Crab Cakes and Recycling…That’s What Maryland Does
By Mark BaldwinAs a huge University of Maryland football fan, I can proudly tell folks that Maryland played host to Queen Elizabeth and was the first school in their conference to racially integrate their football team (see Darryl Hill). I can also proudly tell you that the University of Maryland…
Why aren't we drilling in the Bakken Formation?
Oil has been produced from the Bakken Formation since the 1950’s. However, drilling has increased significantly in the last several years. The USGS does not maintain statistics on oil production, however, this information can be obtained from publicly available sources like the North Dakota…
How are floods predicted?
Floods are a dangerous hazard throughout the world, and most people underestimate the power of flood waters. On average, in the United States, about 165 people are killed and about $2 billion of damage occurs each year. Several types of data can be collected to assist hydrologists predict when and…
Does the USGS monitor global warming?
Not specifically. Our charge is to understand characteristics of the earth, especially the earth's surface, that affect our Nation's land, water, and biological resources. That includes quite a bit of environmental monitoring. Other agencies, especially NOAA and NASA, are specifically funded…
What is a fault and what are the different types?
A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. Faults allow the blocks to move relative to each other. This movement may occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake - or may occur slowly, in the form of creep . Faults may range in length from a few millimeters to thousands of…
What are the beneficial functions of coastal wetlands?
What are the beneficial functions of coastal wetlands? How are they impacted by canals and subsidence? What are the functions of barrier islands? Learn about the importance of healthy coastal wetlands along the Gulf coast and in other locations through this online teaching guide. Each topic…
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…
How dangerous is Mount Rainier?
Although Mount Rainier (Washington) has not produced a significant eruption in the past 500 years, it is potentially the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range because of its great height, frequent earthquakes , active hydrothermal system , and extensive glacier mantle . Mount Rainier has 26…
What is the Earth's "water cycle?"
The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. For additional details go to water cycle .
What is a good home treatment for purifying drinking water in case of an emergency?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists several ways to purify water for human consumption on their Community and Family Preparedness Web page. Also, the EPA fact sheet Emergency disinfection of drinking water is available in English and Spanish.
Where did the name "Mount St. Helens" come from?
Some Indians of the Pacific Northwest variously called Mount St. Helens (Washington) 'Louwala-Clough,' or 'smoking mountain.' The modern name, Mount St. Helens, was given to the volcanic peak in 1792 by Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy, a seafarer and explorer. He…