Science Features: Alternative Version

U.S. Geological Survey

Using Satellite Imagery for Rescue Efforts
When a natural disaster occurs, the USGS provides satellite imagery and data to partners in support of humanitarian & disaster relief efforts. Since 2000, this partnership has responded to more than 200 hazards events around the globe, including forest fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, oil spills, and flooding.

Chesapeake Check Up
The Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem is affected by many factors, from population growth to climate variability. Check out the USGS's 5-year summary of the major factors affecting the health of the Bay ecosystem and the implications for its management.

How a Bird Depends on a Crab
The fate of a long-distance migratory shorebird is linked to the eggs of a living fossil in Delaware Bay. USGS is working with partners to develop science-based management for species recovery.

Beyond a Toy: Remote-Controlled Planes For Science
The USGS will use remote-controlled, unmanned aircraft to provide more detailed and timely data about the status of natural resources and environmental conditions that would not be feasibly gathered otherwise.

Are Chemicals Worming Into the Food Chain?
Earthworms studied in agricultural fields have been found to contain organic chemicals from household products and manure, indicating that such substances are entering the food chain.

New Earthquake Hazard Maps for the Entire Country
The USGS has updated the National Seismic Hazard Maps with new estimates of how hard the ground will shake in future earthquakes. Learn more about the maps, and how they are incorporated into building codes.

Exotic Invaders
Plant species from other countries continue to invade the United States at alarming rates. Many of these exotic plants are noxious weeds, which increase fire hazards and degrade property values and wildlife habitat. Where the exotic plants come in, exotic animals will follow.

Forecasting Earthquakes in California
A 95 percent chance of a magnitude-7 earthquake? That's the 30-year outlook for California, according to a new USGS State-wide earthquake forecast.

How Climate Change Affects Coastal Communities
U.S. coastal communities, environments, and economies are vulnerable to sea-level rise and other climate change impacts. They also face challenges from population growth, coastal erosion, storms, and habitat loss. Learn how the USGS and its partners are working to address climate change impacts on our coasts.

The Power of Observation
The United States Group on Earth Observations (USGEO) is working to connect Earth observations with public health, agriculture, climate, and data management and dissemination.

Global Change Keeping Up With an Ever-Changing Planet
USGS studies the relationships among earth surface processes, ecological systems, understanding current changes in the context of prehistoric and recent earth processes, distinguishing between natural and human-influenced changes, and recognizing ecological and physical responses to changes in climate.

Facing Tomorrow's Challenges
The USGS Science Strategy is a comprehensive report to critically examine the USGS's major science goals and priorities for the coming decade. The USGS is moving forward with these strategic science directions in response to the challenges that our Nation's future faces and for the stewards of our Federal lands.

USGS Kicks Off International Polar Year
During the International Polar Year (2007-2008), USGS will be conducting research at both poles, collecting information on polar conditions and studying their interactions with and influence on oceans, the atmosphere, land masses and ecosystems to understand current and forecast future global climate.

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Page Last Modified: Wednesday, March 05, 2008