Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
Hazards 101
Eruptions, Earthquakes, and More...There's a Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On
Get your questions answered.
Get your questions answered.
Welcome to an introduction of the natural hazards that shape our world. The USGS conducts research to assess these hazards and provides valuable information that can help society stay safe from these threats.
Beginner's Guide to Natural Hazards
Beginner's Guide to Natural Hazards
Natural hazards teaching resources for elementary school students...or those new to the subject.
Level Up Your Hazards Education
Level Up Your Hazards Education
Natural hazards teaching resources for middle school and high school students...or those who want to kick their science fair project up a notch.
Every year in the United States, natural hazards lead to disasters that threaten millions of lives and result in billions of dollars in damage. They can have long-lasting effects by changing landscapes and affecting human health, safety, and economic prosperity.
We have all kinds of educational materials for all levels of learning. View some samples below.
The Science of Earthquakes
The Science of Earthquakes
Could a Tsunami Happen Here?
Could a Tsunami Happen Here?
Journey Along a Geomagnetic Fieldline
Journey Along a Geomagnetic Fieldline
Landslides 101
Landslides 101
About Volcano Hazards
About Volcano Hazards
Rising Waters
Rising Waters
Why the West Burns
Why the West Burns
Climate Change-ing the Coast
Climate Change-ing the Coast
Hazards of a Fragile Ecosystem
Hazards of a Fragile Ecosystem
Science
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps with access to GIS data.
National Innovation Center Seminar Series
This bi-weekly seminar series is an opportunity to present innovation successes and prospects across USGS Mission Areas. It is a forum for our scientists and partners to learn about existing and potential innovative technologies to help fill known observation gaps, as well as to present cutting edge research and technology opportunities which could be leveraged to advance USGS science through...
An open-source interactive time series viewer for geophysical data
To help users connect and comprehend USGS data, we propose to develop an interactive viewer for multi-channel geophysical data using existing Python PyViz tools.
Partner Education
This collection of webpages represents subduction zone education products from many of our partners.
The Water Science School -- What We Offer
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science School Where anyone of any age can learn all about water.
Multimedia
Marsh lateral shoreline erosion and shore-proximal sediment deposition
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
USGS 21st Century Science - WILDLAND FIRE (portrait)
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #7
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence - M7.1 Highway 178
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Powerlines
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Catching the Quakes - Using Seismic Signals to Track Debris Flows
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
Elastic Rebound
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Volcano Web Shorts 6: Societal Impacts of Volcanism
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
Two views of spattering from west vent
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps with access to GIS data.
National Innovation Center Seminar Series
This bi-weekly seminar series is an opportunity to present innovation successes and prospects across USGS Mission Areas. It is a forum for our scientists and partners to learn about existing and potential innovative technologies to help fill known observation gaps, as well as to present cutting edge research and technology opportunities which could be leveraged to advance USGS science through...
An open-source interactive time series viewer for geophysical data
To help users connect and comprehend USGS data, we propose to develop an interactive viewer for multi-channel geophysical data using existing Python PyViz tools.
Partner Education
This collection of webpages represents subduction zone education products from many of our partners.
The Water Science School -- What We Offer
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science School Where anyone of any age can learn all about water.
Interactive Water Cycle Diagrams for Kids
Our interactive diagrams allow you to "mouse around" the parts of the water cycle and view explanations, pictures, and more.
An Interactive Web-Based Tool for Anticipating Long-term Drought Risk
Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe and this trend is expected to continue in the coming century. Drought effects on natural resources include reduced water availability for plants and humans, as well as increased insect, disease, and vegetation mortality. Land managers need more information regarding how water availability may change and how drought will affect their sites in the futur
An Interactive Web-based Application for Earthquake-triggered Ground Failure Inventories
Inventories of landslides and liquefaction triggered by major earthquakes are key research tools that can be used to develop and test hazard models. To eliminate redundant effort, we created a centralized and interactive repository of ground failure inventories that currently hosts 32 inventories generated by USGS and non-USGS authors and designed a pipeline for adding more as they become availabl
Marsh lateral shoreline erosion and shore-proximal sediment deposition
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
USGS 21st Century Science - WILDLAND FIRE (portrait)
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #7
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence - M7.1 Highway 178
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Powerlines
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Catching the Quakes - Using Seismic Signals to Track Debris Flows
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
Elastic Rebound
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Volcano Web Shorts 6: Societal Impacts of Volcanism
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
Two views of spattering from west vent
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Debris Flow in Action
A debris flow exceeding a meter in depth rushes towards the monitoring station used to measure basal force and other flow properties.
Captured by automated monitoring camera.
A debris flow exceeding a meter in depth rushes towards the monitoring station used to measure basal force and other flow properties.
Captured by automated monitoring camera.
What is the difference between a tsunami and a tidal wave?
Although both are sea waves, a tsunami and a tidal wave are two different and unrelated phenomena. A tidal wave is a shallow water wave caused by the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth ("tidal wave" was used in earlier times to describe what we now call a tsunami.) A tsunami is an ocean wave triggered by large earthquakes that occur near or under the ocean, volcanic...
What health hazards are posed by vog (volcanic smog)?
Vog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) gas can irritate skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can penetrate airways, producing respiratory distress in some individuals. Aerosol particles in vog can also penetrate deep into human lungs and, at elevated levels, can induce symptoms of asthma. Physical...
What are the hazards of magnetic storms?
Our technology based infrastructure can be adversely affected by rapid magnetic field variations. This is especially true during “magnetic storms." Because the ionosphere is heated and distorted during storms, long range radio communication that relies on sub-ionospheric reflection can be difficult or impossible and global-positioning system (GPS) communications can be degraded. Ionospheric...
What should I do DURING an earthquake?
If you are INDOORS -- STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it ( Drop, Cover, and Hold on! ) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of...
Can you predict earthquakes?
No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future. USGS scientists can only calculate the probability that a significant earthquake will occur ( shown on our hazard mapping ) in a specific area within a certain number of years. An earthquake prediction must define 3 elements...
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...
What is a debris flow?
Debris flows are fast-moving landslides that are particularly dangerous to life and property because they move quickly, destroy objects in their paths, and often strike without warning. They occur in a wide variety of environments throughout the world, including all 50 states and U.S. Territories. Debris flows generally occur during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt and usually start...
Should I be concerned about radon in my house?
You can get an idea as to how concerned you should be about radon in your house by learning about the geology of the site and its radon potential. If your house is in an area the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows has a high potential for radon, then chances are that your house may have an indoor radon problem. However, the way a house is built can increase the risk - so even in areas of...
What are the visual signs of chronic wasting disease?
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has an extended incubation period averaging 18–24 months between infection and the onset of noticeable signs. During this time frame animals look and act normal. The most obvious sign of CWD is progressive weight loss. Numerous behavioral changes also have been reported, including decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of humans. Diseased...
How much carbon dioxide does the United States and the World emit each year from energy sources?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2019, the United States emitted 5,130 million metric tons of energy-related carbon dioxide, while the global emissions of energy-related carbon dioxide totaled 33,621.5 million metric tons.
Where do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes can strike any location at any time, but history shows they occur in the same general patterns year after year, principally in three large zones of the earth: The world's greatest earthquake belt, the circum-Pacific seismic belt , is found along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, where about 81 percent of our planet's largest earthquakes occur. It has earned the nickname "Ring of Fire". Why...
How does the Earth's core generate a magnetic field?
The Earth's outer core is in a state of turbulent convection as the result of radioactive heating and chemical differentiation. This sets up a process that is a bit like a naturally occurring electrical generator, where the convective kinetic energy is converted to electrical and magnetic energy. Basically, the motion of the electrically conducting iron in the presence of the Earth's magnetic...
Welcome to an introduction of the natural hazards that shape our world. The USGS conducts research to assess these hazards and provides valuable information that can help society stay safe from these threats.
Beginner's Guide to Natural Hazards
Beginner's Guide to Natural Hazards
Natural hazards teaching resources for elementary school students...or those new to the subject.
Level Up Your Hazards Education
Level Up Your Hazards Education
Natural hazards teaching resources for middle school and high school students...or those who want to kick their science fair project up a notch.
Every year in the United States, natural hazards lead to disasters that threaten millions of lives and result in billions of dollars in damage. They can have long-lasting effects by changing landscapes and affecting human health, safety, and economic prosperity.
We have all kinds of educational materials for all levels of learning. View some samples below.
The Science of Earthquakes
The Science of Earthquakes
Could a Tsunami Happen Here?
Could a Tsunami Happen Here?
Journey Along a Geomagnetic Fieldline
Journey Along a Geomagnetic Fieldline
Landslides 101
Landslides 101
About Volcano Hazards
About Volcano Hazards
Rising Waters
Rising Waters
Why the West Burns
Why the West Burns
Climate Change-ing the Coast
Climate Change-ing the Coast
Hazards of a Fragile Ecosystem
Hazards of a Fragile Ecosystem
Science
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps with access to GIS data.
National Innovation Center Seminar Series
This bi-weekly seminar series is an opportunity to present innovation successes and prospects across USGS Mission Areas. It is a forum for our scientists and partners to learn about existing and potential innovative technologies to help fill known observation gaps, as well as to present cutting edge research and technology opportunities which could be leveraged to advance USGS science through...
An open-source interactive time series viewer for geophysical data
To help users connect and comprehend USGS data, we propose to develop an interactive viewer for multi-channel geophysical data using existing Python PyViz tools.
Partner Education
This collection of webpages represents subduction zone education products from many of our partners.
The Water Science School -- What We Offer
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science School Where anyone of any age can learn all about water.
Multimedia
Marsh lateral shoreline erosion and shore-proximal sediment deposition
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
USGS 21st Century Science - WILDLAND FIRE (portrait)
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #7
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence - M7.1 Highway 178
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Powerlines
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Catching the Quakes - Using Seismic Signals to Track Debris Flows
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
Elastic Rebound
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Volcano Web Shorts 6: Societal Impacts of Volcanism
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
Two views of spattering from west vent
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps
Interactive U.S. Landslide Data Maps with access to GIS data.
National Innovation Center Seminar Series
This bi-weekly seminar series is an opportunity to present innovation successes and prospects across USGS Mission Areas. It is a forum for our scientists and partners to learn about existing and potential innovative technologies to help fill known observation gaps, as well as to present cutting edge research and technology opportunities which could be leveraged to advance USGS science through...
An open-source interactive time series viewer for geophysical data
To help users connect and comprehend USGS data, we propose to develop an interactive viewer for multi-channel geophysical data using existing Python PyViz tools.
Partner Education
This collection of webpages represents subduction zone education products from many of our partners.
The Water Science School -- What We Offer
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science School Where anyone of any age can learn all about water.
Interactive Water Cycle Diagrams for Kids
Our interactive diagrams allow you to "mouse around" the parts of the water cycle and view explanations, pictures, and more.
An Interactive Web-Based Tool for Anticipating Long-term Drought Risk
Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe and this trend is expected to continue in the coming century. Drought effects on natural resources include reduced water availability for plants and humans, as well as increased insect, disease, and vegetation mortality. Land managers need more information regarding how water availability may change and how drought will affect their sites in the futur
An Interactive Web-based Application for Earthquake-triggered Ground Failure Inventories
Inventories of landslides and liquefaction triggered by major earthquakes are key research tools that can be used to develop and test hazard models. To eliminate redundant effort, we created a centralized and interactive repository of ground failure inventories that currently hosts 32 inventories generated by USGS and non-USGS authors and designed a pipeline for adding more as they become availabl
Marsh lateral shoreline erosion and shore-proximal sediment deposition
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
USGS 21st Century Science - WILDLAND FIRE (portrait)
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
$71-$246 BILLION
Net annual economic impact of wildland fire across the U.S.1
650 MILLION
Acres of public lands that are managed for wildland fire.2
16.1 FATALITIES
Average annual fatalities from wildland fire.3
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #7
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence - M7.1 Highway 178
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Highway 178 SW of Trona. Taken earlier in the morning July 6, 2019 after the M7.1 earthquake which struck eastern California, southwest of Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, CA.
Powerlines
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Schematic showing a current (J0) in the space environment above the Earth’s surface of increasing intensity over time. This current generates a magnetic fields (B) that is also increasing in intensity over time.
Catching the Quakes - Using Seismic Signals to Track Debris Flows
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
USGS Research Geophysicist Kate Allstadt conducts experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, near Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Allstadt and her group are working toward an understanding of how debris flows generate seismic signals.
Elastic Rebound
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Elastic rebound is what happens to the crustal material on either side of a fault during an earthquake. The idea is that a fault is stuck until the strain accumulated in the rock on either side of the fault has overcome the friction making it stick.
Volcano Web Shorts 6: Societal Impacts of Volcanism
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.
Two views of spattering from west vent
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Two views of spattering from west vent in West Gap Pit. Spatter rim is about 6 m high.
Debris Flow in Action
A debris flow exceeding a meter in depth rushes towards the monitoring station used to measure basal force and other flow properties.
Captured by automated monitoring camera.
A debris flow exceeding a meter in depth rushes towards the monitoring station used to measure basal force and other flow properties.
Captured by automated monitoring camera.
What is the difference between a tsunami and a tidal wave?
Although both are sea waves, a tsunami and a tidal wave are two different and unrelated phenomena. A tidal wave is a shallow water wave caused by the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth ("tidal wave" was used in earlier times to describe what we now call a tsunami.) A tsunami is an ocean wave triggered by large earthquakes that occur near or under the ocean, volcanic...
What health hazards are posed by vog (volcanic smog)?
Vog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) gas can irritate skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can penetrate airways, producing respiratory distress in some individuals. Aerosol particles in vog can also penetrate deep into human lungs and, at elevated levels, can induce symptoms of asthma. Physical...
What are the hazards of magnetic storms?
Our technology based infrastructure can be adversely affected by rapid magnetic field variations. This is especially true during “magnetic storms." Because the ionosphere is heated and distorted during storms, long range radio communication that relies on sub-ionospheric reflection can be difficult or impossible and global-positioning system (GPS) communications can be degraded. Ionospheric...
What should I do DURING an earthquake?
If you are INDOORS -- STAY THERE! Get under a desk or table and hang on to it ( Drop, Cover, and Hold on! ) or move into a hallway or against an inside wall. STAY CLEAR of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. GET OUT of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place (things can fall on you). DON'T run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of...
Can you predict earthquakes?
No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future. USGS scientists can only calculate the probability that a significant earthquake will occur ( shown on our hazard mapping ) in a specific area within a certain number of years. An earthquake prediction must define 3 elements...
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...
What is a debris flow?
Debris flows are fast-moving landslides that are particularly dangerous to life and property because they move quickly, destroy objects in their paths, and often strike without warning. They occur in a wide variety of environments throughout the world, including all 50 states and U.S. Territories. Debris flows generally occur during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt and usually start...
Should I be concerned about radon in my house?
You can get an idea as to how concerned you should be about radon in your house by learning about the geology of the site and its radon potential. If your house is in an area the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows has a high potential for radon, then chances are that your house may have an indoor radon problem. However, the way a house is built can increase the risk - so even in areas of...
What are the visual signs of chronic wasting disease?
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has an extended incubation period averaging 18–24 months between infection and the onset of noticeable signs. During this time frame animals look and act normal. The most obvious sign of CWD is progressive weight loss. Numerous behavioral changes also have been reported, including decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of humans. Diseased...
How much carbon dioxide does the United States and the World emit each year from energy sources?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2019, the United States emitted 5,130 million metric tons of energy-related carbon dioxide, while the global emissions of energy-related carbon dioxide totaled 33,621.5 million metric tons.
Where do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes can strike any location at any time, but history shows they occur in the same general patterns year after year, principally in three large zones of the earth: The world's greatest earthquake belt, the circum-Pacific seismic belt , is found along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, where about 81 percent of our planet's largest earthquakes occur. It has earned the nickname "Ring of Fire". Why...
How does the Earth's core generate a magnetic field?
The Earth's outer core is in a state of turbulent convection as the result of radioactive heating and chemical differentiation. This sets up a process that is a bit like a naturally occurring electrical generator, where the convective kinetic energy is converted to electrical and magnetic energy. Basically, the motion of the electrically conducting iron in the presence of the Earth's magnetic...