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Credit: U.S. Geological Survey
Department of the Interior/USGS
U.S. Geological Survey/photo by Jane Doe (if the photographer/artist is known)

Additional information on Acknowledging or Crediting USGS as Information Source is available.

Policy: For relevant USGS policy on copyrights and trademarks, refer to the Survey Manual chapter entitled, " Use of Copyrighted Material in USGS Information Products."

Contact: If you have questions concerning the use of USGS information, contact the Office of Communications and see the Information Policies and Instructions for more details.

Status and Trends of Ecosystems
A compilation of USGS research related to ecosystems. This is the best starting point for USGS ecosystem science.

Lessons on the Lake: An Educator's Guide to the Pontchartrain Basin
Louisiana's Lake Pontchartrain Basin is home to 1.5 million people and an estuary ecosystem with enormous biodiversity. Activities in the educator's guide help students in grades 5-12 gain an understanding and appreciation of the Basin and teaches them the skills to identify environmental concerns, make changes, and solve problems.

1997 Workshop on Climate Variability and Change
A series of USGS articles and Web sites related to climate change that were compiled for a 1997 workshop on effects of climate variability, long-term climate change, and land-use change in the rapidly-growing southwestern United States.

USGS News and Information on El Niño
The term El Niño (Spanish for "the Christ Child") refers to a warm ocean current that typically appears around Christmas-time and lasts for several months, but may persist into May or June. This Web site provides a general overview of the science of El Niño, and provides links to resources that discuss the weather's impact on floods, landslides, coastal hazards, climate and other information.

Effects of Climatic Variability and Land Use on American Drylands (USGS Global Change Research)
This Web site has links to many resources about global change in the US and Southwest, including California.

Investigating Climate Change of Western North America
This USGS fact sheet provides discussion how the California Current in the Pacific Ocean drives the climate of the western United States.

Deserts—Geology and Resources
This general interest publication describes how deserts form, types of deserts, and landscape features typically associated with deserts. Learn about desertification as an indicator of climate change.

USGS Global Change Research - Earth Surface Dynamics
This more technical resource Web site describes climate change research at the USGS, but contains useful links to many climate investigations and publications.

USGS Carbon Cycle Research
This Web site has selected links to resources about the impacts of greenhouse gases on vegetation and climate change.

Exchanges of Greenhouse Gases, Water Vapor, and Heat at the Earth's Surface
This Web site discusses research into the exchange of greenhouse gases (notably: carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane, and nitrous oxide), water vapor, and heat between Earth's land and water surfaces and the overlying atmosphere.

Volcanic Gas
This fact sheet describes gases released by volcanoes. Volcanic gases contribute to the ongoing evolution of the atmosphere.

Status and Trends of Birds
A compilation of USGS avian research. This is the best starting point for USGS information about birds.

Birds of North America Taxonomic List
A table listing birds of North America that is sorted taxonomically (by order, family, and genus).

Status and Trends of Mammals
A compilation of USGS research on mammals. This is the best starting point for USGS information on mammals from bats to grizzly bears.

Status and Trends of Fish
A compilation of USGS aquatic research. This is the best starting point for USGS information about fish and aquatic biota.

Status and Trends of Reptiles
A compilation of USGS research on reptiles. This is the best starting point for USGS reptile information.

Status and Trends of Invasive Species
A compilation of USGS research on invasive species. This is the best starting point for USGS information on invasive species.

Potential Effects of Global Change on Bats
A brief article (with reading list) on how bats might be affected by global change.

NBII Digital Image Library
Each photograph in this extensive collection is available in low, medium, and high resolution. Most images are in the public domain and can be freely downloaded. Images are grouped as plants, animals, or fungi and lichen.

Wildlife and Contaminants  
A series of lessons titled "Counter Contamination: Data and DDE" that introduce the topic of ecotoxicology and guide students through the scientific process of gathering raw data and drawing conclusions about the impact of contaminants on wildlife.

National Biological Information Infrastructure
Explore the broad range and scope of USGS science in biology, biodiversity, and ecology. NBII includes research on botany, birds, fisheries and aquatic resources, coral reefs, amphibians, reptiles, invasive species, West Nile Virus, wildlife population genetics, pollinator declines, wildlife diseases, and much more.

Bat Research in California
Scientists at the USGS Western Ecological Research Center are studying bats in the San Francisco Bay area and in southern California to provide land managers information they need regarding the occurrence and status of bat species. Survey techniques include detecting bats by their vocalizations, observing foraging bats, and capturing bats at foraging or roosting sites. For younger students, there are some bat calls that are fun to listen to.

Invasive Species Research at WERC (Western Ecological Research Center)
The Pacific Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona) is characterized by remarkable biodiversity in an unparalleled range of environments. But the region's biodiversity and the continued survival of functioning native ecosystems are threatened by the invasion of nonnative species. Once established, some invasive species have the ability to displace or replace native plant and animal species, disrupt nutrient and fire cycles, and cause changes in the pattern of plant succession. (WERC) researchers strive to improve the ability to detect, monitor, and predict the effects of invasive species. Equally important research is being conducted by WERC scientists on exotic animals.

USGS Contaminant Biology Program
The USGS Contaminant Biology Program investigates the effects and exposure of environmental contaminants (such as mercury) to the Nation's living resources, particularly those under the stewardship of the Department of the Interior.

Redwood Field Station Research
Studies concerning restoration of the physical and biological landscapes in Redwood National and State Parks. The studies include inventory and monitoring of erosion, sediment transport, and stream temperatures; evaluating the effectiveness of various strategies for watershed restoration; and determining the influence of timber harvest and floods on riparian areas.

Discovery for Recovery
4-year study using satellite telemetry to follow the spring migration of northern pintails; has maps that show the migration of individual birds, and overall map of the migration routes documented in study; background material about pintails and this study; how satellite tracking works; summaries of 4 years, each with maps, biologist's journal, and forum (Q&A with biologists); pintail voice on study home page can be played.

Migration of Surf Scoters Along the Pacific Coast
In this study on surf scoters, scientists are capturing and marking scoters with radio transmitters in San Francisco Bay to determine their late winter, spring migration, and breeding distribution. Sea ducks are under investigation because of evidence indicating widespread population declines in this group.

Sea Otters
Sea Otter Research at WERC [main web page for WERC sea otter research, good for various ages, especially where classes are studying threatened species]

A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Coastal Southern California  
The highly developed and urbanized area of coastal Southern California is host to one of the richest herpetofaunas in the United States and includes several species with State and Federal protected status.

Synopsis of conservation information on the desert tortoise

Habitat Conservation Planning Support
Habitat Conservation Plans, particularly the growing number of plans that cover large geographic areas and multiple species and habitats, address a complex array of ecological issues. USGS scientists are making important contributions to the scientific foundations upon which HCPs are developed and analyzed.

CAIN (California Node for the National Biological Information Infrastructure)  
The CAIN Web site provides links to many educational resources produced in cooperation with many federal, state, and local agencies (including the USGS). Web sites that provide resources related to ecology can be found on this Web site, but especially on the California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES) Web site. This theme page provides links to pages relating to weather, climate, plants, wildlife, rivers, watersheds, wetlands, biodiversity, coastal resources, fisheries, soils, environmental education, and much more.

Conservation Genetics at USGS WERC, San Diego Field Station
USGS scientists are using genetic techniques to investigate the population structure of several species of conservation concern and to investigate links between Southern California geography and patterns of genetic diversity across different species groups.

Status and Trends of Amphibians
A compilation of USGS amphibian research. This is the best starting point for USGS information about amphibians.

NBII FrogWeb: Amphibian Declines and Malformations
FrogWeb is a one-stop shop for information about amphibian declines and malformations, amphibian identification guides, resources for children, lists of monitoring programs that utilize amateur observers, and ideas for creating amphibian-friendly habitats.

Frogwatch USA
Learn to identify local frog and toad species by their unique vocalizations, then use this knowledge to provide data to Frogwatch about amphibian populations in your backyard or local wetland. Frogwatch provides all the information that is needed to help students of all ages become effective volunteers and advocates for amphibian conservation.

North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP)
NAAMP is a collaborative effort that uses volunteers to monitor populations of vocal amphibians. Participants who meet minimum standards are assigned roadside routes where data is collected after dark. This program is currently only active in states in the central and eastern U.S.

Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey
This program relies on the ability of volunteers to identify each of Wisconsin's twelve frog and toad species by their distinctive breeding calls. Participants collect data at permanent listening stations along roadside routes. Detailed information about Wisconsin's frogs and toads is provided.

USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI)  
As amphibian populations decline, reports of malformed frogs, toads, and salamanders are increasing. Learn about amphibians as environmental bellwethers and Congressionally-mandated USGS efforts in support of amphibian research and conservation. Links to regional Web Sites, a searchable publication list, and copyright-free photos are included.

The National Map  
The National Map is a free, interactive map service that can be used to create and print a map of a local area, a state, or the U.S. No special software or download is required. The National Map has higher-resolution data (so you can really zoom in) and more complex functions than the National Atlas. This is an excellent tool for practicing the use of latitude/longitude, the national grid, elevation, distance, and much more. Maps can be printed on 8.5" x 11" paper.

National Atlas of the United States  
This invaluable educational tool is a free, interactive version of the traditional paper United States atlas. Hundreds of interactive geospatial data layers are available for viewing or free download Most information is designed to depict geographic patterns and trends on a national scale. Topics include agricultural use, forestation, population density, transportation, and more. Use the Map Maker tool to create custom maps or print one of hundreds of pre-formatted page-size maps that are excellent for classroom use. This is the best source for creating quick maps that cover large areas.

Geospatial One-Stop Portal  
A central portal for access to maps and geospatial data from multiple agencies (mostly Federal). Categories include Atmosphere, Climate, Culture, Demographic, Business, Economic, Human Health and Disease, Utilities, Communications, and much more.

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)  
GNIS provides a fast search with a search on its Query Form for the United States and Its Territories. A search on GNIS will give you topographic map indexing, longitude& latitude, and feature information, plus gives you direct access to topographic maps and aerial photography via the National Map and other sources.

USGS Education Map Catalog  
Browse samples of popular USGS maps that are frequently used by educators.

Exploring Maps (Teacher Packet)  
Exploring Maps is an interdisciplinary set of materials on mapping for grades 7-12.  Students will learn basic mapmaking and map-reading skills and will see how maps can answer fundamental geographic questions.  The map images and activities in this packet can be used in various courses, including geography, history, math, art, English, and the sciences.

Map Projection Publications  
A list of map projection publications available from the USGS. Includes a link to an on-line version of the very popular USGS Map Projections poster, which describes eighteen different map projections and compares their different properties.

Map Projections
Every map projection has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Learn about the eighteen most common map projections and how their properties and uses compare. A popular poster version of this information is available for free through the USGS Store (product number 16573).

27 Ideas for Teaching with Topographic Maps  
Contains 27 ideas for teaching with the approximately 57,000 topographic maps that the USGS offers.

All about USGS Topographic Maps  
A comprehensive description of topographic maps and how they are made. Links to map symbols and ordering information.

Finding Your Way with a Map and Compass  
A brief description of how to navigate using a compass and topographic maps.

Topographic Maps Illustrating Physiographic Features  
Lists of USGS topographic maps (listed by state) that show good examples of over 200 different physiographic features.

USGS Topographic Maps of the United States  
Use this Web site to find a view a topographic map of anywhere in the United States, at various scales.

Map Symbols
An explanation of topographic maps and map symbols.

Topographic Map Margin Information
Ever wonder what all those little numbers on the borders of a topographic map mean? This two-page PDF document briefly explains the different numbers and markings.

Free Digital USGS Topographic Map Quadrangles
Download free USGS topographic map quadrangles in georeferenced PDF (GeoPDF) format through the Map Locator and Downloader on the USGS Store Web site. These files were created using high-resolution scans and average 10-17 megabytes in size.

USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)  
GNIS contains information for almost 2 million physical and cultural geographic features in the United States and its territories. Query the database to find individual features and their corresponding coordinates. Search results include links to on-line air photos and topographic maps containing the feature. GNIS is also a layer of The National Map (above).

Elevations and Distances  
Tables of information covering elevations of features and distances between points in the United States . Also locates the geographic center of each state.

Map-It: Form-based Simple Map Generator  
Enter the longitude and latitude of points to plot on a simple map. Download a postscript version of the resulting map.

Satellite Image Gallery
A special collection of satellite images that record beautiful sights, events of historic significance, and scenes that stir the imagination. Includes the 'Earth as Art' collection. All images can be downloaded for free as high-resolution JPEG files.

Global Visualization Viewer (Glovis)  
Order Landsat TM (4, 5, 7) and Terra ASTER satellite images on-line. User-friendly global database allows convenient preview of images and scene mosaics. The mosaic of the world comes in 240m and 1000m resolution.

USGS Store  
A quick and easy way to find and order printed USGS products: paper maps, books, and other publications.

EarthExplorer  
Order digital USGS data including satellite imagery. Locate products by name, coordinates, or define on map.

Tracking Change Over Time  
A teacher packet that uses Landsat satellite images to track changes over time. Includes a lesson plan, printable worksheets, downloadable software, and downloadable images.

The Southern Appalachians: A Changing World  
The video and educational guide entitled The Southern Appalachians: A Changing World describes the Southern Appalachian Mountains and how the geologic events that took place millions of years ago influenced the landscape, climate, soils, and living things that can be seen there today. Spanning a vast area from Virginia to Georgia, the Southern Appalachians are some of the oldest mountains on Earth. Molded and shaped over eons by volcanism, erosion, glaciation, and other geologic forces, these mountains are known worldwide for their unusual beauty and rich biological diversity. A video, a teacher's guide, and a free booklet called "Birth of the Mountains" are included in this comprehensive resource.

Land Use History of North America
Describes the historical and on-going changes in land use and land cover for several regions around the U.S. The section on Land Use Changes in the Southwestern U.S. A section for teachers is under construction.

USGS Urban Dynamics Research Program
Describes a project that analyzes land use change in urban environments in order to provide a historical perspective of land use change and an assessment of the spatial patterns, rates, correlation, trends, and impacts of that change. Includes links to computer animations of urban growth in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Baltimore-Washington Area.

Urban Dynamics - California 's Central Valley
Preliminary assessment of urban growth in California 's Central Valley . Includes an urban growth timeline and an urban growth animation from 1906-1996.

Urban Growth in American Cities (Circular 1252)
An on-line publication that illustrates the spatial history of urban growth in sixteen areas around the U.S. and the corresponding land use change. Images can be downloaded as GIF files.

Population Distribution - Urban and Rural - National Atlas article
Article describing population change in the U.S. 1990 - 2000. Includes population numbers for each state and for the ten largest cities plus graphs and maps.

Analyzing Land Use Change in Urban Environments (PDF)
Four-page USGS Fact Sheet describing and illustrating the need for urban growth studies.

Historical USGS topographic maps of the San Francisco Bay Area  
The San Francisco Bay Area Regional Database (BARD) has 100 years of 15-minute topographic maps for the Bay Area. View on-line or download low-resolution JPG files or high-resolution SID compressed files.

Historic USGS Topographic Maps of the San Francisco Bay region  
This interactive Web site provides access to historic USGS topographic maps going back into the late 19th Century when most of California was still undeveloped. An examination of the same location on maps of different ages shows the gradual progression of land use over time.

Earthshots: Satellite Images of Environmental Change  
Earthshots is an e-book of before-and-after Landsat images (1972-present), showing recent environmental events and introducing the concept of remote sensing. Some changes are due to natural causes and some are due to human causes. Each set of images includes a detailed description, photographs and maps, a list of references, and a question/answer. Images are best used on-line.

USGS Map Catalog: Culture and History  
This Web site has links to many historic maps of the United States ranging from 1501 to 1844, including a downloadable maps (PDF) or print versions that can be purchased. Some map descriptions come with recommendations for classroom activities. Maps include:

• Indian Land Areas Judicially Established
• Indian Land Areas
• Indian Lands in the United States
• Early Indian Tribes, Culture Areas, and Linguistic Stocks
• Lewis and Clark: A Legacy of Science
• Routes of the Principal Explorers
• 1857 Map of the USA
• An Emerging Nation (first map of the United States, made in 1784)
• Electing the President (political map for 2000)
• Public Land Surveys Map (1776 through 1965)
• Outline Map of the United States

Federal Lands and Indian Reservations - Printable Maps from The National Atlas  
Download or print maps showing Federal Lands and Indian Reservations in the U.S. and in individual states. PDF files print on 8.5" x 11" paper.

Congress Congressional District Map - Printable maps from The National Atlas
Each map shows the Congressional District overlaid on top of State and county boundaries along with interstate and US highways, select streams and water bodies, and major cities. Maps are available in GIF and PDF file formats and print on 8.5"x11" paper.

Presidential Elections: 1789-2000 - Printable maps from The National Atlas
Fourteen pages designed to be viewed and downloaded from the web. The pages are a standard 8.5 by 11-inch landscape format. Each map is available in GIF and PDF file formats that allow you to view and print the maps on 8.5"x11" paper.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition and the USGS  
Links to USGS publications and other resources related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Includes resources specifically targeted to teachers and students.

USGS Resources for Teaching about Lewis and Clark  
Links to USGS resources and other resources for teaching about Lewis and Clark. Suggests ways to use the Lewis and Clark Expedition to meet curriculum requirements in several subjects.

A Satellite View of the Journey of Lewis and Clark  
A collection of satellite images that provides a contemporary view of the route that Lewis and Clark took from St. Louis , Missouri , to the Pacific Coast . Includes descriptions of events that took place at each location. Images can be viewed on-line or high-resolution JPEG files can be downloaded and printed.

John Wesley Powell's Voyages Down the Colorado River Canyons (1871 to 1872)

This Web site contains most of the stereographic photography taken by photographers hired by explorer, John Wesley Powell, to document the adventurous exploration of the Colorado River Canyons from the initial railroad stop at Green River, Wyoming to the mouth of the Grand Canyon in Nevada. Images are available in both 3D (requiring red-and-blue glasses) and as regular images scanned from the original photographs. John Wesley Powell was later appointed as first director of the U.S. Geological Survey. You will need 3D viewing glasses to best utilize this Web site (like the kind used with commercial 3D movies; red and cyan varieties work best).

A Brief Introduction to Geomagnetism
The USGS uses ground-based observatories to provide continuous records of the Earth's magnetic field variations. This simplified description uses images and a time-laps animation to explain phenomena created by the magnetic field that can be easily monitored and studied.

Journey Along a Field Line
A sixteen-page comic book about the Earth's magnetic field. Travel down through the interior of the earth then back up into the ionosphere to learn how the magnetic field works.

AstroKids! (USGS Astrogeology Research Program)  
This Web site provides instructional guides, activities, and information about all the planets, moons, and known objects in the solar system. Some of the developed lesson plans associated with the USGS Astrogeology Research Program are listed below:

Browse the Solar System!  
This Web site starts with a "clickable" image of a popular poster of all the planets and moons in the Solar System, and provides links to images and information about each of them. Printouts of each of the planets could be used for a variety of classroom activities.

Flagstaff Science Center
Looking for information on the moon, Mars, or impact craters? The Flagstaff Science Center is home to USGS astrogeology research. Take a special look at the Education and Outreach portion of the site for information, lesson plans, and activities that are "out of this world!"

What Is A Bollide?
Learn how an asteroid impact may have contributed to a mass extinction and led to the formation of Chesapeake Bay.

Maps from the Astrogeology program  
Global and regional maps of planets and moons.

This Dynamic Earth: the Story of Plate Tectonics  
"This Dynamic Earth" is one of the most recommended and referenced primers on plate tectonics. Topics include a history of the theory, scientific developments that spurred its development, the mechanics of plate motions, and the relationship of hotspots to plate tectonic theory. A companion best-selling map, "This Dynamic Planet", is also available online or in print.

This Dynamic Planet  
Plate tectonics are fully illustrated on this best-selling world map (a companion to "This Dynamic Earth: the Story of Plate Tectonics") showing the locations of plate boundaries, volcanoes, earthquakes, and impact craters. Detailed ocean floor bathymetry and discussions of fundamental components are also featured. A paper version is available for purchase or the map can be downloaded free in PDF format.

"Ring of Fire", Plate Tectonics, Sea-Floor Spreading, Subduction Zones, "Hot Spots"  
This resource page includes links to USGS information about plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions including the geology behind the Cascade Range Volcanoes, the East Africa Rift, the Iceland volcanic rift, the Juan De Fuca Ridge and Juan de Fuca Subduction Zone, the Marianas Trench, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, South America, and the Hawaiian and Yellowstone "hot spots."

The Interior of the Earth
This booklet is an introductory guide to what is known about the interior of our planet.

Major Tectonic Plates of the World
This map show the current configuration of major plate tectonic plates of the world.

Geologic Maps and Mapping
Geologic maps describe the rocks and soils at the surface, provide information about what rocks lie at depth, describe the ages of rocks and soils, and show where features such as earthquake faults and landslides lie. Geologic maps are made by studying the rocks and materials exposed at the surface and depicting information about those rocks on a map. This resource page is particularly useful to help students understand geologic maps of areas near where they live or study.

National Geologic Map Database  
This exhaustive database provides bibliographic access to many thousands of geologic, geophysical, and other kinds of maps available in USGS publication, Web sites, and in popular science journals, etc.

Tapestry of Time and Terrain  
Shaded relief and geology are combined on this interactive map of the 48 conterminous states. It is a useful resource for discussing physiographic provinces and for viewing the location of rocks deposited during different geologic time periods. A paper wall-size version (one of the most eye-catching maps produced by the USGS) is available for purchase through the USGS Store.

The North America Tapestry of Time and Terrain  
The North America Tapestry of Time and Terrain is woven from a geologic map and a shaded relief image. This digital combination reveals the geologic history of North America through the interrelation of rock type, topography and time. Regional surface processes as well as continent-scale tectonic events are exposed in the three dimensions of space and the fourth dimension, geologic time. This map is an expansion of the original United States Tapestry of Time and Terrain, produced in 2000.

Collecting Rocks
Learn about different types of rocks and how to identify and collect them.

Metal Recycling
How much metal does the U.S. recycle each year? Annual statistics and information about specific metals can be found here.

Gemstones
Learn about the occurrence and production of various gemstones in the United States. The site is organized by state and gemstone.

Minerals Statistics and Information
This Web site assembles statistics and information about the worldwide supply of, demand for, and flow of minerals and materials essential to the U.S. economy, the national security, and protection of the environment.

The Lifecycle of a Mineral Deposit  
This Web site is a teacher's guide for hands-on mineral education activities. Designed to meet the National Science Standards, as defined by the National Research Council, this General Interest Product (GIP-17) includes 10 activity based learning exercises that educate students on basic geologic concepts; the processes of finding, identifying, and extracting the resources from a mineral deposit; and the uses of minerals. Geared for fifth through eighth grade science teachers, this publication defines what a mineral deposit is and how it is identified and measured, how the mineral resources are extracted, and how the mining site is reclaimed; how minerals and mineral resources are processed; and how we use mineral resources in our every day lives.

Rocks and Minerals
This Web site provides introductory information about rocks and minerals with a glossary of commonly-used geology terms.

Rocks and Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region
The landscape of the San Francisco Bay region is host to a greater variety of rocks than most other areas the United States. This introductory guide provides illustrated descriptions of 46 varieties of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks found in the region. Discussions about regional geology, the rock cycle, and mineral resources are included.

Mineral Resources On-Line Spatial Data
View maps and download data for the U.S. and the World.

Historic Events in Minerals and Materials
This report provides a review of significant changes in industries that consume metals and industrial minerals. It includes a timeline showing major achievements in mineral production and events that affected the U.S. mineral industry. These are related to overall U.S. mineral consumption and years of war or recession.

Minerals in our Environment
This report consists of a PDF file of a color poster (approximate dimensions 36 x 60 inches) showing how we use minerals in our everyday life.

Mineral Resources: Out of the Ground.Into our Daily Lives
This poster show the common usage of mineral resources in our homes, offices, and equipment we use daily.

Building Stones of Our Nation's Capital
This on-line publication provides descriptions and examples of all the kinds of stone used in the buildings and monuments in the Washington DC area, and discusses the impact of acid precipitation on our national landmarks.

Natural Aggregate: A Primer
This Web site describes the origins of sand, gravel, and crushed stone and their uses and importance to society.

The Living Rock: The Earth's Continental Crust (Windows Media)
This 1 hour film provides a global tour of geologic processes through the eyes of several USGS scientists.

Gold—Why is gold such an important mineral?
This 23-page booklet gives a brief history of gold mining and the "gold fever" that has endured for centuries of civilizations.

Education Resources for Paleontology
This Web site provides links to paleontological resources available from the USGS and elsewhere for teachers, students, scientists, and others who are interested in paleontology and related earth and biological science disciplines.

Fossils, Rocks, and Time
This general guide provides an overview of geologic time and the use of fossils to determine the age of layers in the earth.

Our Changing Continents
This general interest publication provides an overview of how North America's landscape has changed through geologic time.

The Southern Appalachians: A Changing World (Windows Media)
This award-winning 25 minute film, co-produced with the National Park Service, explains the origin of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.

Geologic Time
A brief online booklet that explains how the geologic time scale is defined and how the age of the earth is determined.

Geology of National Parks
Learn about USGS resources and activities associated with National Parks. Resource pages link to information about parks in coastal environments, parks with glaciers, volcanoes, and much more.

Geology of National Parks: 3-D Tours Featuring Park Geology   Suggestions for Teachers and Students

This Web site index provides examples of 3D images representing many kinds of landscape features including many associated with processes of erosion and deposition including stream erosion, wind, glaciers, spheroidal weathering, caverns, beaches, landslides, dunes, alluvial fans, and many more. Specific examples of landscape features can be found on the Subject Index page. Images of selected landscape features can be printed and posted around a classroom for a topical scavenger hunt. You will need 3D viewing glasses to best utilize this Web site (like the kind used with commercial 3D movies; red and cyan varieties work best).

Karst Topography
Dissolution of underlying soluble rocks results in some of the world's most beautiful—and vulnerable—landscapes. Learn how this karst topography, especially the formation of caves, plays a role in the daily lives of most citizens.

The Fragile Fringe: A Guide for Teaching about Coastal Wetlands (from the USGS National Wetlands Research Center)  
Material to use for developing a comprehensive study of coastal wetlands.  Includes background information, suggested activities, glossary, references, and reading list. Activities can be demonstrated by the teacher or performed by students. Emphasis is on Gulf Coast wetlands.

Western Coastal & Marine Geology (USGS)
This Web site provides access to information about scientific research in the coastal and offshore areas of California and other states, including marine earthquake, tsunami and other submarine hazards and processes.

Coasts in Crisis (Circular1075)
This Web site describes types of coasts (rocky shores, sandy beaches, coastal wetlands, and coral reefs). It also provides discussion about processes that affect beaches and coastlines including waves, tides, weather, water-level changes, coastal vegetation, and human impacts of beach sediments and processes.

Beyond the Golden Gate: Oceanography, Geology, Biology, and Environmental Issues in the Gulf of the Farallones (Circular 1198)
The general report describes a major USGS geologic and oceanographic study of the Gulf of the Farallones. This investigation, the first of several now being conducted adjacent to major population centers by the USGS, was undertaken to establish a scientific data base for an area of 3,400 square kilometers (1,000 square nautical miles) on the Continental Shelf adjacent to the San Francisco Bay region. The results of this study can be used to evaluate and monitor human impact on the marine environment.

Natural Hazards Gateway  
Provides many links and resources to USGS information related to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes, and wildfires.

Earthquake Science Explained: Ten Short Articles for Students, Parents, and Families  
Earthquake Science Explained is a series of short articles for students, teachers, and parents originally published as weekly features in The San Francisco Chronicle. This presents some of the new understanding gained and scientific advances made in the century since the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Concepts introduced in each feature are designed to address state and national science education standards. Written by USGS scientists, the articles go beyond traditional textbook information to discuss state-of-the-art thinking and technology that we use today.

Living in Earthquake Country: A Teaching Box  
This resource is an online assemblage of related learning concepts that focuses on teaching students about how and why earthquakes cause damage. This damage may take the form of landslides, liquefaction, or structural failure. Living in Earthquake Country explores seismic waves, the predictability of earthquakes at specific locations, the difference between magnitude and intensity, the occurrence of earthquakes along patches of planar faults (they are not just a single point, but have lengths and widths), and the potential damage caused by earthquakes. At the conclusion, students are asked to select the best place to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. They will justify their selection by using the knowledge gained through this exploration.

The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake:  100 Years Later  
A list of links to USGS science and products about the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Includes simulations of ground shaking, earthquake intensity maps, a virtual tour of the San Francisco Bay Area faults, historic photographs, an earthquake survival handbook for the San Francisco Bay region, and much, much more.

USGS Natural Hazards Gateway—Earthquakes  
Gateway to the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, highlighted earthquake resources, recent USGS news related to earthquakes, and a list of recent large earthquakes located around the globe. This is a good jumping-off point for earthquake research.

Selected high interest earthquake Web sites include:

• Earthquake Photos
• Recent Earthquake Activity in the United States
• Recent Earthquake Activity Around the World
• Earthquake Preparedness

Web sites that address specific content standards relating to earthquakes include:

• Visual Earthquake Glossary
• Locating Earthquakes
• Measuring the Size of an Earthquake
• Earthquake Effects
• What is Earthquake Intensity

Earthquakes
A 20-page online booklet that explains the nature and causes of earthquakes. Describes techniques used to detect, record, measure, and predict seismic disturbances.

The Severity of an Earthquake
The severity of an earthquake can be expressed in terms of both intensity and magnitude. Learn the difference between these two terms and how the scales are determined.

Earthquake Maps  
Database of seismic hazard maps, earthquake maps, site response, and fault and landform maps.

National Seismic Hazard Maps  
National maps of ground motion.

Shake Maps  
Regional maps of ground motion and shaking intensity.

Quaternary Faults and Fold Database of the United States  
This Web site contains information on faults and associated folds in the United States that are believed to be sources of M>6 earthquakes during the Quaternary (the past 1,600,000 years). Maps of these geologic structures are linked to detailed descriptions and references. Many of the faults described in this database are in California.

Earthquake History of California

Putting Down Roots In Earthquake Country: Your Handbook For the San Francisco Bay Region
This general interest publication provides information about San Francisco Bay region earthquakes (cause, history, probabilities, effects) and provides detailed information about how to be prepared when a major earthquake happens. The guide identifies specific steps to improve your safety before, during, and following an earthquake. This "must read" document provides sound advice for anyone living in a potential disaster zone.

Earthquake Probability Map for San Francisco Bay Area

Faults in Southern California
This Web site provides detailed information about major active faults in Southern California.

The San Andreas Fault System, California (USGS Professional Paper 1515)
This classic book, edited by Robert E. Wallace, is both a technical and exhaustive resource of information about the San Andreas Fault and is an essential companion to all newly published research about the fault system. The book is available for download or to purchase.

The San Andreas Fault In The San Francisco Bay Area, California: A Geology Field Trip Guidebook To Selected Stops On Public Lands
This field guide provides descriptions of the section of the San Andreas Fault that ruptured in the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Descriptions of places the public can go range from the South Bay regions near Hollister, San Juan Bautista, throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains between San Jose and San Francisco, and Point Reyes National Seashore. Introductory materials include an overview of the San Andreas Fault System, geology, landscape features, and plant communities that reveal information about the underlying geology.

The San Andreas Fault
This general interest publication describes the San Andreas Fault system and its history of earthquakes.

Earthquakes In and Near the Northeastern United States, 1638-1998
This thematic map documents earthquake activity in the northeastern United States from the time of the first settlers. A companion fact sheet is also available for download.

Earthquakes in the Central United States—1699-2002
More than 800 earthquakes are shown on this downloadable map detailing seismic activity in the most active region of the central United States.

FAQs about Earthquakes, Faults, Plate Tectonics, and Earth Structure

Tabletop Earthquakes  
This publication contains directions for constructing a simple earthquake machine and supporting instructional material to demonstrate the principles of seismology.

Surviving a Tsunami-Lessons from Chile, Hawaii, and Japan
This on-line publication describes the causes and impacts of large tsunamis, with examples from around the Pacific Rim.

Western Coastal & Marine Geology (USGS)
This Web site provides access to information about scientific research in the coastal and offshore areas of California and other states, including marine earthquake, tsunami and other submarine hazards and processes.

Tsunamis & Earthquakes
This Web site provides information about USGS tsunami research and links to information Web sites about the origins of tsunamis and QuickTime animations of tsunamis in the Pacific region including a recreation of the probable tsunami associated with the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.

Tsunamis (USGS Earthquake Hazards Program Facts & Lists page)
This resource page provides links to many tsunami information and resources.

Landslide Hazards in Glacial Lake Clays – Tully Valley, New York  
This fact sheet explores the largest landslides to have occurred in the state of New York in more than 75 years. Learn how USGS science is being used to map landslide susceptibility throughout the region.

USGS Natural Hazards Gateway—Landslides
Gateway to the USGS Landslide Hazards Program, highlighted landslide resources, recent USGS news related to landslides, and a list of recent landslide alerts. This is a good jumping-off point for general landslide research.

Landslide Hazards—A Teacher's Guide
Reviews and nicely illustrated landslide types and processes and where and why they occur. A laboratory exercise shows how students can create their own landslides using a flume built with inexpensive materials.

Landslide Types and Processes
This Web site provides a good introduction to types of landslides and mass movement associated with gravity and stream floods.

Landslide Photo Collections
Landslide photos from all over the United States.

Landslide Hazards (PDF)
This Web site provides basic information about landslide hazards and safety issues related to wet weather conditions in landslide-prone areas.

National Landslide Hazards Mitigation Strategy: A Framework for Loss Reduction (Circular 1244)
This circular outlines the key elements of a comprehensive and effective national strategy for reducing losses from landslides nationwide and provides an assessment of the status, needs, and associated costs of this strategy.

National Landslide Overview Map of the United States
This interactive map show landslide and flood hazard areas of the United States, including California (and was used in generating "California's Landslide Hazards" Map - show here to the right).

Debris Flow Hazards in the United States
Learn what causes debris flows (fast-moving landslides) and how they affect us.

Map Showing Inventory and Regional Susceptibility for Holocene Debris Flows, and Related Fast-Moving Landslides in the Conterminous United States
This map shows debris flow hazard areas of the United States, including California.

Riding the Storm—Landslide Danger in the San Francisco Bay Area
A catastrophic 1982 rainstorm triggered 18,000 landslides in the Bay Area, claiming 25 lives and causing $66 million in property damage. Learn what USGS scientists have discovered in the last two decades about landslide dynamics and which slopes are most susceptible to sliding.

Volcanoes! (Teacher Packet)
Volcanoes is an interdisciplinary set of materials for grades 4-8. Through the story of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, students will answer fundamental questions about volcanoes. The teaching packet reflects the goals of the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Research Council and incorporates a number of related subjects, including other sciences, social studies, language arts, and mathematics.

Fire and Mud: Eruptions and Lahars of Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines
This history of the devastating 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo highlights the new science that was learned at the time and challenges that lie ahead to prevent and/or mitigate another disaster.

USGS Natural Hazards Gateway—Volcanoes
Gateway to the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, highlighted volcano resources, recent USGS news related to volcanoes, and a list of recent volcano observatory activity reports. This is a good jumping-off point for general volcano research.

Alaska Volcano Observatory  
The AVO Web site contains current information about Alaska's volcanoes, FAQs, images, regional maps, and more.

Cascades Volcano Observatory  
This USGS Web site has resources and links to practically every conceivable concept related to volcanoes, particularly those in the western United States, Hawaii, and Alaska. This comprehensive Web site includes current volcanic activity information. An educational resources page has teaching guides about volcanoes, activities and "fun stuff", posters, access to videos, special features, and much more!

Hawaii Volcano Observatory  
This Web site provides comprehensive information about Hawaii's active volcanoes with many graphics and features.

Long Valley Volcano Observatory
Find out what USGS scientists are discovering about this perhaps not widely known volcanic area in eastern California. Long Valley Volcanic System extends from Mammoth Mountain to Mono Lake.

Yellowstone Volcano Observatory
Find out about current seismic and potential volcanic activity in Yellowstone National Park.

Volcanoes (Booklet)
A 45-page online booklet that summarizes basic information about volcanoes – their types, different kinds of eruptions, related features, volcano research, and more.

Living with Volcanoes (Circular 1073)
The 1980 cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens in southwestern Washington ushered in a decade marked by more worldwide volcanic disasters and crises than any other in recorded history. Volcanoes killed more people (over 28,500) in the 1980's than during the 78 years following the 1902 eruption of Mont Pelee (Martinique). Not surprisingly, volcanic phenomena and attendant hazards received attention from government authorities, the news media, and the general public. As part of this enhanced global awareness of volcanic hazards, the U.S. government significantly expanded the Volcano Hazards Program of the U.S. Geological Survey in response to the eruptions or volcanic unrest during the 1980's at Mount St. Helens (Washington), Mauna Loa and Kilauea (Hawaii), Long Valley Caldera (California), and Redoubt Volcano (Alaska). This publication summarizes the Volcano Hazards Program -- its goals, the activities designed to achieve these goals, some key accomplishments of the past two decades, and a plan for work that started in the the 1990's.

	Geology of National Parks: 3-D Tours Featuring Park Geology
	This Web site features examples of volcanoes and volcanic features in national parks including: Crater Lake National Park, OR Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI Lava Beds National Monument, CA Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Park, WA Mount Rainier National Park, WA Mojave National Preserve, CA Pinnacles National Monument, CA Sunset Crater National Monument, AZ Yellowstone National Park, WY

"Hotspots": Mantle Thermal Plumes
This Web site is part of the This Dynamic Earth Web site. Traces of undersea volcanic chains are well illustrated on the companion map, This Dynamic Planet.

USGS Natural Hazards Gateway—Wildfires
Gateway to the USGS wildfire science, with highlighted wildfire resources and recent USGS news related to wildfires. This is a good jumping-off point for general wildfire research.

Fire and Invasive Annual Grasses in Western Ecosystem
Research on ways to prevent invasive annual grass invasions and restore invaded habitats; this particular study has a nice photo gallery of field work on prescribed burning and monitoring.

Fire and Fire Surrogate Study Sequoia National Park Site
Evaluating the ecosystem impacts of different fire hazard reduction treatment in forests that historically experienced short-interval, low- to moderate-severity fire regimes.

Effects of Fuel Management Treatments in Piñon Juniper Vegetation at a Site on the Colorado Plateau
Study on the cost-effectiveness and ecological effects of various combinations of thinning, seeding, and burning to restore sagebrush steppe vegetation.

Hands-on Experiments to Test for Acid Mine Drainage
Fourteen very basic exercises use home-made litmus paper and household items to test creek water for acid mine drainage and to look at plants, bacteria, and insects living in the water.

USGS Water Science for Schools  
This site is the best starting point for a wealth of general information about water science. What is water? What are its properties and how are they measured? How is water used? How does the USGS measure streamflow and collect water samples? A glossary, picture gallery, and activity center are among the many additional features.

The Water Cycle
This Web site provides a complete overview of the water cycle, and includes many useful graphic images. This is one of the most comprehensive Web site about the water cycle. It has many useful graphics with good descriptions, and has translations available in 36 languages!

Earth's Water
This section of Water Science for Schools tells the story of where, how much, and in what forms water exists on Earth.

Science in Your Watershed
This Web site provides information about watersheds and provides a map locator for watersheds across the country.

Water Use in the United States
This Web site explains how we use water on an everyday basis, and what is really important about water usage to the average person.

Water Use in the United States
Listing of various reports.

Water Education Posters
This Web site provides access to water-resources posters are drawn in a cartoon format. Posters are available in color or black and white. The reverse sides of the color posters contain educational activities: one version for children in grades 3-5 and the other with activities for children in grades 6-8. The black-and-white posters are intended for coloring by children in grades K-5.

Water Use Data Tables

Water Resources Data  
The National Water System Web Site is a comprehensive source of real-time water data for the nation (surface& underground water and water quality). Real-time stream flow data is collected from over 8,000 on-line stations throughout the U.S. A "Water Use" Web site has maps and searchable data by county and watershed. A great place for a school project! On-line databases provide data and reports on acid rain, atmospheric deposition and precipitation chemistry, and information about the transport of sediments and contaminants in stream.

How Much of Your State is Wet?
This Web site provides information about the distribution of water resources across the country.

Where is Earth's Water Located?
This Web site describes how much of Earth's water is available for our uses ... and in what forms it exists.

How much Water Is There On and In the Earth?
This Web site contains facts and information about our planet's water resources.

The Activity Center - Opinion Surveys
This interactive Web site provides an opportunity to contribute information to a global opinion survey relating to water use.

Chemical and Pathogenic Contaminant Exposure by Drinking Water
USGS provides scientific data and information on the occurrence, fate, and transport of emerging and legacy contaminants in water resources, assessments of drinking water sources, and the vulnerability of water supplies to contamination. How safe is your water?

USGS Ground Water Information Page
This gateway to ground water information and data is an excellent starting point for learning about ground water. Includes links to maps, real-time data, ground water basics, publications, and selected topics.

What is Ground Water?
A very simple explanation of ground water and aquifers. Diagrams are included.

Ground Water Atlas of the United States
Learn about the ground-water resources of regional areas that collectively cover the U.S. and its territories. Text and maps are used to describe the climate, physiography, geology, land use, major aquifers, and ground-water withdrawals for each region.

Aquifer Basics
An underground layer of permeable rock, sediment, or soil that yields water is called an aquifer. This site describes different kinds of aquifers and where they are located.

Sustainability of Ground-Water Resources (USGS Circular 1186)
Ground water is one of the Nation's provides about 40 percent of the public water supply in the United States. This Web site provides information and discussion about one or our nation's most precious resource, our groundwater supply.

Groundwater and Surface Water - A Single Resource (USGS Circular 1139)
This publication includes a chapter on the hydrologic cycle, and illustrates the interactions of groundwater and surface water. The report discusses issues related to water supply, water quality, and degradation of aquatic environments.

Ground Water and the Rural Homeowner
This comprehensive 36-page booklet describes groundwater as it relates to problems that rural homeowners might encounter, such as digging a well, water-level declines, and contamination.

USGS Natural Hazards Gateway—Floods
Gateway to USGS research on floods. Includes highlighted flood resources and recent USGS news related to floods. This is a good jumping-off point for general flood science.

Large Floods in the United States : Where they Happen and Why (Circular 1245)
A 13-page on-line publication that describes the geographic and climatic factors that influence the occurrence and impacts of large floods in the United States.

The largest flows are related to specific combinations of regional climatology, topography, and basin size. Key factors include the general northward trend of decreasing atmospheric moisture, proximity to oceanic moisture sources such as the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and orientation of topographic features relative to directions of moisture flow, with the largest flows being at locations where topographically high areas are oriented perpendicular to directions of moisture flow. Additionally, the largest flows in large river basins are primarily caused by persistent climatologic conditions such as seasonal snowfall. In contrast, the largest flows in smaller basins are most commonly the result of intense precipitation due to convective storms.