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Explore our planet through photography and imagery, including climate change and water all the way back to the 1800s when the USGS was surveying the country by horse and buggy.

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Color photograph of volcanic vent
February 6, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 6, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 6, 2021 — Kīlauea

This photo shows a close-up of the lava stream in the inlet at the western fissure, at Kīlauea's summit lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. The flow velocity today was relatively sluggish, consistent with the overall reduction in lake activity over the preceding few days. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

This photo shows a close-up of the lava stream in the inlet at the western fissure, at Kīlauea's summit lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. The flow velocity today was relatively sluggish, consistent with the overall reduction in lake activity over the preceding few days. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of lava
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea

A zoomed-in view of a section of the western active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. Several areas of crustal foundering on the lava lake surface were visible during the afternoon of Friday, February 5, 2021. USGS photo taken by K. Lynn.

A zoomed-in view of a section of the western active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. Several areas of crustal foundering on the lava lake surface were visible during the afternoon of Friday, February 5, 2021. USGS photo taken by K. Lynn.

Color photograph of island in lava lake
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea

A close-up view of one of the smaller islands in the stagnant eastern portion of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea Volcano's summit. Debris from a partial collapse of this island is visible on the stagnant lake surface (lower right) which exposed the red oxidized interior.

A close-up view of one of the smaller islands in the stagnant eastern portion of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea Volcano's summit. Debris from a partial collapse of this island is visible on the stagnant lake surface (lower right) which exposed the red oxidized interior.

Color photograph of volcanic vent and lava lake
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 5, 2021 — Kīlauea

A close view of the active western portion of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit on Friday, February 5, 2021. The active west side of the lake had numerous surface breakouts and foundering crust. Lava effusion continues into the lava lake from the base of the west vent (left). USGS photo taken by K. Lynn.

A close view of the active western portion of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit on Friday, February 5, 2021. The active west side of the lake had numerous surface breakouts and foundering crust. Lava effusion continues into the lava lake from the base of the west vent (left). USGS photo taken by K. Lynn.

concrete-lined river running through an industrial area
Los Angeles River at USGS Streamgage 11092450 near Sepulveda Dam
Los Angeles River at USGS Streamgage 11092450 near Sepulveda Dam
Los Angeles River at USGS Streamgage 11092450 near Sepulveda Dam

A concrete-lined stretch of the Los Angeles River that runs near Sepulveda Dam.  USGS streamgage 11092450 can be seen in the lower left along the river wall. Restoration is planned for this stretch of the river that runs through the San Fernando Valley.

A concrete-lined stretch of the Los Angeles River that runs near Sepulveda Dam.  USGS streamgage 11092450 can be seen in the lower left along the river wall. Restoration is planned for this stretch of the river that runs through the San Fernando Valley.

Color photograph of lava lake
February 4, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 4, 2021 — Kīlauea
February 4, 2021 — Kīlauea

On February 4, HVO geologists observed brief heavy rainfall on the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The rain flashed to thick white steam as it hit the hot lava surface. The western vent, visible in the lower left, continued to supply lava to the western active portion of the lava lake. USGS photo taken by J.

On February 4, HVO geologists observed brief heavy rainfall on the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The rain flashed to thick white steam as it hit the hot lava surface. The western vent, visible in the lower left, continued to supply lava to the western active portion of the lava lake. USGS photo taken by J.

A large wheel, bigger than a person, holds a long green hose wrapped around its drum.
GeoEel on winch
GeoEel on winch
GeoEel on winch

The GeoEel is a multichannel digital streamer system, with hydrophones in a long, green hose. The streamer is towed in the water from a vessel like a long snake, and the hydrophones "listen" for and record the signals from the seismic sound source.

The GeoEel is a multichannel digital streamer system, with hydrophones in a long, green hose. The streamer is towed in the water from a vessel like a long snake, and the hydrophones "listen" for and record the signals from the seismic sound source.

photograph of a beach at the Cape Cod National Seashore with two humans walking with a balloon against dunes in the background
Helikite Surveying
Helikite Surveying
Helikite Surveying

The Helikite in action, being walked by USGS scientist Chris Sherwood and WHOI scientist Peter Traykovski, the helium powered balloon kite will be used to survey the DUNEX experiment site.

The Helikite in action, being walked by USGS scientist Chris Sherwood and WHOI scientist Peter Traykovski, the helium powered balloon kite will be used to survey the DUNEX experiment site.

View of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u from the western rim of the crater, looking eastward.
View of lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u — Kīlauea summit — Feb. 3, 2021
View of lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u — Kīlauea summit — Feb. 3, 2021
View of lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u — Kīlauea summit — Feb. 3, 2021

View of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u from the western rim of the crater, looking eastward. Volcanic gases emitted from the western fissure obscure the built-up spatter cone. The active western portion of the lake (lower) has a silvery grey color, while the stagnant eastern portion of the lake (upper) is a dark duller grey.

View of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u from the western rim of the crater, looking eastward. Volcanic gases emitted from the western fissure obscure the built-up spatter cone. The active western portion of the lake (lower) has a silvery grey color, while the stagnant eastern portion of the lake (upper) is a dark duller grey.

Click on image for full description.
Mineral Commodity Summary February 2021
Mineral Commodity Summary February 2021
Mineral Commodity Summary February 2021

The 26th annual Mineral Commodity Summaries report from the U.S. Geological Survey National Minerals Information Center is the earliest comprehensive source of 2020 mineral production data for the world.

The 26th annual Mineral Commodity Summaries report from the U.S. Geological Survey National Minerals Information Center is the earliest comprehensive source of 2020 mineral production data for the world.

A closer view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater from the helicopter
Aerial view of lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u—Kīlauea, Feb. 1
Aerial view of lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u—Kīlauea, Feb. 1
Aerial view of lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u—Kīlauea, Feb. 1

A closer view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater from the helicopter. Most of the lake surface in the foreground (east) is solidified on the surface, with active lava limited to the western end of the lake, in the distance. Rockfall debris can be seen on the southern margin of the lake (left side of photo). USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A closer view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater from the helicopter. Most of the lake surface in the foreground (east) is solidified on the surface, with active lava limited to the western end of the lake, in the distance. Rockfall debris can be seen on the southern margin of the lake (left side of photo). USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A woman stands in a rut eroded by water, on a very steep hill surrounded by burned trees.
Burned, denuded hillside in the CZU Lightning Complex
Burned, denuded hillside in the CZU Lightning Complex
Burned, denuded hillside in the CZU Lightning Complex

The USGS landslide team monitors and continues to update the hazard map models based on data collected in burn areas. This information improves future models and provides better hazard assessments used by officials for emergency response and decision making. Many of the steep hillsides burned and denuded in California fires repel water rather than soak it in.

The USGS landslide team monitors and continues to update the hazard map models based on data collected in burn areas. This information improves future models and provides better hazard assessments used by officials for emergency response and decision making. Many of the steep hillsides burned and denuded in California fires repel water rather than soak it in.

Photograph of USGS staff carrying equipment walking to the beach
Cape Cod National Seashore Field Work
Cape Cod National Seashore Field Work
Cape Cod National Seashore Field Work

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors or lake floors.

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors or lake floors.

Photograph of kite-balloon flying over the beach and ocean
Cape Cod National Seashore Kite-Balloon
Cape Cod National Seashore Kite-Balloon
Cape Cod National Seashore Kite-Balloon

Scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center using a helium powered kite-balloon at Head of the Meadow Beach and Marconi Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts.

Scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center using a helium powered kite-balloon at Head of the Meadow Beach and Marconi Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts.

Photograph of beach and blue sky
Cape Cod National Seashore Winterscape
Cape Cod National Seashore Winterscape
Cape Cod National Seashore Winterscape

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. 

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. 

No major changes were observed at the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater during yesterday's helicopter overflight.
Eruption overflight on February 1, 2021—Kīlauea
Eruption overflight on February 1, 2021—Kīlauea
Eruption overflight on February 1, 2021—Kīlauea

No major changes were observed at the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater during yesterday's helicopter overflight. Eruptive activity continues from the western fissure, with active surface lava largely confined to the western half of the lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

No major changes were observed at the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater during yesterday's helicopter overflight. Eruptive activity continues from the western fissure, with active surface lava largely confined to the western half of the lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active
Eruptive activity continues within Halema‘uma‘u crater—Kīlauea summit
Eruptive activity continues within Halema‘uma‘u crater—Kīlauea summit
Eruptive activity continues within Halema‘uma‘u crater—Kīlauea summit

The lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active. An HVO geologist uses a laser rangefinder to measure the elevation of various spots on the lava lake surface. Today (February 2), the active, western portion of the lake was about 213 m (699 ft) deep.

The lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active. An HVO geologist uses a laser rangefinder to measure the elevation of various spots on the lava lake surface. Today (February 2), the active, western portion of the lake was about 213 m (699 ft) deep.

Photograph of USGS staff setting targets on the beach
Field work at Cape Cod National Seashore
Field work at Cape Cod National Seashore
Field work at Cape Cod National Seashore

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors or lake floors.

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors or lake floors.

Photograph of USGS staff carrying equipment to the beach
Field work at Cape Cod National Seashore
Field work at Cape Cod National Seashore
Field work at Cape Cod National Seashore

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors or lake floors.

In February of 2021, scientists from the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted near-shore bathymetric surveys on Cape Cod National Seashore. Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean floors or lake floors.

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