Going Back to School…Go Green!
By Wendy DewStart off the new school year with a pledge to go green at school. There are many things you can do to go green:Before starting a new school year, sort through the school supplies on-hand. Many things, like notebooks or pens and pencils, can be reused or recycled. You can share your used…
Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven't had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up and there will be a big one?
Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant throughout this century and, according to our records, have actually seemed to decrease in recent years. There are several reasons for the perception that the number of…
What is the importance of stream-gaging and collecting streamflow data?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream-gaging program provides streamflow data for a variety of purposes that range from current needs, such as flood forecasting, to future or long-term needs, such as detection of changes in streamflow due to human activities or global warming. The development of…
How can I search for and order historical USGS topographic maps?
Historical USGS topographic maps are important map resources that are not readily available. Therefore, the USGS has begun a project to convert all these historical printed topographic quadrangles to digital formats (initially GeoPDF). Learn more at http://nationalmap.gov/historical/ . …
I want to buy a topographic map. How do I get it?
You can purchase topographic maps several ways: Download or online from the USGS Store at http://store.usgs.gov Click on Maps in the left margin or click on the Map Locator near the center of the screen. Topographic maps in GeoPDF format are available for free download by using the Map…
How can I acquire Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?
GNIS data is available from a number of sources and services. See the Geospatial One-Stop , Geographic Names Community for full metadata and instructions concerning these services (Click Geographic Names under Special Interest in left menu, then Gallery or Resources.). Contact GNIS Manager for…
What are Tsunamis?
Tsunamis are ocean waves caused by large earthquakes and landslides that occur near or under the ocean. Scientists do not use the term 'tidal wave' because these waves are not caused by tides. Tsunami waves are unlike typical ocean waves generated by wind and storms. When tsunamis approach…
What was the extent of ash deposition from the largest Yellowstone eruptions?
During the three giant caldera-forming eruptions that occurred between 2.1 million and 640,000 years ago, tiny particles of volcanic debris ( volcanic ash ) covered much of the western half of North America, likely a third of a meter deep several hundred kilometers from Yellowstone and several…
How Hot Is A Volcano?
Lava and Lava Flows The temperature of basalt lava at Kilauea reaches 1,160 degrees Celsius (2,120 degrees Fahrenheit). -- USGS/VHP Website, 1998 The tube system (lava tubes) of episode 53 (Pu'u O'o eruption, Hawaii) carried lava for 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the vent to the sea. So…
What does an earthquake look like?
In order to study earthquakes, scientists deploy seismometers to measure ground motion . Seismograms are recordings of ground motion as a function of time and are the basic data which seismologists use to study the waves generated by earthquakes. These data are used to study the earthquakes…
What categories of water data does the USGS make available to the public?
The USGS provides access to water-resources data collected at approximately 1.5 million sites in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Online access to this data is organized around the categories listed to the left. The USGS investigates the occurrence, quantity, quality,…
Do you have information about water hardness in the United States?
You can view a national map of hardness in surface water at water hardness map . Hardness data (reflecting mostly calcium, plus a little magnesium) for individual drinking-water suppliers is on the following page: EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water It is important to note that the U.S.…