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Explore a wide variety of videos that highlight natural hazards, the risks they pose and the science we conduct to better understand and prepare for them.

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Person walking over mud and rocks Person walking over mud and rocks
Insights on the growth and mobility of debris flows from repeat high resolution lidar
Insights on the growth and mobility of debris flows from repeat high resolution lidar

How debris flows erode and deposit material along their paths is difficult to determine in natural settings due to the lack of warning and the rapid pace at which they occur. Post-event field measurements or controlled flume experiments are commonly used to evaluate debris flows between the head and the distalmost deposit.

How debris flows erode and deposit material along their paths is difficult to determine in natural settings due to the lack of warning and the rapid pace at which they occur. Post-event field measurements or controlled flume experiments are commonly used to evaluate debris flows between the head and the distalmost deposit.

Science of Surfing (AD)

Join USGS Research Geologist and lifelong surfer Jon Warrick at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Santa Cruz as he discusses how coastal and ocean geoscience contribute to a better understanding of how waves form and behave as they approach the shore—critical information with a broad range of applications, not least of which is surfing!

Join USGS Research Geologist and lifelong surfer Jon Warrick at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Santa Cruz as he discusses how coastal and ocean geoscience contribute to a better understanding of how waves form and behave as they approach the shore—critical information with a broad range of applications, not least of which is surfing!

Science of Surfing

Join USGS Research Geologist and lifelong surfer Jon Warrick at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Santa Cruz as he discusses how coastal and ocean geoscience contributes to a better understanding of how waves form and behave as they approach the shore—critical information with a broad range of applications, not least of which is surfing!

Join USGS Research Geologist and lifelong surfer Jon Warrick at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Santa Cruz as he discusses how coastal and ocean geoscience contributes to a better understanding of how waves form and behave as they approach the shore—critical information with a broad range of applications, not least of which is surfing!

aerial view of Old Faithful erupting with new thermal features at yellowstone overlayed aerial view of Old Faithful erupting with new thermal features at yellowstone overlayed
Yellowstone Volcano Update — July 2023 — NEW THERMAL FEATURES at Yellowstone!
Yellowstone Volcano Update — July 2023 — NEW THERMAL FEATURES at Yellowstone!

Geysers and hot springs are some of the most dynamic geologic features on the planet. They are always changing and sometimes that change happens in places where we can see and appreciate it. This has been the case on Geyser Hill, near Old Faithful, in Yellowstone National Park.

Geysers and hot springs are some of the most dynamic geologic features on the planet. They are always changing and sometimes that change happens in places where we can see and appreciate it. This has been the case on Geyser Hill, near Old Faithful, in Yellowstone National Park.

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National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe
National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe

The ocean is a beautiful, dynamic, and sometimes dangerous place. Unsurprisingly, this is probably why a lot of USGS researchers spend their entire careers studying it. In celebration of National Ocean Month, we thought it would be a good time to dive in and feature ten ocean field sites you’ve got to “sea” to believe.

The ocean is a beautiful, dynamic, and sometimes dangerous place. Unsurprisingly, this is probably why a lot of USGS researchers spend their entire careers studying it. In celebration of National Ocean Month, we thought it would be a good time to dive in and feature ten ocean field sites you’ve got to “sea” to believe.

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National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe (AD)
National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe (AD)

The ocean is a beautiful, dynamic, and sometimes dangerous place. Unsurprisingly, this is probably why a lot of USGS researchers spend their entire careers studying it. In celebration of National Ocean Month, we thought it would be a good time to dive in and feature ten ocean field sites you’ve got to “sea” to believe.

The ocean is a beautiful, dynamic, and sometimes dangerous place. Unsurprisingly, this is probably why a lot of USGS researchers spend their entire careers studying it. In celebration of National Ocean Month, we thought it would be a good time to dive in and feature ten ocean field sites you’ve got to “sea” to believe.

Old Faithful doesn't always empty! Old Faithful doesn't always empty!
Yellowstone Volcano Update — June 2023
Yellowstone Volcano Update — June 2023

Old Faithful, one of the icons of Yellowstone National Park and probably the most famous geyser in the world. But how faithful is it really? That's the question we're going to tackle in this June 1, 2023 update from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

Old Faithful, one of the icons of Yellowstone National Park and probably the most famous geyser in the world. But how faithful is it really? That's the question we're going to tackle in this June 1, 2023 update from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

Color photograph of caldera Color photograph of caldera
May 23, 2023 — Routine overflight of Kīlauea summit
May 23, 2023 — Routine overflight of Kīlauea summit

A routine helicopter overflight provided aerial views of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The crater floor is covered by solidified lava erupted during the previous summit eruption, earlier this year. Inflation and seismic activity in the summit region indicate ongoing unrest. USGS video by M. Patrick.

A routine helicopter overflight provided aerial views of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The crater floor is covered by solidified lava erupted during the previous summit eruption, earlier this year. Inflation and seismic activity in the summit region indicate ongoing unrest. USGS video by M. Patrick.

illustration of hillslope above river illustration of hillslope above river
Communicating landslide information and hazards with maps and graphics at the Washington Geological Survey
Communicating landslide information and hazards with maps and graphics at the Washington Geological Survey

The Washington Geological Survey works to increase public and scientific understanding of landslide hazards in Washington State. One of the ways that we do this is through use of interpretive maps, illustrations, and other types of graphics. I will show several examples of these products and will discuss some of the methods used to construct them.

The Washington Geological Survey works to increase public and scientific understanding of landslide hazards in Washington State. One of the ways that we do this is through use of interpretive maps, illustrations, and other types of graphics. I will show several examples of these products and will discuss some of the methods used to construct them.

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Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World
Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World

The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.

The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.

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Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World (AD)
Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World (AD)

The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.

The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.

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5 Incredible Facts About Mount St. Helens
5 Incredible Facts About Mount St. Helens

May is Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State. There's no better time to learn five incredible facts about Mount St. Helens. This list is a truncated version of the popular 30 Cool Facts about Mount St. Helens (usgs.gov) poster.

May is Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State. There's no better time to learn five incredible facts about Mount St. Helens. This list is a truncated version of the popular 30 Cool Facts about Mount St. Helens (usgs.gov) poster.

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5 Incredible Facts About Mount St. Helens (AD)
5 Incredible Facts About Mount St. Helens (AD)

May is Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State. There's no better time to learn five incredible facts about Mount St. Helens. This list is a truncated version of the popular 30 Cool Facts about Mount St. Helens (usgs.gov) poster.

Looking northwest from the south end of the Norris Back Basin. The ... Looking northwest from the south end of the Norris Back Basin. The ...
Monthly update of activity at Yellowstone Volcano, May 1, 2023
Monthly update of activity at Yellowstone Volcano, May 1, 2023

May is traditionally the start of the field season and plans are underway to strengthen monitoring networks, collect data, and conduct research to better understand volcanic activity in the Yellowstone region. Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, outlines upcoming projects in this YVO monthly video update for May 1, 2023.

May is traditionally the start of the field season and plans are underway to strengthen monitoring networks, collect data, and conduct research to better understand volcanic activity in the Yellowstone region. Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, outlines upcoming projects in this YVO monthly video update for May 1, 2023.

Cover image for Climate Science Champions series Cover image for Climate Science Champions series
Climate Science Champions: Introduction (AD)
Climate Science Champions: Introduction (AD)

From volcanologists to oceanographers, biologists to paleontologists, the U.S. Geological Survey employs thousands of scientists across the Earth sciences. Each has a unique role in supporting the bureau’s mission of providing “science that matters” to the American people.

From volcanologists to oceanographers, biologists to paleontologists, the U.S. Geological Survey employs thousands of scientists across the Earth sciences. Each has a unique role in supporting the bureau’s mission of providing “science that matters” to the American people.

Climate Science Champions Season 3: Adam Terando, Research Scientist (AD)

Research Ecologist Adam Terando helps people understand how climate change may affect their communities and ecosystems by using mathematical models to “downscale” large global climate models. 

Misty mountains, overlaid with a photo of a brown-skinned woman with long, light brown hair wearing glasses. AD version. Misty mountains, overlaid with a photo of a brown-skinned woman with long, light brown hair wearing glasses. AD version.
Climate Science Champions Season 3: Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, Deputy Center Director (AD)
Climate Science Champions Season 3: Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, Deputy Center Director (AD)

Aparna Bamzai-Dodson uses social science to tease apart how individuals’ values affect how decisions are made, particularly when it comes to planning for and adapting to a changing climate. 

Misty mountains, overlaid with a photo of a smiling white woman with chin-length blond hair wearing glasses. Misty mountains, overlaid with a photo of a smiling white woman with chin-length blond hair wearing glasses.
Climate Science Champions Season 3: Mari-Vaughn Johnson, Center Director
Climate Science Champions Season 3: Mari-Vaughn Johnson, Center Director

As the leader of the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, Mari-Vaughn Johnson brings USGS science to communities in the Pacific Islands, her ohana, to help address the unique climate challenges in their region. 

As the leader of the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, Mari-Vaughn Johnson brings USGS science to communities in the Pacific Islands, her ohana, to help address the unique climate challenges in their region. 

Climate Science Champions Season 3: Renee Takesue, Research Geochemist (AD)

Research Geochemist Renee Takesue combines geology and chemistry to shed light on how chemical components from natural and human-made sources make their way into coastal environments. 

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