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Life sciences
Branches of science that study living and fossil organisms.
Subtopics:
Anatomy and physiology (6 items)
Aquatic biology (53 items)
Biochemistry (11 items)
Botany (25 items)
Developmental biology (2 items)
Ecology (133 items)
Ecotoxicology (62 items)
Genetics (8 items)
Marine biology (21 items)
Microbiology (11 items)
Morphology (biological) (1 items)
Mycology (2 items)
Parasitology (2 items)
Pathology (26 items)
Systematics and taxonomy (15 items)
Zoology (121 items)
Related topics:
Results 1 - 416 of 423 listed alphabetically [list by similarity]
PDF A Neotropical Migrant Bird's Dilemma - Where to Stop for a Good Meal [More info]
Studying 28 species of warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, and vireos, we find the birds relied on the flowering of honey mesquite to detect the availability of insects they eat.
A Whole-System Approach to Understanding Agricultural Chemicals in the Environment [More info]
Explains the effects of the interaction of hydrologic and biological processes on agricultural chemicals in various environments.
PDF A science strategy to support management decisions related to hypoxia in the northern Gulf Of Mexico and excess nutrients in the Mississippi River Basin [More info]
The report describes a strategy for monitoring, modeling, and research activities to support management decisions to improve water-quality conditions in the Mississippi River Basin, reduce hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and improve conditions for
Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) [More info]
Homepage of the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) initiative programs supporting actions to remedy contaminations associated with hard rock mining. Includes data from the Upper Animas River and Boulder River, bibliography of reports, and pictures.
Access USGS - San Francisco Bay and Delta [More info]
Main page for accessing links for information and data on the San Francisco Bay estuary and its watershed with links to highlights, water, biology, wetlands, hazards, digital maps, geologic mapping, winds, bathymetry and overview of the Bay.
Acute toxicity database [More info]
The following database summarizes the results from aquatic acute toxicity tests conducted by the USGS CERC located in Columbia, Missouri.
Agricultural chemicals [More info]
Overview of the Toxic Substances Hydrology Program role in investigating the occurrence and fate of agricultural chemicals with links to investigations, headlines, on-line fact sheets, new publications, bibliographies and photo gallery.
Alaska Science Center - Biological Science Office [More info]
Research on birds, mammals, ecosystems and habitats, fish and fisheries in Alaska
PDF Algal toxins [More info]
Chapter of Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases on algal toxins, red tide toxins, phycotoxins, dinoflagellates, cyanobacterium, and bird mortality due to algal toxicosis.
Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative [More info]
Homepage for the Dept. of the Interior's Initiative coordinated by the USGS, for amphibian (frogs, toads, salamanders and newts) monitoring, research, and conservation. Links to National Atlas for Amphibian Distribution, photos, and interactive map serve
Amphibian declines and deformities [More info]
Amphibian population declines and deformities due to various causes including land use change, viruses, and fungi. Links to USGS press releases, answers to FAQs (HTML and PDF versions) and photos with downloadable files.
Amphibian malformation and decline [More info]
Frog malformation studies at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin to document scope and to determine the causes of the observed malformations.
PDF Amphibian monitoring in the Atchafalaya Basin [More info]
They're abundant in this area, but hard to count reliably. We outline a procedure for estimating the population sizes so that we can determine whether they're increasing or dwindling. We must both listen for their calls and visually confirm them.
Amphibians & reptiles of the southeastern United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands [More info]
Links to information on species of frogs, toads, and salamanders located in the southeastern United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with information on appearance, habitats, calls, and status, plus photos, glossary, and provisional data.
PDF Amphibians of Olympic National Park [More info]
Fact sheet (PDF format) on amphibians in Olympic National Park and overview of the habitat, the decline in populations, and rare amphibians in the Pacific Northwest including the giant salamander and tailed frog.
PDF An experiment to control nonnative fish in the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona [More info]
We removed non-native fish from a section of the river and the endangered native species humpback chub increased in abundance. But it is not yet clear that decreased competition explains the rebound in population.
An online database for IHN virus in Pacific Salmonid fish: MEAP-IHNV [More info]
Background information and genetic sequencing data for more than 1,000 individual field isolates of the fish virus Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) collected in western North America from 1966 to the present, updated annually.
PDF Analyzing land use change in urban environments [More info]
Describes the USGS Urban Dynamics Research Program that studies landscape changes resulting from the growth of metropolitan regions over time.
Animal feeding operations, effects on hydrologic resources and the environment: proceedings [More info]
Papers from a 1999 symposium on the possible effects on water resources and the environment of large agricultural feeding operations for pigs, chickens, and cattle, with links to other meetings, bibliography, and research studies. (Also as PDF files)
PDF Anticipated effects of development on habitat fragmentation and movement of mammals into and out of the Schoodic District, Acadia National Park, Maine [More info]
Wildlife you see in a national park or other reserved area don't know about the park boundary. Bobcat, martens, mink, and moose need different types of living space and habitat. Development outside the park affects their ability to inhabit the park.
Apoidea -- Bees and Sphecid Wasps [More info]
Guide to the identification, biology, and ecology of bees and sphecid wasps, mostly in eastern North America.
PDF Application of environmental DNA for inventory and monitoring of aquatic species [More info]
Using genetic analysis of organic material found in aquatic environments it is possible to detect the presence of organisms without necessarily observing or capturing individuals. Explains terms, methods, and prospective utility of this approach.
AquaPathogen X--A template database for tracking field isolates of aquatic pathogens [More info]
A template database for recording information on individual isolates of aquatic pathogens affecting a variety of aquatic species such as fish or shellfish. Tracks collection, history, geography, gene sequence, and diagnostic info. Uses FileMaker Pro.
Aquatic Ecology Branch, Leetown Science Center [More info]
Programs of the Aquatic Ecology Branch on landscape ecology and GIS, molecular genetics, environmental contaminants, stream ecology, and other aspects of aquatic ecology in eastern United States.
Arsenic in ground water of the United States [More info]
Information on arsenic in United States ground water largely as a result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils. Includes links to publications, data, maps, and links to other sites with information on arsenic.
Arsenic in ground water of the United States [More info]
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in rocks, soils, and the waters in contact with them. It is found in ground water as the result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils. This site links to data, maps, and more.
Arsenic studies group [More info]
Main page for the Arsenic studies group with links to arsenic related announcements, conferences, bibliography, workshops, and symposiums.
Assessing the impact of urban sprawl on soil resources in the United States using nighttime "city lights" satellite images and digital soils maps [More info]
Paper from Land Use History of North America giving results of a study to estimate the extent of developed land in the United States and the impact of development on soil resources.
Assessing the impacts of climate variability and change on the Nation's resources [More info]
Site for a USGS project under the U.S. Global Change Research Program for a national assessment of the impacts of climate variability and change on resources with links to impacts in Alaska, western U.S., public lands, and water resources.
PDF Assessment of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in the Autauga Creek watershed, Autauga County, Alabama, 2009 [More info]
Previous analysis showed this area to have reduced macroinvertebrate biodiversity, an important measure of ecosystem health. New observations indicate that conditions have improved; report includes methods and results of sampling.
Atlas of the spawning and nursery areas of Great Lakes fishes [More info]
Atlas recording spawning and nursery areas of fish in the Great Lakes and associated rivers listed by area and then by species. A 14-volume atlas in PDF format. Published in 1982 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Available products of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Available publications and products, order form and product archives of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
Avian Influenza: Information and on-going research at the USGS Alaska Science Center [More info]
Maps and information about potential spread of avian influenza in migratory birds in Alaska. Includes descriptions and photos of the waterfowl that are being monitored.
PDF Avian conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region, Northern Great Plains-Understanding the links between climate, ecosystem processes, wetland management, and bird communities [More info]
Small wetlands in this large area have hosted migratory birds for a long time, but with changes in agricultural practice and regional climate those habitats may not remain hospitable to the wild populations.
PDF Avian influenza (in Field manual of wildlife diseases) [More info]
Chapter 22 from the field manual of wildlife diseases providing basic information about avian influenza viruses.
Avian influenza news and disease information [More info]
News regarding US efforts to monitor the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, with links to bulletins, FAQ list, field guides, and other resources.
Bat research in California [More info]
Brief review of bat research in the San Francisco Bay area and southern California providing land managers with information on the occurrence and status of bat species with links to bat inventories for California and related material.
PDF Bats and wind energy-A literature synthesis and annotated bibliography [More info]
A literature synthesis and annotated bibliography focus on North America and on refereed journals. Additional references include a selection of citations on bat ecology, international research on bats and wind energy, and unpublished reports.
PDF Bats of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge [More info]
Detailed information on capture-and-release surveying as well as acoustic monitoring of bats indicates prevalence of various species and, for the captured specimens, physiological characteristics.
Bemidji Project crude-oil research project: background information [More info]
The study of petroleum in both the saturated and unsaturated zones, to better understand the processes that control contaminant behavior, and to use this understanding to estimate the future behavior of the contaminants.
Bemidji crude-oil research project (toxic substances) [More info]
Home page contains information, data, maps, and images relating to hydrologic research that has been conducted at the Bemidji research site.
PDF Beyond the Golden Gate--oceanography, geology, biology, and environmental issues in the Gulf of the Farallones [More info]
A geologic and oceanographic study of the waters and Continental Shelf of Gulf of the Farallones adjacent to the San Francisco Bay region. The results of the study provide a scientific basis to evaluate and monitor human impact on the marine environment.
Bibliography of fire effects and related literature applicable to the ecosystems and species of Wisconsin [More info]
The bibliography provides citations pertinent to the effects of fire and its prescribed use on the ecosystems and species of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Three separate subject indexes are provided: general, species, and geographic location.
BioData: a national aquatic bioassessment database [More info]
A web-enabled database that provides for the capture, curation, integration, and delivery of bioassessment data collected by USGS, principally macroinvertebrate, algae, fish, and supporting habitat data from rivers and streams.
PDF Biochar for soil fertility and natural carbon sequestration [More info]
Explains what biochar is and how it is formed, its potential use in both fertilizer and carbon sequestration, and some of the research questions remaining to be addressed before we can utilize it fully in practical ways.
Biochemistry/Physiology Branch, Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) [More info]
Homepage for the Biochemistry and Physiology Branch in Columbia, MO, which develops analytical techniques (cell bioassay/immunoassay) on toxicity related to fish and wildlife; and conducts research in microbiology and physiology.
Biocomplexity Thesaurus [More info]
Browsable online access to the CSA/NBII Biocomplexity Thesaurus developed in 2002-2003 through a partnership between the NBII and CSA as a merger of five thesauri.
Biodiversity and land-use history of the Palouse bioregion: pre-European to present [More info]
Study of the processes by which the conversion occurred of the Palouse bioregion from perennial native grass, shrub, and forest vegetation to agriculture and the interactions between human cultures and environment.
Biogeochemical and geohydrologic processes in a landfill-impacted alluvial aquifer, Norman, Oklahoma [More info]
Discussion and links to research for the multi-disciplinary investigation on the Norman Landfill located on alluvium associated with the Canadian River in central Oklahoma.
Biological and ecotoxicological characteristics of terrestrial vertebrates residing in estuaries [More info]
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) program is designed to assess and monitor the effects of environmental contaminants on biological resources with links to detailed information on specific species.
Biological resource status and trends: Aquatic invasive organisms [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on aquatic invasive organisms
Biological resource status and trends: Contaminants in animals [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on contaminants in animals
Biological resource status and trends: Contaminants in plants [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on contaminants in plants
Biological soil crusts [More info]
Explains biological soil crusts, organism-produced soil formations commonly found in semiarid and arid environments, with special reference to their biological composition, physical characteristics, and ecological significance.
PDF Biological soil crusts: webs of life in the desert [More info]
Fact sheet on the need to protect biological soil crusts in the desert. These crusts are most of the soil surface in deserts not covered by green plants and are inhabited by cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) and other organisms useful to the ecosystem.
Biomarker Benchmarks: Reproductive and Endocrine Biomarkers in Largemouth Bass and Common Carp from United States Waters [More info]
Describes a national reconnaissance study of reproductive health in two species of fish across the US. More than 2,200 common carp and 650 largemouth bass were collected at 119 rivers and streams.
Bird Banding Laboratory: the North American Bird Banding Program [More info]
Bird banding is used to study the movement, survival and behavior of birds. The Bird Banding Laboratory Site has links to the value, procedure and history of bird banding, how to report bird bands (English & Spanish), and resources for birders.
Bird Point Count Database [More info]
Perform custom searches for bird count and bird habitat data or enter your bird count and vegetation data.
Bird checklists of the United States [More info]
Geographical access to multiple bird checklists developed by others that indicate the seasonal occurrence of birds in a given area. A Record Documentation Form to document supporting details of rare bird observations is also available.
PDF Born of fire: restoring sagebrush steppe [More info]
USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center: fact sheet in Adobe PDF about the studies to restore sagebrush steppe
Boston Harbor Studies: the fate of sediments and contaminants in Massachusetts Bay [More info]
Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay Studies research project conducted as part of Boston Harbor cleanup to predict the fate of contaminants and sediments introduced to Massachusetts' coastal waters from sources that include Boston sewage outfall.
Boston Harbor ecosystems [More info]
This web site is an outgrowth of an agreement between the USGS and the New England Aquarium, designed to summarize and make available results of scientific research. It will also present educational material of interest to wide audiences.
Breeding Bird Explorer [More info]
Data management system for Breeding Bird Atlas projects in Maryland and the District of Columbia and in Vermont.
PDF Bryophytes and lichens, small but indispensable forest dwellers [More info]
Description of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) and lichens (dual organisms of a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium) that are part of forest ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest with information on habitat and conservation.
PDF Buck Island Reef National Monument Sea Turtle Research Program: Sea turtle nesting research & monitoring protocols manual [More info]
Manual for research program on the nesting habits of sea turtles of the Virgin Islands, with descriptions of species, nesting behavior, observation methods, record keeping, tagging, and tissue sample collection. (PDF file, 121 pp.)
PDF Buffelgrass-Integrated modeling of an invasive plant [More info]
Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) poses a problem in the deserts of the United States, growing in dense stands and introducing a wildfire risk in an ecosystem not adapted to fire. This report explains what we are doing to help mitigate its effects.
PDF Burrowing owls winter in south Texas [More info]
Experimental use of artificial burrows in south Texas to help in conservation of the migratory burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) that breed in dry grasslands using animal burrows.
Butterflies and moths of North America [More info]
Information on species of butterflies in North America with photos, checklists, distribution maps, aids to identification, and references.
California's BAY-DELTA: USGS Science Supports Decision Making [More info]
What causes changes in the hydrology, the ecology and the water quality of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and the San Francisco Bay estuary? These studies help state and local agencies manage resources well.
PDF Catalogue of Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Maternal Den Locations in the Beaufort Sea and Neighboring Regions, Alaska, 1910-2010 [More info]
Approximate locations of 392 polar bear maternal dens found between 1910 and 2010, along with the method and year of discovery.
Central Region [More info]
Entry to USGS Central Region programs with links to Biological Resources, Geology, National Mapping, Water Resources, Office of Central Region Services, emergency information, and records of a Rockies field trip, and clickable map to state programs.
Changing Arctic Ecosystems-Measuring and forecasting the response of Alaska's terrestrial ecosystem to a warming climate [More info]
Combining genetic data with current and predicted climate scenarios, we are modeling the predicted future distributions of wildlife populations in the Arctic and identifying key environmental variables that determine important animal habitat.
Changing Arctic ecosystems-Research to understand and project changes in marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Arctic [More info]
Three themes of ongoing research: forecasting polar bear and walrus population response to changing marine ecosystems; measuring wildlife population changes in the Arctic coastal plain, and wildlife communities in the boreal-Arctic transition zone.
Changing patterns in the number of species in North American floras [More info]
A chapter of the publication: Land Use History of North America on general patterns of plant species diversity in North America that shows how these patterns have changed over time.
Characterization of macroalgal epiphytes on Thalassia testudinum in Tampa Bay, Florida [More info]
Identification of epiphytes (plants obtaining moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and usually living on another plant) on seaweed in Tampa Bay, Florida. Abstract of symposium presentation with photos.
Chesapeake Bay activities [More info]
Information on USGS studies of Chesapeake Bay, the nation's largest estuary, concerned with water quality, ecosystem history and change, vital habitat and biological resources, and land use studies.
Chronic Wasting Disease [More info]
Information on National Wildlife Center research on Chronic Wasting Disease, a disease affecting the nervous system of elk, white-tailed deer and mule deer.
Classification of natural ponds and lakes in the glaciated prairie region [More info]
Presents a wetland classification system that reflects seasonal, regional, and local variations in the environment.
Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States [More info]
Detailed publication on the classification system for an inventory of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States used to describe ecological taxa and arrange them in a system useful to resource managers.
Climate Change and Wildlife Health: Direct and Indirect Effects [More info]
Addresses geographic range and distribution of wildlife diseases, plant and animal phenology, wildlife host-pathogen interactions, and disease patterns in wildlife.
Climate change in mountain ecosystems [More info]
Overview of interdisciplinary research studies in Glacier National Park to understand how this mountain wilderness responds to present climatic variability and other external stressors, such as air pollution, and links to detailed reports.
Climatic changes and effect on wild sheep habitat [More info]
Preliminary results indicate significant changes in Dall sheep diet accompanying vegetation changes and upslope retreat of glaciers.
PDF Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat, polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and environmental health [More info]
Pavement sealant contains chemicals that are known carcinogens, which get into nearby homes, lakes, and the air. Sealants based on coal tar release more dangerous chemicals than those based on asphalt.
Coastal Prairie Research Program, National Wetlands Research Center [More info]
Coverage of the Coastal Prairie Ecology Research (CPER) Team, National Wetlands Research Center, providing scientific information to aid the conservation, management, and restoration of ecosystems in the greater coastal prairie region.
Coastal ecosystem responses to influences from land and sea, coastal and ocean science [More info]
Changes in both the ocean and coastal ecosystems may have negative effects on sea otter populations in the coastal Northwest and Alaska. A study underway will examine these factors and the overall health of sea otter populations.
Coastal habitats in Puget Sound [More info]
Declines in fish and wildlife populations, water-quality issues, and changes in coastal habitats have prompted this USGS study of the region's nearshore life and environment. Includes links to data from published reports.
Columbia Environmental Research Center [More info]
Website for the Columbia Environmental Research Center with links to staff, publications, databases, field stations, and projects including those on the Rio Grande, burrowing owls, sea turtles, and geospatial technology.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) Ecology Branch [More info]
Overview of research of the Ecology Branch on the ecological consequences of habitat degradation due to altered environment, nonindigenous species, and atmospheric alterations. Includes links to staff and research projects.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) online databases [More info]
Links to Columbia Environmental Research Center online databases with text, data, and metadata on toxicity, Missouri River, biomonitoring of environmental status and trends, contaminants, and sediments.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) publications [More info]
Links to electronic publications of the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) including journal articles and full-text publications accessible by publication series and subjects.
Columbia River USGS Interdisciplinary Science Explorer WebSite [More info]
Web site for an Internet Map Service (IMS) serving base cartographic data, USGS data, science applications and real time modelling analyses for the Columbia River basin using geospatial analysis technology.
PDF Concentrations of mercury and other metals in black bass (Micropterus spp.) from Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta County, California, 2005 [More info]
Historical gold mining has left this area susceptible to mercury contamination. Elevated concentrations of mercury in the fish are well documented here.
Connectivity of tropical marine ecosystems--An overview of interdisciplinary research to understand biodiversity and trophic relationships in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico [More info]
Describes research to assess the effectiveness of the current system and distribution of marine reserves and protected areas in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for conserving reef ecosystems and resources.
Construction and installation of dendrometer bands for periodic tree-growth measurements [More info]
Use and function of dendrometer bands to make short-term repeated measurements of tree-stem growth. Photo illustrations of procedures and equipment.
Contaminant Biology Program [More info]
The Contaminant Biology Program investigates contaminant exposure and effects on fish, wildlife, and other organisms, their habitat and ecosystems. Links include description of projects, research centers, and news.
Contaminant exposure and effects--terrestrial vertebrates (CEE-TV) database [More info]
The information provided in the CEE-TV database profiles available geo-referenced information on contaminant exposure and effects in terrestrial vertebrates along the U. S. coasts. The database utilizes Microsoft's Access 2000 for Windows.
Conte Anadromous Fish Branch [More info]
Describes the Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory of the Leetown Science Center, which performs research directed towards restoration and protection of anadromous fish with lists of research projects and facilities.
Contributions of the Conservation Reserve Program to populations of breeding birds in North Dakota [More info]
Assessment of the importance of the Conservation Reserve Program in preventing the decline of grassland breeding birds by preserving grassland habitats in North Dakota. Published as Wilson Bulletin v. 107 no. 4, pp. 709-718 (1995).
PDF Coral Diseases Following Massive Bleaching in 2005 Cause 60 Percent Decline in Coral Cover and Mortality of the Threatened Species, Acropora Palmata, on Reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands [More info]
Record-high seawater temperatures and calm seas in the summer of 2005 led to the most severe coral bleaching (death) ever observed in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Crater Lake Data Clearinghouse [More info]
The Crater Lake Data Clearinghouse website is a gateway to information and data on Crater Lake with links to data downloads of bathymetry, maps and imagery, a fly-by movie, photos, and information on geology, maps, history, and biota.
Current research at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Search interface for current research activities at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, located in Maryland north of Washington DC
Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor [More info]
Locations for nine species of large constrictors, from published sources, along with monthly precipitation and average monthly temperature for those locations. Shapefiles for each snake species studied.
Data visualization tools used in studies of the upper Mississippi River and nearby areas [More info]
Interactive maps and databases showing geospatial, biologic, and ecological aspects of the upper Mississippi River. Includes water quality, fish species, and vegetation distribution as well as geographic reference information.
PDF Demography of the Pryor Mountain wild horses, 1993-2007 [More info]
Population size, foaling, deaths, age structure, sex ratio, age-specific survival rates, and more over a 14 year time span. This information will help land and wildlife managers find the best maintenance and conservation strategies.
Desert tortoise research at Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) [More info]
Links to research studies, conservation information, and general information on desert tortoises at the Western Ecological Research Center in Sacramento, California.
PDF Detailed seafloor habitat mapping to enhance marine-resource management [More info]
We conduct systematic imaging of reef habitats in order to provide regulatory agencies with information they need to decide whether those reefs should be designated as protected areas.
Detecting Amphibian-Killing Fungus Helps Scientists Study Amphibian Declines [More info]
Research findings and examples of application to real problems--a new method to track down amphibian disease in the environment.
Determinants of breeding distributions of ducks [More info]
Article from Wildlife Monographs no. 100 (1988) on the relationships of wetland habitat dynamics and life history to the breeding distributions of the various species of ducks with information on research methods and references.
Diatoms: applications [More info]
Use of diatoms in biostratigraphy, coastal and estuarine studies, paleoceanology, paleoliminology, earthquake studies, environmental quality and forensic studies. Includes listing of USGS diatom projects and links to other diatom websites.
Digital representation of tree species range maps from "Atlas of United States trees" by Elbert L. Little, Jr. (and other publications) [More info]
Maps of the ranges of tree species in North America compiled by Elbert Little and others were digitized for use in USGS vegetation and climate modeling studies. Can be downloaded as ArcView shapefiles and in PDF graphic files.
Discovery for Recovery: an International Pintail Recovery Initiative (Pinsat) [More info]
Using satellite telemetry and field studies to track pintail ducks during spring migration north from California's Central Valley plus pintails in New Mexico and Texas. Includes links to migration maps, journal, duck calls, and field methods.
Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) of the United States [More info]
Manual on dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), with links to photo thumbnails, checklists, distribution maps, and other Odonata information.
Duckdata: a bibliographic data base of North American waterfowl (Anatidae) and their wetland habitat [More info]
Comprehensive bibliography on the ecology, conservation, and management of North American waterfowl and their wetland habitats. Facilitates searching or downloading as *.zip files and use with ProCite utility.
Earthshots, satellite images of environmental change [More info]
Satellite images of geographic areas of interest, cities, deserts, glaciers, geologic features, disaster areas, water bodies, and wildlife linked with articles, maps, and other images such as AVHRR, photographs, and special project images.
Earthworms of North Dakota [More info]
Species maps, aggregate map, earthworm diagram, species photos, and bibliography of earthworm species found in North Dakota
Ecological National Synthesis Project [More info]
National-scale perspective and assessments on aquatic ecology, and the chemical and physical factors that affect aquatic conditions and health.
Ecological risk assessment of toxic substances in the South Florida ecosystem: wildlife effects and exposure assessment [More info]
Project summaries and publications on wildlife contaminant exposures and prediction and monitoring of future restoration-driven exposures within the South Florida ecosystems.
PDF Educational materials from the U.S. Geological Survey product list [More info]
Access to major webpages of USGS educational publications in various formats and on USGS research in the earth and life sciences.
PDF Effects of Ocean Acidification and Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reefs [More info]
By measuring the current and historical growth rates of coral skeletons, and using field experiments, we intend to find out whether rising atmospheric CO2 and rising sea levels will cause coral reefs to erode and cease to function.
PDF Effects of brush management on the hydrologic budget and water quality in and adjacent to Honey Creek State Natural Area, Comal County, Texas, 2001--10 [More info]
Comparison of water in two adjacent watersheds before and after implementing a brush management strategy in one of the watersheds helps us see what water resource characteristics are sensitive to brush management and how.
PDF Effects of climate change and land use on water resources in the Upper Colorado River Basin [More info]
Information from climate model forecasts, projections of future flows, paleoclimatic indicators, timing of snowmelt, airborne dust, and the effects on vegetation of troublesome pest species indicate the nature and severity of problems looming.
PDF Effects of wastewater on forested wetlands [More info]
Study of the effects of the practice of cycling municipal nutrient-enriched wastewater from holding ponds through forested wetlands. Studies were in the Cypiere Perdue Swamp, Louisiana, and the Drummond Bog, Wisconsin.
Emerging diseases in wildlife [More info]
News releases on adenovirus, West Nile Virus, foot and mouth disease, iridovirus, chronic wasting disease, and other emerging health issues in wildlife.
Endocrine Disruption [More info]
Curent research about endocrine disruption, the ability of environmental contaminants to affect reproductive and developmental processes.
Endocrine Disruption Found in Fish Exposed to Municipal Wastewater [More info]
Research findings and examples of application to real problems--cause and potential effects of wastewater on fish in streams is explored.
Energy and minerals, and environmental health [More info]
Research and assessments on mineral and energy resources, the economic and environmental effects of resource extraction and use; and on human activities that introduce chemical and pathogenic contaminants into the environment.
Environmental Affairs Program [More info]
The USGS reviews and prepares technical comments on environmental impact statements and establishes policies to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Site has links to environmental laws and regulations including NEPA.
PDF Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program Western Pilot Project - Conditions of North Dakota Perennial Streams for Water Chemistry and Mercury in Fish Tissue, 2000-2003 [More info]
Sixty-five sampling sites, selected by a statistical design to represent lengths of perennial streams in North Dakota, were chosen to be sampled for water chemistry and mercury in fish tissue to establish unbiased baseline data.
PDF Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program Western Pilot Project - Information about selected fish and macroinvertebrates sampled from North Dakota perennial streams, 2000-2003 [More info]
Sixty-five sampling sites, selected by a statistical design to represent lengths of perennial streams in North Dakota, were chosen to be sampled for fish and aquatic insects (macroinvertebrates) to establish unbiased baseline data.
PDF Environmental effects of historical mining in the Animas River watershed, southwestern Colorado [More info]
History and summary maps showing metal concentrations downstream of the mining area.
Environmental mercury mapping, modeling, and analysis [More info]
Online tools for mapping mercury data in the environment, with downloadable data from monitoring studies
Environmental studies of the World Trade Center area after the September 11, 2001 attack [More info]
Report describing the results of an interdisciplinary environmental study of the World Trade Center (WTC) area after the attack on September 11, 2001. The investigations included imaging spectroscopy mapping and laboratory analysis.
PDF Estuaries of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem: Laboratories of Long-term Change [More info]
Explains how we reconstruct past environmental conditions, especially salinity, to help guide ecosystem restoration efforts in this area.
EverView Data Viewer [More info]
Software and data to help people model the likely response of populations of organisms to various strategies that might be employed to remedy the effects of damaged ecosystems.
PDF Examination of brine contamination risk to aquatic resources from petroleum development in the Williston Basin [More info]
Wetlands and oil wells shouldn't mix, but in some areas they do. This explains what problems may arise and how we study the effects of highly salty water produced by oil wells when it leaks into nearby wetlands and streams.
Fact sheet: Coping with diseases at bird feeders [More info]
Describes four communicable diseases (salmonellosis, trichomoniasis, aspergillosis, and avian pox) that can be passed from bird to bird at bird feeders and gives eight relatively easy steps that people can take to prevent or minimize disease.
PDF February 2012 workshop jumpstarts the Mekong Fish Monitoring Network [More info]
An international workshop helps to begin collaboration on fish monitoring in southeast Asia.
Field guide to amphibian larvae and eggs of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa [More info]
Field guide to identify amphibian species from the larvae and eggs. Available to download in Adobe PDF or UMESC format.
Field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of coastal Southern California [More info]
Field guide to identify the reptiles and amphibians of coastal Southern California with glossary and map.
Field manual of wildlife diseases: general field procedures and diseases of birds [More info]
Manual listing field procedures for bird specimen collecting, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral diseases, biotoxins, chemical toxins, common and scientific names of birds, and glossary. Manual can be downloaded or viewed in PDF format.
Field methods: capture and marking of pintails [More info]
Method of tracking pintail ducks by capturing with rocket nets or swim-in traps and attaching telemetry devices that allow satellite tracking. Includes video of rocket nets.
Fire ecology research [More info]
Study of wildland fire history and fire ecology such as plants in the Sierra Nevada forests, California shrublands, the Mojave, and Sonoran deserts to develop management techniques that will reduce hazards.
Fish Health Branch, Leetown Science Center [More info]
The Fish Health Branch, Leetown Science Center, investigates fish health and disease issues associated with genetics, pathogens and environmental stress. With links to workshops, leaflets, and announcements relating for fish health.
Fish passage through dams in large temperate floodplain rivers: an annotated bibliography [More info]
Report describes an electronic database of annotated citations relevant to fish passage through dams. Document may be searched using the search form or downloaded as an Endnote, Microsoft Word, or WordPerfect
Fisheries: Aquatic and endangered resources program [More info]
This program is focused on the study of fishes, fisheries, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic habitats, and evaluates factors that affect aquatic organism health, population fitness, biological diversity, and aquatic community and habitat function.
PDF Floristic Quality Index: An assessment tool for restoration projects and monitoring sites in coastal Louisiana [More info]
Explains how we assessed the quality of a wetland as indicated by its plant species composition and abundance for marsh and swamp sites, to summarize the effectiveness of restoration projects in Louisiana.
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center [More info]
Home page of the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, providing research and technical support for ecosystem management in the western U.S. Links to projects, field stations, fact sheets, partnerships, and publications.
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center: Fact Sheets [More info]
Access to Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center fact sheets on fish, fish diseases, aquatic resources, and other projects and activities.
Forest and rangeland birds of the United States: natural history and habitat use [More info]
Catalog of bird species common to forest and rangeland habitats in the U.S. with natural histories including taxonomic information, range, and habitat descriptions to assist land managers in resource management. Text available as a *.zip file.
Fort Collins Science Center [More info]
Homepage of the Fort Collins Science Center in Colorado with links to programs in ecological research programs, staff directory, products library, news and events, and research features and spotlights.
Forum on Wildlife Telemetry - Innovations, Evaluations, and Research Needs [More info]
Papers from Forum on Wildlife Telemetry, Snowmass Village, CO, 1997 about innovations in transmitting and receiving systems, attachment techniques, collection of data using telemetry, data processing and analysis. Available as *.zip file to download.
Fragile environments: San Francisco Bay wetlands [More info]
Overview with links to studies on the effects of human activity on the San Francisco estuary with loss of historic fresh and saltwater tidal marshes reducing habitats, introducing contaminants in waste, and creating dredging problems.
Free-living and parasitic copepods (including Branchiurans) of the Laurentian Great Lakes [More info]
Manual of taxonomic keys, location, and descriptive details of free-living and parasitic copepods in the Great Lakes. Viewing requires screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or above.
Frequent arousal from hibernation linked to severity of infection and mortality in bats with white-nose syndrome [More info]
By attaching data loggers to bats, we found bats infected with white-nose syndrome awoke from hibernation more frequently, which may contribute to increased mortality.
PDF From ridge to reef--linking erosion and changing watersheds to impacts on the coral reef ecosystems of Hawai‘i and the Pacific Ocean [More info]
Explains how land processes on hills near the shoreline affect the health of coral reefs.
Galveston Bay Wetland Inventory Project [More info]
Links to reports, partners, principal investigators, maps, aerial photos, and contacts for the Galveston Bay Wetland Inventory Project.
PDF Genetic research for wildlife and fisheries management - A primer [More info]
Explains the types of genetic analysis we carry out, and how those methods help us understand biological populations so that people who manage those populations can devise effective strategies.
Genetics and genomics research [More info]
Highlights research studies involving genetics and genomics, includes a glossary of terms on the subject, a directory of scientists involved in this type of work, and description of research facilities through which USGS carries out genetic studies
Genetics and molecular tools [More info]
Describes the value of molecular biology genetic tools in enhancing the delineation of the genetic diversity and the effects of environmental degradation on living species. Links to research, which differentiated two species of sage-grouse.
Giant Canada goose flocks in the United States [More info]
Review of the size of breeding populations of Giant Canada geese by states in the Mississippi, Atlantic, Central, and Pacific flyways and the management problems caused by rapid increases of local breeding populations.
Great Lakes Science Center [More info]
Site for Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, which provides information about biological resources in the Great Lakes Basin. Links to personnel, publications, data, library, facilities, research vessels, Great Lakes issues, and research.
Great Lakes Science Center research vessels [More info]
Description of ships used for Great Lakes research by scientists at the Great Lakes Science Center.
Grizzly bear and black bear ecology [More info]
Summaries of research projects on black bear and grizzly ecology and ecosystems supporting the populations and bibliography of related publications.
Groundwater Quality in the Central Eastside San Joaquin Valley, California [More info]
Summary of a detailed study in this agricultural area.
Gulf of Mexico Estuaries Integrated Science Strategy [More info]
A white paper describing a plan for USGS research in Gulf of Mexico estuaries, developed in 2001 using Tampa Bay as an example with links to program strategy and design.
Gulf of Mexico Integrated Science [More info]
Website of the Gulf of Mexico Integrated Science program to understand the framework and processes of the Gulf of Mexico using Tampa Bay as a pilot study. Links to publications, digital library, water chemistry maps, epiphytes, and field trips.
PDF Gulf of Mexico deep-sea coral ecosystem studies, 2008-2011 [More info]
Deep-sea corals, also known as cold-water corals, have become a topic of interest due to conservation concerns over the impacts of trawling, exploration for oil and gas, and climate change.
PDF Hawaiian duck's future threatened by feral mallards [More info]
The greatest threat to the future of the Koloa maoli as a unique species is cross-breeding with the introduced Mallard duck. This type of threat is termed genetic extinction.
Historical interrelationships between population settlement and farmland in the conterminous United States, 1790 to 1992 [More info]
Chapter from Land Use History of the North America on the results of a study to understand the interactions of population growth, urbanization, and agricultural activity over time.
Historical landcover changes in the Great Lakes region [More info]
Results of a study that provides a regional vegetation history of the Great Lakes area during the last 150 years compared to the preceding 1,000 years.
History and ecology of mangroves in the Dry Tortugas [More info]
Fact sheet on the historic and current conditions of mangroves of Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of islands and coral reefs west of Key West, Florida. Mangroves and nesting frigate bird colonies are at risk to destruction by hurricanes.
History and natural history of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Links to pages on the history and natural history of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
Human Health Database [More info]
Central site providing links to USGS databases and homepages providing significant data and information on research related to human health.
Hurricane Katrina photographs August 30, 2005 [More info]
Photographic survey of the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on the barrier islands, barrier shoreline, and the Mississippi River Delta along the Louisiana coastline. Primary focus is on the ecosystems such as fish, rookeries, and seagrass beds.
Identifying predators and fates of grassland passerine nests using miniature video cameras [More info]
Description of the use of a miniature video-camera system deployed at nests of passerine species in North Dakota to videotape predation of eggs or nestlings by animals such as mice, ground squirrels, deer, cowbirds and others.
PDF Illustrated field guide for assessing external and internal anomalies in fish [More info]
Links to PDF version of the field guide.
PDF Impacts of Low-Flow and Stream-Temperature Changes on Endangered Atlantic Salmon - Current Research [More info]
Recent physical changes over time, including trends toward earlier snowmelt runoff, decreasing river ice, and increasing spring water temperatures, may affect salmon populations; we want to know how important these effects are.
Impounded river systems [More info]
Article from Status and Trends of the Nation's Biological Resources on the serious impacts to river systems due to damming and flow regulation, and rehabilitation, monitoring, and research on such rivers.
PDF Improving strategies to assess competitive effects of barred owls on northern spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest [More info]
A scientific study has determined that survey methods designed for spotted owls do not always detect barred owls that are actually present in spotted owl habitat.
PDF Integrated Science: Florida Manatees and Everglades Hydrology [More info]
Description of research and monitoring work proposed for 2008 to combine hydrologic models with manatee distribution and movement models near and within Everglades National Park.
PDF Integrating agriculture and conservation [More info]
We conducted a national landowner survey, evaluated short-term vegetation responses to land management practices (primarily grazing, haying, and burning), and initiating a long-term vegetation monitoring study for wetland buffers.
Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) [More info]
Description of research program for immediate and long-term management of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) inhabiting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Includes links to reports in PDF format and cooperating organizations.
Invasive crayfish in the Pacific Northwest [More info]
These organisms have negative effects on local ecosystems, but we don't yet know how extensively they have spread. Here is a key to help people identify them.
Invasive species program [More info]
This program provides management-oriented research and delivers information needed to prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species, and to restore impaired ecosystems.
Invasive species research [More info]
Links to research projects that will improve the ability to detect, monitor, and predict the effects of invasive species, including exotic animals, on native ecosystems of the Pacific Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona).
PDF Inventory and protection of salt marshes from risks of sea-level rise at Acadia National Park, Maine [More info]
Will salt marshes survive if sea level rises quickly? The answer depends on whether the areas surrounding them can allow salt marsh fauna and flora to migrate there. Local topography, both natural and manmade, is the main factor limiting this migration.
PDF Investigating White-Nose Syndrome in Bats [More info]
Explains the nature and history of this fungal infection that is killing large numbers of bats in the northeast US.
Is science in danger of sanctifying the wolf? [More info]
What does it mean that beneficial trophic cascades (side effects) of wolf population restoration are questioned by recent research?
PDF Lake monitoring field manual [More info]
Handbook on monitoring methods for lake management, including program design, sampling methods and protocol, biota and chemical sampling methods, laboratory methods, preservation of data and samples, glossary, and bibliography. (PDF file, 92 pp.)
Land use history of North America (LUHNA) [More info]
Report prepared with NASA on the importance of a historical context for understanding ongoing changes in land cover and land use in North America and the effect on the environment. Site contains primarily contents of a book edited by T.D. Sisk.
Landscape changes in the southwestern United States: techniques, long-term data sets, and trends [More info]
This study illustrates some approaches for reconstructing landscape change.
PDF Lead Poisoning in Wild Birds [More info]
Even though lead usage has declined due to environmental awareness and regulation, several human sources of lead continue to affect birds. Hunting ammunition and fishing gear are ingested by the birds, with toxic effects.
Leetown Science Center [More info]
Homepage for the Leetown Science Center in West Virginia conducting research on aquatic and terrestrial organisms and their supporting ecosystems with links to directions, general description, library, projects, fact sheets, and facilities.
Limber pine communities [More info]
Report on status and trends of limber pine communities with references.
PDF Macroinvertebrate and algal community sample collection methods and data collected at selected sites in the Eagle River watershed, Colorado, 2000-07 [More info]
Macroinvertebrate data collected by USGS or USFS from 73 sites from 2000 to 2007 and algal data collected from up to 26 sites between 2000 and 2001 in the Eagle River watershed, with emphasis on methods of sample collection and data processing.
Major fossil groups [More info]
Discusses how fossils can be grouped and studied by size, habitat type, and phylogenetic groups. Shows how fossil classification groups are used to solve geologic problems at the USGS.
Major occupations and qualifications [More info]
Information for students on major professions within the USGS with general descriptions of work and qualifications needed for biologists, cartographers, computer professionals, geologists and geophysicists, ecologists, and hydrologists.
Managing habitat for grassland birds: a guide for Wisconsin [More info]
Guide to identification, selection, and management of grassland habitats in Wisconsin to conserve the populations of grassland birds. Includes glossary, references, bird lists, graphs, and maps.
Maps of distribution and abundance of selected species of birds on uncultivated native upland grasslands and shrubsteppe in the northern Great Plains [More info]
Links to maps of breeding distributions of bird species on grasslands and shrublands in the northern Great Plains. Maps can also be downloaded from *.zip files in HTML format.
Maps of the distribution and occurrence of ground water quality constituents and early 1970's land use in New Jersey [More info]
Links to maps of New Jersey showing nitrate levels, pesticides, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and radium in wells and land use of the 1970s.
Marine Realms Information Bank: topic search, geographic search [More info]
Searching by geography and topics to locate scientific information about oceans, lakes, marine environments and coastal environments.
Marine nuisance species: colonial tunicates of the genus Didemnum (a sea squirt) [More info]
Occurrence, photos, and characteristics of some species of the colonial tunicate genus Didemnum, nuisance species that reproduce rapidly and foul marine habitats (including shellfish aquacultures and fishing grounds), ship's hulls, and maritime structure
Marine reserves and biological habitats: Monterey Bay, California [More info]
Brief description of the research program to inventory the natural resources of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with links to cruises, and publications and products, including an internet map server, imagery, and geologic descriptions.
Mayflies of the United States [More info]
Links to checklists and species maps showing the distribution of mayflies in the United States with links to other information websites on mayflies and reference list.
Mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystems [More info]
Fact sheet on mercury bioaccumulation and cycling in the environment. Also available in PDF format.
Mercury in stream ecosystems - publications [More info]
Publications dealing with the occurrence, methods of monitoring, and changes in the concentration of mercury within streams and nearby areas
Mercury in the environment [More info]
Fact sheet on mercury and the environment, including toxic effects, risk to people and wildlife, sources of mercury, environments where methylmercury is a problem, and mercury contamination.
PDF Microbial ecology of deep-water mid-Atlantic canyons [More info]
Plan for an upcoming study, at the microbiological scale, of the benthic communities (including corals) that reside in and around mid-Atlantic canyons, which are located at the edge of the continental shelf.
Microbiology research [More info]
Highlights scientific studies in which microbiology plays an important role; includes a listing of USGS scientists with expertise in microbiology.
Midcontinent Agricultural Chemical Research Program [More info]
Homepage for the research on occurrence, movement, flux, fate, and effects of agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, in 25 states by the Midcontinent Agricultural Chemical Research Project (MACRP) with links to study results and publications.
PDF Miscellaneous fungal diseases [More info]
Chapter of Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases on miscellaneous fungi with information on fungal skin and subcutaneous lesions or mycosis primarily in birds.
Missouri River InfoLink: a clearinghouse of Missouri River information [More info]
Portal for Missouri River Infolinks, a clearinghouse to multiple links giving Missouri information, photo gallery, river weather forecast, projects and features, maps, meetings, history, and science research.
Modeling Climate Change and Sturgeon Populations in the Missouri River [More info]
Research to address effects of climate change on sturgeon population dynamics.
PDF Molecular genetics at the Fort Collins Science Center [More info]
Working with our partners, we design and implement studies that provide the genetic information needed to address a variety of issues and problems.
Monitoring grizzly bear populations using DNA [More info]
Description of project monitoring the status of Greater Glacier National Park Area's grizzly bear and black bear populations using genetic techniques on DNA from bear hair or scats without handling bears, with photos and discussion of methods.
More than broken jars and roof tiles: the environmental legacy of a Roman mineral industry at Plasenzuela, Extremadura, Spain [More info]
Adaptation of a poster presented at Metals in Antiquity Symposium, Harvard, September 10-13, 1997.
NPElement: A database of lichen elemental concentrations in the U.S. national parks [More info]
Database providing concentration of heavy metals, nutrients, and trace elements in 75 species of lichens sampled in 43 national park units in 24 states.
NPLichen: A database of lichens in the U.S. national parks [More info]
Web interface for a database of documented occurrences of lichens in units of the U. S. National Park System. The records were obtained from the scientific literature, from National Park Service reports, and from selected herbaria.
National Water Quality Assessment urban studies portal [More info]
Multiple studies addressing urban water-quality issues, to describe biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of urban water resources over time, and relate those characteristics to natural processes and human activities
National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program [More info]
Primary homepage for the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program studying water quality in river, aquifer and coastal water basins throughout the nation. Links to reports, data, models, maps and national synthesis studies.
National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program: protocols for the analysis of algal samples collected [More info]
Summary of protocols describing procedures for laboratory analysis of algae samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA). Includes full document to be downloaded in PDF format.
National Water-Quality Assessment data warehouse [More info]
Data warehouse for national water quality program with links to chemical, biological, and physical data for water, sediment and animal tissues, nutrient, pesticide, and VOC levels, streamflow, and ground water levels from national study units.
National Wetlands Research Center [More info]
Homepage for the National Wetlands Research Center, Lafayette, Louisiana with links to general information, staff, issues and capabilities, library, publications and data.
National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) publications and research products [More info]
List of National Wetlands Research Center, Lafayette, Louisiana publications.
National Wildlife Health Center [More info]
The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) is a biomedical laboratory assessing the impact of disease on wildlife and identifying the role of various pathogens in wildlife losses. Site has links to news, programs, publications and metadata.
National Wildlife Heath Center (NHWC) publications and metadata [More info]
Links to National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) publications, metadata, manuals to download, and technical publications related to wildlife health and disease.
National analysis of trace elements in ground water, streams, stream and reservoir sediment, and fish and clam tissue across the United States [More info]
Trace elements are inorganic chemicals occurring in small amounts in nature. This web site of the National Water Quality Assessment links to U.S. data, publications, news, and other sites on trace metals, metalloids and radionuclides in water.
National assessment of mercury in aquatic ecosystems [More info]
Overview of three research programs including determining levels of mercury at selected sites in water, sediment and fish, mercury emissions into the atmosphere, and mercury cycling in the Everglades National Park, Florida.
National geologic studies of benthic habitats, northeastern United States : Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Region off Boston, Massachusetts [More info]
Geological research of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary sea floor are presented in the form of maps, posters, fact sheets, sonar images, and bottom photographs.
Natural and human drivers of biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem [More info]
This study reconstructs past interactions among ecosystem factors, native species, and human land use in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem to provide a context for future management to sustain both ecological and human communities.
Nearshore Benthic Habitat Project [More info]
Homepage for the Nearshore Benthic Habitats Project for mapping geophysical characterization of the coastal sea floor to identify benthic fish and shellfish habitat with links to research cruises and preliminary results.
New York State pesticide monitoring homepage [More info]
Data on presence and distribution of pesticides in surface and ground water of New York State.
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) [More info]
A national information resource for locating biogeographic accounts of non-indigenous aquatic species in the U.S. Provided are scientific reports, online/real-time queries, spatial data sets, regional contact lists, and general information.
Nonindigenous Plants and Animals in Florida [More info]
Brief descriptions of programs of research on aquatic nonindigenous plants and animals at the Florida Integrated Science Center with links to descriptions, videos, posters, and reports on various exotic plant and animals species.
Nonindigenous aquatic species alert system [More info]
Reports indicating locations where non-indigenous aquatic organisms have been collected. Includes RSS feed you can subscribe to.
PDF Noninvasive methods for monitoring bear population trends [More info]
We estimate population growth rates by collecting hair at natural bear rubs along trails, roads, and fence and power lines, and analyzing the DNA from the hair.
North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) [More info]
The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) is a long-term monitoring program designed to track the status and trends of frog and toad populations with links to data access, protocol, and how to volunteer as an observer.
North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) [More info]
North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a cooperative program that monitors the status and trends of North American bird populations. Includes files of results, analyses, route collection maps and raw data.
North Dakota furtakers: educational manual [More info]
Trapping education manual for the beginning or inexperienced trapper intended to provide information on North Dakota's predators and furbearing animals and the basics on how to trap them using good trapping skills and sound fur management.
Northern Appalachian Field Branch, Leetown Science Center [More info]
Description of scientific focus and research at the Northern Appalachian Field Lab on mining land use impacts and mediation, aquatic ecology, effects of dam removal, and invasive plant and animal species.
Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project [More info]
Project to assess the grizzly bear population size, trend, and survival in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) in Montana to improve the long-term survival for this threatened species. With description, DNA identification means and photos.
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Homepage for the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND, with links to announcements, science prgorams, biological resources finder, publications search option, contacts, and answers to common questions about the Center
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center [More info]
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NRMSC) based at Bozeman, Montana conducts research to help natural resources management in the Northern Rocky Mountains with field stations at West Glacier and Missoula. Links to staff, programs, and partners.
Northern prairie biological resources [More info]
Retrieval system to locate websites on publications and compilations on biological resources. Searches can be made by type, such as checklists, distribution, and regional overviews, by taxon, and by geography, including global, U.S., and Canada.
Nutrient dynamics and biochemical cycling [More info]
Briefly describes research efforts to better understand nutrient dynamics and biogeochemical cycling in ecosystems and how these properties are altered by large-scale human activities.
Ohio District's Microbiology Program [More info]
Overview of microbiology projects related to water quality investigating bacteria, viral and protozoan pathogens and indicators in the environment with links to publications, analytical and field methods, laboratory, and current projects.
Oil Pollution Impacts on Birds [More info]
A compilation of information, including reports, bibliographies, and data, on all aspects oil toxicity relevant to birds and other wildlife.
Online assessment of hydrologic conditions in Texas [More info]
Brief summaries of USGS projects in Texas including water quality monitoring, digital mapping, energy resources, U.S.-Mexico border mapping, fish and wildlife health, Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, and conditions affecting water quality.
Online guide to the continental Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary in the Raton basin, Colorado and New Mexico [More info]
Field guide describing the geology and paleontology of the continental Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary in the Raton basin, Colorado and New Mexico.
PDF Operational guidelines for geological fieldwork in areas endemic for Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) [More info]
Report giving operational guidelines that will lower the risk of coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) for individuals who work outdoors in areas where the disease is endemic.
PDF Ospreys in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest [More info]
Fact sheet in Adobe PDF about ospreys in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest
Our dynamic desert landscape [More info]
Overview of studies of fragile and active landscape of the American Southwest deserts, including projects on geologic mapping, surface processes, remote sensing research, ecological processes, and earthquake hazard applications.
Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center [More info]
Geographical isolation of the Hawaiian Islands has resulted in the evolution of endemic species unique in the world. Research at the Center aims at preventing the further extinction of these species. Links to projects, publications and other data.
Pacific Walrus Response to Arctic Sea Ice Losses [More info]
Radio-tracking indicates that walruses will exploit sparse ice to maintain access to preferred foraging areas over the continental shelf.
Paleontological analyses [More info]
Links to USGS capabilities in paleontological analyses of fossils such as mollusks, diatoms, palynomorphs, ostracodes, calcareous nannofossils, etc. Includes descriptive information, technique, equipment, and contacts for each fossil group.
Parking-lot sealcoat: A major source of PAHs in urban and suburban environments [More info]
Explanation of chemical contaminants released into aquatic environments by popular sealcoating compounds used in parking lots, with frequently-asked questions, links, and contact information.
Pathways of metal transfer from mineralized sources to bioreceptors [More info]
A synthesis of the Mineral Resources Program's past and future research directions in the western U.S. on metal contamination due to mineral deposits and mining and the environmental effects on living organisms. Chapters 1, 4, and 6 as PDF files.
Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter [More info]
A presentation of bird photographs, songs, identification tips, distribution maps, and life history information for North American birds, and a forum for commentary and discussion on birds.
Patuxent Fact Sheets [More info]
Access to Patuxent Wildlife Research Center fact sheets (PDFs) providing summaries of center studies on coastal ecosystems, birds, amphibians, taxonomy and other subjects and on center activities including partners and volunteer program.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Core web page from America's first wildlife experiment station and a leading wildlife management refuge, the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland with links to projects, publications, library, contacts, and how to get there.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center monitoring projects [More info]
Biomonitoring projects studying the status and trends of the nation's environmental resources and programs studying amphibians and birds. Links to long-term programs, resources and references, and related links.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center software archive [More info]
Programs developed at Patuxent Research Center (PWRC) and elsewhere for the analysis of animal populations for wildlife biologists and managers with downloadable software, source, and users' manuals.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center: Populations [More info]
Descriptions of projects and resources on wildlife population ecology at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center with links to research activities, long-term programs, and resources and references.
Patuxent bird population studies [More info]
Links to ornithology programs at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, including large scale survey analysis of bird populations, research tools, datasets and analyses, bird identification, and seasonal bird lists.
Patuxent plant list and herbarium collection [More info]
List of plant specimens and photo gallery of plants in the collection of the herbarium at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, a reference collection of plants occurring in the area lying between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.
Patuxent's effects of ecological processes and human impacts on biological resources--invasive species [More info]
List and brief abstracts on research projects on invasive species, the ecology of introduced species, and developing management strategies at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
Pautuxent Wildlife Research Center - Wetlands and other communities [More info]
List and brief abstracts on projects at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center researching wetland ecology and ecosystem management in Eastern United States.
Pesticides in Midwestern rivers, 1989-2002 [More info]
Overview of aspects of research on pesticides and herbicides in Midwestern rivers with collection of data, results over a period of time, online publications, and bibliography.
PDF Phage therapy for Florida corals? [More info]
Explains how some diseases affecting corals might be countered by viruses that infect disease-causing bacteria.
Photographs of the Picher Mining District (Ottawa County, Oklahoma) [More info]
Description and photos related to the Picher Mining District in Oklahoma, once a primary U.S. source of lead and zinc and now the largest superfund site in the U.S. with millions of cubic yards of mine tailings (locally known as "chat") remaining.
PDF Plague [More info]
History, pathology, and prospects for this historic disease that is still prevalent in animals and remains a threat to humans.
Platte River Program, a USGS Place-Based Studies Program [More info]
Site for the Platte River Program in Nebraska an area that is a critical staging area for migratory waterbirds of the Central Flyway. Includes links to color-infrared aerial photos, 1938 historic aerial photos, and Cottonwood Ranch research site.
Polar Bear research at the Alaska Science Center [More info]
Ecological studies of polar bears including population dynamics, dependence on sea ice, and tracking methods.
Polar bear and walrus response to the rapid decline in Arctic sea ice [More info]
The Arctic is warming faster than other regions of the world due to positive climate feedbacks associated with loss of snow and ice. The USGS has modeled the future responses of polar bear and Pacific walrus populations to this environmental change.
Pollution and waste disposal [More info]
Lists priority survey areas and objectives of these programs.
Post-fire burn assessment by remote sensing on Federal lands [More info]
Remote sensing and field sampling techniques to support national assessment of burned areas
Potential effects of anthropogenic greenhouse gases on avian habitats and populations in the Northern Great Plains [More info]
Report on effects of the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide on plants and animals, especially birds, in the Great Plains including effects of carbon dioxide fertilization, ultraviolet radiation, climate change, and harmful effects on bird habitats.
PDF Prehistoric packrats piled up clues to climate change [More info]
Hoarding behavior preserved prehistoric materials we can use as clues to ancient climate and ecosystem changes.
Presettlement and contemporary vegetation patterns along two navigation reaches of the Upper Mississippi River [More info]
Study to reconstruct presettlement vegetation patterns along two navigation reaches of the Upper Mississippi.
Priority ecosystem studies initiative [More info]
Description of the priority ecosystems studies initiative with links to projects in Chesapeake Bay, Greater Yellowstone, Mojave Desert, Platte River, Salton Sea, San Francisco, and south Florida.
PDF Protecting black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs against sylvatic plague [More info]
Development of vaccines and methods to deploy them, to reduce the threat of this serious illness on the population of these wild animals.
Protecting the Nation's coral reefs [More info]
Report on problems in preserving coral reef ecosystems with links to information on the interagency U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, press releases, reports, and NOAA coral reef sites.
Radio-tracking amphibians: lessons from implant and external attachment procedures [More info]
Paper from Forum on Wildlife Telemetry, Snowmass Village, CO, 1997, describes technique for implanting radio-transmitters for tracking amphibians such as frogs with telemetry.
Raptor Information System (RIS) [More info]
The Raptor Information System (RIS) collection and bibliographic database have been transferred to The Peregrine Fund. The RIS records are being subsumed into the bibliography posted on the website of the Global Raptor Information Network (GRIN).
Recommended methods for range-wide monitoring of prairie dogs in the United States [More info]
One of the greatest challenges for conserving grassland, prairie scrub, and shrub-steppe ecosystems is maintaining prairie dog populations across the landscape. Of the four species of prairie dogs found in the United States, the Utah prairie dog (Cynomys
Recoverability and vulnerability of desert ecosystems [More info]
Research results (publications, photographs, maps) on ecological processes within the Mojave Desert Ecosystem to provide land managers with scientific understanding and tools needed to conserve and restore threatened desert landscapes.
PDF Red-Rimmed Melania (Melanoides tuberculatus) - A Snail in Biscayne National Park, Florida - Harmful Invader or Just a Nuisance? [More info]
Explains how this potentially harmful invasive species arrived, why we are concerned, where in the area it is found, what environmental factors control its spread, and what might be done in response.
PDF Regional climate change--Science in the Southeast [More info]
Research projects intended to create regional and national data that conform to conditions predicted by general circulation models, so that land and wildlife managers can understand the likely consequences of climatic changes in their areas of study.
PDF Relations among geology, physiography, land use, and stream habitat conditions in the Buffalo and Current River systems, Missouri and Arkansas [More info]
Resources for banders [More info]
Links to bird banding manual, banding associations, equipment and suppliers, bibliography, band size lookup, recapture database, bander services, aging and sexing birds, longevity records, Canadian atlas of bird banding and other resources.
Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory [More info]
The Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory conducts research on the use of isotope ratio measurements in studies of water resources and environmental quality.
River corridor habitat dynamics, Lower Missouri River [More info]
Detailed description of The Lower Missouri River Corridor Habitat Dynamics Project studying river habitat in a heavily engineered river.
River inventory and monitoring [More info]
Links to science programs on upper Midwest river inventory and monitoring with links to databases on macroinvertebrates, fisheries, vegetation, water quality, bathymetry, floodplain forest, wildlife, sediment, contaminants and nutrients.
River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics, Lower Missouri River [More info]
Changes in the channel of the river to support commercial use have affected river-corridor habitats and diminished populations of native fish and wildlife; this study seeks to understand those changes to help local resource managers.
PDF SAGEMAP: a web-based spatial dataset for sage grouse and sagebrush steppe management in the Intermountain West [More info]
Links to fact sheet describing the database of spatial information on sage grouse and sagebrush habitats.
Sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.): a literature review [More info]
Literature review of sago pondweed, a submersed angiosperm that attracts waterfowl, but is also a nuisance plant that clogs irrigation systems. Includes classification, distribution, habitat, physiology, management, and economics.
Salvinia molesta, Salvinia weevil, Salvinia minima [More info]
Life history and identification of Salvinia species, a floating, rootless tree fern and a noxious aquatic weed. Site includes posters, instructions on submitting sightings, how to subscribe to a listserv on the weed, and a bibliography.
PDF Satellite tracking and geospatial analysis of feral swine and their habitat use in Louisiana and Mississippi [More info]
Invasive pigs first introduced to the continental United States in the 1500s by European explorers. Using tracking collars, we have begun to discover where these troublesome animals go.
Savanna restoration bibliography [More info]
A searchable, living bibliography on the subject of savannas and their restoration.
PDF Science challenge questions and answers [More info]
Report giving a collection of 196 questions and answers on Earth and planetary sciences, such as volcanoes, earthquakes, hydrology, cartography, biology, and minerals for general audiences. Also information on obtaining an audio-CD copy.
Science education and USGS [More info]
Information for students and teacher or for anyone curious about natural science. Includes project ideas, homework help, lesson plans, careers, and fun activities.
Scientists discover analog for extraterrestrial life in Idaho Hot Springs [More info]
Report on a community of microscopic organisms, Archaea, found deep in an Idaho hot spring living on hydrogen and carbon dioxide that could possibly exist on other planets. Includes links to related studies, investigators, and microbiology.
Scientists in action! [More info]
Website with brief articles on careers in the natural sciences with examples of work of USGS scientists from responding to disasters, studying national parks, sampling the ocean floor, and protecting wildlife.
Sea otter research at Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) [More info]
Webpage on research on sea otters (Euhydra lutris) in the nearshore environment of the eastern Pacific Ocean with information on status of otters on the coast of Alaska, Washington, and California and link to fact sheet in PDF format.
Seasonal Flux and Assemblage Composition of Planktic Foraminifera from the Northern Gulf of Mexico, 2008-2009 [More info]
The U.S. Geological Survey established a sediment trap in the northern Gulf of Mexico to collect time-series data on the flux and assemblage composition of live planktic foraminifers. This report provides an update of the 2008 time-series data to include
PDF Selenium and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in the benthic clam Corbula amurensis from Northern San Francisco Bay, California: May 1995-February 2010 [More info]
Monthly selenium concentration in this keystone species shows strong spatial and seasonal variation in a five-year series of analyses.
PDF Shoreline surveys of oil-impacted marsh in southern Louisiana, July to August 2010 [More info]
Locations of survey points, a photographic record of each site, field observations of vegetation cover and descriptions of oil coverage in the water and on plants, including measurements of the distance of oil penetration from the shoreline.
Social science in natural resource management [More info]
Describes how social scientists and natural resource managers work together to develop cooperation and public help in solving complex natural resource issues. Links to the use of public surveys in a project for black-tailed prairie dog management.
South Florida Ecosystem History Project [More info]
Project is designed to integrate studies from a number of researchers compiling data from terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems within south Florida. Links to publications, maps, posters, and data of studies.
South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) [More info]
Portal of the South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) system providing multiple links to projects, products, information, and data for research, decision-making, and resource management of the South Florida ecosystem restoration effort.
South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) data exchange [More info]
Provides links to the data, models and maps on the biology, ecology, geology, mapping, hydrology, and chemistry of research studies in southern Florida.
South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) projects by region [More info]
Listing of South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) projects by region
South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) projects by topic [More info]
Links to explore South Florida and the Everglades ecosystem projects arranged by topic and subtopic, including proposals, project summaries, scopes of work, work plans, publications, and contacts.
South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) publications [More info]
A variety of publications including fact sheets, open file reports, circulars, and posters, are available on the South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) site.
South Florida Restoration Science Forum [More info]
Discussions and posters about agriculture, ecology, hydrology, ecosystems, and resource management efforts in south Florida.
South Florida Restoration Science Forum: Invasive exotic species [More info]
Posters on the distribution and control of nonindigenous species introduced into southern Florida.
South Florida Virtual Tour [More info]
A pictorial overview for general audiences of key landscapes and ecosystems in South Florida; includes extensive references and links to past and current research activities relating to the South Florida ecosystem restoration effort.
Southeast Ecological Science Center [More info]
Science center in Florida focusing on amphibians and reptiles, coastal ecology, contaminants and ecotoxicology, imperiled fish, manatees, and invasive species
Southeast Ecological Science Center - Welcome to the kid's corner [More info]
Children's website on southern Florida aquatic biology with short movie clips of amphibians, games & puzzles, wildlife pictures, teacher resources, and more.
Southeast Ecological Science Center - poster presentations [More info]
Poster presentations related to Greater Everglades, marine and coral studies, ecotoxicology, manatees, coastal ecology, nonindigenous aquatic species, coastal ecology, freshwater fisheries, and herpetology.
Southeastern Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative [More info]
Overview of the Southeastern Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative, annual report, field methods and protocols, statistical design and analysis, glossary, projects, and lists of frogs, toads and salamanders.
Southern Appalachian Research Branch, Leetown Science Center [More info]
Cooperative research in the biological, geophysical, and social sciences with emphasis on upland ecosystems in the southern Appalachian highlands.
PDF Southwest Caves Reveal New Forms of Life [More info]
These lightless and nutrient-poor natural systems are home to life forms found nowhere else on Earth. Three new genera and at least 15 new species have been discovered here.
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center [More info]
Research with a primary focus on coastal and marine environments and societal implications of natural hazards, resource sustainability, and environmental change.
Standardized National Vegetation Classification System [More info]
Document on the National Vegetation Classification Standard with information on applications, background, development, characteristics, nomenclature standards, relationship to other classifications, and how to do vegetation mapping.
PDF Status and Trends of Resources Below Glen Canyon Dam Update - 2009 [More info]
Summary of changes to water quality, sediment, aquatic food, native fish, riparian vegetation, and archeological, cultural, and recreational sites since the previous assessment.
PDF Status and Trends of the Grand Canyon Population of Humpback Chub [More info]
The number of adult humpback chub--fish 4 years old and older and capable of reproduction--increased approximately 50 percent between 2001 and 2008.
Status and trends of biological resources [More info]
Description of the Status and Trends program, which monitors the abundance, distribution, productivity, and health of the Nation's living resources, detecting and evaluating changes in these variables over time.
Status and trends of the Nation's biological resources [More info]
This report is major publication on national biological resources that compiles and presents status and trends information for use by resource managers and the public. Presents detail information on ecosystems, plants, and animals.
Stoneflies of the United States [More info]
Links to checklists and species maps showing the distribution of stoneflies in the United States with links to other information websites on stoneflies and reference list.
PDF Streamflow characteristics and benthic invertebrate assemblages in streams across the western United States [More info]
Change in streams accompanying land and water use may affect benthic invertebrate assemblage composition and structure through changes in density of invertebrates or taxa richness, the number of different species living in the stream.
Student employment in the U.S. Geological Survey [More info]
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers diverse employment opportunities for students in biology, hydrology, computer science, cartography, geology, and other fields. Site provides links to student programs and how to apply.
PDF Studies and trends of selected inland lakes of the Great Lakes Cluster National Parks [More info]
Report on the status of the biota and ecological factors of the inland lakes of the Great Lakes Cluster Parks: Indiana Dunes, Sleeping Bear Dunes,and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores and Isle Royale and Voyageurs National Parks. (PDF file, 321 p.)
Studies of polluted sediment offshore Los Angeles [More info]
Overview of studies of marine sediment on the continental shelf south of Los Angeles contaminated with DDT and PCBs from past sewage effluent discharges with links to research on Santa Monica Bay, Los Angeles Shelf and Palos Verdes Peninsula.
PDF Sturgeon research update: Confirmed pallid sturgeon spawning in the Missouri River in 2007 [More info]
Combined with supporting research in reproductive physiology, identification of spawning habitat, and early life history this result provides new understanding of environmental factors that might affect reproduction of this endangered species.
PDF Summary and analysis of the U.S. government bat banding program [More info]
Analysis of the program with a detailed study of the best collection of data available from it. Includes recommendations for future studies of bats.
Summary report of nonindigenous aquatic species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 [More info]
Report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with descriptions of exotic aquatic species introduced in the southeast United States with information on populations, geographic distribution, and origins.
PDF Surveillance for asian H5N1 avian influenza in the United States [More info]
General description of US government efforts to monitor the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild migratory birds.
Survival of adult female northern pintails in Sacramento Valley, California [More info]
Report on the population of northern pintails between 1979 and the 1990s in Sacramento Valley, California, including methods of study including radio telemetry, causes of mortality, morphometrics, survival rates, and management implications.
PDF Sylvatic plague vaccine and management of prairie dogs [More info]
Disease is threatening these previously abundant rodents. We have developed a vaccine that can be delivered using oral baits; our work now shifts to optimizing the distribution of the vaccine.
Tadpoles of the United States and Canada: a tutorial and key [More info]
Key and tutorial to identify species of tadpoles from North America with color photographs.
PDF Taking the Pulse of a River System: Research on the Upper Mississippi River System [More info]
Short summaries of long-term research projects concerning the biological health of this section of the Mississippi river.
Tampa Bay Study [More info]
Overview of interdisciplinary research on the Tampa Bay estuary of the Gulf of Mexico with links to digital library, interactive mapping, reports, posters, water chemistry maps, meetings and conferences, scientist directory, and field trips.
Tampa Bay estuary digital library [More info]
Database entry page to search keywords and product type (document, map, data, metadata, photos, video, animation, aerial photo) for information on the Tampa Bay estuary and related research studies.
PDF Terrestrial essential climate variables (ECVs) at a glance [More info]
Explains 16 distinct types of scientific information that are needed to understand climate change, including the specific parameters measured, why they are needed, who measures them, and the type and amount of information that are not yet available.
Terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems program [More info]
Program studies focus on understanding the factors which control ecosystem structure, function, condition, and the provision of goods and services.
The Baltimore-Washington Regional Collaboratory Land-Use History Research Program [More info]
A description of research activities of the Baltimore-Washington Regional Collaboratory urban growth in the Chesapeake region.
The Columbia River Research Laboratory [More info]
Describes the research carried out here, with special emphasis on fish and the people and equipment used to study them.
PDF The Midwest Stream Quality Assessment [More info]
Upcoming interagency study to assess status of ecological conditions, their relationships with contaminants and nutrients, anthropogenic factors affecting these, and develop models that may predict these ecological conditions.
PDF The National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program [More info]
Concerted effort to monitor, analyze, and record sightings of non-native (introduced) aquatic species throughout the United States. Explains characteristics of the database that is compiled by this program.
The Pallid Sturgeon: Scientific Investigations Help Understand Recovery Needs [More info]
Studies to examine the linkages among flow regime, re-engineered channel morphology, and reproductive success and survival of this endangered species.
PDF The Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium [More info]
Palmyra Atoll in the tropical Pacific is a "living laboratory" for multi-disciplinary research on coral reef ecosystems, insular terrestrial ecosystems, climate change, and the lingering effects of Cold War nuclear testing.
The South Florida environment-- a region under stress [More info]
This report serves as an environmental review and framework for developing USGS programs in the south Florida ecosystem, especially the Everglades and its watershed, and stresses the critical role of water in natural and human environment.
The U.S. Geological Survey Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative-2011 Annual Update [More info]
Amphibians are declining throughout the US. Here we explain how we monitor amphibians and why, along with some of the results we have obtained.
The U.S. Geological Survey and the Chesapeake Bay - the role of science in environmental restoration [More info]
Summary of a circular on USGS environmental research and Chesapeake Bay with links to full document. Includes discussion of the problems of the estuary, restoration efforts, water quality, and effects on ecosystem.
PDF The USA National Phenology Network; taking the pulse of our planet [More info]
Explains what phenology is, how it can help people, and how people can get involved in developing this type of data.
The Virtual Fish: Semipermeable Membrane Device (SPMD) basics [More info]
Paper by Duane Chapman for the 6th International SPMD Workshop and Symposium on a semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) measures contaminants in water by mimicking the parts of fish that cause concentration of specific chemicals in fish tissues.
PDF The avian influenza H5N1 threat [More info]
Describes highly pathogenic avian influenza and explains why this wildlife disease is of concern to health scientists and the public. Diagram shows potential pathways by which the disease could be transmitted to other animals, including humans.
The carbon cycle in lakes of the Upper Mississippi Basin [More info]
Summary of part of the USGS interdivisional Mississippi Basin Carbon project that will study the changes in climate and the environment through carbon cycle changes recorded in lake sediments in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
The challenges of capturing and tagging manatees along west coastal Florida [More info]
Description of method of capturing and tagging manatees in western Florida for tracking by satellite telemetry. Presented at a forum on telemetry.
PDF The effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations on early life stages of rainbow trout in the Colorado River [More info]
Complex interactions among hydrologic events initiated by people and the behaviors and characteristics of animal species (both native and introduced) lead to important scientific and management problems.
PDF The saga of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) in the northern Great Plains [More info]
Explains why this invasive plant is successful in taking over land in many northern states, and what might be done to impede its dominance.
The state of amphibians in the United States [More info]
Evidence leading us to conclude that amphibians are declining, along with explanatory factors in the environment and notes on conservation.
The whooping crane report [More info]
Report on the captive breeding program at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center to help save endangered whooping cranes. Site links to natural history information on whooping cranes, why they are endangered, cool facts on cranes, and a photo gallery.
Tiger beetles of the United States [More info]
Links to checklists and species maps showing the distribution of tiger beetles in the United States with links to photographs, other information websites on invertebrates, and reference list.
Tools for learning about birds [More info]
Links to pictures, songs and identification of birds of the United States, Canada, and Central America plus seasonal bird maps and a quiz on birds.
Toxic Substances Hydrology Program [More info]
Homepage for the Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, which provides scientific information on contaminated sites and on human and environmental health. Links to news, topical information, investigations, meetings, publications, and photos.
PDF Toxicity and bioavailability of metals in the Missouri River adjacent to a lead refinery [More info]
Report (PDF format) on an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of contaminated ground water from a metals refinery adjacent to the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska testing water and sediments for contaminants and toxicity.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) in fractured bedrock, Naval Air Warfare Center, Trenton, N.J. [More info]
Research on contamination by trichloroethylene (TCE) in fractured rock at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Trenton, N.J. with links to site description, bibliography, online reports, and findings.
PDF Two decades of research at Crater Lake [More info]
Research brief for resource managers on the ecology of Crater Lake.
U.S. - Mexico Border Environmental Health Initiative: interactive maps [More info]
Geographic and scientific information focused on health issues in the area of the US-Mexico border
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) [More info]
Homepage for the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, serving as portal to all USGS information with search options, USGS in the news, most frequently requested topics, and access to major categories of USGS information.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Western Region Kasatochi Volcano Coastal and Ocean Science [More info]
Long-term studies to better understand the effects of the eruption and the role of volcanism in structuring ecosystems in the Aleutian Islands, a volcano-dominated region with high natural resource values.
PDF U.S. Geological Survey methodology development for ecological carbon assessment and monitoring [More info]
To assess the effectiveness of ecological carbon sequestration, we plan to define ecosystem reporting units, model baseline and potential carbon sequestration, develop spatial models that simulate ecosystems, and integrate remote sensing data.
PDF U.S. Geological Survey protocol for sample collection in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Gulf of Mexico, 2010 [More info]
It is important that we collect samples consistently and properly to assure the quality of the information needed by decision makers. This report explains the procedures for sampling water, sediment, benthic invertebrates, and microorganisms.
USGS Core Science Metadata Clearinghouse [formerly National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) Metadata Clearinghouse] [More info]
The USGS Core Science Metadata Clearinghouse contains metadata records describing datasets largely focused on wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, temperature, land cover, and land stewardship.
USGS Pacific coral reefs website [More info]
Overview of research in the Hawaiian Islands and Guam to gain insight into the structure of coral reefs, to provide the basis for future monitoring, and to understand the influences of natural processes and human activities on coral reef health.
USGS Science Serves Public Health [More info]
Studies showing how human activities affect environmental and ecological health and how the quality of our environment and wildlife affects human health.
USGS Science: Addressing Our Nation's Challenges [More info]
Overview of USGS scientific goals and activities framed as responses to national and global problems.
PDF USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center--Research activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands [More info]
Explains type of information we collect and the problems we study in this area, focusing on coral reef ecosystems, ocean acidification, and sea-level change.
PDF USGS Zebra Mussel Monitoring Program for north Texas [More info]
General characteristics of this invasive freshwater mollusk, focusing on how we monitor its presence and migration through this region.
USGS activities in Nevada [More info]
Homepage for USGS projects in Nevada with links to geography, biology, geology and water projects, news items, customers, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), education, recreation, data, studies, and publications on Nevada.
USGS fact sheets [More info]
Access and listing of popular USGS publications listed by themes: resources, hazards, environment, information management, and states, and also by scientific discipline.
USGS image collections [More info]
Homepage to access a large number of photograph collections on many subjects including national parks, ecosystems, plants and animals, and geologic features.
USGS mine drainage activities [More info]
Listing of USGS research and monitoring projects on mine drainage, in order to promote cooperation and collaboration among scientists working on problems related to mining and the environment.
USGS multimedia gallery [More info]
Photographs of landscapes, earth history, waterways, wildlife, changing worlds, and earth scientists.
USGS recreation site: your science gateway for safe and vital enjoyment of the outdoors [More info]
Gateway to useful USGS websites for recreation in nature watching and exploring, boating, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, biking, and hunting, with links to maps, real-time streamflow, geology, photos, and plant and animal information.
USGS responds to Deepwater Horizon oil spill [More info]
Imagery, sampling information, and other data intended for use in assessing and remediating environmental problems related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010
USGS-National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Mapping Program [More info]
The USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program is a cooperative effort with the National Park Service (NPS) to classify, describe, and map vegetation communities in over 270 U.S. national park units with links to overview, standards, products, and applications.
USGS: Ecosystems [More info]
Homepage for the Ecosystems Mission Area of the USGS, providing links to scientific programs, organization, and special features.
PDF Understanding beach health throughout the Great Lakes-Entering a new era of investigations [More info]
People who manage recreational areas need better, more timely estimates of the likelihood that the beach and lake waters will be hazardous to human health, and which factors cause those hazards.
PDF Understanding pesticides in California's Delta [More info]
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the hub of California's water system and an important habitat for fish and wildlife. USGS research has provided resource managers and other stakeholders with a good understanding of how pesticides enter the Delta.
PDF Understanding the habitat needs of the declining western yellow-billed cuckoo [More info]
This endangered species prefers native trees in large, continuous areas of riparian habitat. Armed with this information, resource managers may identify and preserve areas favorable to this population.
PDF Unearthing Secrets of the Forest [More info]
Understanding how carbon and nutrients cycle in forests (forest biogeochemistry) is crucial for evaluating productivity, composition, diversity and change in forests.
Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (UMESC) [More info]
Homepage for Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, with links to data library, geographical search, science programs, partnerships, long-term resource monitoring program, reports and publications, and education.
PDF Using genetic research to inform imperiled and invasive species management [More info]
Describes investigative techniques focused on genetic characteristics of individuals and populations, and explains how this information helps improve existing natural populations and potentially impede invasive populations.
PDF Using observed warming to identify hazards to Mozambique maize production [More info]
Over 30 years of substantial warming, the timing of life cycle events in maize here has changed, threatening the crop yield by exposing the plant at sensitive phases in its life cycle to increased heat and drought, and lowering the weight of its grains.
Vegetation recovery after fire in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, southern Oregon [More info]
Summarizes studies that took place in this ecoregion. Some studies occurred in areas without post-fire management, and others in moderately or intensively managed areas. Some of the research also occurred immediately after a wildfire, and other work occur
Vegetation sampling and classification of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cades Cove and Mount Le Conte quadrangles): final report [More info]
Report of a pilot study to classify vegetation communities in parts of the Smoky Mountains National Park by sampling vegetation in selected areas with information on field methods and data analysis and lists of communities identified.
Volunteer for a changing world [More info]
Volunteer opportunities with U.S. Geological Survey research programs.
Walrus research at the Alaska Science Center [More info]
Review of current research on stock assessment of the Pacific walrus in the Chukchi and Bering Seas and interactions between walruses and their environment with links to walrus taxonomy, distribution, behavior, and relation to man
Waste disposal and contaminant migration in the arid Southwest: Amargosa Desert Research Site, Nevada [More info]
Links to studies at the Amargosa Desert Research Site by the USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program studying the subsurface migration and fate of contaminants in arid environments. Links to news, remediation, photos, bibliography and techniques.
Water resources of Washington State - projects/studies [More info]
List of links to USGS research and studies on the water resources of Washington, which can be searched by subject, basin and county.
Waterfowl identification in the Central Flyway [More info]
Identification manual with colored photos of species of puddle ducks, diving ducks, geese, mergansers, swans, cranes, herons, egrets, pelicans and cormorants. Also includes information on ordering print copy and downloading as *.zip file.
West Nile Virus (WNV) [More info]
National Wildlife Health Center studies the West Nile Virus to learn the current geographic extent, to understand how the virus moves between birds, mosquitoes, and humans, and to predict future movements of the virus.
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) [More info]
Links to research at the field stations of the Western Ecological Research Center with direct links to web pages for wildlife videos, satellite telemetry, fire ecology, invasive species, herpetology field guide, and coastal ecosystems.
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) - outreach [More info]
Links to highlights, news releases, and fact sheets about Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) research and activities; brief summaries of published research; you can see and listen online as WERC scientists discuss their studies.
Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) [More info]
Brief description of the Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle devoted to research on fish populations and aquatic ecosystems of the West. Links to research programs, laboratory locations, publications, and map services.
Western Fisheries Research Center - Our research: aquatic ecosystems [More info]
Links to reports of aquatic ecosystems research at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) emphasizing the understanding of ecological processes for aquatic systems, including river basins, riparian areas, wetlands, and estuaries.
Western Fisheries Research Center--Forage fish studies in Puget Sound [More info]
Human perturbations such as shoreline armoring or urban development can affect the nearshore habitats critical to these populations of small fish which support birds and larger fish.
Western lake catchment systems - Bear Lake region, Idaho-Utah [More info]
Homepage for project on Bear Lake, Idaho-Utah, to study past climate change and effect on lake catchment basins. Includes link to summary, personnel, geology, methods used including coring and seismic surveying, and publications.
Wetland restoration bibliography [More info]
This bibliography is intended to provide scientists, managers, educational institutions (or students), and policy-makers with online access to current information on wetland restoration.
Wetlands Ecology Branch, National Wetlands Research Center [More info]
Information on the NWRC Wetlands Ecology Branch, which conducts research related to sustainable management and restoration of the nation's coastal saltwater wetlands, freshwater wetlands, submerged aquatic ecosystems, and coastal prairie.
What's new at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Maryland) [More info]
Links to news articles on scientific activities at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, located in Maryland, north of Washington DC.
White Sturgeon Passage at The Dalles Dam [More info]
Upstream and downstream passage of white sturgeon at dams on the Columbia River.
PDF White-nose syndrome in bats: U.S. Geological Survey updates [More info]
Summary of current knowledge of this increasing problem, emphasizing recent USGS research on the issues surrounding it.
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