US Geological Survey Water Programs in Washington State

Abstract

Cynthia Barton will outline a brief history of the USGS, including its recent reorganization and mission. Next, she will describe how the USGS carries out the Water Program through a structure that consists of: 1. Headquarters a. Technical b. Program c. Support 2. Science Center (one in each state). The program conducts basic and problem-riented hydrologic research. The funding model will be presented. Finally, she will survey the Water Programs' studies that address critical water issues in the state of Washington: understanding ecosystems, climate change, energy & minerals, national hazards, and water census.