Who We Are

Saturn seen by Cassini. NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

Future: Into the 21^st Century

As we enter the 21^st century, projects of the USGS in Flagstaff include numerous planetary geologic studies. The concentration of expertise and supporting facilities for such studies at Flagstaff is unique in the world. Moreover, it seems likely that innate human curiosity about the unknown constitutes a sufficient driving force for continued exploration of the Solar System, although at rates and levels moderated by demands on terrestrial materials and financial resources. Various plans are already being formulated for possible human travel to Mars and again to the Moon, as well as for rocket-launched instrumental probes into the outer parts of the Solar System to gather more data about planets and their satellites.

While the need for continuously updated information about energy, mineral, and water resources will persist in the future, Earth-based geologic research at Flagstaff is likely to see more emphasis on studies of climate and human impacts on the natural environment. We need to develop means for the early recognition of environmental changes and strategies to minimize possible adverse effects. Some projects of this sort may remain regional or national in scope, whereas others may be global, for example, studies that help address the theory that human activities are at least partly responsible for predicted changes in global climate. As with all future human endeavors, our geologic research will reflect the increasingly global nature of society's needs and problems.

Top: Who We Are

Who We Are

Future: Into the 21st Century

Future: Into the 21^st Century