The USGS is the nation's largest water, earth, biological science and civilian mapping agency and serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.  The diversity of USGS scientific expertise enables the Bureau to carry out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers.