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Science

The New York Water Science Center conducts research and investigations to provide the scientific knowledge that engineers, planners and managers can used to make informed water-resources decisions. 

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Coastal Science

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Ecosystem Health

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Geophysics

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Geospatial Applications

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Groundwater and Streamflow Information

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Laboratory

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Water Quality

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Water Use and Availability Science

FAQs

What is the role of the USGS in responding to hurricanes?

The USGS creates detailed maps of our Nation’s shorelines, dunes, and coastal cliffs, and studies how storm processes impact our coastlines. This information is used to predict and map coastal vulnerability to changes caused by major storms, long-term shoreline erosion, sea-level rise, and sea cliff erosion. One example is the USGS Total Water Level and Coastal Change Forecast Viewer, which uses...

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What is the role of the USGS in responding to hurricanes?

The USGS creates detailed maps of our Nation’s shorelines, dunes, and coastal cliffs, and studies how storm processes impact our coastlines. This information is used to predict and map coastal vulnerability to changes caused by major storms, long-term shoreline erosion, sea-level rise, and sea cliff erosion. One example is the USGS Total Water Level and Coastal Change Forecast Viewer, which uses...

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Why is elevation data so important to forecasting hurricane impact?

The fundamental lesson of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (and prior catastrophic storms and hurricanes) was that storm vulnerability is first and foremost a consequence of elevation. The height at which infrastructure, resources, and communities sit in relation to average tides and water levels, storm waves, surge, and flood waters determines their exposure to overwhelmingly powerful damaging forces...

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Why is elevation data so important to forecasting hurricane impact?

The fundamental lesson of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (and prior catastrophic storms and hurricanes) was that storm vulnerability is first and foremost a consequence of elevation. The height at which infrastructure, resources, and communities sit in relation to average tides and water levels, storm waves, surge, and flood waters determines their exposure to overwhelmingly powerful damaging forces...

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Education

World Water Monitoring Day

Adopted by Water Environment Federation (WEF) in July 2006, World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is an international outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world. Held annually between September 18 and October 18, the program engages communities in monitoring the condition of local rivers, streams, estuaries and other water bodies. Since its inception in 2002, more than 80,000 people have participated in 50 countries.

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World Water Monitoring Day

Adopted by Water Environment Federation (WEF) in July 2006, World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is an international outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world. Held annually between September 18 and October 18, the program engages communities in monitoring the condition of local rivers, streams, estuaries and other water bodies. Since its inception in 2002, more than 80,000 people have participated in 50 countries.

Learn More

Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, training workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state and national tournaments. The USGS partners with the Groundwater Foundation and other agencies and organizations to help make Science Olympiad events possible. The NYWSC has coached students in the Awesome Aquifer activity at the middle school regional competition.

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Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, training workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state and national tournaments. The USGS partners with the Groundwater Foundation and other agencies and organizations to help make Science Olympiad events possible. The NYWSC has coached students in the Awesome Aquifer activity at the middle school regional competition.

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Earth Smart

The New York Water Science Center has developed a collection of Earth Science materials available on loan for use by teachers and adults within the Albany Capital District. A brief list of items available for loan includes the ground water model; rock, fossil, mineral, and sand collections; landform display, water cycle model, contour mapping tools; a variety of books, posters, videos, and maps. Email askny@usgs.gov for more details if interested.

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Earth Smart

The New York Water Science Center has developed a collection of Earth Science materials available on loan for use by teachers and adults within the Albany Capital District. A brief list of items available for loan includes the ground water model; rock, fossil, mineral, and sand collections; landform display, water cycle model, contour mapping tools; a variety of books, posters, videos, and maps. Email askny@usgs.gov for more details if interested.

Learn More