Welcome to the Science Topics page of the USGS Water Science School, where you can explore the many aspects of water. All of our science information is available by browsing the Themes below.
Science Topics
FAQs
Does banding hurt birds?
No, banding does not hurt birds. When proper techniques and equipment are carefully employed, it’s a safe procedure for birds. Trained banders, who apply their expertise and thoughtfulness towards the health and well-being of the birds, follow strict procedures based on the Bander’s ethic code.
Are there invasive reptiles other than Burmese pythons in the United States that people should be concerned about?
Free-ranging reptiles representing dozens of species from around the world are detected in the United States in any given year, usually as a result of escape or illegal release. Fortunately, many of these individuals fail to establish reproductive populations, but all non-native species can potentially pose risks when introduced. Florida is a major transportation hub and has a climate that’s...
Can Burmese Pythons swim from the Everglades to the Florida Keys?
A number of Burmese pythons have been found on Key Largo, and a few in the Lower Keys. However, there is as yet no evidence of a breeding population anywhere in the Keys. Because pythons regularly escape or are released from captivity, it can be difficult to determine whether a snake encountered in the Keys arrived there by swimming from the mainland or was a former captive pet on the island...
Education
Teacher's Resources for Water Education
The USGS Water Science School offers many resources to teachers help teach students all about water.
Water Science Activity Center
This is the interactive section of our site where you can answer challenge questions, participate in opinion surveys about water issues, and take true/false quizzes.
Principal Aquifers
An aquifer is a geologic formation, a group of formations, or a part of a formation that contains sufficient saturated permeable material to yield significant quantities of water to wells and springs. This site explains the geology of aquifers and provides a general overview and maps of the principal aquifers of the United states.