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Featured Stories

Dive into the world of science! Read these stories and narratives to learn about news items, hot topics, expeditions underway, and much more. 

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It’s a hot topic: Geothermal energy, and how USGS science could help harness it

It’s a hot topic: Geothermal energy, and how USGS science could help harness it

Beneath the Western U.S. lies a vast, largely untapped reservoir of energy: geothermal heat.  

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Explosive Colors: Unveiling the Mineral Magic Behind Fourth of July Fireworks

Explosive Colors: Unveiling the Mineral Magic Behind Fourth of July Fireworks

As vibrant fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, many may find themselves intrigued by the secrets behind their dazzling colors. The magic...

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Hurricane Helene’s Deadly Landslide Legacy

Hurricane Helene’s Deadly Landslide Legacy

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall and unleashed widespread and destructive flooding, damaging winds, and extensive landslide activity...

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USGS Stands Ready for a Potentially Active Atlantic Hurricane Season

USGS Stands Ready for a Potentially Active Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Throughout the season, the U.S. Geological Survey is prepared to aid coastal...

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USGS Coastal Storm Team gears up for 2025 hurricane season

USGS Coastal Storm Team gears up for 2025 hurricane season

As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal Storm Team is leveraging data from past storms to support decision-makers...

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The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: How Wildfires Reshape Landscapes

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: How Wildfires Reshape Landscapes

Wildfires reshape landscapes, both to the benefit and detriment of impacted areas. After the smoke clears, they can continue to cause hazards like...

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M7.7 Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) Earthquake

M7.7 Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) Earthquake

The USGS plays a pivotal role in providing critical earthquake data to the global community through a suite of advanced tools and resources. StoryMap...

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As directed by the President, the Gulf of America enters the USGS official place names database

As directed by the President, the Gulf of America enters the USGS official place names database

USGS and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names have implemented name changes following Executive and Secretary’s Orders.

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Collaborative workshop spotlights machine learning to accelerate USGS critical mineral assessments

Collaborative workshop spotlights machine learning to accelerate USGS critical mineral assessments

A collaboration between the USGS, DARPA, and ARPA-E called CriticalMAAS could deliver AI tools to solve the nation's critical mineral challenges. 

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USGS-USAID Volcano Disaster Assistance Program honored with American Geophysical Union 2024 International Award

USGS-USAID Volcano Disaster Assistance Program honored with American Geophysical Union 2024 International Award

Award Winning U.S. Geological Survey Partnership

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Don’t eat that cookie! We need it for science.

Don’t eat that cookie! We need it for science.

How scientists use “tree cookies” and “root cookies” to study ecosystems

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The Night the Earth Shook

The Night the Earth Shook

In late December 2004, one of the world’s most powerful earthquakes ever struck near Sumatra. This is the story of how USGS responded to the event as...

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