National Geological Surveys
National geological surveys provide scientific knowledge about a nation's lands, natural resources, and natural hazards within particular political, social, and legal contexts. At any given time, the work done by a geological survey reflects the public good as governmentally defined. Regardless of specific activities, however, geological survey scientists have special responsibilities as public scientists to maintain high standards of scientific inquiry and to remain credible irrespective of shifting priorities and pressures. Historical review of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) illustrates how one major national geological survey has sought to address priorities of the public it serves and to contribute to the common good.
Historical Review
During the nineteenth century, many nations recognized the importance of understanding the nature and distribution of their natural resources and thus established national geological surveys. The British Geological Survey (BGS, established 1835) and the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC, established 1842) were the earliest of these organizations that have operated continuously since their founding. Initially, the BGS, the GSC, and subsequent sister geological surveys in other countries focused on supporting the mineral needs of industrialization. Because countries equated their security and standing in the world with economic viability, the ability to locate raw materials for industrial development became the first major justification for beginning or continuing national geological surveys.
This is a free page. This page contains 201 words. This
article contains 2,784 words (approx. 9 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Article with our National Geological Surveys Access Pass.
