Newly released US Topo maps are now available and for the first time, the maps covering Great Smoky Mountains National Park display trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, boundaries and other visitor information in a national park.

Core Science Systems

National Geospatial Program

The Needles District, Canyonlands National Park

September 21, 2016

World Scientists and Resource Managers Meet to Discuss Desert Surface and Climate

Biocrust 3 Conference Begins Next Week in Moab, Utah.

Southwest

Southwest Biological Science Center

Ariel photo of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

September 20, 2016

Changing Times, Changing Stories: Climate Change Perspectives Vary Notably Among Generations in Subarctic Alaska

New research from the U.S. Geological Survey and partners illustrates how climate change is perceived among different generations of indigenous residents in subarctic Alaska. While all subjects agreed climate change is occurring, the older participants observed more overall changes than the younger demographic.

Climate and Land Use Change

Water

National Research Program

Alaska

Southwest

A sea otter female and large pup, counted during the range-wide survey, feed on kelp crabs.

September 19, 2016

Sea Otter Survey Encouraging, but Comes Up Short of the “Perfect Story”

SANTA CRUZ, California — The southern sea otter, Enhydra lutris nereis, continues its climb toward recovery, according to the annual count released today by the U.S. Geological Survey and partners.

Ecosystems

Wildlife Program

Pacific

Western Ecological Research Center

September 19, 2016

Citizen Scientists to Monitor Treasure Valley Water Quality

Now in its ninth year, Watershed Watch educates children and adults about the health of the Boise River watershed

Water

Northwest

Idaho Water Science Center

September 14, 2016

Widespread Plastic Pollution Found in Great Lakes Tributaries

Water

Midwest

Northeast

Wisconsin Water Science Center

CERC ecological research on Missouri River

September 12, 2016

Scientists and Officials Celebrate 50 Years of Groundbreaking Science in Columbia

Representatives from the offices of Senator Roy Blunt, Senator Claire McCaskill and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler will join leaders from the U.S. Geological Survey, federal and state partners and city officials for a special 50th anniversary event at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center in Columbia, Missouri, this Thursday, September 15.

Southwest

Columbia Environmental Research Center

map of Alameda, Calif. with various shades of red indicating tsunami evacuation zones

September 12, 2016

Tsunami Evacuation Plans – One Size Does Not Fit All: A Case Study in Alameda, California

Tsunami evacuation planning in coastal communities is typically based on maximum evacuation zones that reflect a combination of all potential extreme tsunamis. However, in the case of a smaller tsunami, this approach may result in more people being evacuated than need to be, and in doing so, may overly disrupt the local economy, and strain resources needed during emergency response.

Natural Hazards

Pacific

Western Geographic Science Center