The CRU Program is seeing increased interest in climate science and climate adaptation projects across the Federal Government, as well as increased attention to topics such as fish and wildlife disease, landscape-scale conservation, species of greatest conservation need, and State Wildlife Action Plans.
Remembering Tom Kwak
Thomas J. Kwak (North Carolina Unit) passed on November 19, 2021 due to a cardio-pulmonary event while visiting his hometown of Momence, IL.
Welcome Cyndy Loftin
Dr. Cyndy Loftin is the new Unit Supervisor (East). Cyndy has an extensive association with the CRU program. She is currently the Unit Leader at the Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, a position she has held since 2011. Previously, she was the Assistant Unit Leader at the Maine CRU. Cyndy attended Auburn University and the University of Florida.
New Unit in Nevada
The Nevada Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit will hire 3 USGS scientists who will have adjunct faculty appointments to the University of Nevada, Reno. The research portfolio includes human dimensions and the importance of wildlife conservation to the public’s overall quality of life, wildlife research, ecology and management, with an emphasis on partnerships.
FAQs
Can you predict earthquakes?
No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future. USGS scientists can only calculate the probability that a significant earthquake will occur (shown on our hazard mapping) in a specific area within a certain number of years. An earthquake prediction must define 3 elements: 1...
Can animals predict earthquakes?
The earliest reference we have to unusual animal behavior prior to a significant earthquake is from Greece in 373 BC. Rats, weasels, snakes, and centipedes reportedly left their homes and headed for safety several days before a destructive earthquake. Anecdotal evidence abounds of animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects exhibiting strange behavior anywhere from weeks to seconds before an...
Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has naturally occurring earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven't had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up for a big one?
A temporary increase or decrease in seismicity is part of the normal fluctuation of earthquake rates. Neither an increase nor decrease worldwide is a positive indication that a large earthquake is imminent. The ComCat earthquake catalog contains an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years--not because there are more earthquakes, but because there are more seismic instruments and they are...