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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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Bubbling mud with steam rising Mudpot at Artists' Paintpots — Yellowstone National Park
Mudpot at Artists' Paintpots — Yellowstone National Park
Mudpot at Artists' Paintpots — Yellowstone National Park

Mud Pool is located near the Daisy Geyser complex, not far from Old Faithful. Since the 1980s it has acted as a perpetual spouter.

Mud Pool is located near the Daisy Geyser complex, not far from Old Faithful. Since the 1980s it has acted as a perpetual spouter.

Steam rising in the distance over a rock slope as the sun rises in the background Steamboat Geyser — Yellowstone National Park
Steamboat Geyser — Yellowstone National Park
Steamboat Geyser — Yellowstone National Park

The tallest geyser in the world, with eruptions that exceed 120 meters (400 feet), Steamboat Geyser is known for experiencing years of frequent eruptions followed by years to decades of very few eruptions. The geyser has been in a more active period since 2018.

The tallest geyser in the world, with eruptions that exceed 120 meters (400 feet), Steamboat Geyser is known for experiencing years of frequent eruptions followed by years to decades of very few eruptions. The geyser has been in a more active period since 2018.

Bubbling water in a small pond Terrace Springs — Yellowstone National Park
Terrace Springs — Yellowstone National Park
Terrace Springs — Yellowstone National Park

Although Terrace Spring may appear to be boiling, but it’s temperature is a relatively cool 140 F (60 C). The roiling in the pol is caused by carbon dioxide bubbles. Thousands of years ago, when Yellowstone’s climate was wetter, the water of the springs had a different composition, allowing travertine to form—just like that seen today at Mammoth Hot Spring

Although Terrace Spring may appear to be boiling, but it’s temperature is a relatively cool 140 F (60 C). The roiling in the pol is caused by carbon dioxide bubbles. Thousands of years ago, when Yellowstone’s climate was wetter, the water of the springs had a different composition, allowing travertine to form—just like that seen today at Mammoth Hot Spring

A blue water-filled hold with bubbling water surrounded by small, bumpy surface area. East Chinaman Spring — Yellowstone National Park
East Chinaman Spring — Yellowstone National Park
East Chinaman Spring — Yellowstone National Park

This feature, not far from Old Faithful, has never been known to truly erupt. It gets its name from adjacent Chinaman Spring, which received its name because a concessioner (who might have been of Japanese descent) in the early days of the park used that spring as a laundry.

This feature, not far from Old Faithful, has never been known to truly erupt. It gets its name from adjacent Chinaman Spring, which received its name because a concessioner (who might have been of Japanese descent) in the early days of the park used that spring as a laundry.

A very tall waterfall in the distance behind trees in the foreground. Kepler Cascades — Yellowstone National Park
Kepler Cascades — Yellowstone National Park
Kepler Cascades — Yellowstone National Park

The Firehole River drops 150 feet over three tiers in this cascade, or falls, located 2.5 miles upstream of Old Faithful.  The name refers to Kepler Hoyt, the 12-year-old son of Wyoming’s territorial governor, who visited Yellowstone National Park in 1881. Philetus Norris, second superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, named the cascade.

The Firehole River drops 150 feet over three tiers in this cascade, or falls, located 2.5 miles upstream of Old Faithful.  The name refers to Kepler Hoyt, the 12-year-old son of Wyoming’s territorial governor, who visited Yellowstone National Park in 1881. Philetus Norris, second superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, named the cascade.

A waterfall flows from right to left of the screen. Rustic Falls — Yellowstone National Park
Rustic Falls — Yellowstone National Park
Rustic Falls — Yellowstone National Park

This waterfall on Glen Creek is in the Golden Gate area of Yellowstone National Park. The high cliffs on the west side of the canyon are ash deposits from a massive volcanic eruption 2.1 million years ago, while the massif (Bunsen Peak) on the east side is a block of magma that solidified in the shallow subsurface tens of millions of years ago.

This waterfall on Glen Creek is in the Golden Gate area of Yellowstone National Park. The high cliffs on the west side of the canyon are ash deposits from a massive volcanic eruption 2.1 million years ago, while the massif (Bunsen Peak) on the east side is a block of magma that solidified in the shallow subsurface tens of millions of years ago.

A muddy, flat area with small bubbling water. Frying Pan Spring — Yellowstone National Park
Frying Pan Spring — Yellowstone National Park
Frying Pan Spring — Yellowstone National Park

Sizzling ground, which is hot and has a small amount of water, resembles a frying pan. These features are acidic and can be found throughout Yellowstone National Park, although one of the best and most accessible examples is along the road just north of Norris Geyser Basin.

Sizzling ground, which is hot and has a small amount of water, resembles a frying pan. These features are acidic and can be found throughout Yellowstone National Park, although one of the best and most accessible examples is along the road just north of Norris Geyser Basin.

August Public Lecture Thumbnail video slide image PubTalk-08/2023: Indigenous Communities in the United States: Leaders in Climate Adaptation
PubTalk-08/2023: Indigenous Communities in the United States: Leaders in Climate Adaptation
PubTalk-08/2023: Indigenous Communities in the United States: Leaders in Climate Adaptation

Indigenous Communities in the United States: Leaders in Climate Adaptation

By Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, USGS Physical Scientist,

Nicole Herman-Mercer, USGS Social Scientist

and Sheree Watson, USGS Ecologist

Learn About:

Indigenous Communities in the United States: Leaders in Climate Adaptation

By Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, USGS Physical Scientist,

Nicole Herman-Mercer, USGS Social Scientist

and Sheree Watson, USGS Ecologist

Learn About:

Planet Earth on black background with a few satellites, a logo and white lettering USGS EROS: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
USGS EROS: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
USGS EROS: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

For 50 years, the people of EROS have overcome difficulties and celebrated triumphs together, always centered on providing a perspective of the Earth that helps us better understand its condition. This video, timed with the 50th anniversary celebration at EROS in August of 2023, explores the center's history.

For 50 years, the people of EROS have overcome difficulties and celebrated triumphs together, always centered on providing a perspective of the Earth that helps us better understand its condition. This video, timed with the 50th anniversary celebration at EROS in August of 2023, explores the center's history.

BIG EARTHQUAKE vs. BIG ERUPTION - Which is more likely at Yellowstone? Yellowstone Volcano Update — August 2023: MONUMENT TO A TRAGEDY. The origin of Hebgen Lake
Yellowstone Volcano Update — August 2023: MONUMENT TO A TRAGEDY. The origin of Hebgen Lake
color photograph of volcanic crater floor Lava sampling in Halemaʻumaʻu (June 22, 2023)
Lava sampling in Halemaʻumaʻu (June 22, 2023)
Lava sampling in Halemaʻumaʻu (June 22, 2023)

During a monitoring overflight of the Kīlauea summit on June 22, 2023, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists briefly stopped on the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor to collect a lava sample. Afterward, they departed via helicopter with a low-angle view of the recent eruption area from the east.

During a monitoring overflight of the Kīlauea summit on June 22, 2023, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists briefly stopped on the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor to collect a lava sample. Afterward, they departed via helicopter with a low-angle view of the recent eruption area from the east.

Aerial image of surfers at sunset in Santa Cruz Science of Surfing
Science of Surfing
Science of Surfing

Join USGS Research Geologist and lifelong surfer Jon Warrick at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Santa Cruz as he discusses how coastal and ocean geoscience contributes to a better understanding of how waves form and behave as they approach the shore—critical information with a broad range of applications, not least of which is surfing!

Join USGS Research Geologist and lifelong surfer Jon Warrick at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Santa Cruz as he discusses how coastal and ocean geoscience contributes to a better understanding of how waves form and behave as they approach the shore—critical information with a broad range of applications, not least of which is surfing!

A Saildrone, a long skinny orange surface vehicle with a sail-like structure sticking out of it, in the harbor on Lake Erie Saildrone Deployment on Lake Erie, July 2023
Saildrone Deployment on Lake Erie, July 2023
Saildrone Deployment on Lake Erie, July 2023

This video shows a Saildrone Explorer in the harbor and being towed out onto Lake Erie for the beginning of a mission to collect data to improve fishery surveys on July 14, 2023.

This video shows a Saildrone Explorer in the harbor and being towed out onto Lake Erie for the beginning of a mission to collect data to improve fishery surveys on July 14, 2023.

aerial view of Old Faithful erupting with new thermal features at yellowstone overlayed Yellowstone Volcano Update — July 2023 — NEW THERMAL FEATURES at Yellowstone!
Yellowstone Volcano Update — July 2023 — NEW THERMAL FEATURES at Yellowstone!
Yellowstone Volcano Update — July 2023 — NEW THERMAL FEATURES at Yellowstone!

Geysers and hot springs are some of the most dynamic geologic features on the planet. They are always changing and sometimes that change happens in places where we can see and appreciate it. This has been the case on Geyser Hill, near Old Faithful, in Yellowstone National Park.

Geysers and hot springs are some of the most dynamic geologic features on the planet. They are always changing and sometimes that change happens in places where we can see and appreciate it. This has been the case on Geyser Hill, near Old Faithful, in Yellowstone National Park.

Image of the planet with "Fires in Canada May 2023" written across the top Image of the Week: Fires in Canada, May 2023
Image of the Week: Fires in Canada, May 2023
Image of the Week: Fires in Canada, May 2023

Smoke filled the skies over western Canada and even much of the United States in May 2023. The source was several wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia.

Near the end of May, rain and cooler temperatures finally brought some relief for the out-of-control fires.

Smoke filled the skies over western Canada and even much of the United States in May 2023. The source was several wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia.

Near the end of May, rain and cooler temperatures finally brought some relief for the out-of-control fires.

color photograph of volcanic eruptive vent June 18, 2023 — Video of southwest wall vent in Halemaʻumaʻu
June 18, 2023 — Video of southwest wall vent in Halemaʻumaʻu
June 18, 2023 — Video of southwest wall vent in Halemaʻumaʻu

This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.

This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.

color photograph of erupting volcanic crater June 16, 2023 — Video from Kīlauea summit overflight
June 16, 2023 — Video from Kīlauea summit overflight
June 16, 2023 — Video from Kīlauea summit overflight

This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.

This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.

color photograph of volcanic eruptive vent June 16, 2023 — Video of recent fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu
June 16, 2023 — Video of recent fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu
June 16, 2023 — Video of recent fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu

This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.

This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.

thumbnail ocean month video National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe
National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe
National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe

The ocean is a beautiful, dynamic, and sometimes dangerous place. Unsurprisingly, this is probably why a lot of USGS researchers spend their entire careers studying it. In celebration of National Ocean Month, we thought it would be a good time to dive in and feature ten ocean field sites you’ve got to “sea” to believe.

The ocean is a beautiful, dynamic, and sometimes dangerous place. Unsurprisingly, this is probably why a lot of USGS researchers spend their entire careers studying it. In celebration of National Ocean Month, we thought it would be a good time to dive in and feature ten ocean field sites you’ve got to “sea” to believe.

Simulated view of Valles Marineris, Mars showing areas with CTX topography Flying Over Valles Marineris, Mars with Analysis-Ready Data
Flying Over Valles Marineris, Mars with Analysis-Ready Data
Flying Over Valles Marineris, Mars with Analysis-Ready Data

Flyover of Valles Marineris, the "Grand Canyon" of Mars, highlighting two analysis-ready datasets provided by USGS. The canyon is more than 4,000 km (2,500 miles) long and up to 7 km (23,000 ft) deep.

Flyover of Valles Marineris, the "Grand Canyon" of Mars, highlighting two analysis-ready datasets provided by USGS. The canyon is more than 4,000 km (2,500 miles) long and up to 7 km (23,000 ft) deep.

Color photograph of helicopter with lava in background HVO moves B1cam away from eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano — June 8, 2023
HVO moves B1cam away from eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano — June 8, 2023
HVO moves B1cam away from eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano — June 8, 2023

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's B1cam was located on the east rim of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea’s summit caldera, overlooking Halema‘uma‘u crater to the west. The eruption that began within Halema‘uma‘u crater in the early morning of June 7, 2023, flooded the crater floor with lava and the B1cam was exposed to intense heat.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's B1cam was located on the east rim of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea’s summit caldera, overlooking Halema‘uma‘u crater to the west. The eruption that began within Halema‘uma‘u crater in the early morning of June 7, 2023, flooded the crater floor with lava and the B1cam was exposed to intense heat.

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