By studying natural hazards, we can better understand how these phenomena work and the threats they pose. This gives the USGS the ability to assess the likelihood of future events, their frequencies, magnitudes, and likely impacts. We then work with communities to ensure they have the tools to make smart decisions, reduce risk, limit catastrophe, and build resilience to disastrous outcomes.
Studying and Responding to Disasters
Check out the USGS Natural Hazards website to see up-to-date news, science, and publications on the hazard research we conduct.
Leading the Nation in Hazard Science
The costs and consequences of natural hazards can be enormous, and each year more people and infrastructure are at risk. The USGS develops and applies hazard science to help protect the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Nation.
Addressing Natural Hazards with Reliable Science
The USGS has critical roles regarding floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, coastal erosion, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, magnetic storms, and many other threats. Our research provides people with a better understanding of natural hazards and ways to reduce avoidable risks. Founded on detailed observations of Earth’s physical processes, researchers deliver valuable scientific information, such as frequency, magnitude, extent, onset, consequences, and where possible, the time of future hazardous events.
The USGS maintains an expert workforce of scientists and technicians in the earth sciences, hydrology, biology, geography, social and behavioral sciences, and other fields. Our researchers work cooperatively with numerous agencies, research institutions, and organizations in the public and private sectors, across the Nation and worldwide.
Hazard science is used by decision makers to determine whether risk management activities are worthwhile. Moreover, as an agency with the perspective of geologic time, the USGS is uniquely positioned to extend the collective experience of society to prepare for events outside current memory.
Here are a few examples of USGS research focusing on threats in the natural world.
Science
Listening to the Earth at the South Pole
Coastal Change Hazards
Ecosystems on the Edge: Landscape and Fire Ecology of Forests, Deserts, and Tundra
Hazards Vulnerability Team
Volcano Hazards Assessments Help Mitigate Disasters
Listening to the Earth at the South Pole
Coastal Change Hazards
Ecosystems on the Edge: Landscape and Fire Ecology of Forests, Deserts, and Tundra
Hazards Vulnerability Team
Volcano Hazards Assessments Help Mitigate Disasters
Post-Wildfire Landslide Hazards
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment, 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Why study landslides?
Landslides are a serious geologic hazard common to almost every State in the United States. As people move into new areas of hilly or mountainous terrain, it is important to understand the nature of their potential exposure to landslide hazards, and how cities, towns, and counties can plan for land-use, engineering of new construction and infrastructure which will reduce the costs of living with...
Which volcanic eruptions were the deadliest?
Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions Since 1500 A.D. Eruption Year Casualties Major Cause Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia 1985 25,0001,3 Mudflows3 Mont Pelée, Martinique 1902 30,0001 (29,025)2 Pyroclastic flows2 Krakatau, Indonesia 1883 36,0001 (36,417)2 Tsunami2 Tambora, Indonesia 1815 92,0001,2 Starvation2 Unzendake, Japan 1792 15,0001 (14,030)2 Volcano collapse, Tsunami2 Lakagigar (Laki), Iceland 1783 9,0001...
What was the largest landslide in the United States? In the world?
The largest subaerial (on land) landslide in Earth's recorded history was connected with the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state, USA. That landslide had a volume of 2.8 cubic kilometers (0.67 cubic miles) of material and the landslide traveled about 22.5 kilometers (14 miles) down the North Fork Toutle River. Average landside depth was 46 meters (150 feet) with a maximum...
Does fracking cause earthquakes?
Most induced earthquakes are not directly caused by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The recent increase in earthquakes in the central United States is primarily caused by disposal of waste fluids that are a byproduct of oil production. Wastewater disposal wells typically operate for longer durations and inject much more fluid than is injected during the hydraulic fracturing process, making them...
How big is the magma chamber under Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is underlain by two magma bodies. The shallower one is composed of rhyolite (a high-silica rock type) and stretches from 5 km to about 17 km (3 to 10 mi) beneath the surface and is about 90 km (55 mi) long and about 40 km (25 mi) wide. The chamber is mostly solid, with only about 5-15% melt. The deeper reservoir is composed of basalt (a low-silica rock type) and extends from 20 to 50...
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...
How dangerous is Mount Rainier?
Although Mount Rainier has not produced a significant eruption in the past 500 years, it is potentially the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range because of its great height, frequent earthquakes, active hydrothermal system, and extensive glacier mantle. Mount Rainier has 25 major glaciers containing more than five times as much snow and ice as all the other Cascade volcanoes combined. If...
- Overview
Addressing Natural Hazards with Reliable Science
The USGS has critical roles regarding floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, coastal erosion, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, magnetic storms, and many other threats. Our research provides people with a better understanding of natural hazards and ways to reduce avoidable risks. Founded on detailed observations of Earth’s physical processes, researchers deliver valuable scientific information, such as frequency, magnitude, extent, onset, consequences, and where possible, the time of future hazardous events.
The USGS maintains an expert workforce of scientists and technicians in the earth sciences, hydrology, biology, geography, social and behavioral sciences, and other fields. Our researchers work cooperatively with numerous agencies, research institutions, and organizations in the public and private sectors, across the Nation and worldwide.
Hazard science is used by decision makers to determine whether risk management activities are worthwhile. Moreover, as an agency with the perspective of geologic time, the USGS is uniquely positioned to extend the collective experience of society to prepare for events outside current memory.
Here are a few examples of USGS research focusing on threats in the natural world.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.USGS geologists respond to damaging earthquakes in active tectonic regions of the United States and around the world, rapidly providing critical information to those who need it. Earthquake response activities include rapid assessment of landscape change, identifying ground failure and liquefaction, and mapping landslides. On-the-ground investigations are complemented by airborne surveys, 3D-laser scanning, and the acquisition and analysis of remote imagery to study inaccessible regions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Since 1952, Kīlauea has erupted dozens of times. From 1983 to 2018 eruptive activity was nearly continuous along the volcano's East Rift Zone. At the summit, a vent within Halema‘uma‘u hosted an active lava pond and vigorous gas plume from 2008 to 2018. In 2018, the decades-long continuous activity on the East Rift Zone ended, and the summit lava lake drained following an intrusion into, and eruption from, Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone. A summit eruption from December 2020 to May 2021 created a lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater. A summit eruption that began within Halema‘uma‘u crater on September 29, 2021, is ongoing.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams deploy rapidly after a wildfire becomes contained in order to assess the effects the fire had on the vegetation, soils, and water in the area. BAER teams also develop an action plan to help stabilize the fire-affected landscape and mitigate post-fire hazards. The BAER Imagery Support Program tracks fire progression, conducts satellite reconnaissance, and generates Burned Area Reflectance Classification (BARC) products for requesting incidents.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, remains a serious threat to wild birds in North America. Prior to 2002, the long-held belief was that bird flu was only spread among domestic poultry. However, since then bird flu has been discovered in wild geese and waterfowl and has spread around the world. The USGS works to raise awareness of bird flu and provides scientific insights for wildlife managers to be better informed, prepared, and ready to respond when the next outbreak occurs in the United States.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Authorities are monitoring a slow-moving landslide 28 miles from Whittier, AK, in Prince William Sound that could fail and generate a tsunami. There is no evidence at this time to indicate a significant landslide failure is imminent or will happen anytime soon. Alaskans should be aware of potential risks and follow the advice of emergency managers and have a plan in place in the unlikely event that a tsunami occurs.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Coral reefs are valuable features for coastal resilience. The potential social and economic benefits of restoring coastal reefs in Puerto Rico could prevent over $40 million in economic damages annually. Although restoration benefits differ depending on where, the highest benefits are for shallow water, close to shore, and near areas with more people and property. There are few benefits if reef restoration is done in deep water far offshore. Science
Listening to the Earth at the South Pole
The darkest place on Earth may be deep within a cave, but the quietest place on Earth is deep within the Antarctic ice. If you want to listen to the softest whispers of the Earth, South Pole, Antarctica is where you want to be. Seismic station, QSPA (Quiet South Pole, Antarctica) has been allowing us to eavesdrop on the Earth for over six decades, and it may soon gain the equivalent of a hearing...Coastal Change Hazards
Natural processes such as waves, tides, and weather, continually change coastal landscapes. The integrity of coastal homes, businesses, and infrastructure can be threatened by hazards associated with event-driven changes, such as extreme storms and their impacts on beach and dune erosion, or longer-term, cumulative changes associated with coastal and marine processes, such as sea-level rise...Ecosystems on the Edge: Landscape and Fire Ecology of Forests, Deserts, and Tundra
Climate changes and interacting disturbances such as wildfires, insect and disease outbreaks, and erosion and flooding can perturb and reorganize ecosystems.Hazards Vulnerability Team
Our country faces a wide array of natural hazards that threaten its safety, security, economic well-being, and natural resources. To minimize future losses, communities need a clear understanding of how they are vulnerable to natural hazards and of strategies for increasing their resilience. Vulnerability and resilience are influenced by (1) how communities choose to use hazard-prone land, (2) pre...Volcano Hazards Assessments Help Mitigate Disasters
The Volcano Hazards Program develops long-range volcano hazards assessments. These includes a summary of the specific hazards, their impact areas, and a map showing ground-hazard zones. The assessments are also critical for planning long-term land-use and effective emergency-response measures, especially when a volcano begins to show signs of unrest. - Publications
- Science
Listening to the Earth at the South Pole
The darkest place on Earth may be deep within a cave, but the quietest place on Earth is deep within the Antarctic ice. If you want to listen to the softest whispers of the Earth, South Pole, Antarctica is where you want to be. Seismic station, QSPA (Quiet South Pole, Antarctica) has been allowing us to eavesdrop on the Earth for over six decades, and it may soon gain the equivalent of a hearing...Coastal Change Hazards
Natural processes such as waves, tides, and weather, continually change coastal landscapes. The integrity of coastal homes, businesses, and infrastructure can be threatened by hazards associated with event-driven changes, such as extreme storms and their impacts on beach and dune erosion, or longer-term, cumulative changes associated with coastal and marine processes, such as sea-level rise...Ecosystems on the Edge: Landscape and Fire Ecology of Forests, Deserts, and Tundra
Climate changes and interacting disturbances such as wildfires, insect and disease outbreaks, and erosion and flooding can perturb and reorganize ecosystems.Hazards Vulnerability Team
Our country faces a wide array of natural hazards that threaten its safety, security, economic well-being, and natural resources. To minimize future losses, communities need a clear understanding of how they are vulnerable to natural hazards and of strategies for increasing their resilience. Vulnerability and resilience are influenced by (1) how communities choose to use hazard-prone land, (2) pre...Volcano Hazards Assessments Help Mitigate Disasters
The Volcano Hazards Program develops long-range volcano hazards assessments. These includes a summary of the specific hazards, their impact areas, and a map showing ground-hazard zones. The assessments are also critical for planning long-term land-use and effective emergency-response measures, especially when a volcano begins to show signs of unrest.Post-Wildfire Landslide Hazards
Post-fire landslides are particularly hazardous because they can occur with little warning, can exert great force on objects in their paths, can strip vegetation, block drainage ways, damage structures, and endanger human life. Our focus is to develop tools and methods for the prediction of post-wildfire landslide activity and hazard delineation. - Data and More
- Maps
- Multimedia
- News
- FAQ
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment, 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Why study landslides?
Landslides are a serious geologic hazard common to almost every State in the United States. As people move into new areas of hilly or mountainous terrain, it is important to understand the nature of their potential exposure to landslide hazards, and how cities, towns, and counties can plan for land-use, engineering of new construction and infrastructure which will reduce the costs of living with...
Which volcanic eruptions were the deadliest?
Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions Since 1500 A.D. Eruption Year Casualties Major Cause Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia 1985 25,0001,3 Mudflows3 Mont Pelée, Martinique 1902 30,0001 (29,025)2 Pyroclastic flows2 Krakatau, Indonesia 1883 36,0001 (36,417)2 Tsunami2 Tambora, Indonesia 1815 92,0001,2 Starvation2 Unzendake, Japan 1792 15,0001 (14,030)2 Volcano collapse, Tsunami2 Lakagigar (Laki), Iceland 1783 9,0001...
What was the largest landslide in the United States? In the world?
The largest subaerial (on land) landslide in Earth's recorded history was connected with the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state, USA. That landslide had a volume of 2.8 cubic kilometers (0.67 cubic miles) of material and the landslide traveled about 22.5 kilometers (14 miles) down the North Fork Toutle River. Average landside depth was 46 meters (150 feet) with a maximum...
Does fracking cause earthquakes?
Most induced earthquakes are not directly caused by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The recent increase in earthquakes in the central United States is primarily caused by disposal of waste fluids that are a byproduct of oil production. Wastewater disposal wells typically operate for longer durations and inject much more fluid than is injected during the hydraulic fracturing process, making them...
How big is the magma chamber under Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is underlain by two magma bodies. The shallower one is composed of rhyolite (a high-silica rock type) and stretches from 5 km to about 17 km (3 to 10 mi) beneath the surface and is about 90 km (55 mi) long and about 40 km (25 mi) wide. The chamber is mostly solid, with only about 5-15% melt. The deeper reservoir is composed of basalt (a low-silica rock type) and extends from 20 to 50...
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...
How dangerous is Mount Rainier?
Although Mount Rainier has not produced a significant eruption in the past 500 years, it is potentially the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range because of its great height, frequent earthquakes, active hydrothermal system, and extensive glacier mantle. Mount Rainier has 25 major glaciers containing more than five times as much snow and ice as all the other Cascade volcanoes combined. If...