focus on the location, quantity and quality of mineral and energy resources, including environmental and economic effects on the extraction and use of resources.

4-Environmental health: Evaluate and differentiate exposure to environmental pollutants and pathogens that cause health risks.

5-Land resources: Understand that science plays an important role in helping communities and resource managers understand the local implications of change, anticipate the effects of change, prepare for change and reduce the risks associated with decision making in a increasingly changing environment.

6-Natural hazards: Work to monitor, evaluate and conduct specific research on a wide range of natural hazards so that policy makers and the general public know in advance the understanding they need to improve preparedness, response and ability to the recuperation

7-Water resources: Monitor, evaluate, carry out specific research and provide information on a wide range of resources and water conditions, including water flow, groundwater, water quality and water use and availability.

Step-by-step explanation: