Policy Resources

Here you will find collections of plain-language guides and supporting materials for policy staff, planners, local officials, communicators, and others who need concise, decision-oriented explanations of geoscience concepts.

Start with a concept collection for quick, practical guides. You can use these materials in briefings, planning discussions, meeting packets, presentations, and public communication. Explore additional resources for deeper background and related topics.

Concept Collections

Browse plain-language guide collections designed to support planning, communication, and resilience discussions.

Flood Concepts

Flood Concepts

A collection of practical guides that explain flood topics that are often misunderstood in policy and public discussions.

8 guides

Aquifer Recharge Concepts

Aquifer Recharge Concepts

A collection of practical guides that explain aquifer recharge concepts that are important for groundwater planning, drought resilience, stormwater management, and long-term water supply decisions.

15 guides

Land Instability Concepts

Land Instability Concepts

A collection of practical guides that explain how ground movement, subsidence, erosion, slope failure, and hidden underground conditions affect land-use, infrastructure, and public safety decisions.

20 guides

Additional Resources

Explore related resources for broader context and deeper background.

Geoscience Intersections

Geoscience Intersections

Explore how geoscience connects to societal challenges including hazards, water, energy, climate, and resource management.

Geoscience and Policy Tracker

Geoscience and Policy Tracker

Track recent U.S. and EU policy actions that intersect with the geoscience enterprise with concise AI-assisted summaries.

Critical Needs: Geosciences Meeting the Needs of the Nation

Critical Needs: Geosciences Meeting the Needs of the Nation

Understand the ways the geosciences can support the nation’s needs.