Multimedia Gallery
Audio
Listen to USGS podcasts, interviews, and explorer audio clips related to earth science.
How can I find the scientific names of plants and animals?
Listen to hear the answer.
Pharmaceuticals in the Nation's Water
The Senate is holding a hearing on pharmaceuticals in water, and the USGS is supplying information. Herb Buxton, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Coordinator, fills us in on related research and findings.
Forecasting Earthquakes in California
A 99 percent chance of a magnitude-7 earthquake? That's the 30-year outlook for California, according to a new USGS State-wide earthquake forecast. Learn more in this interview with USGS geophysicist Tom Parsons.
3 to 4.3 Billion Barrels of Oil in North Dakota and Montana
The USGS has determined that the Bakken Formation, in North Dakota and Montana, has 25 times more technically recoverable oil than was estimated in the USGS's 1995 assessment. We sit down with USGS scientists Brenda Pierce and Rich Pollastro to learn more.
What is the difference between lake and pond; mountain and hill; or river and creek?
Listen to hear the answer.
I need a zip code map of the United States. Is one included in the National Atlas?
Listen to hear the answer.
Hazard Roundup--March 2008
A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.
Can I view topographic maps and aerial photographs online?
Listen to hear the answer.
Dramatic Developments at Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has experienced its first explosive eruption in more than 80 years and is now spewing noxious gas at 10 times the normal rate. John Eichelberger, head of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, fills us in on the situation.
Does stage tell you how much water is flowing in a stream?
Listen to hear the answer.
Drought: the Long, Slow Natural Hazard (Part 2)
In the second part of our two-part drought mini-series, we head down South to talk with USGS scientists Curtis Weaver and Brian McCallum about the drought situation in the Southeastern United States. We also learn some eye-opening economic implications of drought. (Did you know that it's possibly the most expensive natural hazard to address?)