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As an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, 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 our Science Strategy.

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In this edition of Science Picks, learn how scientists are forecasting hazards like volcanoes and landslides, and read about a wolf named Brutus, who emails scientists from the North Pole! Also check out research on ancient salt mines, scientists using high tech remote controlled airplanes to survey dangerous areas, and why the call of the yellow-billed cuckoo is getting quieter and quieter....December Science Picks - Hot News about Cool Science
(Released: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EDT)

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The prestigious 2009 William T. Pecora Award for outstanding contributions to the understanding of the Earth by means of remote sensing has been presented to Dr. Forrest Hall of the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Team led from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center....Pecora Award Recognizes Stellar Achievements in Earth Observation
(Released: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:19:23 EDT)

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When the MESSENGER spacecraft completed its third and final fly-by of Mercury in September, cartographic experts from the U. S. Geological Survey used the imagery captured to complete a mosaic showing the 55 percent of the planet never seen by humankind....New mosaic of Mercury shows previously unseen features
(Released: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:11:19 EDT)

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Solberg, P. A.; Moore, Bryan; Smits, Dennis (2009), Data Series 462.

Population growth and changes in land use have the potential to affect water quality and quantity in the upper Gunnison River basin. In 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, City of Gunnison, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Crested B...Comparison of 2006-2007 Water Years and Historical Water-Quality Data, Upper Gunnison River Basin, Colorado
(Released: 2009-12-23)

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Granato, Gregory E. (2009), Open-File Report 2008-1362.

Streamflow information is important for many planning and design activities including water-supply analysis, habitat protection, bridge and culvert design, calibration of surface and ground-water models, and water-quality assessments. Streamflow information is especially critical for water-quality assessments (...Computer Programs for Obtaining and Analyzing Daily Mean Steamflow Data from the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System Web Site
(Released: 2009-12-23)

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Miller, Todd S. (2009), Scientific Investigations Report 2009-5173.

In 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Town of Caroline and Tompkins County Planning Department, began a study of the valley-fill aquifer system in upper Sixmile Creek and headwaters of West Branch Owego Creek valleys in the Town of Caroline, NY. The purpose of the study is to ...Geohydrology and Water Quality of the Valley-Fill Aquifer System in the Upper Sixmile Creek and West Branch Owego Creek Valleys in the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, New York
(Released: 2009-12-23)

CoreCast

Shaking and Tweeting: The USGS Twitter Earthquake Detection Program Quick look:
The USGS is investigating the use of Twitter, a popular micro-blogging tool, to collect and analyze citizen accounts of earthquakes around the world. USGS scientists Paul Earle and Michelle Guy discuss this Twitter Earthquake Detection (TED) project.
Host: Marisa Lubeck
(Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:39:16 UTC; Length: 7:19)

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Mosaic of Mercury Quick look:
A mosaic of the surface of Mercury made from hundreds of images taken by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. ...

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Noon Creek Fencebuilding Quick look:
Nearly five miles of range fencing in the North Fork Owyhee Wilderness in Idaho was rebuilt to wildlife-friendly standards using ARRA funding. The specific challenges of building fence in Wilderness and in the rugged terrain of the area are illustrated, including the need to work without motorized e...

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Shaking and Tweeting: The USGS Twitter Earthquake Detection Program Quick look:
The USGS is investigating the use of Twitter, a popular micro-blogging tool, to collect and analyze citizen accounts of earthquakes around the world. USGS scientists Paul Earle and Michelle Guy discuss this Twitter Earthquake Detection (TED) project....

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