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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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Photograph of USGS staff flying a kite-balloon on the beach
Flying Kite-Balloons at Cape Cod National Seashore
Flying Kite-Balloons at Cape Cod National Seashore
Flying Kite-Balloons at Cape Cod National Seashore

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.

USGS staff flying kite-balloon on the beach
Flying Kites
Flying Kites
Flying Kites

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 Cape Cod National Seashore beach, ocean, and kite-balloon
Head of the Meadow Beach
Head of the Meadow Beach
Head of the Meadow Beach

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 USGS staff walking to the beach
Heavy Load
Heavy Load
Heavy Load

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 Cape Cod National Seashore
Kite-Balloon
Kite-Balloon
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 Kite-Balloon flying over Cape Cod National Seashore
Kite-Balloon over Cape Cod National Seashore
Kite-Balloon over Cape Cod National Seashore
Kite-Balloon over Cape Cod National Seashore

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 USGS staff on Cape Cod National Seashore beach
Let's Go Fly a Kite-Balloon
Let's Go Fly a Kite-Balloon
Let's Go Fly a 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 USGS staff on Cape Cod National Seashore beach
Let's Go Fly a Kite-Balloon
Let's Go Fly a Kite-Balloon
Let's Go Fly a 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.

House damaged by February 2021 storm
NorEaster Storm Damage
NorEaster Storm Damage
NorEaster Storm Damage

A large NorEaster Storm caused extensive property damage along the beach ,Sandwich, MA February 2021

North Fork Patapsco River
North Fork Patapsco River
North Fork Patapsco River
North Fork Patapsco River

Photo Contest Winner | February 2021 | Where We Work
North Fork Patapsco River

Photo Contest Winner | February 2021 | Where We Work
North Fork Patapsco River

An aerial view of Halema‘uma‘u crater from the northeast during a helicopter overflight of the Kīlauea summit eruption
Overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater—Kīlauea summit Feb. 1
Overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater—Kīlauea summit Feb. 1
Overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater—Kīlauea summit Feb. 1

An aerial view of Halema‘uma‘u crater from the northeast during a helicopter overflight of the Kīlauea summit eruption on February 1. The dull black color on the eastern (lower left) portion of the lava lake is the inactive surface.

An aerial view of Halema‘uma‘u crater from the northeast during a helicopter overflight of the Kīlauea summit eruption on February 1. The dull black color on the eastern (lower left) portion of the lava lake is the inactive surface.

Debris from a recent rockfall can be seen sitting on the solidified lava lake crust
Rockfall debris on lava lake surface crust—Kīlauea summit eruption
Rockfall debris on lava lake surface crust—Kīlauea summit eruption
Rockfall debris on lava lake surface crust—Kīlauea summit eruption

Rockfalls have been a frequent occurrence in Halema‘uma‘u crater, both before and during the current eruption. Debris from a recent rockfall can be seen sitting on the solidified lava lake crust (center). The crust on the southern edge of the lava lake is thick enough to support the weight of the boulders that have fallen. USGS photo taken by B.

Rockfalls have been a frequent occurrence in Halema‘uma‘u crater, both before and during the current eruption. Debris from a recent rockfall can be seen sitting on the solidified lava lake crust (center). The crust on the southern edge of the lava lake is thick enough to support the weight of the boulders that have fallen. USGS photo taken by B.

Scouting Marconi Beach
Scouting Marconi Beach
Scouting Marconi Beach
Scouting Marconi Beach

Photo Contest Winner | February 2021 | People
Scouting Marconi Beach

Photo Contest Winner | February 2021 | People
Scouting Marconi Beach

USGS scientists prepare to deploy a seafloor tripod loaded with oceanographic equipment
Seafloor tripod deployment offshore Sandwich, MA
Seafloor tripod deployment offshore Sandwich, MA
Seafloor tripod deployment offshore Sandwich, MA

Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Center scientists prepare to deploy a seafloor tripod loaded with oceanographic equipment offshore of Sandwich, MA , March 2021

Photograph of USGS staff setting targets on the beach
Targets in the sand at Cape Cod National Seashore
Targets in the sand at Cape Cod National Seashore
Targets in the sand 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.

A map of the world that shows which countries the United States relied on for mineral imports in 2020.
US Minerals Net Import Reliance in 2020
US Minerals Net Import Reliance in 2020
US Minerals Net Import Reliance in 2020

The United States continues to rely on foreign sources for some raw and processed mineral materials, including some critical minerals. This map shows the countries that supply mineral commodities for which the United States was more than 50% net import reliant in 2020. 

The United States continues to rely on foreign sources for some raw and processed mineral materials, including some critical minerals. This map shows the countries that supply mineral commodities for which the United States was more than 50% net import reliant in 2020. 

A close-up view of the main island near the center of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u.
A close-up view of the main island in Halema‘uma‘u
A close-up view of the main island in Halema‘uma‘u
A close-up view of the main island in Halema‘uma‘u

A close-up view of the main island near the center of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. All the islands have been stationary since approximately January 10. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A close-up view of the main island near the center of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. All the islands have been stationary since approximately January 10. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A close-up view of the western fissure, which is supplying lava to the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater.
A close-up view of the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u crater
A close-up view of the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u crater
A close-up view of the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u crater

A close-up view of the western fissure, which is supplying lava to the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. A slow-moving lava stream marked the inlet where lava entered the lake. Several incandescent openings remain over the vent region. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A close-up view of the western fissure, which is supplying lava to the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. A slow-moving lava stream marked the inlet where lava entered the lake. Several incandescent openings remain over the vent region. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A view of the central region of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u.
Central region of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u
Central region of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u
Central region of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u

A view of the central region of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. On the left is the main island. In the center, a lobe of surface lava is moving south (towards the bottom of the photo) as surface crust founders along its leading edge.

A view of the central region of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. On the left is the main island. In the center, a lobe of surface lava is moving south (towards the bottom of the photo) as surface crust founders along its leading edge.

A close-up view of the active lobe of surface lava moving south in the central part of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake.
Close-up view of surface lava—Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit
Close-up view of surface lava—Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit
Close-up view of surface lava—Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit

A close-up view of the leading edge of the active lobe of surface lava slowly moving south in the central part of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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