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Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

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At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

USGS2018

Honolulu Magnetic Observatory

Tucked in a grove of thorny mesquite trees, on an ancient coral reef on the south side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, west of Pearl Harbor, a small unmanned observatory quietly records the Earth’s time-varying magnetic field. The Honolulu Magnetic Observatory is 1 of 14 that the U.S. Geological Survey Geomagnetism Program operates at various locations across the United States and its territories. Data from these observatories, Honolulu, and those operated by institutions in foreign countries, record a variety of magnetic signals related to a wide diversity of physical phenomena in the Earth’s interior and its surrounding outer-space environment. USGS magnetic observatory operations are an integral part of a U.S. National Space Weather Strategy for monitoring and assessing natural hazards that potentially threaten important technological systems.

Hawaii↗

USGS2019

U.S. Geological Survey EDMAP Program—Training the next generation of geologic mappers

Detailed geologic maps are the basis of nearly every Earth-science investigation and can be used for natural hazard mitigation, resource identification and exploration, infrastructure planning, and more. A component of the congressionally mandated National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, EDMAP is a partnership among the U.S. Geological Survey, the Association of American State Geologists, and participating colleges and universities that provides mentorship and training opportunities to geology students nationwide. Under the guidance of a faculty member, EDMAP supports upper level undergraduate and graduate students to gain meaningful experience working on 1-year geologic-mapping projects. Between 1996 and 2019, EDMAP funded research projects for more than 1,200 students at more than 160 universities. Every Federal dollar awarded through the EDMAP program is matched by the student’s university.

Fact Sheet↗

USGS2020

Technical overview of the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in response to a Federal directive calling on various Federal agencies to address potential vulnerabilities in the Nation’s supply of critical mineral resources. The primary purpose of this initiative is to identify potentially mineralized areas containing critical minerals by gathering new basic geologic data about the United States and its territories and to make these data publicly available through the Earth MRI web portal ( https://usgs.gov/earthmri ). The gathering of data is accomplished through geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and the collection of topographical (light detection and ranging, or lidar) data. In addition to identifying areas permissive for hosting critical minerals, the new data collected are likely to be helpful in addressing other societal needs as well, such as by helping to locate groundwater resources, providing information needed to mitigate effects of natural hazards, and identifying locations of the mineral resources useful for restoring and rebuilding aging infrastructure in the United States.

Fact Sheet↗

USGS2021

U.S. Geological Survey Arctic ecosystem assessments

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) conducts natural hazard and resource assessments of the Earth’s ecosystems and the response of those ecosystems to environmental change, human activities, and land use. Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry. This fact sheet describes recent USGS assessments on focal species and important topic areas in the Arctic.

Alaska↗

USGS2021

Oregon and Landsat

Oregon’s landscape is as complex and diverse as it is beautiful. Mountain peaks in the Cascade Range soar higher than 10,000 feet. Crater Lake sinks to a depth of 1,943 feet, making it the deepest lake in the United States. Oregon’s lands feature forests, farm fields, grasslands, ocean coastline, rivers, a semidesert, and mountain ranges that stretch across the State. A wide range of birds, animals, and fish—including 16 federally endangered species—share this space with more than 4 million people. With Oregon’s economy tied to these natural resources, industries like agriculture, timber, and fishing interlace with the well-being of wildlife and residents. Landsat data and imagery are one of many U.S. Geological Survey tools used by State resource managers and scientists to help achieve a natural balance and provide information about forests, habitats, and much more to Oregon decision makers. This will become even more important as research indicates climate change will make extreme weather more likely, leading to the likely increase in droughts, infestation, wildfires, and other natural hazards.

Oregon↗

USGS2023

The EDMAP Program: Training the next generation of geologic mappers

Introduction Detailed geologic maps are the basis of most earth science investigations and can be used for natural hazard mitigation, resource identification and exploration, infrastructure planning, and more. As a part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) congressionally mandated National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), the EDMAP program (referred to as EDMAP) is a partnership between the USGS and participating colleges and universities that provides mentorship and training opportunities for earth science students nationwide. EDMAP supports graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students—under the guidance of a faculty member who serves as a “principal investigator”—for the training of students to become geologic mappers. Between 1996 and 2021, EDMAP funded geologic mapping educational experiences and training for 1,373 students at more than 170 universities.

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USGS2023

U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Region 2022 science exchange, showcasing interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art USGS science

Introduction The Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River Basin in the Western United States represent complex, interconnected systems that sustain a number of species, including tens of millions of humans. These systems face several challenges, including worsening drought, altered wildfire regimes, climate change, and the spread of invasive species. These factors can exacerbate one another, further contributing to habitat loss and affecting species of conservation concern. Characterizing and managing these challenges require interdisciplinary communities of scientists to develop information and decision-support tools that can inform holistic land and water management solutions. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Rocky Mountain Region 2022 Science Exchange focused on the use of interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art science being conducted by USGS scientists in the region to address these complex problems. The USGS Rocky Mountain Regional Office organized its first Science Exchange in 2017 to share scientific information between leaders and early career scientists throughout the region. Science Exchanges held in 2018 and 2020 focused on drought science relevant to the region and the Earth Monitoring, Analyses, and Prediction (EarthMAP) concept, which is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary, timely, and actionable science related to drought in the Colorado River Basin and other areas. Based on the emerging need for more holistic approaches to address increasingly complex natural resource issues that affect society, the Region hosted a virtual fourth Science Exchange for three days in April 2022. This event focused on barriers and bridges to interdisciplinary science and highlighted studies from the Region to inspire collaboration across disciplines. Presentations described recent and ongoing research that applied collaborative and state-of-the-art methods to address problems in the fields of geology, hydrology, ecology, and natural hazards. Science collaboration and outreach to all levels of stakeholders are vital elements needed for providing timely and actionable data, interpretations, analytical tools, and products. These presentations led to active online chats and panel discussions and showcased interdisciplinary science and advanced methods that may inform and lead to more effective, holistic management decisions as the Western United States adapts to ongoing and future changes.

Fact Sheet↗

USGS2023

The 3D Elevation Program—Supporting Idaho’s economy

Introduction Due to Idaho’s inland location approximately 350 miles from the Pacific Ocean and its 80 recognized mountain ranges, the State’s climate varies widely, with maritime influence in the northern and western parts of Idaho and continental influence on the eastern side. The weather in the abundant mountains is unpredictable and often associated with natural hazards such as severe thunder and lightning storms leading to flooding, landslides, and wildfires. Issues important to Idaho’s economy include river, stream, and forest resource management, and infrastructure and construction management. Idaho participated in the U.S. Geological Survey 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) in 2016, the State’s first 3DEP project. The success of this project led to development of the Idaho Statewide Lidar Plan. Critical applications that meet the State’s management needs depend on light detection and ranging (lidar) data that provide a highly detailed three-dimensional (3D) model of the Earth’s surface and aboveground features.

Idaho↗

USGS2010

Utah Science Activities, Update 2010

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior, 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 USGS has become a world leader in the natural sciences thanks to our scientific excellence and responsiveness to society's needs. This newsletter describes some of the current and recently completed USGS earth-science activities in Utah. As an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, and water, we are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us. Learn more about our goals and priorities for the coming decade in the USGS Science Strategy at http://www.usgs.gov/science_strategy/ .

General Information Product↗

USGS2015

Internships, employment opportunities, and research grants

As an unbiased, multidisciplinary science organization, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the health of our ecosystems and environment, our natural resources, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the natural hazards that threaten us. Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty to participate in USGS science are available in the selected programs described below. Please note: U.S. citizenship is required for all government positions. This publication has been superseded by USGS General Information Product 165 Grant Opportunities for Academic Research and Training and USGS General Information Product 166 Student and Recent Graduate Employment Opportunities . This publication is proceeded by USGS General Information Product 80 Internships, Employment Opportunities, and Research Grants published in 2008.

General Information Product↗

USGS2011

Science supporting Gulf of Mexico oil-spill response, mitigation, and restoration activities-Assessment, monitoring, mapping, and coordination

The St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) investigates physical processes related to coastal and marine environments and societal implications related to natural hazards, resource sustainability, and environmental change. Immediately after the Deepwater Horizon event, the USGS began responding to data requests, directing response personnel, and providing coastal and shelf geophysical data to coastal-resource managers. The USGS provided oil-spill responders with up-to-date coastal bathymetry, geologic data, and maps characterizing vulnerability and levels of risk from potential spill impacts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Baseline conditions prior to any spill impacts were documented through programs that included shoreline sampling and sediment coring from east Texas to the east coast of Florida and aerial photography of many environmentally sensitive Gulf coastal areas. The USGS responded to numerous verbal and written data requests from Federal, State, and local partners and academic institutions with USGS scientific staff participating in the Coast Guard Unified Commands (UC) and Operational Science Advisory Teams (OSAT). The USGS conducted technical review of reports and plans for many response activities. Oil-spill responders, managers, and personnel on the ground, including partners such as the National Park Service, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Chandeleur Islands Refuge, and State agencies, continue to rely on USGS products.

General Information Product↗

USGS2016

Grant opportunities for academic research and training

General Information Product↗

USGS2016

Student and recent graduate employment opportunities

General Information Product↗

USGS2021

Student and recent graduate opportunities

General Information Product↗

USGS2021

Coastal and marine science of the U.S. Geological Survey in St. Petersburg, Florida

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (SPCMSC) in St. Petersburg, Florida, investigates processes that form and alter coastal and marine environments and the implications of these processes related to natural hazards, resource sustainability, and environmental change. The center is one of three facilities serving the mission of the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, an initiative authorized by Congress in 1962 that serves as the primary Federal program for marine geology and physical science research and is responsible for the Nation’s entire coastal and marine landscape. The center’s staff conducts scientific research around the globe to describe and deepen understanding of the processes that influence coastal and marine ecosystems, such as sandy beaches and barrier islands, salt marshes and estuaries, coral reefs, and the open ocean from the continental shelf to the deep sea. The center includes a diverse workforce of scientists, technicians, administrators, analysts, and technology and information specialists. This team works collaboratively to conduct and share robust scientific research. This document provides a glimpse into the center’s work to better understand the processes shaping coastal and marine environments across the Nation.

Florida↗

USGS2008

Internships, employment opportunities, and research grants

As an unbiased, multidisciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us. Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty to participate in USGS science are available through the selected programs described below. Please note: U.S. citizenship is required for all positions, although some noncitizens may be eligible in rare circumstances.

General Information Product↗

USGS1977

Reconnaissance hydrology of Portage Glacier basin, Alaska

Early reports of conditions in Portage Pass, Alaska, provide evidence that Portage Glacier was formerly larger and thicker. Past conditions, recent history, current retreat, and possible future changes are summarized from an analysis of reports, photographs of the glacier (1939, 1950, and annually since about 1960), and data on snow and ice balance and bathymetry (1972). Between 1900 and 1972, the glacier terminus retreated 3.4 kilometers, and the lower part of the glacier thinned 200 meters. Climatic change controlled the retreat until about 1930; since then deep water at the terminus has influenced the calving retreat. The calving rate and present terminus position cannot be sustained by current climatic conditions and rate of snow accumulation. Thus the glacier will continue to recede until the terminus stabilizes in shallower water, probably about 1.5 kilometers upvalley from the present terminus and in about year 2020, assuming no change in present climatic conditions and calving rate. Possible small climatic changes could cause a shift in the point at which annual snow accumulation equals annual ablation (500 meters) and a corresponding change in terminus behavior. Potential natural hazards include avalanches, outburst floods from ice-dammed lakes, and unstable icebergs.

Alaska↗

USGS2006

Preliminary Surficial Geologic Map of the Mesquite Lake 30' X 60' Quadrangle, California and Nevada

The Quaternary surficial geologic map of the Mesquite Lake, California-Nevada 30'X60' quadrangle depicts deposit age and geomorphic processes of erosion and deposition, as identified by a composite of remote sensing investigations, laboratory analyses, and field work, in the arid to semi-arid Mojave Desert area, straddling the California-Nevada border. Mapping was motivated by the need to address pressing scientific and social issues such as understanding and predicting the effects of climate and associated hydrologic changes, human impacts on landscapes, ecosystem function, and natural hazards at a regional scale. As the map area lies just to the south of Las Vegas, Nevada, a rapidly expanding urban center, land use pressures and the need for additional construction materials are forecasted for the region. The map contains information on the temporal and spatial patterns of surface processes and hazards that can be used to model specific landscape applications. Key features of the geologic map include: (1) spatially extensive Holocene alluvial deposits that compose the bulk of Quaternary units (~25%), (2) remote sensing and field studies that identified fault scarps or queried faults in the Kingston Wash area, Shadow Mountains, southern Pahrump Valley, Bird Spring Range, Lucy Gray Mountains and Piute Valley, (3) a lineament indicative of potential fault offset is located in Mesquite Valley, (4) active eolian dunes and sand ramps located on the east side of Mesquite, Ivanpah, and Hidden Valleys adjacent to playas, (4) groundwater discharge deposits in southern Pahrump Valley, Spring Mountains, and Lucy Gray Mountains and (5) debris-flow deposits spanning almost the entire Quaternary period in age.

Open-File Report↗