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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
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.
[Page 5]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
[Page 5]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
[Page 3]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
[Page 3]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
NATIONAL LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY MAP
POSTFIRE DEBRIS FLOW SCIENCE
The U.S. Geological Survey helps local, state, and federal agencies assess debris flow hazards in recently burned areas. We provide information about the likelihood of debris flow activity, where they might happen, and how big they might be.
DEBRIS FLOW ASSESSMENTS
POSTFIRE DEBRIS FLOW SCIENCE
The U.S. Geological Survey helps local, state, and federal agencies assess debris flow hazards in recently burned areas. We provide information about the likelihood of debris flow activity, where they might happen, and how big they might be.
DEBRIS FLOW ASSESSMENTS
Natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods impact millions of Americans every year. The U.S. Geological Survey monitors these hazards in realtime, giving communities early warnings and critical information. In some cases, forecasting where the threat is greatest and helping reduce the risk to people, homes, and infrastructure.
Natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods impact millions of Americans every year. The U.S. Geological Survey monitors these hazards in realtime, giving communities early warnings and critical information. In some cases, forecasting where the threat is greatest and helping reduce the risk to people, homes, and infrastructure.
¿Dónde Ocurren los Deslizamientos de Tierra?
(Mapa Nacional de Susceptibilidad a Deslizamientos de Tierra, 2024)
¿Dónde Ocurren los Deslizamientos de Tierra?
(Mapa Nacional de Susceptibilidad a Deslizamientos de Tierra, 2024)
A map of the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico shows landslide susceptibility from yellow (low) to red (high), where the areas without shading represent negligible potential for landslides.
A map of the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico shows landslide susceptibility from yellow (low) to red (high), where the areas without shading represent negligible potential for landslides.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Steven Sobieszczyk.
I fill two roles with wildfires. I go out after a fire to look at values at risk to postfire flooding or I respond during a fire as public information officer.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Steven Sobieszczyk.
I fill two roles with wildfires. I go out after a fire to look at values at risk to postfire flooding or I respond during a fire as public information officer.
Red flag warnings are issued when weather conditions become hot, dry, and windy. These conditions are ideal for wildfires to start or grow.
Red flag warnings are issued when weather conditions become hot, dry, and windy. These conditions are ideal for wildfires to start or grow.
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
Fire Danger Forecast Viewer
3 Fire-related Maps
Fire Danger Forecast Viewer
3 Fire-related Maps
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.
I study how wildfires affect landscapes and determine ways we can reduce community risk and help the environment recover after a fire.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.
I study how wildfires affect landscapes and determine ways we can reduce community risk and help the environment recover after a fire.
Infographic description features and function of micro ocean-bottom seismometers.
Infographic description features and function of micro ocean-bottom seismometers.
Fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows triggered by intense rainfall are one of the most dangerous post-fire hazards. The risk of floods and debris flows after fires increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. Cases of sudden and deadly debris flow are well documented along the western United States, particularly in Southern California.
Fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows triggered by intense rainfall are one of the most dangerous post-fire hazards. The risk of floods and debris flows after fires increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. Cases of sudden and deadly debris flow are well documented along the western United States, particularly in Southern California.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Rachel A Loehman, Ph.D.
I study the complexities between people and nature, particularly the impacts of wildfires on landscapes, habitats, and natural resources
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Rachel A Loehman, Ph.D.
I study the complexities between people and nature, particularly the impacts of wildfires on landscapes, habitats, and natural resources
USGS fire science informs land, water, and emergency management decisions. Each year tens of thousands of wildfires cause billions of dollars of damage.
USGS fire science informs land, water, and emergency management decisions. Each year tens of thousands of wildfires cause billions of dollars of damage.
How hot do wildfires get?
How hot do wildfires get?
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
How Streamgages are Used in Postfire Flood Forecasting
Stream data is recorded in real time and posted online.
Stream data include water level, velocity, and turbidity.
During storms, rainfall data is compared to the stream data.
The National Weather Service uses the data to issue flood warnings.
How Streamgages are Used in Postfire Flood Forecasting
Stream data is recorded in real time and posted online.
Stream data include water level, velocity, and turbidity.
During storms, rainfall data is compared to the stream data.
The National Weather Service uses the data to issue flood warnings.
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.
[Page 5]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
[Page 5]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
[Page 3]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
[Page 3]
Did you feel that? The annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is coming on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. (local time, wherever you are). We never know where or when an earthquake may happen, but preparing is easier than assembling a piece of Scandinavian furniture.
NATIONAL LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY MAP
POSTFIRE DEBRIS FLOW SCIENCE
The U.S. Geological Survey helps local, state, and federal agencies assess debris flow hazards in recently burned areas. We provide information about the likelihood of debris flow activity, where they might happen, and how big they might be.
DEBRIS FLOW ASSESSMENTS
POSTFIRE DEBRIS FLOW SCIENCE
The U.S. Geological Survey helps local, state, and federal agencies assess debris flow hazards in recently burned areas. We provide information about the likelihood of debris flow activity, where they might happen, and how big they might be.
DEBRIS FLOW ASSESSMENTS
Natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods impact millions of Americans every year. The U.S. Geological Survey monitors these hazards in realtime, giving communities early warnings and critical information. In some cases, forecasting where the threat is greatest and helping reduce the risk to people, homes, and infrastructure.
Natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods impact millions of Americans every year. The U.S. Geological Survey monitors these hazards in realtime, giving communities early warnings and critical information. In some cases, forecasting where the threat is greatest and helping reduce the risk to people, homes, and infrastructure.
¿Dónde Ocurren los Deslizamientos de Tierra?
(Mapa Nacional de Susceptibilidad a Deslizamientos de Tierra, 2024)
¿Dónde Ocurren los Deslizamientos de Tierra?
(Mapa Nacional de Susceptibilidad a Deslizamientos de Tierra, 2024)
A map of the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico shows landslide susceptibility from yellow (low) to red (high), where the areas without shading represent negligible potential for landslides.
A map of the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico shows landslide susceptibility from yellow (low) to red (high), where the areas without shading represent negligible potential for landslides.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Steven Sobieszczyk.
I fill two roles with wildfires. I go out after a fire to look at values at risk to postfire flooding or I respond during a fire as public information officer.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Steven Sobieszczyk.
I fill two roles with wildfires. I go out after a fire to look at values at risk to postfire flooding or I respond during a fire as public information officer.
Red flag warnings are issued when weather conditions become hot, dry, and windy. These conditions are ideal for wildfires to start or grow.
Red flag warnings are issued when weather conditions become hot, dry, and windy. These conditions are ideal for wildfires to start or grow.
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
Fire Danger Forecast Viewer
3 Fire-related Maps
Fire Danger Forecast Viewer
3 Fire-related Maps
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.
I study how wildfires affect landscapes and determine ways we can reduce community risk and help the environment recover after a fire.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Miguel Villarreal, Ph.D.
I study how wildfires affect landscapes and determine ways we can reduce community risk and help the environment recover after a fire.
Infographic description features and function of micro ocean-bottom seismometers.
Infographic description features and function of micro ocean-bottom seismometers.
Fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows triggered by intense rainfall are one of the most dangerous post-fire hazards. The risk of floods and debris flows after fires increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. Cases of sudden and deadly debris flow are well documented along the western United States, particularly in Southern California.
Fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows triggered by intense rainfall are one of the most dangerous post-fire hazards. The risk of floods and debris flows after fires increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. Cases of sudden and deadly debris flow are well documented along the western United States, particularly in Southern California.
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Rachel A Loehman, Ph.D.
I study the complexities between people and nature, particularly the impacts of wildfires on landscapes, habitats, and natural resources
MEET A FIRE SCIENTIST: Rachel A Loehman, Ph.D.
I study the complexities between people and nature, particularly the impacts of wildfires on landscapes, habitats, and natural resources
USGS fire science informs land, water, and emergency management decisions. Each year tens of thousands of wildfires cause billions of dollars of damage.
USGS fire science informs land, water, and emergency management decisions. Each year tens of thousands of wildfires cause billions of dollars of damage.
How hot do wildfires get?
How hot do wildfires get?
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
There are three fire-related triangles used to explain fire growth and expansion. The smallest scale "Fire Triangle" factors in oxygen, heat, and fuel. The "Fire Behavior Triangle" factors in topography, fuel, and weather. While the large-scale "Fire Regime Triangle" factors in ignition source, vegetation, and climate.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.
How Streamgages are Used in Postfire Flood Forecasting
Stream data is recorded in real time and posted online.
Stream data include water level, velocity, and turbidity.
During storms, rainfall data is compared to the stream data.
The National Weather Service uses the data to issue flood warnings.
How Streamgages are Used in Postfire Flood Forecasting
Stream data is recorded in real time and posted online.
Stream data include water level, velocity, and turbidity.
During storms, rainfall data is compared to the stream data.
The National Weather Service uses the data to issue flood warnings.
