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Explore our planet through photography and imagery, including climate change and water all the way back to the 1800s when the USGS was surveying the country by horse and buggy.

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Hydrologic unit codes (HUCs) are a hierarchical system of hydrologic units, each assigned a 2- to 12-digit number.
Hydrologic Unit and National Hydrography Dataset Plus Medium Resolution Spatial Scales Example
Hydrologic Unit and National Hydrography Dataset Plus Medium Resolution Spatial Scales Example
Hydrologic Unit and National Hydrography Dataset Plus Medium Resolution Spatial Scales Example

Hydrologic Unit and National Hydrography Dataset Plus Medium Resolution Spatial Scales Example

Status of 3DEP quality data
FY22 Status of 3DEP Quality Data
FY22 Status of 3DEP Quality Data
FY22 Status of 3DEP Quality Data

This map of the United States and its territories shows the areal extent and quality level of planned, in-progress, and existing publicly available lidar (IfSAR in Alaska) data identified by the United States Interagency Elevation Inventory (USIEI) that meet 3DEP base level specification planned to be under award by September 30, 2022. 3DEP base level spec

This map of the United States and its territories shows the areal extent and quality level of planned, in-progress, and existing publicly available lidar (IfSAR in Alaska) data identified by the United States Interagency Elevation Inventory (USIEI) that meet 3DEP base level specification planned to be under award by September 30, 2022. 3DEP base level spec

a scientist sits on the edge of a boat on the ocean with an instrument submerged in a sample tube of water
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well

Dr. Christopher G. Smith pumps water from a submarine groundwater well on the seafloor through tubing to the R/V Halimeda and uses an instrument called a YSI to measure salinity and ensure the wells are working properly and producing groundwater.

Dr. Christopher G. Smith pumps water from a submarine groundwater well on the seafloor through tubing to the R/V Halimeda and uses an instrument called a YSI to measure salinity and ensure the wells are working properly and producing groundwater.

a scientist sits on the edge of a boat on the ocean with an instrument submerged in a sample tube of water
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well

Dr. Christopher G. Smith pumps water from a submarine groundwater well on the seafloor through tubing to the R/V Halimeda and uses an instrument called a YSI to measure salinity and ensure the wells are working properly and producing groundwater.

Dr. Christopher G. Smith pumps water from a submarine groundwater well on the seafloor through tubing to the R/V Halimeda and uses an instrument called a YSI to measure salinity and ensure the wells are working properly and producing groundwater.

a scientist sits on the edge of a boat on the ocean with an instrument submerged in a sample tube of water
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well
Examining Water From a Submarine Groundwater Well

Dr. Christopher G. Smith pumps water from a submarine groundwater well on the seafloor through tubing to the R/V Halimeda and uses an instrument called a YSI to measure salinity and ensure the wells are working properly and producing groundwater.

Dr. Christopher G. Smith pumps water from a submarine groundwater well on the seafloor through tubing to the R/V Halimeda and uses an instrument called a YSI to measure salinity and ensure the wells are working properly and producing groundwater.

discover ecosystems by clicking on image for full description.
Discover Ecosystems
Discover Ecosystems
Discover Ecosystems

Ecosystems and the wild things that live in them are the foundation of our conservation heritage and an economic asset to current and future generations of Americans. Healthy ecosystems support living things and natural processes that bring prosperity and enjoyment for all Americans. 

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Ecosystems and the wild things that live in them are the foundation of our conservation heritage and an economic asset to current and future generations of Americans. Healthy ecosystems support living things and natural processes that bring prosperity and enjoyment for all Americans. 

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Tidal Marshland in the Plum Island Estuary, Massachusetts
Tidal Marshland in the Plum Island Estuary, Massachusetts
Tidal Marshland in the Plum Island Estuary, Massachusetts
Tidal Marshland in the Plum Island Estuary, Massachusetts

The marshes of Plum Island Estuary are among those predicted by scientists to submerge during the next century under conservative projections of sea-level rise.

The marshes of Plum Island Estuary are among those predicted by scientists to submerge during the next century under conservative projections of sea-level rise.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, taken from the northwest rim on November 3. Low roiling lava continues to erupt from the west vent, with occasional larger bursts of spatter. The spatter cone that has built up since the eruption began on September 29, contains ponded lava that supplies the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway.

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, taken from the northwest rim on November 3. Low roiling lava continues to erupt from the west vent, with occasional larger bursts of spatter. The spatter cone that has built up since the eruption began on September 29, contains ponded lava that supplies the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway.

Color photograph of volcanic vent in lava lake
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021

A photo of the west vent and active western portion of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. The eastern side of the lava lake (out of view to the right), has a stagnant solidified crust on the surface. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither on November 3, 2021.

A photo of the west vent and active western portion of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. The eastern side of the lava lake (out of view to the right), has a stagnant solidified crust on the surface. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither on November 3, 2021.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Ponded lava within the spatter cone supplies lava into the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway. The fast-moving lava stream is incandescent as it enters into the lava lake at the base of the cone.

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Ponded lava within the spatter cone supplies lava into the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway. The fast-moving lava stream is incandescent as it enters into the lava lake at the base of the cone.

Color photograph of lava lake
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021

The vent in the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u continues to erupt at the summit of Kīlauea. Volcanic gas emissions, primarily from the west vent (right), remain elevated. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates were measured at around 3,600 tonnes per day on October 28, 2021. USGS photo taken on November 3, 2021, by L. DeSmither.

The vent in the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u continues to erupt at the summit of Kīlauea. Volcanic gas emissions, primarily from the west vent (right), remain elevated. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates were measured at around 3,600 tonnes per day on October 28, 2021. USGS photo taken on November 3, 2021, by L. DeSmither.

Color map of lava lake at volcano summit
November 4, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
November 4, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
November 4, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on November 4, 2021. One eruptive vent is active within Halema‘uma‘u at this time, along the western edge of the rising lava lake.

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on November 4, 2021. One eruptive vent is active within Halema‘uma‘u at this time, along the western edge of the rising lava lake.

Color photograph of active lava lake
Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea summit - November 2, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea summit - November 2, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea summit - November 2, 2021

The extent of the active surface of the lava lake (orange) within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, is clearly delineated as the sun sets on November 2, 2021. Photo taken at 5:56 p.m. HST from the west rim. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

The extent of the active surface of the lava lake (orange) within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, is clearly delineated as the sun sets on November 2, 2021. Photo taken at 5:56 p.m. HST from the west rim. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

A telephoto color image of dark stagnant lava lake surface crust along the margin, with older crater wall at the edge
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021

A telephoto image of the northeast margin of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit, on November 1, 2021. The lava lake has now risen high enough to start covering the lowest portion of the down-dropped block on the north side of Halema‘uma‘u.

A telephoto image of the northeast margin of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit, on November 1, 2021. The lava lake has now risen high enough to start covering the lowest portion of the down-dropped block on the north side of Halema‘uma‘u.

A wide view of a lava lake with a crater wall vent producing a white volcanic gas plume
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021

A wide view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, on November 1, 2021. This view, looking east, shows the west vent (bottom center) which continues to supply lava to the active portion of the lava lake, while the eastern portion (far side of lake) is crusted over.

A wide view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, on November 1, 2021. This view, looking east, shows the west vent (bottom center) which continues to supply lava to the active portion of the lava lake, while the eastern portion (far side of lake) is crusted over.

Four sequential images of a small lava fountain within a dark spatter cone, taken seconds apart
West vent fountain sequence, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit—Nov. 1, 2021
West vent fountain sequence, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit—Nov. 1, 2021
West vent fountain sequence, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit—Nov. 1, 2021

A sequence of telephoto images of the west vent (spanning 4 seconds), within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. The west vent continues to produce low-level lava fountains (seen here), which are forming an elevated pond of lava within the spatter cone.

A sequence of telephoto images of the west vent (spanning 4 seconds), within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. The west vent continues to produce low-level lava fountains (seen here), which are forming an elevated pond of lava within the spatter cone.

Color photograph looking into the west vent spatter cone with a small lava fountain in the center
Active west vent in Halema‘uma‘u—October 15, 2021
Active west vent in Halema‘uma‘u—October 15, 2021
Active west vent in Halema‘uma‘u—October 15, 2021

A telephoto image of the the west vent taken on the morning of October 15, during an HVO helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit. Low lava fountaining activity continues from the vent in the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u.

A telephoto image of the the west vent taken on the morning of October 15, during an HVO helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit. Low lava fountaining activity continues from the vent in the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u.

Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers
Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers
Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers
Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers

Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers. (a, c) Graphs showing water temperatures recorded by data loggers stationed near Beehive and Old Faithful Geysers, respectively. These data loggers were deployed by the Yellowstone Geology Program, configured to capture temperatures at one-minute intervals (indicated by blue dots).

Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers. (a, c) Graphs showing water temperatures recorded by data loggers stationed near Beehive and Old Faithful Geysers, respectively. These data loggers were deployed by the Yellowstone Geology Program, configured to capture temperatures at one-minute intervals (indicated by blue dots).