USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists document the early phases of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. On the left, a geologist photographs the activity while a geologist on the right uses the laser rangefinder to measure the length of the fissure and height of the fountains. USGS image by C. Sealing.
How do I get USGS data?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides data on many different science topics. Most of it can be downloaded for free from our website. Our Science Data Catalog is a good starting point. Also try using your browser's search engine and including the keyword "usgs.gov".
If you are looking for a particular data set and cannot find it through Internet searches or our Science Data Catalog, please call USGS Science Information Services toll-free at 1-888-392-8545 or use this website to send us a message or to initiate a live Web chat with a Science Information Specialist.
Related Content
Does the USGS have science libraries?
The USGS has the largest earth science library in the world . The Libraries Program includes central libraries in Reston, Virginia and Denver, Colorado along with small, topic-specific libraries in science centers scattered around the country. For assistance with library resources, send an email to library@usgs.gov or call 703-648-4301. Holdings and services at science center libraries tend to...
How do I find a USGS news release?
The easiest way to find USGS news releases is to select " News " in the top navigation menu on our home page . You can also subscribe to our news through RSS feeds and social media outlets . A quick way to find news releases on specific topics is to put a keyword in the search box that's at the top of most USGS websites, then select the "News" filter at the top of the search results. Learn more...
Can I visit a USGS office?
Very few USGS offices are set up to accommodate visitors. Before stopping by a USGS office, you should check their website or call ahead to make sure that visitors are welcome. There are USGS offices in each state. Members of the public are welcome to use libraries that are located at some USGS offices , but materials can only be checked out through Interlibrary Loan. Please note that most of our...
Where are USGS offices located?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has offices in every state . Our headquarters is located in Reston, Virginia. For assistance finding or contacting a specific USGS office, contact USGS Science Information Services by phone, email, or Web chat .
How do I contact the USGS?
For general science inquiries, call 1-888-392-8545. You can also use this website to send us a message or to initiate a live Web chat with a USGS Science Information Specialist. For questions on the distribution of federal park passes, maps, books and other science products, or the status of existing orders, call 1-888-275-8747 or visit the USGS Store website. Most of our employees are listed in...
June 3, 2024 — Geologists collecting data from the Kīlauea eruption
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists document the early phases of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. On the left, a geologist photographs the activity while a geologist on the right uses the laser rangefinder to measure the length of the fissure and height of the fountains. USGS image by C. Sealing.
Explore the Risk PFAS is in Local Tap Water
U.S. Geological Survey scientists created an interactive map to help the public better understand their risk of exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” This interactive tool allows you to view data from a recently published USGS study on PFAS in tap water as well as learn where known PFAS sources are near your community.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists created an interactive map to help the public better understand their risk of exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” This interactive tool allows you to view data from a recently published USGS study on PFAS in tap water as well as learn where known PFAS sources are near your community.
Karli Rogers collecting gage height data
This photo shows Karli Rogers gathering gage height data to support research on a headwater stream gage in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
This photo shows Karli Rogers gathering gage height data to support research on a headwater stream gage in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Scientist collecting data after the Oso landslide
USGS scientist, Mark Reid, in front of the exact place where the main body of the landslide, composed of glacial lacustrine clay, overrode the liquified alluvium of the river valley.
USGS scientist, Mark Reid, in front of the exact place where the main body of the landslide, composed of glacial lacustrine clay, overrode the liquified alluvium of the river valley.
Browsing the ScienceBase Catalog
Instructional tutorial showing methods to access and navigate information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.
Instructional tutorial showing methods to access and navigate information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.
Searching the ScienceBase Catalog
Instructional tutorial showing methods to search for information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.
Instructional tutorial showing methods to search for information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.
Related Content
Does the USGS have science libraries?
The USGS has the largest earth science library in the world . The Libraries Program includes central libraries in Reston, Virginia and Denver, Colorado along with small, topic-specific libraries in science centers scattered around the country. For assistance with library resources, send an email to library@usgs.gov or call 703-648-4301. Holdings and services at science center libraries tend to...
How do I find a USGS news release?
The easiest way to find USGS news releases is to select " News " in the top navigation menu on our home page . You can also subscribe to our news through RSS feeds and social media outlets . A quick way to find news releases on specific topics is to put a keyword in the search box that's at the top of most USGS websites, then select the "News" filter at the top of the search results. Learn more...
Can I visit a USGS office?
Very few USGS offices are set up to accommodate visitors. Before stopping by a USGS office, you should check their website or call ahead to make sure that visitors are welcome. There are USGS offices in each state. Members of the public are welcome to use libraries that are located at some USGS offices , but materials can only be checked out through Interlibrary Loan. Please note that most of our...
Where are USGS offices located?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has offices in every state . Our headquarters is located in Reston, Virginia. For assistance finding or contacting a specific USGS office, contact USGS Science Information Services by phone, email, or Web chat .
How do I contact the USGS?
For general science inquiries, call 1-888-392-8545. You can also use this website to send us a message or to initiate a live Web chat with a USGS Science Information Specialist. For questions on the distribution of federal park passes, maps, books and other science products, or the status of existing orders, call 1-888-275-8747 or visit the USGS Store website. Most of our employees are listed in...
June 3, 2024 — Geologists collecting data from the Kīlauea eruption
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists document the early phases of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. On the left, a geologist photographs the activity while a geologist on the right uses the laser rangefinder to measure the length of the fissure and height of the fountains. USGS image by C. Sealing.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists document the early phases of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. On the left, a geologist photographs the activity while a geologist on the right uses the laser rangefinder to measure the length of the fissure and height of the fountains. USGS image by C. Sealing.
Explore the Risk PFAS is in Local Tap Water
U.S. Geological Survey scientists created an interactive map to help the public better understand their risk of exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” This interactive tool allows you to view data from a recently published USGS study on PFAS in tap water as well as learn where known PFAS sources are near your community.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists created an interactive map to help the public better understand their risk of exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” This interactive tool allows you to view data from a recently published USGS study on PFAS in tap water as well as learn where known PFAS sources are near your community.
Karli Rogers collecting gage height data
This photo shows Karli Rogers gathering gage height data to support research on a headwater stream gage in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
This photo shows Karli Rogers gathering gage height data to support research on a headwater stream gage in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Scientist collecting data after the Oso landslide
USGS scientist, Mark Reid, in front of the exact place where the main body of the landslide, composed of glacial lacustrine clay, overrode the liquified alluvium of the river valley.
USGS scientist, Mark Reid, in front of the exact place where the main body of the landslide, composed of glacial lacustrine clay, overrode the liquified alluvium of the river valley.
Browsing the ScienceBase Catalog
Instructional tutorial showing methods to access and navigate information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.
Instructional tutorial showing methods to access and navigate information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.
Searching the ScienceBase Catalog
Instructional tutorial showing methods to search for information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.
Instructional tutorial showing methods to search for information records in the ScienceBase Catalog.