The Monitor Newsletter - Vol. 7 | Issue Summer 2022
In this issue: Volcano Hazards 5-Year Strategic Plan, Yellowstone flooding, the many benefits of coral reefs, the Landers earthquake turns 30, Mt. Rainier lahars, a collection of coasts, storms, and sea level rise geonarratives, and more.
Maps and Imagery for Hurricane Response
The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Throughout the season, the U.S. Geological Survey will be providing science that can help guide efforts to protect lives and property if a storm threatens the U.S.
Coral Reef Barriers Provide Flood Protection for More Than 18,000 People and $1.8 Billion Worth of Coastal Infrastructure and Economic Activity Annually
Today, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released the findings of a new, in-depth study titled “Rigorously Valuing the Role of U.S. Coral Reefs in Coastal Hazard Risk Reduction,” – funded in part by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Office of Insular Affairs –
Reducing Flood Risks by Restoring Coral Reefs
View audio described version. En español. The increasing risk of flooding along our coasts is driven by climate change, development and habitat loss. Powerful climate-fueled hurricanes such as Irma and Maria in 2017 caused significant damage to coastal communities in Florida and Puerto Rico, not just to infrastructure but to natural barriers such as coral reefs, which help to…
Monthly update of activity at Yellowstone Volcano for July 2022
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone volcano in this monthly update for July 1, 2022. The Yellowstone region saw record flooding owing to heavy rainfall and snowmelt during June 10–13. Several roads and bridges were washed out, and many small landslides and rockfalls occurred, especially in the northern part of…
The 2023 National Seismic Hazard Model – What's Shaking?
No one can predict earthquakes. But existing faults and past earthquakes give us information about future earthquakes, and geology tells us how the ground shakes during an earthquake.
Monitoring Efforts at the Barry Arm Landslide
An interactive geonarrative (Esri Story Map) looking at the Barry Arm landslide, located in northwestern Prince William Sound on the northwest side of Barry Arm in Harriman Fjord, Alaska, and about 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) from the coastal town of Whittier. If it were to produce a rockslide, it could pose significant hazards to nearby communities and boat traffic.
The temblor that changed earthquake science turns 30
To mark the 30th anniversary of a Southern California earthquake, we’ll note why it was significant and listen to USGS employees share their own quake tales.
USGS Participates in Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
On May 26, 2022, USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area scientist, Aleeza Wilkins, represented USGS and the U.S. Delegation at the United Nations Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Bali, Indonesia.
USGS Leads Research Expedition to Deep-sea Escanaba Trough
The USGS, in cooperation with BOEM, NOAA, and others, embarked on a three-week research expedition to Escanaba Trough off the coast of northern California in May-June 2022. The multidisciplinary crew collected extensive geologic, geochemical, and biological samples with the remotely operated vehicle Jason, as well as tested new seafloor mapping techniques using the autonomous underwater vehicle Se
Mount Rainier Lahars: Hazards for the Puyallup and Nisqually River Drainages
Large lahars (volcanic mudflows) pose substantial threats to people and property downstream from Mount Rainier, Washington. Lahars can occur during an eruption, as happened at Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Lahars can also begin as large landslides that occur without warning, traveling down river channels to densely populated areas downstream. To inform potentially affected communities,…
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Ocean
For ocean month, let’s explore some fun facts you might not know about the ocean!
Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives
Explore our Nation's coasts and the risks they face from sea level rise, high-tide flooding, accelerated erosion and intensifying storms. Learn how USGS science is used to forecast coastal change forecasts in real-time, and how we can apply our knowledge to improving coastal resilience into the future.