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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. Use an RSS reader, browser extension, or software to get updates when new Featured Stories are posted.

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Digital Gold Rush Depends on Traditional Gold

Digital Gold Rush Depends on Traditional Gold

In 1849, the discovery of gold in California sparked one of the most famous gold rushes in history. Thousands trekked across mountainous terrain to...

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Mapping the Nation's Wind Turbines

Mapping the Nation's Wind Turbines

There are more than 57,000 wind turbines across the United States, and a new tool allows you to get up close and personal with each one!

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East vs West Coast Earthquakes

East vs West Coast Earthquakes

Why was an earthquake in Virginia felt at more than twice the distance than a similar-sized earthquake in California? The answer is one that many...

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USGS Rolls Out Groundbreaking Earthquake Study: The HayWired Earthquake Scenario

USGS Rolls Out Groundbreaking Earthquake Study: The HayWired Earthquake Scenario

USGS collaborates with key academic, state, local, and industry partners to provide a new look at what could happen during a major earthquake in the...

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USGS Authors New Report on Seismic Hazard, Risk, and Design for South America

USGS Authors New Report on Seismic Hazard, Risk, and Design for South America

New seismic hazard and risk assessments can help at-risk communities prepare for future earthquake disasters

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Modern Perspective on Gas Hydrates

Modern Perspective on Gas Hydrates

After lying hidden in sediments for thousands of years, delicate frozen gas structures are in the spotlight for both scientific research and the...

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USGS Flood Experts Respond to High Water in Central, Northeastern U.S.

USGS Flood Experts Respond to High Water in Central, Northeastern U.S.

Crews from the U.S. Geological Survey have been in the field for weeks measuring flooding in the Midwest and in the Mississippi River watershed, and...

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Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake, Papua New Guinea

Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake, Papua New Guinea

The USGS has up-to-date details on the February 25, 2018 event.

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One of the first Black USGS geophysicists, pioneers subsurface research

One of the first Black USGS geophysicists, pioneers subsurface research

Early in his college career, U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist Rufus Catchings became drawn to the mysteries that lie beneath the earth’s surface —...

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President Proposes $860 Million USGS Budget for FY2019

President Proposes $860 Million USGS Budget for FY2019

Budget Focuses on Priorities Supporting American Resource Prosperity and Security

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January 23, 2018 M7.9 Gulf of Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

January 23, 2018 M7.9 Gulf of Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

One week ago, on January 23rd at 12:31 a.m. local time, Alaskans were rocked by a magnitude 7.9 earthquake, with an epicenter in the Gulf of Alaska...

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USGS Geologists Join Efforts in Montecito to Assess Debris-Flow Aftermath

USGS Geologists Join Efforts in Montecito to Assess Debris-Flow Aftermath

Days after fatal debris flows devastated Southern California’s Montecito community,  a team of U.S. Geological Survey geologists joined county, state...

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