The USGS Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center provides reliable hydrologic and water-related ecological information to aid in the understanding of the use and management of water resources in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and the Nation.
Super Gages
Super gages provide real-time data specifically designed to improve the understanding of watershed processes and address specific water-resource issues such as climate and land-use effects, water-related human health issues, floods and droughts.
Harmful Algal blooms
Large quantities of cyanobacteria can create harmful algal blooms (HABs). In addition to ruining the natural beauty of lakes and streams, HABs can be toxic to humans, wildlife, and aquatic organisms.
Advanced Technologies
Our modern and innovative science applications are the foundation for our leading-edge research. This piece of equipment is termed an "underwater autonomous vehicle" (UAV).
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...