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The USGS is a science organization that provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and useable information.

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Obsidian a valuable commodity Obsidian: Not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. (Yellowstone Monthly Update - November 2024)
Obsidian: Not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. (Yellowstone Monthly Update - November 2024)
Obsidian: Not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. (Yellowstone Monthly Update - November 2024)

Obsidian: It’s not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. Obsidian was an important resource for Indigenous peoples across western North America. Learn more in this month's update.

Obsidian: It’s not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. Obsidian was an important resource for Indigenous peoples across western North America. Learn more in this month's update.

A man with curly hair stands in a laboratory filled with large fish tanks and holds a jar with two small fish swimming Dropping the Bass: Stopping the spread of smallmouth bass in Grand Canyon
Dropping the Bass: Stopping the spread of smallmouth bass in Grand Canyon
Dropping the Bass: Stopping the spread of smallmouth bass in Grand Canyon

On a scorching day in June 2022, the summer Lake Powell reached its lowest water level in five decades, National Park Service staff caught baby smallmouth bass in the lower Colorado River.

On a scorching day in June 2022, the summer Lake Powell reached its lowest water level in five decades, National Park Service staff caught baby smallmouth bass in the lower Colorado River.

thumbnail for (Some) Assembly Required: HT Sign up for Great ShakeOut (Some) Assembly Required: HT Sign up for Great ShakeOut
(Some) Assembly Required: HT Sign up for Great ShakeOut
(Some) Assembly Required: HT Sign up for Great ShakeOut

Did you feel that? 

The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture. 

Don’t believe us? Take a look at this step-by-step guide. 

Did you feel that? 

The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture. 

Don’t believe us? Take a look at this step-by-step guide. 

Biscuit Basin Update, Hydrothermal Explosion on July 23, 2024 Biscuit Basin Hydrothermal Explosion Update (Yellowstone Monthly Update — October 2024)
Biscuit Basin Hydrothermal Explosion Update (Yellowstone Monthly Update — October 2024)
Biscuit Basin Hydrothermal Explosion Update (Yellowstone Monthly Update — October 2024)

Let’s get you caught up on what we’ve learned about the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin, in this Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for October 2024. 

Read Caldera Chronicles

Let’s get you caught up on what we’ve learned about the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin, in this Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for October 2024. 

Read Caldera Chronicles

Color photograph of newly erupted lava and fume in the background September 19, 2024—New lava flows on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea
September 19, 2024—New lava flows on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea
September 19, 2024—New lava flows on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea

On September 19, 2024, USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists landed near the Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site, where they viewed lava flowing through a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide. 

On September 19, 2024, USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists landed near the Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site, where they viewed lava flowing through a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide. 

Color photograph of eruption with white words September 20, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption summary
September 20, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption summary
September 20, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption summary

On the night of September 15, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysical data indicated that an eruption could be occurring a remote area of Kīlauea’s middle East Rift Zone, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

On the night of September 15, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysical data indicated that an eruption could be occurring a remote area of Kīlauea’s middle East Rift Zone, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Color photograph showing aerial view of crater floor that is mostly covered with black fresh lava September 20, 2024—Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight and ground views
September 20, 2024—Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight and ground views
September 20, 2024—Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight and ground views

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field monitoring crews captured these videos during their visit to Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site the morning of September 20, 2024. They reported minor spattering and small fountains at one end of the vent at 8:30 a.m. HST. By 10 a.m.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field monitoring crews captured these videos during their visit to Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site the morning of September 20, 2024. They reported minor spattering and small fountains at one end of the vent at 8:30 a.m. HST. By 10 a.m.

Helicopter photo of lava erupting from a cluster of fissures. Lava flows in a river away from the viewer over a crater rim. September 19, 2024 — Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 19, 2024 — Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 19, 2024 — Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted a reconnaissance overflight of the eruption near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed lava cascading over the rim of the crater from a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted a reconnaissance overflight of the eruption near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed lava cascading over the rim of the crater from a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide.

A curtain of molten lava erupting from a line of fissures sits behind a field of glossy black new lava flows September 19, 2024 —Kīlauea lava fountains erupting
September 19, 2024 —Kīlauea lava fountains erupting
September 19, 2024 —Kīlauea lava fountains erupting

On September 19, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists were able to capture this video of the fissure vent eruption west of Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed a 150-m-long (nearly 500 feet) fissure west of the crater erupting lava in a curtain of lava 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) high. 

On September 19, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists were able to capture this video of the fissure vent eruption west of Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed a 150-m-long (nearly 500 feet) fissure west of the crater erupting lava in a curtain of lava 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) high. 

Color photograph of eruption in crater September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight

Kīlauea volcano is erupting in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park from a new fissure vent that opened within Nāpau Crater this morning, September 17, between 4:00 and 5:00 AM HST.  The eruption is occurring within a closed and remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Kīlauea volcano is erupting in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park from a new fissure vent that opened within Nāpau Crater this morning, September 17, between 4:00 and 5:00 AM HST.  The eruption is occurring within a closed and remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Color photograph of scientist near lava flow September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption sampling
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption sampling
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption sampling

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected a sample of the middle East Rift Zone Kīlauea eruption in Nāpau Crater, within a closed area Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Geologists put molten lava into a metal bucket and rapidly quench it with water.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected a sample of the middle East Rift Zone Kīlauea eruption in Nāpau Crater, within a closed area Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Geologists put molten lava into a metal bucket and rapidly quench it with water.

Color photograph of eruption site September 16, 2024 — Overflight video of eruption site near Nāpau Crater, Kīlauea
September 16, 2024 — Overflight video of eruption site near Nāpau Crater, Kīlauea
September 16, 2024 — Overflight video of eruption site near Nāpau Crater, Kīlauea

A brief, small eruption occurred on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea late on September 15. The eruption produced two small pads of lava just west of Nāpau Crater, which is west (uprift) of the former Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption site. 

A brief, small eruption occurred on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea late on September 15. The eruption produced two small pads of lava just west of Nāpau Crater, which is west (uprift) of the former Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption site. 

Color photograph of volcanic crater surrounded by forest and a fissure emitting volcanic gas September 16, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 16, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 16, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight

This video, taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory morning overflight of Kīlaueaʻs middle East Rift Zone on September 16, 2024, shows new lava flows erupted over about an hour during the evening on September 15, 2024.

This video, taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory morning overflight of Kīlaueaʻs middle East Rift Zone on September 16, 2024, shows new lava flows erupted over about an hour during the evening on September 15, 2024.

Looking down from a helicopter, this photo shows charred and brown trees surrounded by a new, steaming lava flow. September 16, 2024—Brief eruption near Nāpau Crater on Kīlauea Middle East Rift Zone
September 16, 2024—Brief eruption near Nāpau Crater on Kīlauea Middle East Rift Zone
September 16, 2024—Brief eruption near Nāpau Crater on Kīlauea Middle East Rift Zone

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory overflight at approximately 10:30 a.m. HST on September 16, geologists observed freshly erupted lava west of Nāpau Crater on the remote middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This eruption likely occurred between approximately 9–10 p.m. HST on September 15.  

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory overflight at approximately 10:30 a.m. HST on September 16, geologists observed freshly erupted lava west of Nāpau Crater on the remote middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This eruption likely occurred between approximately 9–10 p.m. HST on September 15.  

Is there oil in Yellowstone? Is there oil in Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - September 2024)
Is there oil in Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - September 2024)
Is there oil in Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - September 2024)

Is it true that there's oil in Yellowstone? Watch this month's Yellowstone Monthly update and find out.

Illustration combining images of cracked bare ground and a satellite image, with text in various colors on top Landsat Captures Mexico's Trending Drought (Image of the Week)
Landsat Captures Mexico's Trending Drought (Image of the Week)
Landsat Captures Mexico's Trending Drought (Image of the Week)

Prolonged drought has lowered water levels in Laguna Bustillos in Chihuahua State, Mexico, killing thousands of fish.

Card: USGS Office of International Programs Kenya Groundwater Project USGS Office of International Programs Kenya Groundwater Project
USGS Office of International Programs Kenya Groundwater Project
USGS Office of International Programs Kenya Groundwater Project

This is an Office of International Programs (OIP) science highlight featuring groundwater remote sensing and optimizations in Kenya.

This is an Office of International Programs (OIP) science highlight featuring groundwater remote sensing and optimizations in Kenya.

Update Biscuit Basin Biscuit Basin Update; 65th Anniversary — M7.3 Hebgen Lake Quake (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Aug 2024)
Biscuit Basin Update; 65th Anniversary — M7.3 Hebgen Lake Quake (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Aug 2024)
Biscuit Basin Update; 65th Anniversary — M7.3 Hebgen Lake Quake (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Aug 2024)

In this month's video, we update you on the Biscuit Basin explosion on July 23, 2024, and discuss the 65th anniversary of the M7.3 Hegben Lake earthquake. 
 

Swimming Pools at Yellowstone? Swimming Pools at Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2024)
Swimming Pools at Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2024)
Swimming Pools at Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2024)

Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update. 

Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update. 

lava erupting from a fissure Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS video.

Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS video.

Lave erupting from a fissure as seen from a helicopter flover. Flyover of Southwest Rift Zone (June 3, 2024)
Flyover of Southwest Rift Zone (June 3, 2024)
Flyover of Southwest Rift Zone (June 3, 2024)

During an overflight at approximately 6 a.m., USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed the fissures system that opened on the upper portion of the Southwest Rift Zone early this morning. Approximately half a mile (about 1 km) in length, only the southwest portion of the system was active by daylight. 

During an overflight at approximately 6 a.m., USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed the fissures system that opened on the upper portion of the Southwest Rift Zone early this morning. Approximately half a mile (about 1 km) in length, only the southwest portion of the system was active by daylight. 

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