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Images

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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Illustration of a bay and delta region with different colors to depict varying depths of water.
Bathymetric map of the northern portion of San Francisco Bay (MLLW)
Bathymetric map of the northern portion of San Francisco Bay (MLLW)
Bathymetric map of the northern portion of San Francisco Bay (MLLW)

Digital elevation model (DEM) of northern San Francisco Bay, California, created using bathymetry data collected between 1999 and 2016 (MLLW)

Digital elevation model (DEM) of northern San Francisco Bay, California, created using bathymetry data collected between 1999 and 2016 (MLLW)

the entrance to the Buzzards Bay entrance to the Cape Cod Canal.
Buzzards Bay Entrance to the Cape Cod Canal
Buzzards Bay Entrance to the Cape Cod Canal
Buzzards Bay Entrance to the Cape Cod Canal

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows the entrance to the Buzzards Bay entrance to the Cape Cod Canal.

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows the entrance to the Buzzards Bay entrance to the Cape Cod Canal.

the three-dimensional perspective view of the Elizabeth Islands in the center of the image. Buzzards Bay is to the left (north)
Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows the three-dimensional perspective view of the Elizabeth Islands in the center of the image. Buzzards Bay is to the left (north) of the Elizabeth Islands, and Vineyard Sound is to the right (south).

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows the three-dimensional perspective view of the Elizabeth Islands in the center of the image. Buzzards Bay is to the left (north) of the Elizabeth Islands, and Vineyard Sound is to the right (south).

three-dimensional perspective view of Nantucket Island, MA looking from the Southeast to the Northwest.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, Massachusetts

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows the three-dimensional perspective view of Nantucket Island, MA looking from the Southeast to the Northwest.

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows the three-dimensional perspective view of Nantucket Island, MA looking from the Southeast to the Northwest.

Color photograph showing summit of Kīlauea Volcano
Photograph of Kīlauea summit water
Photograph of Kīlauea summit water
Photograph of Kīlauea summit water

After days of rain, a window of clear weather allowed HVO geologists to make observations and take measurements of the water pond at Kīlauea's summit on January 17, 2020. No major changes were observed, and the water level continues to slowly rise. 

After days of rain, a window of clear weather allowed HVO geologists to make observations and take measurements of the water pond at Kīlauea's summit on January 17, 2020. No major changes were observed, and the water level continues to slowly rise. 

Salem and Marblehead in the middle of the image and Rocky Neck in the upper middle.
Salem and Marblehead, Massachusetts
Salem and Marblehead, Massachusetts
Salem and Marblehead, Massachusetts

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows Salem and Marblehead in the middle of the image and Rocky Neck in the upper middle.

This image created using the Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf, shows Salem and Marblehead in the middle of the image and Rocky Neck in the upper middle.

Four scientists work on samples at a volcano
Scientists process volcano lake water samples
Scientists process volcano lake water samples
Scientists process volcano lake water samples

After a sample was collected, HVO team members transferred water from the sampling device to plastic bottles. Team members took notes, measured water pH and evaluated water temperature data for each sample collected.   

After a sample was collected, HVO team members transferred water from the sampling device to plastic bottles. Team members took notes, measured water pH and evaluated water temperature data for each sample collected.   

Part of the USGS Earthquake Response Team visiting areas affected by the 6.4 earthquake.
USGS visits areas affected by the 6.4 Puerto Rico earthquake
USGS visits areas affected by the 6.4 Puerto Rico earthquake
USGS visits areas affected by the 6.4 Puerto Rico earthquake

Part of the USGS Earthquake Response Team visiting areas affected by the 6.4 earthquake. Place: Guánica Boardwalk. From left to right: Donyelle Davis, Dianne López, Jonathan Godt, Alex Grant

Part of the USGS Earthquake Response Team visiting areas affected by the 6.4 earthquake. Place: Guánica Boardwalk. From left to right: Donyelle Davis, Dianne López, Jonathan Godt, Alex Grant

click on image for full description
2020 Puerto Rico Earthquake Sequence (as of Jan. 16, 2020)
2020 Puerto Rico Earthquake Sequence (as of Jan. 16, 2020)
2020 Puerto Rico Earthquake Sequence (as of Jan. 16, 2020)

Earthquakes detected between December 28, 2019 as of January 16, 2020. Subject to updates.

>300 M3+earthquakes recorded*
since Dec. 28, 2019 (within 40km) strong enough to be felt

10 M5+ earthquakes recorded*
since Dec. 28, 2019 (including M6.4) large enough to do damage

Earthquakes detected between December 28, 2019 as of January 16, 2020. Subject to updates.

>300 M3+earthquakes recorded*
since Dec. 28, 2019 (within 40km) strong enough to be felt

10 M5+ earthquakes recorded*
since Dec. 28, 2019 (including M6.4) large enough to do damage

Photo of a coastline where sections of bluff have eroded into a network of small gullies in a dendritic pattern.
California coastal erosion
California coastal erosion
California coastal erosion

This region of the California coastline is lined with coastal bluffs that have been shaped not only by runoff from rain, but also by wave- and wind-driven erosion. This photo from Pescadero State Beach displays an example of a bluff undergoing erosional processes. Water from the ocean, delivered in waves, can overtop some of these coastal bluffs.

This region of the California coastline is lined with coastal bluffs that have been shaped not only by runoff from rain, but also by wave- and wind-driven erosion. This photo from Pescadero State Beach displays an example of a bluff undergoing erosional processes. Water from the ocean, delivered in waves, can overtop some of these coastal bluffs.

Photo of a rugged coastline with bluffs, gentle waves, and rocks jutting out from the sand.
California coastline
California coastline
California coastline

The U.S. west coast is an area of complex coastal geography. This photograph depicts several examples of geological features along the California coastline that are shaped by varied coastal processes. The gently sloping beach, stark bluffs, and presence of smooth rocks suggests that the coastal processes shaping this coastline are complex.

The U.S. west coast is an area of complex coastal geography. This photograph depicts several examples of geological features along the California coastline that are shaped by varied coastal processes. The gently sloping beach, stark bluffs, and presence of smooth rocks suggests that the coastal processes shaping this coastline are complex.

A man points to a computer screen displaying a map with colored blocks along a coastline.
Coastal storm modeling system integrates economic impacts
Coastal storm modeling system integrates economic impacts
Coastal storm modeling system integrates economic impacts

Patrick Barnard explains how the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) integrates information from the Hazards Exposure Reporting and Analytics (HERA) mapper to understand the social and economic consequences of different flooding scenarios. 

Patrick Barnard explains how the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) integrates information from the Hazards Exposure Reporting and Analytics (HERA) mapper to understand the social and economic consequences of different flooding scenarios. 

Damaged curb caused in Ponce, Puerto Rico caused by M6.4 quake
Damaged curb caused in Ponce, Puerto Rico caused by M6.4 quake
Damaged curb caused in Ponce, Puerto Rico caused by M6.4 quake

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

land movement
House damaged by rock fall in Puerto Rico
House damaged by rock fall in Puerto Rico
House damaged by rock fall in Puerto Rico

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a rockfall damage to a house in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a rockfall damage to a house in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

land movement
House marking in Puerto Rico
House marking in Puerto Rico
House marking in Puerto Rico

Houses were damaged during the M6.4 earthquake that struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Houses were tagged by local officials for whether they were safe or not.

Houses were damaged during the M6.4 earthquake that struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Houses were tagged by local officials for whether they were safe or not.

land movement
House marking in Puerto Rico
House marking in Puerto Rico
House marking in Puerto Rico

Houses were damaged during the M6.4 earthquake that struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Houses were tagged by local officials for whether they were safe or not.

Houses were damaged during the M6.4 earthquake that struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Houses were tagged by local officials for whether they were safe or not.

Color photographs of scientists
HVO Scientists-in-Charge Thomas Jaggar and Tina Neal
HVO Scientists-in-Charge Thomas Jaggar and Tina Neal
HVO Scientists-in-Charge Thomas Jaggar and Tina Neal

Thomas A. Jaggar, shown at his desk circa 1925, founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912 and served as its Director until he retired in 1940.

Thomas A. Jaggar, shown at his desk circa 1925, founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912 and served as its Director until he retired in 1940.

land movement
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

land movement
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

land movement
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

land movement
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Inspecting boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.

USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. The boardwalk in Ponce, Puerto Rico was damaged by the quake.