USGS Geology efforts address major societal issues that involve geologic hazards and disasters, climate variability and change, energy and mineral resources, ecosystem and human health, and ground-water
availability. We characterize the geological landscape and also provide the Nation with fundamental geochemical and geophysical data necessary to address these issues. Learn about our science
strategy and see how we are working on determining our strategy for the next decade.
Earthquake Fatalities High in 2008
Released: 1/6/2009 4:41:02 PM
The number of earthquake-related fatalities across the world was much higher in 2008 than in recent years.
Results Are In: Great Southern California ShakeOut Successful, Sets U.S. Record!
Released: 12/19/2008 3:02:12 PM
Los Angeles - It's working! On November 13, 2008 more than 5.47 million people in southern California participated in The Great Southern California ShakeOut, now officially the largest earthquake drill in the Nation's history - and according to some community leaders, a success that should be practiced every year.
Northern Soil Carbon Reservoirs Vulnerable to Global Warming
Released: 12/15/2008 9:57:03 AM
Mounting evidence shows that soil carbon is increasingly contributing larger amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere as a result of warming, permafrost degradation, and complex
climate-biogeochemical interactions.