Category: Earth & Environment

Kelvin waves are slow-moving, relatively flat, warm water waves that stretch thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean. Continue reading →

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey has released an updated database showing known U.S. deposits of 59 critical minerals needed to strengthen the American economy and protect national security.

USGS monitors, studies, and supports landslide research across the United States, striving to better understand these hazards while also helping communities nationwide become more resilient to the threat landslides pose.

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey today released Version 2.0 of the Cooperative National Geologic Map, expanding coverage to include Alaska, Hawaii, and most U.S. territories.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released a new portrait of the nation from space. 

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of undiscovered gas and oil in the Buda Limestone formation near the Texas Gulf Coast, assessing that there are technically recoverable resources of 184 billion cubic feet of gas and 12 million barrels of oil.

RESTON, Va. — The southern Appalachian region of the eastern United States contains an estimated 1.43 million metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium oxide, enough to replace 201 years of U.S. imports at last year’s level, according to new research by the U.S. Geological Survey. 

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Throughout the season, the U.S. Geological Survey aids coastal and inland communities by giving people the resources they need to make informed decisions before, during, and after hurricanes. This critical information helps save lives and protect property.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The U.S. Geological Survey and NASA announced an addition to the world’s largest airborne hyperspectral survey – a digital portrait of critical minerals and geology in the American West, taken from 12 miles up.

RESTON, Va. — The Appalachian region of the eastern United States contains an estimated 2.3 million metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium, enough to replace 328 years of U.S. imports at last year’s level, according to new research by the U.S. Geological Survey.

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released the first nationwide tool to help water planners determine if communities have enough water for current and future needs. 

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released a new machine learning tool that forecasts droughts up to 90 days ahead nationwide. The tool may provide communities extra time to prepare for water shortages that could impact agriculture, municipal supplies, recreation and ecosystems.