Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the burn severity of wildfire?
Steven Sobieszćzyk
Steven Sobieszćzyk is a scientist and science communicator. While "Sobie" spent most of his career researching landslide hazards, flooding, sediment transport, and stream ecosystems, he now focuses on science communication and promoting scientific literacy. Steve is a multi-hazard responder and has spoken extensively about seismic, wildfire, landslide, flooding, and volcanic hazards.
CURRENT WORK
I'm a public affairs specialist with the USGS Office of Communications and Publishing (OCAP) serving as liaison and media lead for the USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area.
- Public affairs
- Media relations
- Graphic design
- Content creation
Science and Products
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
Filter Total Items: 227
Wildfire Burn Severity Mapping
Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the burn severity of wildfire?
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]On February 6, around 4:15 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck south-central Turkey near the Turkey/Syria border.
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]On February 6, around 4:15 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck south-central Turkey near the Turkey/Syria border.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 2)
Panel 2 for science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel explores the actual Dec. 24, 2021 Impact.
Panel 2 for science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel explores the actual Dec. 24, 2021 Impact.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 3)
Panel 3 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows instruments used to study subsurface.
Panel 3 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows instruments used to study subsurface.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 4)
Panel 4 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows a whimsical future of how scientists can use new information about ice on Mars.
Panel 4 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows a whimsical future of how scientists can use new information about ice on Mars.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 1)
Panel 1 of Icy Mystery Discovery of Ice on Mars science comic. (Mars' Climate History)
Panel 1 of Icy Mystery Discovery of Ice on Mars science comic. (Mars' Climate History)
The Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis
THE ALEUTIAN CRADLE OF TSUNAMIS
(Click here to read EOS Feature: Seismic Sources in the Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis)
M5.1 Earthquake - Seven Trees, CA
Dr. Annemarie Baltay talks about the October 25th, 2022 M5.1 earthquake in Seven Trees, California.
Dr. Annemarie Baltay talks about the October 25th, 2022 M5.1 earthquake in Seven Trees, California.
The Ground Beneath Our Feet
Although it may seem like it’s solid beneath your feet, the Earth is a dynamic structure. The surface is constantly moving. Different parts of the planet move in different ways and at different time scales. The USGS studies these sometimes subtle, yet sometimes dramatic movements to help keep us safe.
Although it may seem like it’s solid beneath your feet, the Earth is a dynamic structure. The surface is constantly moving. Different parts of the planet move in different ways and at different time scales. The USGS studies these sometimes subtle, yet sometimes dramatic movements to help keep us safe.
Earth's Pulse
EARTH'S PULSE
Hazard Monitoring
Scientists rely on measurements and networks of sensors to monitor Earth’s movements. Similar to tracking someone’s pulse, these sensors check the ‘hazard heartbeat’ of Earth’s surface, waters, and air. Hazard monitoring helps us understand where, when, why, and how much things change over time.
EARTH'S PULSE
Hazard Monitoring
Scientists rely on measurements and networks of sensors to monitor Earth’s movements. Similar to tracking someone’s pulse, these sensors check the ‘hazard heartbeat’ of Earth’s surface, waters, and air. Hazard monitoring helps us understand where, when, why, and how much things change over time.
The Cost of Biological Threats
MONITORING BIOLOGICAL THREATS: Protecting Ecosystems, Public Safety, and the Economy
MONITORING BIOLOGICAL THREATS: Protecting Ecosystems, Public Safety, and the Economy
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 1
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 4
SEABIRD DIE-OFFS IN ALASKA ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. ALTHOUGH RESEARCHERS BELIEVE MOST BIRDS STARVE DURING THESE EVENTS, THERE MAY BE SOMETHING ELSE CONTRIBUTING TO SOME OF THE DEATHS -- HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS.
SEABIRD DIE-OFFS IN ALASKA ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. ALTHOUGH RESEARCHERS BELIEVE MOST BIRDS STARVE DURING THESE EVENTS, THERE MAY BE SOMETHING ELSE CONTRIBUTING TO SOME OF THE DEATHS -- HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 2
DURING THE SUMMER OF 2019, DOZENS OF ARCTIC TERNS WERE FOUND DEAD. RESEARCHERS WONDERED, "WHAT HAPPENED?"
DURING THE SUMMER OF 2019, DOZENS OF ARCTIC TERNS WERE FOUND DEAD. RESEARCHERS WONDERED, "WHAT HAPPENED?"
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 6
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 10
HOWEVER, IF WE WORK TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE THINGS SAFER. THE ALASKA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM NETWORK ASSEMBLES PARTNERS TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT HUMAN, WILDLIFE, AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH.
HOWEVER, IF WE WORK TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE THINGS SAFER. THE ALASKA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM NETWORK ASSEMBLES PARTNERS TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT HUMAN, WILDLIFE, AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 3
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 5
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 7
TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 8
NOT ONLY ARE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE OCEAN DANGEROUS FOR ARCTIC TERNS, THEY CAN ALSO IMPACT HUMAN FOOD SOURCES AND HEALTH.
NOT ONLY ARE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE OCEAN DANGEROUS FOR ARCTIC TERNS, THEY CAN ALSO IMPACT HUMAN FOOD SOURCES AND HEALTH.
Bon Voyage, Rafael
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.
Science and Products
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
Filter Total Items: 227
Wildfire Burn Severity Mapping
Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the burn severity of wildfire?
Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the burn severity of wildfire?
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]On February 6, around 4:15 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck south-central Turkey near the Turkey/Syria border.
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]
Earthquake Activity in Turkey and Syria [Press Briefing]On February 6, around 4:15 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck south-central Turkey near the Turkey/Syria border.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 2)
Panel 2 for science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel explores the actual Dec. 24, 2021 Impact.
Panel 2 for science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel explores the actual Dec. 24, 2021 Impact.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 3)
Panel 3 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows instruments used to study subsurface.
Panel 3 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows instruments used to study subsurface.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 4)
Panel 4 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows a whimsical future of how scientists can use new information about ice on Mars.
Panel 4 of science comic about Icy Mystery - Ice on Mars. This panel shows a whimsical future of how scientists can use new information about ice on Mars.
Icy Mystery on Mars (Panel 1)
Panel 1 of Icy Mystery Discovery of Ice on Mars science comic. (Mars' Climate History)
Panel 1 of Icy Mystery Discovery of Ice on Mars science comic. (Mars' Climate History)
The Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis
THE ALEUTIAN CRADLE OF TSUNAMIS
(Click here to read EOS Feature: Seismic Sources in the Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis)
M5.1 Earthquake - Seven Trees, CA
Dr. Annemarie Baltay talks about the October 25th, 2022 M5.1 earthquake in Seven Trees, California.
Dr. Annemarie Baltay talks about the October 25th, 2022 M5.1 earthquake in Seven Trees, California.
The Ground Beneath Our Feet
Although it may seem like it’s solid beneath your feet, the Earth is a dynamic structure. The surface is constantly moving. Different parts of the planet move in different ways and at different time scales. The USGS studies these sometimes subtle, yet sometimes dramatic movements to help keep us safe.
Although it may seem like it’s solid beneath your feet, the Earth is a dynamic structure. The surface is constantly moving. Different parts of the planet move in different ways and at different time scales. The USGS studies these sometimes subtle, yet sometimes dramatic movements to help keep us safe.
Earth's Pulse
EARTH'S PULSE
Hazard Monitoring
Scientists rely on measurements and networks of sensors to monitor Earth’s movements. Similar to tracking someone’s pulse, these sensors check the ‘hazard heartbeat’ of Earth’s surface, waters, and air. Hazard monitoring helps us understand where, when, why, and how much things change over time.
EARTH'S PULSE
Hazard Monitoring
Scientists rely on measurements and networks of sensors to monitor Earth’s movements. Similar to tracking someone’s pulse, these sensors check the ‘hazard heartbeat’ of Earth’s surface, waters, and air. Hazard monitoring helps us understand where, when, why, and how much things change over time.
The Cost of Biological Threats
MONITORING BIOLOGICAL THREATS: Protecting Ecosystems, Public Safety, and the Economy
MONITORING BIOLOGICAL THREATS: Protecting Ecosystems, Public Safety, and the Economy
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 1
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
ARCTIC TERNS SPEND THEIR SUMMERS NESTING IN ALASKA AND PARTS OF THE ARCTIC. WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, THEY FLY SOUTH TO ANTARCTICA, EMBARKING ON THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH!
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 4
SEABIRD DIE-OFFS IN ALASKA ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. ALTHOUGH RESEARCHERS BELIEVE MOST BIRDS STARVE DURING THESE EVENTS, THERE MAY BE SOMETHING ELSE CONTRIBUTING TO SOME OF THE DEATHS -- HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS.
SEABIRD DIE-OFFS IN ALASKA ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. ALTHOUGH RESEARCHERS BELIEVE MOST BIRDS STARVE DURING THESE EVENTS, THERE MAY BE SOMETHING ELSE CONTRIBUTING TO SOME OF THE DEATHS -- HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 2
DURING THE SUMMER OF 2019, DOZENS OF ARCTIC TERNS WERE FOUND DEAD. RESEARCHERS WONDERED, "WHAT HAPPENED?"
DURING THE SUMMER OF 2019, DOZENS OF ARCTIC TERNS WERE FOUND DEAD. RESEARCHERS WONDERED, "WHAT HAPPENED?"
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 6
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
AS THE OCEAN WARMS AND FILLS WITH EXCESS NUTRIENTS FROM SURFACE RUNOFF, CERTAIN TYPES OF ALGAE CAN GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS TOXINS.
TYPICALLY, THE HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THE WARMER TEMPERATURES KEEP WATER FROM MIXING, ALLOWING THE ALGAE TO GROW MUCH FASTER.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 10
HOWEVER, IF WE WORK TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE THINGS SAFER. THE ALASKA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM NETWORK ASSEMBLES PARTNERS TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT HUMAN, WILDLIFE, AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH.
HOWEVER, IF WE WORK TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE THINGS SAFER. THE ALASKA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM NETWORK ASSEMBLES PARTNERS TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT HUMAN, WILDLIFE, AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 3
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
ALTHOUGH OTHER BIRD DIE-OFFS HAD BEEN SEEN RECENTLY IN ALASKA, THERE WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TERNS. THEY HAD BEEN POISONED.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 5
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
BRIGHT GREEN ALGAE CAN OFTEN BE SPOTTED FLOATING IN THE OCEAN NEAR THE SURFACE. THEY CONSUME NUTRIENTS, LIKE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS. IN A BALANCED ECOSYSTEM, THEY GROW AND PROVIDE FOOD FOR MANY SEA CREATURES, INCLUDING KRILL, SNAILS, AND JELLYFISH.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 7
TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
TERNS EAT KRILL AND FORAGE FISH LIKE HERRING AND SAND LANCE. USUALLY, THAT'S A NUTRITIOUS DIET. BUT WHEN HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS OCCUR, TOXINS CAN TAINT THE FOOD WEB FOR THE BIRDS.
A Long-Suspected Culprit is Caught - Panel 8
NOT ONLY ARE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE OCEAN DANGEROUS FOR ARCTIC TERNS, THEY CAN ALSO IMPACT HUMAN FOOD SOURCES AND HEALTH.
NOT ONLY ARE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE OCEAN DANGEROUS FOR ARCTIC TERNS, THEY CAN ALSO IMPACT HUMAN FOOD SOURCES AND HEALTH.
Bon Voyage, Rafael
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.
Over the last few weeks, Woods Hole scientists have been mapping the seafloor of Nantucket Sound as part of a long-term partnership with the State of Massachusetts.