All News

Mapping Challenge Update (09/28/23): Schools in Utah

eanderson@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:27:00 EDT

This no-edit-history schools challenge in Utah is off to an A+ start! As always, thanks for your hard work and dedication!

Annual Southern Sea Otter Census Temporarily Modified

esanchez-chopitea@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:31:47 EDT

The annual rangewide southern sea otter census has been temporarily modified to adapt to limitations that prevented surveys from airplanes in 2021 to 2023 for a subset of the California sea otter range. Shore-based surveys were completed, and the hope is to return to full census surveys in 2024.

Friday's Findings - October 13 2023

ssoileau@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:15:51 EDT

Title: Understanding connectivity and its consequences for a listed species in the Prairie Pothole Region

Speaker: Rose J. Swift, Research Ecologist, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Date: October 13th at 2:00 pm Eastern

Cite all the data and software that you use and encourage citation practices in your colleagues

mlangseth@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:55:05 EDT

Data and software citations foster a culture of data and software sharing.

High-Resolution Thermal Imagery Reveals How Interactions Between Structure and Genetics Shape Plant Temperature

rpowers@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:31:54 EDT

Which species and populations of sagebrush are able to stay cool on hot days? The answer could help us identify the best candidates for restoration efforts as the climate continues to warm.

Atmospheric Auxiliary Data Changes Affect Landsat 8-9 Level 2 Surface Reflectance Processing

lowen@contractor.usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:31:50 EDT

Landsat Collection 2 Level 2 product processing requires auxiliary atmospheric characterization data from multiple external sources. Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 surface reflectance data acquired on October 1, 2023, and onward will utilize a different source of atmospheric characterization data than what has been used previously.

Combining Expert Knowledge of a Threatened Trout Distribution with Survey Data to Make Climate Related Predictions

rpowers@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:28:11 EDT

Researcher tapped into the knowledge of local experts to improve estimates of bull trout distribution in Oregon's rivers and streams and predict how future climate change scenarios may impact this declining cold-water species.

Ecological Effects of Pinyon-Juniper Removal in the Western United States

rpowers@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:16:31 EDT

A report on the impacts of pinyon-pine and juniper tree removal efforts highlights several key findings: tree removal may benefit sagebrush-associated wildlife and native plants, but the threat of exotic annual grass invasion in treated areas is a primary concern.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Meeting (IACUC) - October 11, 2023 (Date contingent upon potential government shutdown)

dabecker@usgs.gov — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:40 EDT

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for oversight of the animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Using the Power of Landsat and Digital Earth Tools to Understand Coastlines in Australia and Africa

mbouchard@usgs.gov — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:30:22 EDT

How leading-edge Landsat based Earth observation products and tools are helping us to understand Africa’s and Australia’s coastlines. This is the first in a series of four articles showcasing the socio-economic benefits of Digital Earth Africa and Australia products and services, through user case studies and impact stories.

USGS Announces New Leaders for Five Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers

mcollier@usgs.gov — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 08:50:42 EDT

RESTON, VA. — The U.S. Geological Survey has hired five experts from academic, non-profit and federal organizations to lead the Southwest, Northeast, South Central, Midwest, and North Central Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) as regional administrators.

Using Petroleum Reservoirs to Store Carbon

apdemas@usgs.gov — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 EDT

Can the very reservoirs where petroleum was produced be used to store carbon? The USGS went to find out!

Lidar Base Specification 2023 rev. A is now available

jkaufmann@usgs.gov — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:09:49 EDT

The 3DEP Lidar Base Specification 2023 rev. A is now available!

Announcing Molly Cross as the new Regional Administrator of the North Central CASC

jbush@contractor.usgs.gov — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:00:00 EDT

The USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers are thrilled to announce that Dr. Molly Cross will be the new Regional Administrator of the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. A longtime collaborator with the CASC network, Molly is bringing years of non-profit experience to the Regional Administrator position (formerly known as “Director”).

A long-term assessment of ecosystem resilience in a protected grassland in the southwest US Canyonlands

mhartwell@usgs.gov — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 08:00:00 EDT

In a rare, never-grazed, and undisturbed grassland in the southwest US, researchers conducted a multi-decadal study to assess how a protected ecosystem is faring under warming temperatures and the invasion of a non-native exotic grass.

USGS Oregon streamflow station recognized by the World Meteorological Organization

lhoaks@usgs.gov — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:45:01 EDT

Did you know Oregon is home to an internationally recognized streamflow monitoring station?

New Paper Promotes the 50-year Landsat Collection 2 Archive

lowen@contractor.usgs.gov — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:33:10 EDT

Recognizing the need for consistently processed remotely sensed data, the USGS initiated collections-based processing to ensure superior radiometric and geometric quality through time and across all Landsat instruments. In 2016, the entire Level-1 data archive were processed as Collection 1. In preparation for Landsat 9, the USGS archive was reprocessed as Collection 2 in 2020.

Drought Watch Remains for 19 Counties, York County Moved to Drought Warning

djgoode@usgs.gov — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:00:00 EDT

USGS groundwater and surface water monitoring data contributed to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (PaDEP) September 22, 2023 declaration of a drought watch for 19 counties and a drought warning for York County.

USGS research helps American shad find their way

jbattle@usgs.gov — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:11:32 EDT

Science takes time.

Here’s how we know outliers in GPS data aren’t real ground movement

mpoland@usgs.gov — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:00:00 EDT

What causes outliers in GPS data? Could be snow, could be a bird, or could be damaged equipment. Recognizing these outliers is important to properly interpreting the data and monitoring ground deformation.

Photo and Video Chronology – HVO rebuilds Kohala station KOHD – September 2023

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:45:08 EDT

During the week of September 11, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineers rebuilt the Kohala repeater station (KOHD), which had been severely damaged by storms and heavy winds earlier this year.

Ancient fish, modern problem: How the pallid sturgeon could be a warning for the Missouri River

dchilds@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:25:46 EDT

The Pallid Sturgeon is a U.S. Threatened species that primarily inhabits the Missouri River and lower Mississippi rivers. Ongoing work in the mainstems of large rivers has provided much critical information regarding the biology and ecology of the species.

Native American Research Assistantship Student Learns USGS Water Science

krossos@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:29:51 EDT

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) welcomed its first cohort of students as a part of a pilot of the Native American Research Assistantship (NARA) Program this summer. Electa Hare-RedCorn was mentored by scientists from the New England and New York Water Science Centers and taught USGS scientific protocols related to water data networks.

Media Alert: Low-Level Helicopter Flights to Image Geology Over Parts of Idaho and Montana

apdemas@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:00:00 EDT

Editor: In the public interest and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the USGS is announcing this low-level airborne project. Your assistance in informing the local communities is appreciated.

USGS announces elevation and hydrography data acquisition partnership opportunities.

granderson@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:41:17 EDT

The U.S. Geological Survey issued a 3D National Topography Model Data Collaboration Announcement for funding partnership opportunities for elevation and hydrography data acquisition.

Recognize all contributions to your research project

mlangseth@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:50:00 EDT

Performing science involves many skills, especially when you are emphasizing open science. An important part of open science is recognizing all contributions to your research project.

Biden-Harris Administration & New York State Geological Survey invest $500,000 to map geology in northwestern New York

apdemas@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:00:00 EDT

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey will invest $500,000 to map geology and critical mineral resources in New York in partnership with the New York State Geological Survey.

Media Alert: Low-Level Flights to Image Geology Over Parts of Northwestern New York

apdemas@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:00:00 EDT

Editor: In the public interest and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the USGS is announcing this low-level airborne project. Your assistance in informing the local communities is appreciated.

Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST)

mlangseth@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:55:53 EDT

Through the ASIST initiative, the USGS is leading the way in open science by bringing together scientists from different fields to collaborate closely with decision makers.

SBSC hosts visiting scientist from México for international research collaboration

mhartwell@usgs.gov — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:00:00 EDT

The Southwest Biological Science Center is pleased to be hosting an expert on Méxican turtle ecology. Dr. Rodrigo Macip-Rios is a professor at the Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia (School for Higher Studies) and at the Universidad Nacional Atónoma de México (National Autonomous University of México).

All News

Mapping Challenge Update (09/28/23): Schools in Utah

Annual Southern Sea Otter Census Temporarily Modified

Friday's Findings - October 13 2023

Cite all the data and software that you use and encourage citation practices in your colleagues

High-Resolution Thermal Imagery Reveals How Interactions Between Structure and Genetics Shape Plant Temperature

Atmospheric Auxiliary Data Changes Affect Landsat 8-9 Level 2 Surface Reflectance Processing

Combining Expert Knowledge of a Threatened Trout Distribution with Survey Data to Make Climate Related Predictions

Ecological Effects of Pinyon-Juniper Removal in the Western United States

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Meeting (IACUC) - October 11, 2023 (Date contingent upon potential government shutdown)

Using the Power of Landsat and Digital Earth Tools to Understand Coastlines in Australia and Africa

USGS Announces New Leaders for Five Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Using Petroleum Reservoirs to Store Carbon

Lidar Base Specification 2023 rev. A is now available

Announcing Molly Cross as the new Regional Administrator of the North Central CASC

A long-term assessment of ecosystem resilience in a protected grassland in the southwest US Canyonlands

USGS Oregon streamflow station recognized by the World Meteorological Organization

New Paper Promotes the 50-year Landsat Collection 2 Archive

Drought Watch Remains for 19 Counties, York County Moved to Drought Warning

USGS research helps American shad find their way

Here’s how we know outliers in GPS data aren’t real ground movement

Photo and Video Chronology – HVO rebuilds Kohala station KOHD – September 2023

Ancient fish, modern problem: How the pallid sturgeon could be a warning for the Missouri River

Native American Research Assistantship Student Learns USGS Water Science

Media Alert: Low-Level Helicopter Flights to Image Geology Over Parts of Idaho and Montana

USGS announces elevation and hydrography data acquisition partnership opportunities.

Recognize all contributions to your research project

Biden-Harris Administration & New York State Geological Survey invest $500,000 to map geology in northwestern New York

Media Alert: Low-Level Flights to Image Geology Over Parts of Northwestern New York

Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST)

SBSC hosts visiting scientist from México for international research collaboration

USGS announces elevation and hydrography data acquisition partnership opportunities.