Videos

The USGS and D.C.’s DOEE have been working together to monitor water quality in the Anacostia, in support of the District's goal of expanding access to the water for local communities. DOEE relies on data and continuous monitoring from USGS to support important decisions about public safety and the accessibility of the area’s natural resources.

The USGS and D.C.’s DOEE have been working together to monitor water quality in the Anacostia, in support of the District's goal of expanding access to the water for local communities. DOEE relies on data and continuous monitoring from USGS to support important decisions about public safety and the accessibility of the area’s natural resources.

Discover what a career in science with the U.S. Geological Survey looks like. The Maryland-Delaware-DC Water Science Center is home to skilled scientists of many disciplines: hydrologists, geomorphologists, geographers, data scientists, statisticians, biologists, technicians, and more. You name it, we need it.

Westernport, Maryland was one of the hardest hit towns during the mid-May flooding in Western Maryland, where Georges Creek flooded an elementary school in Westernport, MD, prompting the emergency rescue of schoolchildren.

Did you know the USGS is involved in understanding how PFAS travel through the environment?

Are you afraid of the dark?

Not this scientist. He is using a special technique to examine sediment samples that can help scientists study historical hurricanes.

It’s the final checkpoint…

As the largest river flowing into the nation's largest freshwater estuary, the Susquehanna River plays an important role in the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.

On a fair sunny day in March, hydrologic technician Michael Brownley makes his way up the metal rung ladder to a platform. From there he beards a cableway, no bigger than a twin-sized bed. Luckily, he’s the only one aboard the cableway, space is tight as it is.

As a USGS hydrologic technician Kelly McVicker explains, we collect water-quality samples with an attention to detail.

Why care about water quality? Because it holds the clues to the health of the stream or river.

Our scientists are keen on understanding the impact that urban and suburban developments can have on stream habitats.

The Potomac River Supplies drinking water for Washington D.C., so it’s important for us to understand what’s going on in the river.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, have developed a GIS-based hydraulic modeling tool for Massachusetts stream crossing replacement projects.

The USGS is home to many kinds of scientists studying the earth’s hydrology, topography, geography, geology, seismology, volcanology, and more. 

In this video, we show you what a day is like for scientists studying a stream’s habitability. 

This video is an introduction of the USGS Northeast Region's science efforts to support society's evolving needs through its engaged and diverse workforce.

This video is an introduction of the USGS Northeast Region's science efforts to support society's evolving needs through its engaged and skilled workforce.

This video is an introduction of the USGS Northeast Region's science efforts to support society's evolving needs through its engaged and skilled workforce.

Groundwater that drains to surface water through seeps and springs is generally referred to as “discharge.” Groundwater discharge is a primary component of stream base flow, or streamflow that occurs between storms, periods of snowmelt runoff, and periods of quick soil drainage. 

Groundwater that drains to surface water through seeps and springs is generally referred to as “discharge.” Groundwater discharge is a primary component of stream base flow, or streamflow that occurs between storms, periods of snowmelt runoff, and periods of quick soil drainage. 

A video detailing the roles and responsibilities of the USGS's Maryland-Delaware-D.C., Baltimore Surface Water team.

A video detailing the roles and responsibilities of the USGS's Maryland-Delaware-D.C., Baltimore Surface Water team.

Flow is a critical variable in streams since it affects aquatic and riparian biological communities and human uses of water (i.e., recreation, public water supply, etc.). Flow regimes are changing due to anthropogenic (e.g., water withdrawals) and natural impacts (e.g., extreme weather events).