Whether you’ve never experienced an earthquake, are in the midst of intense shaking, or just felt a temblor, there are valuable resources available to help. Watch the video to learn more.
Steven Sobieszćzyk
Steven Sobieszćzyk is a scientist and spokesperson. While "Sobie" spent most of his career researching landslide hazards, flooding, sediment transport, and stream ecosystems, he now focuses on science communication and promoting scientific literacy. Steve is a multihazard first responder and has spoken extensively about seismic, wildfire, landslide, flooding, and volcanic hazards.
CURRENT WORK
- Media Lead for the USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area
- Public Information Officer for DOI Office of Wildland Fire
- Hydrologist for National DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team
Professional Experience
Public Affairs Specialist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2020 – Present
Develop, create, and execute national-level Bureau communication content (e.g., news releases, social media posts, videos), events (e.g., open houses, press conferences), and media & science communications training. Writer. Illustrator. Videographer. Webmaster. Instructor. Public Speaker.
Public Information Officer & Hydrologist • U.S. Department of Interior • 2017 – Present
Multi-incident first responder. Create talking points, press releases, videos, social media content, and online story maps. Coordinate community meetings and press conferences. DOI Burned Area Emergency Response hydrologist.
Co-founder • Association of Science Communicators • 2016 – 2023
Founding member and executive officer of an international non-profit science communication organization. Help guide internal/external communication and community marketing strategies, including graphic design, branding, and conference development.
Geographer & Hydrologist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2001 – 2020
Study debris flow, flooding, and sediment transport-related issues. Professional background in GIS, including runoff modeling and bathymetric surveys. Advised Leadership on strategies and methods to achieve better public understanding of science content.
Adjunct Professor • Portland State University • 2011 – 2017
Taught Hydrology (GEOG 4/514), GIS for Water Resources (GEOG 4/594), River Restoration, Part II: Ecological Processes (EPP 222), and Site Evaluation and Assessment Tools (EPP 223).
Research Assistant • NASA • 1999
Mapped, analyzed, and compiled a database of crater impacts on Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter, using Galileo and Viking satellite images.
Education and Certifications
Portland State University • M.S. • 2010
Landslide Engineering Geology and Hydrology
Portland State University • GISP • 2005
Licensed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional
University of Wisconson - Oshkosh • B.S. • 2000
Geology, minor in Geography
Science and Products
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
Water-quality in the North Santiam River Basin, Oregon— Comparison of water-quality data for water year 2007 with the preceding period of record
Land cover classification for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Geomorphic floodplain with organic matter (biomass) estimates for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Active channel for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Water sample locations for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Stream Centerline for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Solid sample locations for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Top of head scarp and internal scarps for landslide deposits in the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Location of photographs showing landslide features in the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Head scarp boundary for the landslides in the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Landslide deposit boundaries for the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
I Am An ... Ornithologist
I Am An ... Ornithologist is part of our "I Am A..." series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" in the field and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like.
An Ornithologist is someone who studies birds! The USGS has lot of scientists that do this.
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
Tualatin River Basin Water Quality Assessment
Post-Wildfire Landslide Hazards
North Santiam River Basin Study
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
![National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 6] Part Six: Resources to Keep You Safe](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Preparedness%20-Earthquakes%20-%20Part%206.jpg?itok=Yedt4sfk)
Whether you’ve never experienced an earthquake, are in the midst of intense shaking, or just felt a temblor, there are valuable resources available to help. Watch the video to learn more.
![National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 1] Video of Earth with a glowing crack through it.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/video1_0.jpg?itok=D37v6dWO)
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
![National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 5] People sitting at table. Text read: Part Five: Drop, Cover, and Hold on](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Preparedness%20-Earthquakes%20-%20Part%205.jpg?itok=0hMzFDoa)
There’s an earthquake—what do you do? This video will show you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Additional Resources:
There’s an earthquake—what do you do? This video will show you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Additional Resources:
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
A debris flow is a form of rapid mass movement in which a combination of loose soil, rock, organic matter, air, and water mobilizes as a slurry that flows downslope. Debris flows include <50% fines.
A debris flow is a form of rapid mass movement in which a combination of loose soil, rock, organic matter, air, and water mobilizes as a slurry that flows downslope. Debris flows include <50% fines.
Rotational slide: This is a slide in which the surface of rupture is curved concavely upward and the slide movement is roughly rotational about an axis that is parallel to the ground surface and transverse across the slide.
Rotational slide: This is a slide in which the surface of rupture is curved concavely upward and the slide movement is roughly rotational about an axis that is parallel to the ground surface and transverse across the slide.
Translational slide: In this type of slide, the landslide mass moves along a roughly planar surface with little rotation or backward tilting.
Translational slide: In this type of slide, the landslide mass moves along a roughly planar surface with little rotation or backward tilting.
A block slide is a translational slide in which the moving mass consists of a single unit or a few closely related units that move downslope as a relatively coherent mass.
A block slide is a translational slide in which the moving mass consists of a single unit or a few closely related units that move downslope as a relatively coherent mass.
Earthflows have a characteristic "hourglass" shape. The slope material liquefies and runs out, forming a bowl or depression at the head. The flow itself is elongated and usually occurs in fine-grained materials or clay-bearing rocks on moderate slopes and under saturated conditions. However, dry flows of granular material are also possible.
Earthflows have a characteristic "hourglass" shape. The slope material liquefies and runs out, forming a bowl or depression at the head. The flow itself is elongated and usually occurs in fine-grained materials or clay-bearing rocks on moderate slopes and under saturated conditions. However, dry flows of granular material are also possible.
Rockfalls are abrupt movements of masses of geologic materials, such as rocks and boulders, which become detached from steep slopes or cliffs. Separation occurs along discontinuities such as fractures, joints, and bedding planes, and movement occurs by free-fall, bouncing, and rolling.
Rockfalls are abrupt movements of masses of geologic materials, such as rocks and boulders, which become detached from steep slopes or cliffs. Separation occurs along discontinuities such as fractures, joints, and bedding planes, and movement occurs by free-fall, bouncing, and rolling.
Toppling failures are distinguished by the forward rotation of a unit or units about some pivotal point, below or low in the unit, under the actions of gravity and forces exerted by adjacent units or by fluids in cracks.
Toppling failures are distinguished by the forward rotation of a unit or units about some pivotal point, below or low in the unit, under the actions of gravity and forces exerted by adjacent units or by fluids in cracks.
Debris avalanche: This is a variety of very rapid to extremely rapid debris flow.
Debris avalanche: This is a variety of very rapid to extremely rapid debris flow.
Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce permanent deformation, but too small to produce shear failure.
Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce permanent deformation, but too small to produce shear failure.
Lateral spreads are distinctive because they usually occur on very gentle slopes or flat terrain. The dominant mode of movement is lateral extension accompanied by shear or tensile fractures.
Lateral spreads are distinctive because they usually occur on very gentle slopes or flat terrain. The dominant mode of movement is lateral extension accompanied by shear or tensile fractures.
TYPES OF LANDSLIDES
EARTHQUAKES: WHAT YOU FEEL
EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY
EARTHQUAKES: WHAT YOU FEEL
EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY
![National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe thumbnail ocean month video](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/NationalOceanMonth_thumbnail.jpg?itok=0HK8oZd5)
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.
![National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe (AD) thumbnail ocean month video](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/NationalOceanMonth_thumbnail.jpg?itok=0HK8oZd5)
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.
![Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World (AD) thumbnail for ways world changed MSH](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/MountStHelens_Changes_thumbnail.png?itok=MUmzp0z2)
The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.
The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.
Science and Products
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
Water-quality in the North Santiam River Basin, Oregon— Comparison of water-quality data for water year 2007 with the preceding period of record
Land cover classification for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Geomorphic floodplain with organic matter (biomass) estimates for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Active channel for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Water sample locations for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Stream Centerline for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Solid sample locations for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index for Fanno Creek, Oregon
Top of head scarp and internal scarps for landslide deposits in the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Location of photographs showing landslide features in the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Head scarp boundary for the landslides in the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Landslide deposit boundaries for the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
I Am An ... Ornithologist
I Am An ... Ornithologist is part of our "I Am A..." series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" in the field and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of what we really look like.
An Ornithologist is someone who studies birds! The USGS has lot of scientists that do this.
Below we feature the animated video and a coloring page.
Tualatin River Basin Water Quality Assessment
Post-Wildfire Landslide Hazards
North Santiam River Basin Study
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
![National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 6] Part Six: Resources to Keep You Safe](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Preparedness%20-Earthquakes%20-%20Part%206.jpg?itok=Yedt4sfk)
Whether you’ve never experienced an earthquake, are in the midst of intense shaking, or just felt a temblor, there are valuable resources available to help. Watch the video to learn more.
Whether you’ve never experienced an earthquake, are in the midst of intense shaking, or just felt a temblor, there are valuable resources available to help. Watch the video to learn more.
![National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 1] Video of Earth with a glowing crack through it.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/video1_0.jpg?itok=D37v6dWO)
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Earthquakes can affect millions of people across the United States. But do you know what causes them? This video will tell you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
![National Preparedness Month Spotlight on Earthquakes [Part 5] People sitting at table. Text read: Part Five: Drop, Cover, and Hold on](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Preparedness%20-Earthquakes%20-%20Part%205.jpg?itok=0hMzFDoa)
There’s an earthquake—what do you do? This video will show you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Additional Resources:
There’s an earthquake—what do you do? This video will show you.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about the natural hazards you may face in our feature story.
Additional Resources:
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
Natural hazards are unavoidable. But with proper preparedness, their impact can be reduced. The USGS and its partners work to prepare, monitor, assess, and alert people to the hazards around them. Are you ready if you're affected by a disaster?
A debris flow is a form of rapid mass movement in which a combination of loose soil, rock, organic matter, air, and water mobilizes as a slurry that flows downslope. Debris flows include <50% fines.
A debris flow is a form of rapid mass movement in which a combination of loose soil, rock, organic matter, air, and water mobilizes as a slurry that flows downslope. Debris flows include <50% fines.
Rotational slide: This is a slide in which the surface of rupture is curved concavely upward and the slide movement is roughly rotational about an axis that is parallel to the ground surface and transverse across the slide.
Rotational slide: This is a slide in which the surface of rupture is curved concavely upward and the slide movement is roughly rotational about an axis that is parallel to the ground surface and transverse across the slide.
Translational slide: In this type of slide, the landslide mass moves along a roughly planar surface with little rotation or backward tilting.
Translational slide: In this type of slide, the landslide mass moves along a roughly planar surface with little rotation or backward tilting.
A block slide is a translational slide in which the moving mass consists of a single unit or a few closely related units that move downslope as a relatively coherent mass.
A block slide is a translational slide in which the moving mass consists of a single unit or a few closely related units that move downslope as a relatively coherent mass.
Earthflows have a characteristic "hourglass" shape. The slope material liquefies and runs out, forming a bowl or depression at the head. The flow itself is elongated and usually occurs in fine-grained materials or clay-bearing rocks on moderate slopes and under saturated conditions. However, dry flows of granular material are also possible.
Earthflows have a characteristic "hourglass" shape. The slope material liquefies and runs out, forming a bowl or depression at the head. The flow itself is elongated and usually occurs in fine-grained materials or clay-bearing rocks on moderate slopes and under saturated conditions. However, dry flows of granular material are also possible.
Rockfalls are abrupt movements of masses of geologic materials, such as rocks and boulders, which become detached from steep slopes or cliffs. Separation occurs along discontinuities such as fractures, joints, and bedding planes, and movement occurs by free-fall, bouncing, and rolling.
Rockfalls are abrupt movements of masses of geologic materials, such as rocks and boulders, which become detached from steep slopes or cliffs. Separation occurs along discontinuities such as fractures, joints, and bedding planes, and movement occurs by free-fall, bouncing, and rolling.
Toppling failures are distinguished by the forward rotation of a unit or units about some pivotal point, below or low in the unit, under the actions of gravity and forces exerted by adjacent units or by fluids in cracks.
Toppling failures are distinguished by the forward rotation of a unit or units about some pivotal point, below or low in the unit, under the actions of gravity and forces exerted by adjacent units or by fluids in cracks.
Debris avalanche: This is a variety of very rapid to extremely rapid debris flow.
Debris avalanche: This is a variety of very rapid to extremely rapid debris flow.
Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce permanent deformation, but too small to produce shear failure.
Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce permanent deformation, but too small to produce shear failure.
Lateral spreads are distinctive because they usually occur on very gentle slopes or flat terrain. The dominant mode of movement is lateral extension accompanied by shear or tensile fractures.
Lateral spreads are distinctive because they usually occur on very gentle slopes or flat terrain. The dominant mode of movement is lateral extension accompanied by shear or tensile fractures.
TYPES OF LANDSLIDES
EARTHQUAKES: WHAT YOU FEEL
EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY
EARTHQUAKES: WHAT YOU FEEL
EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY
![National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe thumbnail ocean month video](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/NationalOceanMonth_thumbnail.jpg?itok=0HK8oZd5)
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.
![National Ocean Month: 10 Ocean Field Sites You’ve Got to “Sea” to Believe (AD) thumbnail ocean month video](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/NationalOceanMonth_thumbnail.jpg?itok=0HK8oZd5)
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.
![Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World (AD) thumbnail for ways world changed MSH](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/MountStHelens_Changes_thumbnail.png?itok=MUmzp0z2)
The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.
The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.