CH SCIENCE

Well known for its mapping, the USGS collects and analyzes data about the nation's natural resources, providing a picture of our ecosystems and environment. Its 10,000 scientists, technicians and support staff are included in the government shutdown.

One program that won't stop is Landsat -- satellites that collect data about the surface of the Earth. Agriculture concerns use the program's data extensively. However, data collected by the satellites during the shutdown will only be beamed downward and archived: It won't be processed into useful data until the shutdown is over.

Earthquake and volcano monitoring will remain operational.