The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The USGS is a part of the United States Department of the Interior and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. The agency was established in 1879 and is the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. The USGS provides scientific information to help manage the country's natural resources and reduce the risk of natural hazards.