The China Geological Survey (CGS) delegation led by the president of CGS Zhong Ziran paid a visit to USGS recently, and held talks with Suzette M. Kimball, Director General of USGS. They were engaged in the talks concerning how the comprehensive geological survey supported the overall planning and comprehensive management of natural resources in multi category, and how to carry out the structure adjustment of work, management and budget. Views were exchanged and broader consensus was reached for future cooperation.

The two directors acknowledged that the “Nine Plans” and the “Seven Scientific Missions” carried out by CGS and USGS respectively included many major scientific issues that required mutual concern and efforts from both sides. With a wealth of information and valuable experience, and the strong desire to enhance cooperation, scientist form both countries would jointly build a prosperous future.

CGS and USGS intended to develop further cooperative relations in the following fields: a. to carry out the assessment and the environmental effect of new energy and mineral resources such as shale gas, natural gas and geothermal, etc. with more emphasis put on shale gas ; b. to advance comprehensive survey of coastal zones; c. to conduct research on critical zones to explore comprehensive ,interdisciplinary and cross border monitoring in order to solve more complicated and major issues; d. to deepen the cooperation in terms of big data, networking, and informationization; e. to continue the cooperation regarding the prevention and alleviation of geohazards; f. to carry out the cooperation in response to such issues as the global climate change and in-depth probing into the earth.

Zhong Ziran briefed his USGS counterpart on the basic situation, main functions, and work orientation of CGS. Being aware of the new trend in international earth science development, CGS is now focusing its efforts on the comprehensive geological survey of China’s“T Belt”(costal zones and Yangtze river economic zones ), taking energy and mineral resources as the top priority with special  attention being paid to the survey and assessment of such new energy and materials as shale gas, gas hydrate, offshore oil and gas as well as Li.

Suzette M. Kimball introduced the main functions and application service of geological survey results of USGS. She pointed out that the operation of Seven Scientific Missions has been practised within the context of the problem-driven reform proposed in 2009. Medium and long-term planning have been formulated for each of the seven mission areas. The organization structure has also transformed from the former division of four departments to seven mission areas.

Zhong Ziran extended his invitation to Suzette M. Kimball for a visit to CGS to further their discussions on the major issues brought up in the talks. The two parties would have scientists exchanged for specific program cooperation in the future. Letter of intent to extend the implementation of cooperative agreement was also signed by during the meeting.