Why doesn't a drought end when it rains?
Rainfall in any form will provide some drought relief. A good analogy might be how medicine and illness relate to each other. A single dose of medicine can alleviate symptoms of illness, but it usually takes a sustained program of medication to cure an illness. Likewise, a single rainstorm will not break the drought, but it might provide temporary relief.
A light to moderate shower will probably only provide cosmetic relief; its impact is short term. Thunderstorms often produce large amounts of precipitation in a very short time, so most of the rain will run off into drainage channels and streams rather than soak into the ground.
Soaking rains are the best medicine to alleviate drought. Water that enters the soil recharges groundwater, which in turn sustains vegetation and feeds streams during periods of no rain. A single soaking rain will provide lasting relief from drought conditions, but multiple such rains over several months might be required to break a drought and return conditions to within the normal range.
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What are the long-term effects of climate change?
Scientists have predicted that long-term effects of climate change will include a decrease in sea ice and an increase in permafrost thawing, an increase in heat waves and heavy precipitation, and decreased water resources in semi-arid regions. Below are some of the regional impacts of global change forecast by the Intergovernmental Panel on...
How can climate change affect natural disasters?
With increasing global surface temperatures the possibility of more droughts and increased intensity of storms will likely occur. As more water vapor is evaporated into the atmosphere it becomes fuel for more powerful storms to develop. More heat in the atmosphere and warmer ocean surface temperatures can lead to increased wind speeds in tropical...
What is the difference between global warming and climate change?
Although people tend to use these terms interchangeably, global warming is just one aspect of climate change. “Global warming” refers to the rise in global temperatures due mainly to the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. “Climate change” refers to the increasing changes in the measures of climate over a long period...
What are some of the signs of climate change?
• Temperatures are rising world-wide due to greenhouse gases trapping more heat in the atmosphere. • Droughts are becoming longer and more extreme around the world. • Tropical storms becoming more severe due to warmer ocean water temperatures. • As temperatures rise there is less snowpack in mountain ranges and polar areas and the snow melts...
Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on our Drought website and the U.S. Drought Portal .
When does a drought begin and end?
The beginning of a drought is difficult to determine. Several weeks, months, or even years might pass before people know that a drought is occurring. The end of a drought can occur as gradually as it began. The first evidence of drought is usually seen in records of rainfall. Within a short period of time, the amount of moisture in soils can begin...
What causes drought?
A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems. The amount of precipitation at a particular location varies from year to year, but over a period of years, the average amount is fairly constant. In the deserts of the Southwest, the average precipitation is less than 3 inches per year. In contrast, the...
Year Published: 2017
USGS integrated drought science
Project Need and OverviewDrought poses a serious threat to the resilience of human communities and ecosystems in the United States (Easterling and others, 2000). Over the past several years, many regions have experienced extreme drought conditions, fueled by prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and exceptionally warm temperatures. Extreme...
Ostroff, Andrea C.; Muhlfeld, Clint C.; Lambert, Patrick M.; Booth, Nathaniel L.; Carter, Shawn L.; Stoker, Jason M.; Focazio, Michael J.Attribution: Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , National Minerals Information Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, National Minerals Information Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Water Resources, , United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Water Resources, , Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Science and Decisions Center, United States of America, Land Use Land Cover Modeling, National Geospatial Program, United States of America, Topographic Maps, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Water Resources, , United States of America, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Other, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Hawaii, United States of America, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Natural Hazards, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Land Use Land Cover Modeling, Water Resources, Minerals, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Environmental Health, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, California, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Minerals, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wisconsin, United States of America, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, National Geospatial Program, United States of America, National Geospatial Program, United States of America, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), Cooperative Research Units, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Louisiana, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, North America, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Environmental Health, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Water Resources, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, United States of America, Water Science School, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Oceans, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, United States of America, Reducing Risk, Oceans, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Core Science Systems, United States of America, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Environmental Health, Western Ecological Research Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Tennessee, United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Water Resources, , South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, , Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, United States of America, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Water Resources, , Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, , United States of America, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, China, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Cooperative Research Units, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, , Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Cooperative Research Units, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, New Zealand, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Ecosystems, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Nevada, United States of America, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Global Seismographic Network, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, New Mexico, United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Ecosystems, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, , Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, American Samoa, United States of America, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Water Resources, , United States of America, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, United States of America, 3D Elevation Program, Drought
View Citation
Ostroff, A.C., Muhlfeld, C.C., Lambert, P.M., Booth, N.L., Carter, S.L., Stoker, J.M., and Focazio, M.J., 2017, USGS integrated drought science: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1430, 24 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1430.
Year Published: 2016
The role of snowpack, rainfall, and reservoirs in buffering California against drought effects
California’s vast reservoir system, fed by annual snow-and rainfall, plays an important part in providing water to the State’s human and wildlife population. There are almost 1,300 reservoirs throughout the State, but only approximately 200 of them are considered storage reservoirs, and many of the larger ones are critical components of the...
Johannis, Mary; Flint, Lorraine E.; Dettinger, Michael D.; Flint, Alan L.; Ochoa, ReginaAttribution: Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Natural Hazards, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, , United States of America, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Center for Integrated Data Analytics, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, North Carolina, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, , Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Biology and Ecosystems, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water Resources, United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Water Resources, , United States of America, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Water Resources, , United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), North Carolina, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , , Water Resources, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Natural Hazards, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, United States of America, Tribal Relations, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, National Water Quality Program, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Great Lakes Science Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America, Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Massachusetts, United States of America, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New Jersey, United States of America, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, , Cooperative Research Units, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, United States of America, Salton Sea, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, United States of America, EROS CalVal Center of Excellence, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, United States of America, EROS CalVal Center of Excellence, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Cooperative Research Units, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Land Change Science Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , United States of America, Water Resources, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Gulf of Mexico, Spectroscopy Lab, Water Resources, , Cooperative Research Units, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Water Resources, , Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, United States of America, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Western Geographic Science Center, Cooperative Research Units, Biology and Ecosystems, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Tennessee, United States of America, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Land Resources, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Minnesota, United States of America, Core Science Systems, National Geospatial Program, United States of America, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), North Carolina, United States of America, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Virginia, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Land Change Science Program, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Office of Science Quality and Integrity, Office of Science Quality and Integrity, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Leetown Science Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, California Water Science Center, Water Resources
View Citation
Johannis, Mary, Flint, L.E, Dettinger, Michael, Flint, A.L., and Ochoa, Regina, 2016, The role of snowpack, rainfall, and reservoirs in buffering California against drought impacts: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016-3062, 2 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20163062.
Year Published: 2016
Flood- and drought-related natural hazards activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in New England
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has many ongoing and recent water-related natural hazard activities in New England that can be used to help mitigate the effects of natural hazards in cooperation with other agencies. The themes related to potential hazards and the tools and science to better understand and address them include the following:...
Lombard, Pamela J.Attribution: Water Resources, , Water Resources, National Water Quality Program, Western Ecological Research Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, , Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), United States of America, Gulf of Mexico, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Utah, United States of America, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Florida, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water Resources, , Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, California Water Science Center, Environmental Health, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Core Science Systems, National Geospatial Program, United States of America, 3D Elevation Program, , Water Resources, National Water Quality Program, Eastern Geographic Science Center, Land Change Science Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Georgia, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Minerals, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Energy and Minerals, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Iran, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Land Change Science Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Haiti, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , United States of America, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , United States of America, , Water Resources, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Minerals, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Water Resources, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), North Carolina, Minerals, National Minerals Information Center, Mineral Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, United States of America, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Environmental Health, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Land Resources, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Hurricane Sandy, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Western Ecological Research Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Resources, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, , Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Washington, United States of America, Central Midwest Water Science Center, 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Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, , , Volcano Hazards Program Office, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Water Resources, , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Alaska Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 11: Alaska, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, , Water Resources, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Oklahoma Water Science Center, Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, United States of America, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Cooperative Research Units, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Tennessee, United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, , United States of America, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, California, United States of America, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, California, United States of America, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Energy, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy and Minerals, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Ecosystems, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Georgia, Water, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Ecuador, New Jersey Water Science Center, Environmental Health, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Hurricane Sandy, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Eastern Geographic Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Biology and Ecosystems, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Washington, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Minerals, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Energy and Minerals, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Environments Program, Region 11: Alaska, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Water Resources, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Land Resources, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Land Resources, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Biology and Ecosystems, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary, Water Resources, United States of America, Oceans, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, California, United States of America, Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, United States of America, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Oceans, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, California, United States of America, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Western Geographic Science Center, Core Science Systems, National Geospatial Program, United States of America, 3D Elevation Program, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin
View Citation
U.S. Geological Survey, 2016, Flood- and drought-related natural hazards activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in New England: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016–3008, 4 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20163008.
Year Published: 2013
U.S. Geological Survey Climate and Land Use Change Science Strategy—A Framework for Understanding and Responding to Global Change
Executive SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a nonregulatory Federal science agency with national scope and responsibilities, is uniquely positioned to serve the Nation’s needs in understanding and responding to global change, including changes in climate, water availability, sea level, land use and land cover, ecosystems, and global...
Burkett, Virginia R.; Kirtland, David A.; Taylor, Ione L.; Belnap, Jayne; Cronin, Thomas M.; Dettinger, Michael D.; Frazier, Eldrich L.; Haines, John W.; Loveland, Thomas R.; Milly, Paul C.D.; O'Malley, Robin; Thompson, Robert S.; Maule, Alec G.; McMahon, Gerard; Striegl, Robert G.Attribution: Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center
View Citation
Burkett, V.R., Kirtland, D.A., Taylor, I.L., Belnap, Jayne, Cronin, T.M., Dettinger, M.D., Frazier, E.L., Haines, J.W., Loveland, T.R., Milly, P.C.D., O’Malley, Robin, Thompson, R.S., Maule, A.G., McMahon, Gerard, and Striegl, R.G., 2013, U.S. Geological Survey climate and land use change science strategy—A framework for understanding and responding to global change: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1383–A, 43 p.
Year Published: 2013
A historical perspective on precipitation, drought severity, and streamflow in Texas during 1951-56 and 2011
The intense drought throughout Texas during 2011 resulted in substantial declines in streamflow. By April 2011, nearly all of the State was experiencing severe to extreme drought according to data from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Drought Monitor. By the end of July 2011, more than 75 percent of the State was experiencing exceptional...
Winters, Karl E.Attribution: Texas Water Science Center, , Water Resources, , Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf
View Citation
A historical perspective on precipitation, drought severity, and streamflow in Texas during 1951-56 and 2011; 2013; SIR; 2013-5113; Winters, Karl E.
Year Published: 2010
Drought Monitoring with VegDRI
Drought strikes somewhere in the United States every year, turning green landscapes brown as precipitation falls below normal levels and water supplies dwindle. Drought is typically a temporary climatic aberration, but it is also an insidious natural hazard. It might last for weeks, months, or years and may have many negative effects. Drought can...
Brown, Jesslyn F.Attribution: Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center
View Citation
Drought Monitoring with VegDRI; 2010; FS; 2010-3114; Brown, Jesslyn F.
Date published: September 18, 2018
USGS Science – Leading the Way for Preparedness
Learn About USGS Hazards Science and More About National Preparedness Month: The very nature of natural hazards means that they have the potential to impact a majority of Americans every year. USGS science provides part of the foundation for emergency preparedness whenever and wherever disaster strikes.
Date published: July 12, 2017
New Warning System Identifies Flash Drought Quickly
Agricultural crops can wither in a flash when the days turn hot, the air dries, the rain stops and moisture evaporates quickly from the soil. A new early warning system can help alert managers and others as drought begins to happen.
Date published: June 5, 2017
New USGS Science Plan Designed to Help Plan for Drought Effects on People, Communities, and Ecosystems
The U. S. Geological Survey is poised to bring a dynamic array of science and tools to help decision-makers manage and offset effects of increased drought across the United States, according to a drought plan report released today.
Date published: October 6, 2015
Unprecedented Drought in the West
Drought has left the West parched and thirsty. Families, businesses, and farmers all need water, as do fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
Date published: December 8, 2014
Data-driven Insights on the California Drought
A newly released interactive California Drought visualization website aims to provide the public with atlas-like, state-wide coverage of the drought and a timeline of its impacts on water resources.
July 30, 2017
A Record of Change: Science and Elder Observations on the Navajo N.
A Record of Change—Science and Elder Observations on the Navajo Nation is a 25-minute documentary about collaborative studies using conventional physical sciences, combined with tribal elder observations to show that local knowledge and conventional science partnerships can effectively document ecosystem change and determine the resulting challenges to livelihoods.
December 14, 2016
Long-term drought can seriously affect water availability
Drought in Folsom Lake, California
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The severity of California's current (2016) drought is illustrated in these images of Folsom Lake, a reservoir in Northern California located 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Sacramento. The lake is formed by Folsom Dam, in the foreground, which is part of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
...Attribution: South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
December 1, 2016
Corn showing the effects of drought in Texas
Corn showing the effects of drought in Texas.
Attribution: Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf
November 30, 2016
Soybeans showing the effects of drought near Navasota, TX
Soybeans showing the effects of drought near Navasota, TX
September 1, 2016
Drought, Drinking Water and Natural Environments
This short video is one of a series of four total shorts highlighting USGS water science in California's Delta region. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the hub of the state's water system. Water quality touches on all aspects of life. Teams of U.S. Geological Survey scientists along with their partners monitor water quality and identify sources of pollution and
August 15, 2016
Drought Effects on Lake at Morse Resrvoir IN
Attribution: Water Resources, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
May 23, 2016
Lake Mead Reaches Historic Low
The surface level of Lake Mead in Nevada and Arizona has fallen to a historic low as 16 years of ongoing drought in the American Southwest continue to impact the Colorado River Basin.
August 26, 2015
USGS Documents 2015 Western U.S. Drought
A hydrologic technician from the USGS Idaho Water Science Center measures streamflow in Lightning Creek at Clark Fork, ID. The USGS is collecting data at hundreds of sites on rivers and streams in six western states to document the 2015 drought. USGS scientists will analyze the data to identify which rivers and streams may be most vulnerable to future droughts.
Attribution: Idaho Water Science Center
