Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public. Our research center is built around five broad science themes: Paleoclimate & Paleoecology, Landscape Science, Geologic Mapping, Hazards, and Special Geologic Studies. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK

USGS Scientists Help Address Conflict Mining

Artisanal miners digging a mining pit using simple tools such as shovels, buckets and water pumps.

The USGS has collaborated with several international organizations working to track and monitor illegal mining and armed groups funded by natural resources around the world.

See Featured Story

Mid-Atlantic Stream & Sediment Science

An image taken along Western Branch in Maryland

FBGC's ecologist Greg Noe's work is highlighted in this great article discussing legacy erosion and sedimentation in Mid-Atlantic watersheds.

View Story

Climate Change Impacts on Mangrove Forests

The shore along the edges of an island playa in Florida

FBGC scientists Miriam Jones and Lynn Wingard were recently interviewed by NPR regarding climate change and mangrove forests. 

Listen to Interview

Publications

Sight and blindness: The relationship between ostracod eyes, water depth, and light availability in the Arctic Ocean

Eye loss has been a long-standing interest in evolutionary biology. Many organisms that inhabit environments without light penetration, for example the deep sea, exhibit eye loss and thus become blind. However, water-depth distribution of eyes in marine organisms is poorly understood. Ostracods are widely distributed crustaceans, and many sighted marine ostracods have eye tubercles (lenses) on the
Authors
Jingwen Zhang, Moriaki Yasuhara, Chih-Lin Wei, Skye Yunshu Tian, Kyawt K. T. Aye, Laura Gemery, Thomas M. Cronin, Peter Frenzel, David J. Horne
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

Evaluating an improved systems approach to wetland crediting: Consideration of wetland ecosystem services

The Chesapeake Bay Agreement (CBA) has numerous direct goals for improving habitat, living resources, and water quality, conserving lands, engaging communities and addressing a changing climate. To date, the progress toward the wetlands outcome (creation/ restoration of 85,000 acres and enhancement of 150,000 acres) has been very slow and the outcome is projected to be off course for 2025. Two spe
Authors
Pamela Mason, Gregory B. Noe, Alicia Berlin, Denise Clearwater, Sally Claggett, Dave Goerman, Brooke J. Landry, Alison Santoro
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

Paleoenvironmental and paleoecological dynamics of the U.S. Atlantic Coastal Plain prior to and during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

We studied the rapid paleo-environmental changes and the corresponding biotic responses of benthic foraminifera of a shallow shelf site during the late Paleocene and the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). The PETM is globally characterized by a negative δ13C excursion in marine and terrestrial sediments. Isotope data from the Atlantic Coastal Plain from the South Dover Bridge core, Maryland,
Authors
Monika Doubrawa, Peter Stassen, Marci M. Robinson, Robert P. Speijer
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
View All

Science

link
Map of 68 field sites and their upstream drainage areas of the Chesapeake and Delaware watersheds

New study shows importance of streambank erosion and floodplain deposition on sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen sources and transport in the Chesapeake watershed

Issue: As Chesapeake Bay Program partners work to reduce pollution, knowing sources of sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen transported to the Bay is critical for effective and efficient management. Streams and their associated floodplains have an important influence on the transport of nutrients and sediment through the Chesapeake watershed and into tidal waters. The USGS is conducting...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
link

New study shows importance of streambank erosion and floodplain deposition on sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen sources and transport in the Chesapeake watershed

Issue: As Chesapeake Bay Program partners work to reduce pollution, knowing sources of sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen transported to the Bay is critical for effective and efficient management. Streams and their associated floodplains have an important influence on the transport of nutrients and sediment through the Chesapeake watershed and into tidal waters. The USGS is conducting...
Learn More
link
two people measuring a rock outcrop, one is on a ladder

Atlantic Subsurface Stratigraphic Initiative

The Atlantic Subsurface Stratigraphic Initiative (ASSI) is a project with an interdisciplinary group of scientists focused on documenting the Cretaceous and Cenozoic subsurface geology of the Salisbury Embayment across Maryland and Virginia. Data generated by ASSI is crucial for resolving stratigraphic issues across state boundaries and regions. By working closely with state geologic surveys, ASSI...
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
link

Atlantic Subsurface Stratigraphic Initiative

The Atlantic Subsurface Stratigraphic Initiative (ASSI) is a project with an interdisciplinary group of scientists focused on documenting the Cretaceous and Cenozoic subsurface geology of the Salisbury Embayment across Maryland and Virginia. Data generated by ASSI is crucial for resolving stratigraphic issues across state boundaries and regions. By working closely with state geologic surveys, ASSI...
Learn More
link
Collage of vessel, glacier, mineral, and scientist testing substances in pipets.

New Review of Sediment Science Informs Choices of Management Actions in the Chesapeake

Issue: The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) is pursuing restoration efforts to improve habitats and associated water quality for fisheries, both in the watershed and estuary. Excess sediment decreases light in tidal waters for submerged aquatic vegetation, harms oysters, carries contaminants, and impairs stream health throughout the watershed. The CBP is implementing management actions and policies...
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
link

New Review of Sediment Science Informs Choices of Management Actions in the Chesapeake

Issue: The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) is pursuing restoration efforts to improve habitats and associated water quality for fisheries, both in the watershed and estuary. Excess sediment decreases light in tidal waters for submerged aquatic vegetation, harms oysters, carries contaminants, and impairs stream health throughout the watershed. The CBP is implementing management actions and policies...
Learn More
View All