News
Science Snippets
Want some fun facts and interesting snippets of science? Then you came to the right place.
New Patent Helps Coalbed Methane Research
Far underground, in a Wyoming well-bore drilled through rock and coal, exciting research is bubbling up. USGS researchers are studying how bacteria and other microbes may play a role in the formation of natural gas from coal, and they’re using one of USGS’ newest patents to do it. This patent is the subsurface environmental sampler, or SES.
Using Remote Sensing to Turn Trash into Treasure
There’s an old saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. At the USGS, we’re taking another look at old mine waste and tailings to see if there might still be mineral potential in them.
Bridging the Language Barrier During the Puerto Rico Earthquake
What happens when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Puerto Rico and the public needs critical information? How does a mostly English-speaking science agency reach a mostly Spanish-speaking public?
Hurricane Laura Temporarily Reverses Neches River
As Hurricane Laura came ashore near the Texas and Louisiana borders, its strong winds pushed so much water ahead of it that the Neches River even flowed backwards for a time, according to a USGS streamgage in Beaumont.
Citizen Scientist Appreciates the Opportunity to Contribute to National Mapping
A young citizen science volunteer and avid trail enthusiast enjoys “giving back” by helping to map the Nation.
USGS Scientists are Busy as a Bee
Many bumble bee species have declined in recent decades due to changes in habitat, climate, and pressures from pathogens, pesticides and introduced species. The western bumble bee, once common throughout western North America, is a species of concern and is being considered for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.
Wildfire Support from 438 Miles Above
USGS Fire Science is fundamental to understanding the causes, consequences, and benefits of wildfire and helps prevent and manage larger, catastrophic events. USGS scientists and programs provide information and develop tools that are widely used by stakeholders to make decisions before, during, and after wildfires across the nation.
Validating Cemeteries With SaltyHiker
Featuring another dedicated and prolific citizen science volunteer who, as part of The National Map Corps, is helping to map the Nation.
Step Up to the Challenge
Volunteer citizen mappers continue to make significant contributions to the USGS’ ability to provide accurate mapping information to the public. Mapping Challenges are launched periodically to focus volunteers on specific points that need editing.
Mapping the Nation with Buz
A dedicated and prolific citizen science volunteer with The National Map Corps endorses participation in TNMCorps project.
Celebrating 10 years
The National Geospatial Technical Operations Centers in Rolla, Missouri and Lakewood, Colorado are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of their current organizational structure on November 13, 2019.
WaterWords-Aragonite
Keep up to speed with the latest USGS deep-sea research cruise with this seafloor syntax.