Multimedia Gallery
Audio
Listen to USGS podcasts, interviews, and explorer audio clips related to earth science.
Well, Well, Well! How Deep is the Water Table?
This month we highlight a new interactive map that allows users to determine the depth to groundwater at any location in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Oregon. This month's episode features an interview with the groundwater project's lead author, USGS hydrologist Daniel Snyder. Stick around and learn about the water beneath our feet here at the USGS Oregon Science Podcast
Shaken, Not Stirred--3.6 Earthquake in Maryland
This morning the Washington D.C. Metro area was awakened by a 3.6 magnitude earthquake which struck near Germantown, Maryland and was widely felt throughout the region. We spoke with Mike Blanpied, of our Earthquake Hazards Program, about the details related to this event, why it was felt so widely, and what people can do to prepare around the region.
USGS Hydrologic Investigation of West Africa's Congo River (part two)
USGS South Carolina Water Science Center Data Chief, John Shelton in a special hydrologic expedition down West Africa's Congo River. In part two of this three part episode John describes the trials and tribulations of data collection on the Congo River.
Science for a Dangerous Planet
USGS's David Applegate will discuss lessons learned from this year's string of earthquake disasters in Haiti, Chile and elsewhere. Earthquakes and other geologic hazards are an inevitable aspect of life on this active planet, but their impacts on society are not. Hear how USGS is using new science and innovative technology to support emergency responders and help
Evening Frog Calls
An impressive chorus of frogs recorded at 9:00 pm on July 1, 2010 at Lake Ramsey Savannah State Wildlife Management Area near Covington, LA. Over the constant staccato "machine gun" call of the Pinewoods Treefrog (Hyla femoralis) you can hear the repetitive nasal "trill" of the Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) and the frequent sheep-like bleats of the Eastern
Effects of urbanization on stream ecosystems (Spanish)
According to scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey there is no safe zone of development for the health of urban streams. In a new USGS audio podcast of a Spanish-language interview by Susan Soltero on Radio Walo (Humacao, Puerto Rico), scientists Ana Maria Garcia, Tom Cuffney, and Gerard McMahon note that even the early stages of urban development can negatively
Klamath River Basin Restoration
Dennis Lynch, USGS scientist and Department of Interior's Program Manager for the Klamath Basin Secretarial Determination, brings us up to speed on recent developments in the Klamath River Basin restoration. Developments include the signing of two historic agreements that attempt to provide long term solutions to one of the West's most challenging conflicts over how water
Slimy Summer Swimming: Harmful Algal Blooms in Lakes, Rivers and Streams
You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. USGS scientists Dr. Barry Rosen, Dr. Jennifer Graham and Dr. Keith Loftin discuss why these blooms can be harmful to people, animals, and ecosystems, as well as what the USGS is doing to better
Science in the Aftermath of the Arkansas Flood
Early Friday morning of June 11, the Little Missouri River in Southwest Arkansas experienced a deadly flash flood, with waters that rose over 20 feet in just 5 hours. In response, the USGS deployed a team of scientists to study the flow and height of the water, which is crucial for forecasters and emergency responders to warn the public, improve planning efforts
To Burn or Not to Burn? A Framework to Answer the Question
Prescribed burns are a common tool used by land managers to control invasive plant species and to promote native plants. There are many benefits to using a prescribed burn as a management tool; however, controlling fire is often difficult as it can be unpredictable. FRESC research ecologist Dave Pyke sat down with us to speak about a new framework that he has developed for
Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems
Development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas. As a watershed becomes covered with pavement, sidewalks, and other types of urban land cover, stream organisms are confronted with an increased volume of storm water runoff, increased exposure to fertilizers and pesticides, and dramatic changes in physical living spaces within the stream itself.
Social Media and the USGS Nebraska Water Science Center
NEWSC Director Bob Swanson talks with Rachael Hoagland about the Center's foray into social media as another means to communicate water science to the public and others.
Social Media and the USGS Nebraska Water Science Center
NEWSC Director Bob Swanson talks with Rachael Hoagland about the Center's foray into social media as another means to communicate water science to the public and others.
Contaminants in Public Supply Wells
More than a third of the Nation receives drinking water from public wells. The USGS has released new information on contaminants in these wells. In this USGS podcast Kara Capelli talks to USGS Scientist Patricia Toccalino, who led the study on contaminants in these wells
Big Invaders and Tiny Fish: Endangered Species Day
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
Shaken, Not Stirred—Watch Devils Hole pupfish deal with a large earthquake that causes
Recovery Act Funds Benefit Louisiana Black Bears
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Media Specialist Kelly K. Mensah interviews Paul Davidson, Executive Director of the Black Bear Conservation Coalition about a series of reforestation projects taking place in East Texas and in Western Louisiana to benefit the Louisiana Black Bear.
USGS Scientist New AGU President
We speak with Carol Finn about her new appointment to be the President of the American Geophysical Union as of July 2010.
GEOSMIN in South Carolina Water's, What is it?
USGS Water Quality Specialist Celeste Journey discusses Geosmin. What is it? What
causes it? and Will it harm you?
Yellowstone and the State of Grizzlies
Recent research by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team provides new insight into grizzly population dynamics and the hazards that influence bear mortality within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is one of the largest strongholds for grizzly populations in the United States. Chuck Schwartz, USGS biologist and lead of the study team, discusses these findings.
Drab Appearance Masks Complexity of Imperiled Sagebrush Ecosystems
Compared to the rich diversity of forests, sagebrush shrublands contain relatively few species. Yet, these shrublands in the western United States have incredibly complex dynamics that present major challenges for conservation. They are also one of the most imperiled habitats in North America, primarily due to invasive plant species. Non-native cheatgrass promotes more
Diving for Deep-Sea Coral Critters
Deep-sea coral ecosystems are thriving communities that are a vibrant and integral part of ocean ecosystems. Listen as Christina Kellogg, USGS microbiologist with the DISCOVRE program, explains why these ecosystems are important.
Public Lecture: Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds
- Wildlife tracking technology has evolved from bird bands to satellite transmitters and has a wide range of applications in answering important conservation questions
- David Mech and Robert Gill will talk about the use of the latest state-of-the-art technology in tracking wildlife
- Mech shares the secret paths of a pack of 20 or more arctic wolves
Where the Bison Roam: The Status of Bison in North America
Bison are an icon of North America. However, bison today are restricted to less than one percent of their original range, according to a new report by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Peter Gogan, a USGS scientist and co-author of this bison report, discusses the status of North American buffalo and how they are affected by current management
USGS monitor ice jams in Nebraska, a possible source of flooding this spring
We talk with Jason Lambrecht of the Nebraska Water Science Center to talk about a common problem this time of year, ice jams.