The Nevada Water Science Center is planning for the future by developing new approaches and innovative ways to meet the critical need for sound, objective scientific information. The questions asked by policy makers are more complex than in the past and typically involve more than one area of scientific expertise. Our scientific expertise is grouped into the science themes below.
Aquifer Data, Analyses, and Aquifer-Test Reports
Search aquifer tests from Nevada, California, and Idaho through the Aquifer Test map interface and download aquifer test files.
Evapotranspiration Studies in Nevada
View and download data from completed and ongoing evapotranspiration (ET) studies in Nevada.
USGS-USDOE Cooperative Studies
We provide hydrologic, geologic, and other scientific and technical expertise to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to address environmental and scientific issues at the Nevada National Security Site and vicinity.
Science Topics
FAQs
Can you predict earthquakes?
No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future. USGS scientists can only calculate the probability that a significant earthquake will occur (shown on our hazard mapping) in a specific area within a certain number of years. An earthquake prediction must define 3 elements: 1...
Can animals predict earthquakes?
The earliest reference we have to unusual animal behavior prior to a significant earthquake is from Greece in 373 BC. Rats, weasels, snakes, and centipedes reportedly left their homes and headed for safety several days before a destructive earthquake. Anecdotal evidence abounds of animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects exhibiting strange behavior anywhere from weeks to seconds before an...
Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has naturally occurring earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven't had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up for a big one?
A temporary increase or decrease in seismicity is part of the normal fluctuation of earthquake rates. Neither an increase nor decrease worldwide is a positive indication that a large earthquake is imminent. The ComCat earthquake catalog contains an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years--not because there are more earthquakes, but because there are more seismic instruments and they are...