USGS Multimedia Gallery Audio Set for: CoreCast

Tsunami Research Keeping People Safe

Kara Capelli — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

When a 40 foot tsunami wave hit the shores of American Samoa on Sept. 29, 2009 thousands of locals made it safely to higher ground, thanks to education efforts and research.

Listen to an interview with USGS oceanographer and tsunami researcher, Bruce Jaffe, as he explains why this post-tsunami research is essential for keeping people safe in future tsunamis.

Too Much of a Good Thing: Increasing Nitrogen Deposition in Lakes

Marisa Lubeck — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Increasing nitrogen emissions from motor vehicles, energy production, and agriculture are being deposited in lakes throughout the world, directly affecting lake biology and associated food webs. Alpine lake ecosystems are especially vulnerable to this deposition. USGS scientist Jill Baron, co-author of two new studies on how increased nitrogen pollution can affect lake ecosystems and water quality, discusses the issue.

U.S. Using Less Water Than It Did 35 Years Ago

David Hebert — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

The United States is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, according to USGS water use estimates for 2005. Despite a 30 percent population increase during the past 25 years, overall water use has remained fairly stable.

So what else do we know--and not know--about water use in the U.S.? Learn from a USGS scientist and partners, and hear what they're going to talk about at a water use briefing on Capitol Hill.

Wind Energy: A Scare for Bats and Birds

Kara Capelli — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Several USGS scientists are investigating the problem of fatal bat and bird collisions with wind turbines. USGS scientist and bat specialist Dr. Paul Cryan at the Fort Collins Science Center chats with Juliette Wilson about whether we can have our wind turbines and healthy populations of bats and birds too.

Samoa Islands and Sumatra Earthquakes

Kara Capelli — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Two large earthquakes have hit the Pacific. Harley Benz, Scientist-in-Charge at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center, talks about the quakes' damage, their relationship to one another, and what USGS scientists are doing in the aftermath.

Water on the Moon

Heidi Koontz — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Interview with USGS scientist Dr. Roger Clark about his Sept. 24 Science article that suggests water exists on the moon. Imaging spectroscopy led Clark and others to this discovery which opens the possibilities into further moon exploration.

Coal and Human Health

Kara Capelli — Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Did you know that natural resources like coal can have impacts on human health?

USGS Energy Resources Program Coordinator Brenda Pierce discusses an emerging area of study called "medical geology" and the connections between natural resources and human health. We also hear from USGS scientists Bill Orem and Calin Tatu, who are researching links between coal and a kidney disease called "BEN" in the Balkans.

Mercury Contamination in Fish Nationwide

Jennifer LaVista — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mercury contamination was detected in every fish sampled in 291 streams across the country. About a quarter of these fish were found to contain mercury at levels exceeding the criterion for the protection of people who consume average amounts of fish, established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

We talked to Lia Chasar, lead ecologist on the USGS study.

The Cold Facts About Melting Glaciers

Jessica Robertson — Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Most glaciers in Washington and Alaska are dramatically shrinking in response to a warming climate.

USGS scientist Edward Josberger discusses research from the past 50 years to measure changes in the mass (length and thickness) of three glaciers in Alaska and Washington. These are the longest such records in North America and among the longest in the world.

Bees Are Not Optional

Catherine Puckett — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

It's Pollinator Week 2009, and we're talking to USGS scientist Sam Droege about the tremendous importance of native bees and pollinators in general, and how you can lend a hand to these tiny titans.

Like eating fresh fruits and vegetables? Think agriculture is important to our society? Then you'll want to pay attention to this CoreCast.

New Climate Change Forecasts

Jessica Robertson — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Climate change is happening across the entire Nation and is projected to continue in the future with widespread impacts.

USGS Chief Scientist for Global Change Research Virginia Burkett fills us in on a new report that provides the most current climate change projections, outlines potential impacts, and provides recommendations for future actions.

Hazard Roundup--April/May 2009

Brian Campbell — Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the April and May 2009 hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

The Heavens on Earth

Marisa Lubeck — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Man-made moon dirt, or regolith, has been created by the USGS to help NASA prepare for upcoming moon explorations. USGS scientist Steve Wilson talks about this "mission critical" project.

Images are available in the Details/Transcript section as well as on the USGS Multimedia Gallery at: http://gallery.usgs.gov/collections/Astrogeology

Magnitude 4.7 in Greater Los Angeles Area

Scott Horvath — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Late on May 17, 2009, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck in the Greater Los Angeles area.

We spoke with Ken Hudnut, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey to fill us in on the details.

USGS Geophysicist John Power Updates on Mt. Redoubt

Brian Campbell — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

USGS Geophysicist John Power discusses the recent flare up in earthquake activity at Mt. Redoubt and the likelihood of another eruption in the near future.

Sand Dunes on the Loose Due to Climate Change

Jessica Robertson — Mon, 4 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Climate change is increasing the mobility of sand dunes in the Southwest, posing threats to roadways, infrastructure, human health, cultural practices of the Navajo Nation, and much more. Vegetation on dunes serves as a stabilizer, but as the climate warms and precipitation decreases, there is less vegetation growth.

USGS scientist Margaret Hiza and intern Leanna Begay discuss their research to understand the dunes' plant diversity and what changes are occurring.

Hazard Roundup--March 2009

Brian Campbell — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the March 2009 hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake in Central Italy

Scott Horvath — Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Early this morning, April 06, 2009, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Rome, Italy.

We spoke with Stuart Sipkin, a geophysicist at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center to fill us in on the details.

Contaminants in 20 Percent of U.S. Private Wells

Jennifer LaVista — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

More than 20 percent of private, domestic wells contain at least one contaminant at levels of potential health concern. About 43 million people—or 15 percent of the Nation's population—use drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

USGS scientist Leslie Desimone discusses the new study, the contaminants found, and the implications for society.

Can We Move Carbon from the Atmosphere and into Rocks?

Jessica Robertson — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

A new method to assess the Nation's potential for storing carbon dioxide in rocks below the earth's surface could help lessen climate change impacts. The injection and storage of liquid carbon dioxide into subsurface rocks is known as geologic carbon sequestration.

USGS scientist Robert Burruss discusses this new methodology and how it can help mitigate climate change.

Hazard Roundup--February 2009

Brian Campbell — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the February 2009 hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Slight Climate Changes May Trigger Abrupt Ecosystem Responses

Jessica Robertson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

This is the third and final installment of a three-part series on climate change. Slight changes in climate may cause abrupt changes in ecosystems that are not easily reversible. Some of these responses, including insect outbreaks, wildfire, and forest dieback, may adversely affect people as well as ecosystems and their plants and animals. USGS scientist Colleen Charles discusses a new report on the impacts of a warming world on ecosystems.

Previous Episodes: Arctic Heats Up More than Other Places (Ep. 82); How Abrupt Can Climate Change Be? (Ep. 84)

Help Us Keep an Eye on Climate Change

cpuckett - at - usgs.gov (Catherine Puckett) — Mon, 2 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Attention citizen scientists: We need your help watching the way the world changes!

For nature, timing is everything. So how does climate change affect the timing of things like flowers blooming and animals migrating, and why is this so important?

Learn more, and find out how YOU can help us by observing the world around you from USGS scientist Jake Weltzin, Director of the National Phenology Network.

How Abrupt Can Climate Change Be?

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Mon, 9 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

The United States faces the potential for abrupt climate change in the 21st century that could pose clear risks to society in terms of our ability to adapt.

USGS Associate Program Coordinator for the Office of Global Change John McGeehin discusses a new report on the potential for abrupt climate changes from global warming during this century.

Hazard Roundup--Dec 2009 - Jan 2009

bdcampbell - at - usgs.gov (Brian Campbell) — Fri, 6 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the December 2008 and January 2009 hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Arctic Heats Up More than Other Places

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Mon, 2 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Temperature change in the Arctic is happening at a greater rate than other places in the Northern Hemisphere, and this is expected to continue in the future. As a result, glacier and ice-sheet melting, sea-ice retreat, coastal erosion and sea level rise can be expected to continue.

USGS scientist Joan Fitzpatrick discusses a new report on past climate variability and change in the Arctic.

Mount Redoubt Volcano in Alaska Likely to Erupt

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mount Redoubt in Alaska is likely to erupt within days or weeks. We talk with USGS Volcano Hazards Program Coordinator John Eichelberger to find out more details.

Is Something Brewing in Yellowstone?

lgordon - at - usgs.gov (Leslie Gordon) — Tue, 6 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Yellowstone National Park has experienced several hundred small earthquakes in the past few weeks. So what's going on?

Dr. Jake Lowenstern, USGS Scientist-In-Charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, tells us what's happening and how scientists monitor volcano and earthquake activity at Yellowstone.

Hazard Roundup--November 2008

bdcampbell - at - usgs.gov (Brian Campbell) — Tue, 9 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

In this episode: California wildfires, the Great Southern California ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill, landslide potential, and a magnitude 7.5 off the coast of Indonesia that prompts fears of a tsunami.

Man-Made Chemicals Found in Drinking Water at Low Levels

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Safe drinking water supplies are critical to maintaining and preserving public health. But how healthy is that resource? A recent USGS study found low levels of man-made chemicals in water entering and leaving drinking water treatment plants. USGS lead scientist Greg Delzer explains the findings of this study.

Prehistoric Climate Provides Clues to Future Changes

pjellison - at - usgs.gov (Pat Jellison) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

More accurate predictions of future climate and improved understanding of today’s warming are possible with new data from the first comprehensive reconstruction of an extreme warm period. Past warm periods provide real data on climate change and are natural laboratories for understanding the global climate system. USGS scientists Harry Dowsett and Marci Robinson discuss this research and implications.

Secretary Kempthorne and Mark Myers Share Thoughts on ShakeOut

bdcampbell - at - usgs.gov (Brian Campbell) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and USGS Director Mark Myers reflect on the successes of The Great Southern California ShakeOut—the largest earthquake preparedness drill in U.S. history.

Gas Hydrates on Alaska's North Slope

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

The USGS estimates that there are 85.4 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered, technically recoverable gas from natural gas hydrates on the Alaskan North Slope. This is the first-ever resource estimate of technically recoverable natural gas hydrates in the world.

This assessment shows that gas hydrates could add significantly to the U.S. energy mix. The Alaskan North Slope holds one of the nation’s largest deposits of technically recoverable natural gas.

USGS Director Mark Myers and USGS scientist Timothy Collett discuss the assessment and its results.

Hazard Roundup--October 2008

bdcampbell - at - usgs.gov (Brian Campbell) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

A blazing start to the southern California wildfire season! A number of powerful and destructive earthquakes around the world! The largest earthquake drill in US history just around the corner!

Magnitude 6.4s in Pakistan

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Early this morning, October 29, 2008, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Quetta, Pakistan. Twelve hours later, a second 6.4 struck in the same area. Dr. Harley Benz, Scientist-in-Charge at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center, fills us in with the details.

Hazard Roundup--September 2008

bdcampbell - at - usgs.gov (Brian Campbell) — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Hurricane Gustav; Hurricane Ike; Real-time storm surge sensors; Gulf coast impacts and satellite imagery; hurricane photography; Great California ShakeOut

Farming Carbon to Help the Atmosphere and the Land

jnickles - at - usgs.gov (James Nickles) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

Long-standing farming practices in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta expose fragile peat soils to wind, rain and cultivation, emit carbon dioxide (CO2) and cause land subsidence. To capture or contain the carbon, farmers would "grow" wetlands. In doing so, they would begin to rebuild the Delta's unique peat soils, take CO2 out of the atmosphere, ease pressure on the Delta's aging levees, and infuse the region with new economic potential. We learn more from USGS bio-geochemist Robin Miller about how this could help California, the nation, and the world.

What You Otter Know About Sea Otters - Part 3

plaustsen - at - usgs.gov (Paul Laustsen) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

The last week in September is known as Sea Otter Awareness Week throughout California. To bring more attention to the issues surrounding the sea otter and its ongoing recovery from near extinction, we interviewed Tim Tinker, USGS lead sea-otter researcher. Video also provided in the Transcript/Links section.

What You Otter Know About Sea Otters - Part 2

plaustsen - at - usgs.gov (Paul Laustsen) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

What You Otter Know About Sea Otters - Part 1

plaustsen - at - usgs.gov (Paul Laustsen) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

Hazard Roundup--August 2008

bdcampbell - at - usgs.gov (Brian Campbell) — Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Why Do Minerals Matter?

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Fri, 5 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

You might be surprised where minerals pop up; they're just about everywhere. We sit down with Kathleen Johnson, USGS Mineral Resources Program Coordinator, as she walks us through just how valuable minerals are to our lives.

So, You Want to Host CoreCast?

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

It's our first anniversary, so to celebrate, we're letting our listeners do the talking—literally. Listen to this episode and enter the "Be a CoreCast Host for a Day" contest!

Kasatochi Volcano Erupts Explosively

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

Kasatochi Volcano in Alaska's Aleutian Islands is erupting, so USGS volcano scientist Marianne Guffanti fills us in on the situation.

Hazard Roundup--July 2008

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Magnitude-5.4 Earthquake in Greater Los Angeles

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

There was a magnitude-5.4 earthquake about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles today. Mike Blanpied, Associate Coordinator of the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, fills us in on what happened and tells us how people can report their earthquake experience and prepare for future earthquakes.

90 Billion Barrels of Oil and 1,670 Trillion Cubic Feet of Natural Gas Assessed in the Arctic

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Today, the USGS released the first publicly available petroleum resource estimate of the entire area north of the Arctic Circle. This area has an estimated 90 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil, 1,670 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable natural gas, and 44 billion barrels of technically recoverable natural gas liquids in 25 geologically defined areas thought to have potential for petroleum.

Hazard Roundup--June 2008

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Tribal Canoe Journey to Help Restore Salish Sea Resources

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Water quality in the Salish Sea will be measured during the Coast Salish annual summer canoe voyage, the Tribal Journey.

This project will blend traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish People with USGS science in an effort to help improve management of ancestral waters experiencing environmental decline.

USGS to Help Chile Develop Volcano Early Warning System

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Listen to an interview with USGS scientists John Pallister, John Ewert and Andy Lockhart describing their efforts to help the government of Chile establish real-time monitoring and provide warning of further eruptions of the Chaitén volcano.

Two 500-Year Floods Within 15 Years?

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

We talk to Bob Holmes about some of the recent flooding events occuring in the Midwest, how does a 500-year flood occur twice in 15 years, and what do the recent events have in store for folks downriver.

Severe Flooding in the Midwest

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Heavy rainfall across the Midwest has caused major flooding. USGS National Flood Specialist Bob Holmes gives us the latest information on the rising rivers and what the USGS is doing to respond.

You, Too, Can Track Avian Flu and Other Wildlife Diseases

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Want to stay on top of wildlife disease developments throughout the world? USGS scientists Josh Dein and Hon Ip, and USGS web content manager Cris Marsh tell us how with some great Web tracking tools.

Hazard Roundup--May 2008

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

What's Killing Bats in the Northeast?

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Thousands of bats in the Northeast are dying from white-nosed syndrome. Paul Cryan, Research Biologist, and Kimberli Miller, Wildlife Disease Specialist, talk about the disease and what's being done to address it.

Can We Predict Earthquakes?

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

The recent, devastating earthquake in China has sparked discussion about whether earthquakes can be predicted. USGS scientist Mike Blanpied sets the record straight on what science is capable of.

Magnitude-7.9 Earthquake in China

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Early on the morning of May 12, 2008 a magnitude-7.9 earthquake rattled eastern Sichuan, China. Dr. Harley Benz, Scientist-in-Charge at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center, fills us in with the details. (After this interview, the USGS changed its report of this earthquake's magnitude from 7.8 to 7.9.)

What's Up With Sinkholes?

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Fri, 9 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

A huge sinkhole in Texas begs a few questions about this fascinating and sometimes hazardous phenomenon, so we sit down with USGS geologist Randy Orndorff to learn more.

Hazard Roundup--April 2008

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Fri, 2 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Earthquake in the Midwest

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

A magnitude-5.2 earthquake struck in southern Illinois on April 18, 2008. Harley Benz, Scientist-in-Charge at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center, fills us in with the details.

Pharmaceuticals in the Nation's Water

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Senate is holding a hearing on pharmaceuticals in water, and the USGS is supplying information. Herb Buxton, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Coordinator, fills us in on related research and findings.

Forecasting Earthquakes in California

lgordon - at - usgs.gov (Leslie Gordon) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

A 99 percent chance of a magnitude-7 earthquake? That's the 30-year outlook for California, according to a new USGS State-wide earthquake forecast. Learn more in this interview with USGS geophysicist Tom Parsons.

3 to 4.3 Billion Barrels of Oil in North Dakota and Montana

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

The USGS has determined that the Bakken Formation, in North Dakota and Montana, has 25 times more technically recoverable oil than was estimated in the USGS's 1995 assessment. We sit down with USGS scientists Brenda Pierce and Rich Pollastro to learn more.

Hazard Roundup--March 2008

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Dramatic Developments at Kilauea Volcano

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has experienced its first explosive eruption in more than 80 years and is now spewing noxious gas at 10 times the normal rate. John Eichelberger, head of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, fills us in on the situation.

Drought: the Long, Slow Natural Hazard (Part 2)

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

In the second part of our two-part drought mini-series, we head down South to talk with USGS scientists Curtis Weaver and Brian McCallum about the drought situation in the Southeastern United States. We also learn some eye-opening economic implications of drought. (Did you know that it's possibly the most expensive natural hazard to address?)

Drought: the Long, Slow Natural Hazard (Part 1)

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

In the first part of our two-part series on drought, we sit down with USGS scientists Julio Betancourt and Greg McCabe to talk about drought in the Western United States, along with some other interesting and surprising drought info. (For example, did you know that drought in the West and hurricanes in the Atlantic might be connected?) Tomorrow we'll bring you part two of this series, in which we'll talk with a couple USGS scientists about drought in the Southeast, so stay tuned.

Hazard Roundup--February 2008

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

A New Way to Model Sea Ice Thickness

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Sea ice, which is constantly thickening and thinning, plays an important role in the Earth's climate system. We sit down with USGS scientist Dave Douglas to discuss a newly developed modeling approach to estimate sea ice thickness—this is the only model based entirely on historic observations, and it was developed by scientists from the USGS and the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.

Opening a Dam to Study and Improve Resources in the Grand Canyon

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Dams don't help just by holding water back. By opening Glen Canyon Dam's jet tubes for a high flow experiment—scheduled to take place on March 5—scientists can study and improve resources in Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more by listening to our interview with John Hamill, USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Program Chief. Go to the bottom of the "Show Details" to see an amazing high-res image of Glen Canyon Dam releasing water.

Using CHIPS to Preserve Puget Sound

jclemens - at - usgs.gov (John Clemens) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Rick Dinicola, hydrologist with the Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound (CHIPS) program, tells about the effects of urbanization in Puget Sound, Wash.—disappearing habitats, increasing contaminants, and declining fish and wildlife populations.

Hazard Roundup--January 2008

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Nutrient Sources and Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

USGS hydrologist Richard Alexander talks about the nine States that contribute to the majority of nutrients in the northern Gulf of Mexico, threatening the economic and ecological health of one of the Nation's largest and most productive fisheries.

The Unusual Suspects

Denver Makle — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Three scientists talk about lesser-known topics that were brought to light in the media in 2007 by the USGS Science Picks, including the loss of coastal wetlands, leaping carp, and evolutionary teamwork. We also preview CoreFacts, the quick science Q & A we'll offer every weekday starting February 4th. Subscribe at www.usgs.gov.podcasts.

Wildfire Woes for Things That Swim, Hop, Crawl, and Eat a Lot

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Biologist Robert Fisher tells a troubling tale of how wildfire in Southern California has disrupted the lives of frogs, shrews, fish, and salamanders (despite the latter's mythical fondness of flame).

Our First Dam Podcast: Dam Removal

ssobie - at - usgs.gov (Steve Sobieszczyk) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

We get educated on the whats and whys of dam removal by geomorphologists Jim O'Connor and Jon Major. BONUS: Watch a very cool time lapse video of Oregon's Marmot Dam being breached--click "Show Details" below and scroll to the bottom!

Flooding and the Pacific Northwest

ssobie - at - usgs.gov (Steve Sobieszczyk) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

USGS Hydrologist Tom Herrett gives us the skinny on the flooding in the Pacific Northwest and on how the USGS responds to such events.

The Fire's Out, but Danger Remains: Post-Wildfire Debris Flows

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Tue, 4 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

After the smoke from wildfires clears, debris flows can become a big problem. USGS Research Geologist Sue Cannon talks about how.

Hazard Roundup--November 2007

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Mon, 3 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Taking the Long View From Space

joncampbell - at - usgs.gov (Jon Campbell) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

Get caught up on the latest in land remote sensing, the future of Landsat, and more with Barbara Ryan, USGS Associate Director for Geography.

Be Aware of Where during Geography Awareness Week and GIS Day

ssobie - at - usgs.gov (Steve Sobieszczyk) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

We offer you a heaping helping of geography and GIS education and info. Enjoy!

Significant Potential for Undiscovered Resources in Afghanistan

jrobertson - at - usgs.gov (Jessica Robertson) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

We talk with USGS's Stephen Peters about the newly released preliminary assessment of non-fuel mineral resources in Afghanistan and how they're a critical part of rebuilding its natural resource sector and economic stability.

Wildfire Science: Patterns and Suppression

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Wed, 7 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

Most of the wildfires in Southern California are contained, but there are still things to consider after the smoke clears. USGS Research Ecologist Jon Keeley talks about wildfire patterns and the notion of suppression in the chapparal regions in Southern California.

Hazard Roundup--October 2007

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Who Do We Think We Are? Find out in This Overview of the USGS

corecast - at - usgs.gov (CoreCast Team) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

A fearsome foursome of CoreCasters gives you the lowdown on what the USGS is all about, from science responsibilities to products to public events. Warning: This episode of CoreCast is scary informative. Happy Halloween.

The Science of Wildfires

cransom - at - usgs.gov (Clarice Nassif Ransom) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

We talk to USGS wildland fire expert, Erik Berg, about the current California wildfires and what the USGS is doing to help, how the public can keep up to date on what's happening with wildfires, and more.

Earth Science Week, Continued: You're About to get Schooled

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

In the fifth and final episode of our Earth Science Week coverage, USGS Education Coordinator Bob Ridky tells us why science education is important for everybody, why kids need to get outside, and more.

Earth Science Week, Continued: Geologic Maps--The World Beneath Your Feet

pjellison - at - usgs.gov (Pat Jellison) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

In this fourth installment of our Earth Science Week series, scientist Randy Orndorff gives us the lowdown on how geologic maps show what's down low, and he explains how these maps and the USGS's new geologic time scale and colors benefit planning, development, industry, and you.

Earth Science Week, Continued: Geomagnetism and the Self-Sustaining Dynamo Called Earth

lgordon - at - usgs.gov (Leslie Gordon) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

USGS scientist Duane Champion explains the Earth's geomagnetic qualities and the potential for and possible consequences of a geomagnetic shift.

Earth Science Week, Continued: Antarctica from Above and Below

ssobie - at - usgs.gov (Steve Sobieszczyk) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

In our second Earth Science Week installment, we talk with scientist Richie Williams about the USGS's amazing new satellite imagery of Antarctica as well as what's going on with ice on the southernmost continent.

Hello, Earth Science Week! So What's Up With the Northwest Passage?

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

We welcome you to our Earth Science Week extravaganza (a podcast every day from Monday to Friday!), and then we sit down with Tom Armstrong to talk about the intriguing past and uncertain future of the Northwest Passage.

This Episode of CoreCast is Highly Questionable

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

We turn the mic around and give you a chance to ask those deep, thought-provoking science questions you've been obsessing over.

Hazard Roundup--September 2007

ssobie - at - usgs.gov (Steve Sobieszczyk) — Mon, 1 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Polar Bear Research

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST

How important is the link between polar bears and sea ice? USGS Associate Director for Biology Sue Haseltine talks about it, along with some other aspects of the USGS's recent polar bear research.

When is an Earthquake not an Earthquake?

dhebert - at - usgs.gov (David Hebert) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST

We sit down with USGS Senior Science Advisor for Earthquakes and Geologic Hazards David Applegate to talk about some of the subtle nuances and uses of seismic networks.

Hazard Roundup--August 2007

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Tue, 4 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST

A roundup of the previous month's hazard-related events around the world, with some newsworthy tidbits.

Endocrine Disruption: Sex-Changing Fish and More

ssobie - at - usgs.gov (Steve Sobieszczyk) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

We talk with Carl Schreck, USGS biologist, on the effects humans are having on aquatic life by introducing chemicals and waste products into lakes and streams. How do these contaminants affect aquatic species' reproductive systems, metabolism, mood, growth development, and more? Listen to find out.

Hurricanes and Extreme Storms--Coastal Hazards, Assessments, and Changes

ssobie - at - usgs.gov (Steve Sobieszczyk) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

Each year hurricanes and tropical storms cause billions of dollars worth of damage to the Eastern United States. With the peak period being August and September, it's the perfect time to remind ourselves of the risks and discuss what research the USGS does in regard to hurricanes and strong storms.

Climate Change

shorvath - at - usgs.gov (Scott Horvath) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

We catch up with Tom Armstrong, Senior Advisor to the Director on Climate Change, to ask him some burning questions about how climate change is affecting the planet and our lives.