Water News

Water News Resources

Water is an essential part of life and it is very important to know the current water news in California. Every water user needs to be aware of what is happening in the water world. This will help them make necessary changes that benefit their use of water in daily life. With the increase of population and the need to use water, the state of water management is becoming a challenge for all water users and agencies.

There are several ways to get reliable and up to date information on water. California water reporting provides a unique opportunity for the public and agencies to come together and address water problems. California water news comprises water problems, natural disasters, water regulations, water quality, drought, water taxation, water usage, environmental protection and renewable water sources. Reporters work closely with water agencies and the California National Guard to provide updated and accurate information.

In California, there are many media outlets that publish water related stories. Some of the major newspapers publish a monthly magazine called “Water Report” which is a one-page report about water reporting throughout the state. The “Daily Herald” of California and the” Contra Costa Times” of San Francisco also publish water related stories and many other publications do the same throughout the state. In addition to newspapers and magazines, television stations also offer water reporting. Some television stations also air “This Old House” cooking shows that feature a discussion on water issues.

Many television stations have taken an interest in California water issues as well and air segments that discuss water-related issues. Some of these programs focus on water conservation in the state. Other television programs focus on water problems in other parts of the country and recommend solutions to the state. In addition, some radio stations and websites publish regular articles that discuss water issues and give recommendations for dealing with water problems.

One place that you might find local water news is your local newspaper. All major newspapers publish local news on a weekly basis. In addition to local news, some newspapers run special sections on the weekends devoted to reporting on water reporting throughout the nation. If you live in a small town, you may not have a newspaper or a television station that gives local news but you can bet that you will be able to find plenty of local water reporting on the Internet. Some Internet websites will actually host a free website where anyone can submit stories about water problems in their area. Check with your favorite search engine to find several Internet sites that allow you to submit your story and get plenty of publicity.

Another great source for local news stories and water reporting is your local television station. Many television stations provide daily reports about local water problems and you may even be able to catch a glimpse of some water agencies performing their daily operation. Local television stations often broadcast weather reports and news about various water agencies. Your local library is another great resource for finding out about local water issues. Many librarians have a file section that contains local news clippings. You can check this file when visiting your local library to find out about upcoming water reporting events.

Internet web sites are another great source of information about water agencies and water problems. While most web sites are designed to be informative rather than a complete news report, many provide daily reports about major water issues. Some of these sites will even send you an email alert when a new story about water problems becomes available. The good thing about many of these web sites is that they usually include many pictures and links that lead to the articles. When you need to find out more about a local water issue, this is the way to go.

While you are gathering local water news, remember to keep an eye out for dangerous water conditions. Remember that some of the most popular water features can cause harmful situations. For example, some lakes can carry heavy amounts of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses. Keep your eye on local water reporting to make sure that the local water system is operating properly and that residents are able to enjoy their water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qP5ydTldIo

The first geological map of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. The volcanic character of Yellowstone has long been known.  An indigenous map drawn on a bison pelt and …

Read moreThe first geological map of Yellowstone National Park

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds geologic mapping in western Rockies

This project is a four-state cooperative effort involving state surveys from Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Montana and is administered by the Idaho Geological Survey. The project centers on collecting new geological and geochemical data to assess the rare earth element resource potential of the Western Phosphate Field within the framework of a marine chemocline mineral …

Read moreBipartisan Infrastructure Law funds geologic mapping in western Rockies

Yellowstone Recognized as One of the First 100 IUGS World Geological Heritage Sites

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Jamie Farrell, assistant research professor with the University of Utah Seismograph Stations and Chief Seismologist of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Yellowstone became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978—in fact, Yellowstone and Mesa …

Read moreYellowstone Recognized as One of the First 100 IUGS World Geological Heritage Sites

Climate change and pesticides imperil a once common pollinator

The native western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis) on tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) in Saanichton, British Columbia. This species has been in decline in recent decades, but used to be widespread and locally common in the western U.S. (Photo credit: Jeremy Gatten, LGL Limited, used with permission) Using data from 1998-2020, scientists determined that increasing summer …

Read moreClimate change and pesticides imperil a once common pollinator

Acknowledging Annie: How research and monitoring get done in Yellowstone

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Better knowledge of Yellowstone’s past volcanism and current behavior is key for understanding the potential for future hazardous …

Read moreAcknowledging Annie: How research and monitoring get done in Yellowstone

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds geologic mapping in Montana

Detailed geologic mapping and geochemical sampling will be conducted around clusters of rare earth element prospects in the Montana portion of the mineral belt. The Sheep Creek-Mineral Hill mineral belt extends in a northwest direction from Idaho into Montana and hosts rare earth element-bearing carbonatite horizons and carbonate-hosted niobium-bearing rutile deposits of unknown age and …

Read moreBipartisan Infrastructure Law funds geologic mapping in Montana

Yellowstone—the year 2022 in review

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2022. Gray lines are roads, black dashed line …

Read moreYellowstone—the year 2022 in review

How the 2022 Yellowstone flood affected a monitoring site on the Gardner River

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Blaine McCleskey and David Roth, research chemists with the U.S. Geological Survey. From June 10–13, 2022, several inches of rain fell in the northern parts of Yellowstone National Park, which was blanketed by …

Read moreHow the 2022 Yellowstone flood affected a monitoring site on the Gardner River

Yellowstone’s magma reservoir comes into sharper focus

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Ross Maguire, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Illinois, and Brandon Schmandt, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Science and the University of New Mexico.  …

Read moreYellowstone’s magma reservoir comes into sharper focus

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments combine science and technology to track biological threats in US waters

With new investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the partnership will help advance detection of invasive species, pathogens and parasites which cause ecological and economic damage to aquatic systems. These organisms can wreak havoc on our waterways, threaten commercial and recreational fishing industries and promote the spread of zoonotic diseases that can impact humans.   …

Read moreBipartisan Infrastructure Law investments combine science and technology to track biological threats in US waters

Water Released from Crystallizing Magma can Trigger Earthquakes in Yellowstone

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from David Shelly, seismologist, and Shaul Hurwitz, research hydrologist, both with the U.S. Geological Survey. Evolution of the 2017 Maple Creek earthquake swarm. Plots show earthquake locations colored by time. a) Map view. b) …

Read moreWater Released from Crystallizing Magma can Trigger Earthquakes in Yellowstone

Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing at Yellowstone 101

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from R. Greg Vaughan, research scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Thermal infrared satellite images are an important volcano monitoring tool that can be used to estimate surface temperature.  And, in fact, these data …

Read moreThermal Infrared Remote Sensing at Yellowstone 101

Mapping Mayhem: How to solve a Yellowstone puzzle with unknown pieces

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Hayley Woodrich, Research Experiences for Undergraduates student, and Natali Kraugh, graduate student, both at Montana State University. Photograph of the west side of Mount Everts taken from Sepulcher Mountain. The linear features seen …

Read moreMapping Mayhem: How to solve a Yellowstone puzzle with unknown pieces

Mapping Mayhem: How to solve a Yellowstone puzzle with unknown pieces

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Hayley Woodrich, Research Experiences for Undergraduates student, and Natali Kraugh, graduate student, both at Montana State University. Photograph of the west side of Mount Everts taken from Sepulcher Mountain. The linear features seen …

Read moreMapping Mayhem: How to solve a Yellowstone puzzle with unknown pieces

Dignitaries, scientists celebrate advanced technologies in Great Lakes research

The U.S. Geological Survey and partners will deploy advanced technologies on Lake Superior this summer to better understand the $7 billion per year Great Lakes fishery. The information collected will be used by managers to sustain and support the Great Lakes’ valuable natural resources. The USGS Research Vessel Kiyi.  WHAT: The USGS and the Great …

Read moreDignitaries, scientists celebrate advanced technologies in Great Lakes research

Using modern tools to look at past earthquakes: How lidar data help to better understand the 1959 Hebgen Lake event

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Mike Stickney, Director of the Earthquake Studies Office at the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Major earthquakes that rupture up to the ground surface and form fault scarps are rare occurrences in …

Read moreUsing modern tools to look at past earthquakes: How lidar data help to better understand the 1959 Hebgen Lake event

Using modern tools to look at past earthquakes: How lidar data help to better understand the 1959 Hebgen Lake event

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Mike Stickney, Director of the Earthquake Studies Office at the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Major earthquakes that rupture up to the ground surface and form fault scarps are rare occurrences in …

Read moreUsing modern tools to look at past earthquakes: How lidar data help to better understand the 1959 Hebgen Lake event

COVID-19 virus can infect Mexican free-tailed bats

  Mexican free-tailed bats are an abundant and widespread species of the Americas. (Credit: Ann Froschauer, USFWS) Scientists with the USGS monitored 10 captive Mexican free-tailed bats that were exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, for infection and potential bat-to-bat transmission. Five of the bats became infected with the virus and …

Read moreCOVID-19 virus can infect Mexican free-tailed bats

The Flight of the Nez Perce

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Cole Messa, Ph.D. student and Professor Ken Sims, both in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Wyoming. Throughout its history, Yellowstone has been frequented by numerous indigenous tribes. All …

Read moreThe Flight of the Nez Perce

A plan for monitoring the Yellowstone Volcanic System

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory recently published a monitoring plan for better understanding and tracking earthquake, magmatic, and hydrothermal activity associated with the Yellowstone caldera system. The plan, which covers 2022–2032, will expand hazards forecasting capabilities and enable scientific advances that will help geologists better understand how Yellowstone works. Source link

A plan for monitoring the Yellowstone Volcanic System

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Map of seismic stations in the Yellowstone region, with numbers of channels indicated by number and sensor type …

Read moreA plan for monitoring the Yellowstone Volcanic System

Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers Experiencing Widespread and Regional Changes

The Status and Trends report is the third of its kind produced as part of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) program and includes information on long term changes in water quality, aquatic vegetation and fish from six study areas spread across the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The report also summarizes trends in possible …

Read moreUpper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers Experiencing Widespread and Regional Changes

How might the devastating June 2022 floods in and around Yellowstone National Park influence seismic and hydrothermal activity?

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Shaul Hurwitz and Blaine McCleskey, research hydrologists with the U.S. Geological Survey, and Erin White, Park Hydrologist at …

Read moreHow might the devastating June 2022 floods in and around Yellowstone National Park influence seismic and hydrothermal activity?

How might the devastating June 2022 floods in and around Yellowstone National Park influence seismic and hydrothermal activity?

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Shaul Hurwitz and Blaine McCleskey, research hydrologists with the U.S. Geological Survey, and Erin White, Park Hydrologist at …

Read moreHow might the devastating June 2022 floods in and around Yellowstone National Park influence seismic and hydrothermal activity?

USGS Media Alert: USGS crews continue to measure and assess Yellowstone River flood conditions and probabilities

These data are essential for partner agencies to estimate downstream flow, as well as analyze results to predict future event probabilities.  Realtime flood and historic data can be found at: USGS | National Water Dashboard  Streamflow data have been collected for around 100 years at three USGS streamgages on the Yellowstone River in southern Montana …

Read moreUSGS Media Alert: USGS crews continue to measure and assess Yellowstone River flood conditions and probabilities

Toxicity of Forever Chemicals Varies Among Amphibian Species

Eastern tiger salamanders are sensitive to chemical contaminants like PFAS. (Credit: Caitlin Smith, USFWS) Commonly called forever chemicals, PFAS are widespread and long-lasting contaminants that are hazardous to human and environmental health. Scientists from Purdue University and the U.S. Geological Survey studied the effects of PFAS on tadpoles of three amphibian species. These species are …

Read moreToxicity of Forever Chemicals Varies Among Amphibian Species

USGS Media Alert: Flights Above Parts of Montana to Map Geology

A low-flying helicopter will soon be visible to residents in six counties of Montana in the greater region of Helena, the Elkhorn Mountains, Bull Mountain and the Tobacco Root Mountains.  Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology and Rio Tinto are partnering to image geology using airborne geophysical technology as part …

Read moreUSGS Media Alert: Flights Above Parts of Montana to Map Geology

USGS Media Alert: Flights Above Parts of Montana to Map Geology

A low-flying helicopter will soon be visible to residents in six counties of Montana in the greater region of Helena, the Elkhorn Mountains, Bull Mountain and the Tobacco Root Mountains.  Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology and Rio Tinto are partnering to image geology using airborne geophysical technology as part …

Read moreUSGS Media Alert: Flights Above Parts of Montana to Map Geology

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2021 annual report—available at a website near you!

Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2021 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information. The report is freely available online at https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/cir1494. Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is …

Read moreThe Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2021 annual report—available at a website near you!

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2021 annual report—available at a website near you!

Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2021 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information. The report is freely available online at https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/cir1494. Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is …

Read moreThe Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2021 annual report—available at a website near you!

From the Seafloor to Outer Space, USGS is on the Case

At a much deeper vantage, USGS researchers are monitoring what’s happening on the seafloor to better understand risks from tectonic activity that could impact public safety.    In earthquake-prone regions, like the west coast of the Americas, a surge of underwater movement could impact people and their environment along the coast.   Marine geohazards are sudden and …

Read moreFrom the Seafloor to Outer Space, USGS is on the Case

From the Seafloor to Outer Space, USGS is on the Case

At a much deeper vantage, USGS researchers are monitoring what’s happening on the seafloor to better understand risks from tectonic activity that could impact public safety.    In earthquake-prone regions, like the west coast of the Americas, a surge of underwater movement could impact people and their environment along the coast.   Marine geohazards are sudden and …

Read moreFrom the Seafloor to Outer Space, USGS is on the Case

Secretary Haaland Announces Progress Toward Conservation and Restoration of Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity

GPS collars deployed on elk in the Tex Creek herd between 2007 and 2009 revealed that the herd migrates an average of 40 miles between their summer and winter ranges within the Caribou Range of the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area in Idaho. WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced several actions the …

Read moreSecretary Haaland Announces Progress Toward Conservation and Restoration of Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity

Secretary Haaland Announces Progress Toward Conservation and Restoration of Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity

GPS collars deployed on elk in the Tex Creek herd between 2007 and 2009 revealed that the herd migrates an average of 40 miles between their summer and winter ranges within the Caribou Range of the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area in Idaho. WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced several actions the …

Read moreSecretary Haaland Announces Progress Toward Conservation and Restoration of Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity

New Study Unveils the Secrets of Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Plumbing

Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, Mud Volcano and Morning Glory Pool are just a few of the over 10,000 active hydrothermal features formed by the interaction of ground water with the heat remaining from the ancient volcano that formed Yellowstone. While these mesmerizing features are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year, …

Read moreNew Study Unveils the Secrets of Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Plumbing

New Study Unveils the Secrets of Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Plumbing

Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, Mud Volcano and Morning Glory Pool are just a few of the over 10,000 active hydrothermal features formed by the interaction of ground water with the heat remaining from the ancient volcano that formed Yellowstone. While these mesmerizing features are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year, …

Read moreNew Study Unveils the Secrets of Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Plumbing

Media Alert: Low-flying Helicopter Will Survey Southern Wisconsin for Geologic, Water Studies

A low-flying helicopter towing a geophysical device collects scientific data on groundwater and geology. (Credit: USGS) Starting around late February and lasting three to four weeks, a helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin making low-level flights over southern Wisconsin between Grant and Kenosha counties. The low-flying helicopter will collect and record …

Read moreMedia Alert: Low-flying Helicopter Will Survey Southern Wisconsin for Geologic, Water Studies

Yellowstone exposed! New elevation map reveals park’s complex geologic history

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Dr. Ben Crosby, Professor, and Kyra Bornong, graduate student, with the Department of Geosciences at Idaho State University. Top image is a view of the Silver Gate landslide complex, near Mammoth Hot Springs, …

Read moreYellowstone exposed! New elevation map reveals park’s complex geologic history

Yellowstone exposed! New elevation map reveals park’s complex geologic history

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Dr. Ben Crosby, Professor, and Kyra Bornong, graduate student, with the Department of Geosciences at Idaho State University. Top image is a view of the Silver Gate landslide complex, near Mammoth Hot Springs, …

Read moreYellowstone exposed! New elevation map reveals park’s complex geologic history

When in Earth’s history did Yellowstone’s volcanism begin? Let’s look at the calendar to find out.

What were the major events have shaped the Earth and its environment, and when did these events takes place? When did the major volcanic events in Yellowstone take place within the sequence of Earth’s major events? Geologic research has made significant progress to answer these questions, and future discoveries will further refine the fascinating story. …

Read moreWhen in Earth’s history did Yellowstone’s volcanism begin? Let’s look at the calendar to find out.

When in Earth’s history did Yellowstone’s volcanism begin? Let’s look at the calendar to find out.

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Shaul Hurwitz, Research Hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. The timing of major events in Earth’s long history are continuously being refined as the accuracy and precision of dating methods improves and as …

Read moreWhen in Earth’s history did Yellowstone’s volcanism begin? Let’s look at the calendar to find out.

Pathology Case of the Month – Eastern Gray Squirrel

The animals were described as ataxic and unable to stand. NWHC received one squirrel and one rabbit found dead in the neighborhood for cause-of-death determination. The cause of death of the rabbit was undetermined. A summary of the diagnostic investigation for the squirrel is provided below. Gross Findings: The squirrel was a juvenile male in …

Read morePathology Case of the Month – Eastern Gray Squirrel

Yellowstone—the year 2021 in review

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Yellowstone is a very active place in terms of seismicity.  Typically the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, which …

Read moreYellowstone—the year 2021 in review

Yellowstone—the year 2021 in review

It was business as usual in 2021 at Yellowstone—earthquakes, ground deformation, geyser eruptions, and lots of field work! As is tradition, this first Caldera Chronicles of the new year takes a look back at what happened in Yellowstone during the previous 12 months. Source link

USGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

The USGS has completed an oil and gas estimate for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota.  The estimate includes 4.3 billion barrels of unconventional oil and 4.9 trillion cubic feet of unconventional natural gas in the two formations. This assessment updates the 2013 USGS assessment of …

Read moreUSGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

USGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

The USGS has completed an oil and gas estimate for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota.  The estimate includes 4.3 billion barrels of unconventional oil and 4.9 trillion cubic feet of unconventional natural gas in the two formations. This assessment updates the 2013 USGS assessment of …

Read moreUSGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

Pathology Case of the Month – Wild Turkeys

Sick turkeys were approachable, could be picked up without resistance, and “appeared blind”. There were no visible pox-like lesions, and birds died within hours of the initial observation. Two turkeys that were found dead were collected and submitted for necropsy examination and diagnostic testing. Gross Findings: Birds were in fair body condition and fair to …

Read morePathology Case of the Month – Wild Turkeys

Media Alert: Hunter Survey Available for Green Bay and Lake Michigan

Hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey, the questionnaire will collect public feedback about waterfowl harvest and regulations for the Wisconsin Open Water Zone that will be effective for the 2021 through 2025 waterfowl hunting seasons. Input from hunters will help natural resource managers develop regulations for the Open Water Zone. The new Open Water Zone will begin …

Read moreMedia Alert: Hunter Survey Available for Green Bay and Lake Michigan

Open Water Zone, Wisconsin

Hunter Survey Available for Green Bay and Lake Michigan

Hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey, the questionnaire will collect public feedback about waterfowl harvest and regulations for the Wisconsin Open Water Zone that will be effective for the 2021 through 2025 waterfowl hunting seasons. Input from hunters will help natural resource managers develop regulations for the Open Water Zone. The new Open Water Zone …

Read moreHunter Survey Available for Green Bay and Lake Michigan

Cessna 180 Fixed-wing Aircraft

USGS and Rio Tinto Partner to Survey for Critical Minerals in Southwest Montana

The USGS will fly airborne geophysical surveys in areas of interest with support from Rio Tinto during 2022 as part of its Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). This is the first time the USGS has partnered with a resources company for the Earth MRI program, allowing it to double the area being surveyed in …

Read moreUSGS and Rio Tinto Partner to Survey for Critical Minerals in Southwest Montana

USGS and Rio Tinto Partner to Survey for Critical Minerals in Southwest Montana

The USGS will fly airborne geophysical surveys in areas of interest with support from Rio Tinto during 2022 as part of its Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). This is the first time the USGS has partnered with a resources company for the Earth MRI program, allowing it to double the area being surveyed in …

Read moreUSGS and Rio Tinto Partner to Survey for Critical Minerals in Southwest Montana

USGS and Rio Tinto Partner to Survey for Critical Minerals in Southwest Montana

The USGS will fly airborne geophysical surveys in areas of interest with support from Rio Tinto during 2022 as part of its Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). This is the first time the USGS has partnered with a resources company for the Earth MRI program, allowing it to double the area being surveyed in …

Read moreUSGS and Rio Tinto Partner to Survey for Critical Minerals in Southwest Montana

Pathology Case of the Month – Red Crossbills and American Goldfinches

Gross Findings: Gross findings were similar in all examined birds. On external examination, abundant light green fecal material was present in the feathers around the vent. On internal examination, there was no subcutaneous, visceral, or epicardial fat. Pectoral muscle was atrophied in some birds. There were multiple variably sized thick tan plaques or seed-like plaques …

Read morePathology Case of the Month – Red Crossbills and American Goldfinches

Pathology Case of the Month – Red Crossbills and American Goldfinches

Gross Findings: Gross findings were similar in all examined birds. On external examination, abundant light green fecal material was present in the feathers around the vent. On internal examination, there was no subcutaneous, visceral, or epicardial fat. Pectoral muscle was atrophied in some birds. There were multiple variably sized thick tan plaques or seed-like plaques …

Read morePathology Case of the Month – Red Crossbills and American Goldfinches

Wetland habitats, such as the Great Salt Lake wetlands, provide critical feeding areas for many fish and wildlife species.

Comprehensive Study finds Widespread Mercury Contamination Across Western North America

An international team of scientists led by the U.S. Geological Survey, recently documented widespread mercury contamination in air, soil, sediment, plants, fish, and wildlife at various levels across western North America. They evaluated potential risk from mercury to human, fish, and wildlife health, and examined resource management activities that influence this risk. Wetland habitats, such …

Read moreComprehensive Study finds Widespread Mercury Contamination Across Western North America

Water-Level Changes in Northeast Twin Cities Lakes Vary with Landscape Setting

The physical setting of lakes, which includes underlying geology, elevation and surrounding land use, is the most significant driver of lake-level changes in the Twin Cities, according to a U.S. Geological Survey study published today.  Scientists with the USGS analyzed 96 lakes in the northeast metropolitan area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, to determine …

Read moreWater-Level Changes in Northeast Twin Cities Lakes Vary with Landscape Setting

In Orlando, USGS Science on the Health of the Environment is on Display

The health of the environment is a research priority for the U.S. Geological Survey, and some of the recent highlights of that research will be on display at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry’s 2016 North American conference this Fall. For reporters interested in attending these presentations at the conference, or for following up …

Read moreIn Orlando, USGS Science on the Health of the Environment is on Display

White Bear Lake thumbnail

Groundwater Pumping, Precipitation Can Affect Lake Levels in Twin Cities

Both precipitation and groundwater withdrawals, among other factors, influence lake-water levels in the northeast Twin Cities metropolitan area, and the extent of these changes vary among lakes, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey study. Low water levels in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.(Credit: Perry Jones, USGS. Public domain.) Scientists with the USGS and partners studied …

Read moreGroundwater Pumping, Precipitation Can Affect Lake Levels in Twin Cities

Not All Arsenic Tests are Created Equal

In 2014-2016, the USGS and partners sampled study wells in northeast, northwest and central Minnesota—areas that commonly have elevated arsenic concentrations in well water—and examined the effects of various water-sampling methods for each of the wells. The researchers found that arsenic levels were most reliable when they were filtered, collected from household plumbing instead of …

Read moreNot All Arsenic Tests are Created Equal

Well characteristics

Design of Private Wells Can Lead to Safer Drinking Water in Minnesota

The study highlights a new and important finding: Controllable well construction choices, not just location and depth, influence arsenic concentrations in drinking water. “Chronic exposure to high levels of naturally occurring arsenic through drinking water can cause certain cancers, skin abnormalities and other adverse human health effects,” said Melinda Erickson, a USGS research hydrologist and …

Read moreDesign of Private Wells Can Lead to Safer Drinking Water in Minnesota

USGS National Water Dashboard Example - Zeta Rate of Change

USGS Unveils Mobile Flood Tool for the Nation

The new USGS National Water Dashboard, or NWD, provides critical information to decision-makers, emergency managers and the public during flood events, informing decisions that can help protect lives and property. “The National Water Dashboard is a much-needed advancement that will help keep communities across the country safe during extreme weather conditions,” said Tim Petty, Ph.D., …

Read moreUSGS Unveils Mobile Flood Tool for the Nation

Relics of past earthquakes: How the 1959 Hebgen Lake M7.3 earthquake may continue to influence Yellowstone seismicity today

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Mike Stickney, Director of the Earthquake Studies Office at the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Hebgen Lake fault scarp in 1959. USGS photo by J. R. Stacy. The greater Yellowstone region has …

Read moreRelics of past earthquakes: How the 1959 Hebgen Lake M7.3 earthquake may continue to influence Yellowstone seismicity today

An outlier of Yellowstone’s thermal areas: the travertine of Mammoth Hot Springs

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Pat Shanks, research geologist emeritus with the U.S. Geological Survey. Map of Yellowstone National Park showing locations of thermal basins that host hot springs, geysers, and mudpots.  Dark green areas host alkaline-chloride fluids.  Yellowstone Caldera …

Read moreAn outlier of Yellowstone’s thermal areas: the travertine of Mammoth Hot Springs

Research raft on Spider Lake, WY

Greater Yellowstone Area Expected to Become Warmer, Drier

This image shows a research raft on Spider Lake, Wind River Indian Reservation, Wind River Range, Wyoming. (Credit: Bryan Schuman, University of Wyoming) Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana State University and the University of Wyoming studied climate change in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) from 1950-2018. They evaluated how these changes could progress …

Read moreGreater Yellowstone Area Expected to Become Warmer, Drier

Greater Yellowstone Area expected to become warmer, drier

This image shows a research raft on Spider Lake, Wind River Indian Reservation, Wind River Range, Wyoming. (Credit: Bryan Schuman, University of Wyoming) Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana State University and the University of Wyoming studied climate change in the Greater Yellowstone Area, or GYA, from 1950-2018. They evaluated how these changes could …

Read moreGreater Yellowstone Area expected to become warmer, drier

New Insight into Climate Change Impacts on Yellowstone

WHAT:   Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana State University, the University of Wyoming, Greater Yellowstone Coalition and partners studied past climate change in the Greater Yellowstone Area and evaluated how those changes could progress by 2100. Coauthors of the forthcoming report and voices from the Greater Yellowstone Area will discuss the significance of the findings and answer media questions. This event is open to members of the …

Read moreNew Insight into Climate Change Impacts on Yellowstone

Media Event: New Insight into Climate Change Impacts on Yellowstone

WHAT:   Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana State University, the University of Wyoming, Greater Yellowstone Coalition and partners studied past climate change in the Greater Yellowstone Area and evaluated how those changes could progress by 2100. Coauthors of the forthcoming report and voices from the Greater Yellowstone Area will discuss the significance of the findings and answer media questions. This event is open to members of the …

Read moreMedia Event: New Insight into Climate Change Impacts on Yellowstone

TNMCorps Mapping Challenge Summary Results for City / Town Hall Structures in WI

Summary statistics are now available for this challenge. Thanks again to everyone who contributed! Overall, 5 volunteers participated and edited 664 unique points throughout the challenge. A map of all the city halls in Wisconsin that volunteers edited during this challenge (public domain).  Here is a summary of edits by user role along with a timelapse of those edits:    Standard Editor: 2  Peer Reviewer: 0  Advanced Editor: 693 …

Read moreTNMCorps Mapping Challenge Summary Results for City / Town Hall Structures in WI

Travertine: Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Timekeeper | U.S. Geological Survey

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Lauren Harrison, a postdoctoral researcher with the U.S. Geological Survey. Travertine is a form of limestone composed of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are both made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). In contrast to limestones …

Read moreTravertine: Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Timekeeper | U.S. Geological Survey

Mapping Challenge Update (05/20/21): City / Town Halls in WI

Another 200 points have been added since last week! IMPRESSIVE!  Since this challenge is quickly approaching completion, we performed our spatial analysis to see which communities still need a point.  Scroll down for an overview of which communities may still remain. The original post from April 29, 2021 also has tips and tricks on collecting city/town halls throughout Wisconsin.  …

Read moreMapping Challenge Update (05/20/21): City / Town Halls in WI

Mapping Challenge Update (05/20/21): City / Town Halls in WI

Another 200 points have been added since last week! IMPRESSIVE!  Since this challenge is quickly approaching completion, we performed our spatial analysis to see which communities still need a point.  Scroll down for an overview of which communities may still remain. The original post from April 29, 2021 also has tips and tricks on collecting city/town halls throughout Wisconsin.  …

Read moreMapping Challenge Update (05/20/21): City / Town Halls in WI

NEW TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Halls in WI!

Here’s a new challenge for City / Town Halls in Wisconsin! The United States Census Bureau lists over 600 incorporated places in Wisconsin. Not every one of these will have a city hall, but as you can see from the map, there are still some points that have yet to be collected.  Townships are also prominent in Wisconsin and may have a designated town …

Read moreNEW TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Halls in WI!

NEW TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Halls in WI!

Here’s a new challenge for City / Town Halls in Wisconsin! The United States Census Bureau lists over 600 incorporated places in Wisconsin. Not every one of these will have a city hall, but as you can see from the map, there are still some points that have yet to be collected.  Townships are also prominent in Wisconsin and may have a designated town …

Read moreNEW TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Halls in WI!

NEW TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Halls in WI!

Here’s a new challenge for City / Town Halls in Wisconsin! The United States Census Bureau lists over 600 incorporated places in Wisconsin. Not every one of these will have a city hall, but as you can see from the map, there are still some points that have yet to be collected.  Townships are also prominent in Wisconsin and may have a designated town …

Read moreNEW TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Halls in WI!

Two banded piping plover adults stand near a nest with a small video camera pointed at it on a sandbar of the Missouri River.

Piping Plovers Breed Less and Move More in the Northern Great Plains

Two banded piping plover adults stand near a nest with a video camera pointed at it on a sandbar in the the Missouri River. Video cameras were used to identify adults attending nests.  Piping plovers are small-bodied, short-distance migratory shorebirds. The Northern Great Plains population has been listed as a threatened species under the U.S. …

Read morePiping Plovers Breed Less and Move More in the Northern Great Plains

Piping Plovers Breed Less and Move More in the Northern Great Plains

Two banded piping plover adults stand near a nest with a video camera pointed at it on a sandbar in the the Missouri River. Video cameras were used to identify adults attending nests.  Piping plovers are small-bodied, short-distance migratory shorebirds. The Northern Great Plains population has been listed as a threatened species under the U.S. …

Read morePiping Plovers Breed Less and Move More in the Northern Great Plains

Big sagebrush near Parawon, UT

New Report Highlights Declining Sagebrush Ecosystem, Provides Foundation for Next Generation of Conservation and Management

A team of 94 scientists and specialists from 34 federal and state agencies, universities and non-governmental organizations contributed to the comprehensive assessment of the sagebrush ecosystem, which covers 14 western states and two Canadian provinces. The effort was coordinated by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) with support from the U.S. Fish …

Read moreNew Report Highlights Declining Sagebrush Ecosystem, Provides Foundation for Next Generation of Conservation and Management

New Report Highlights Declining Sagebrush Ecosystem, Provides Foundation for Next Generation of Conservation and Management

A team of 94 scientists and specialists from 34 federal and state agencies, universities and non-governmental organizations contributed to the comprehensive assessment of the sagebrush ecosystem, which covers 14 western states and two Canadian provinces. The effort was coordinated by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) with support from the U.S. Fish …

Read moreNew Report Highlights Declining Sagebrush Ecosystem, Provides Foundation for Next Generation of Conservation and Management

Landsat will help U.S. and Canada Share River’s Water

The green color depicts vegetation in this 2016 Sentinel-2 normalized difference vegetation index image of land along the Milk River in Alberta. A tool for managing the complexity of a river system’s waters can come, surprisingly, from hundreds of miles above the Earth. Satellite technology and research conducted by the US Geological Survey’s Earth Resources …

Read moreLandsat will help U.S. and Canada Share River’s Water

Low-Flying Helicopter

Low-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Note to Editors: In the public interest and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the USGS is announcing this low-level airborne project. Your assistance in informing the local communities is appreciated. Starting on or around January 4 and lasting two to three weeks, a helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin …

Read moreLow-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Low-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Note to Editors: In the public interest and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the USGS is announcing this low-level airborne project. Your assistance in informing the local communities is appreciated. Starting on or around January 4 and lasting two to three weeks, a helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin …

Read moreLow-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Low-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Note to Editors: In the public interest and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the USGS is announcing this low-level airborne project. Your assistance in informing the local communities is appreciated. Starting on or around January 4 and lasting two to three weeks, a helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin …

Read moreLow-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Low-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Note to Editors: In the public interest and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the USGS is announcing this low-level airborne project. Your assistance in informing the local communities is appreciated. Starting on or around January 4 and lasting two to three weeks, a helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin …

Read moreLow-flying Helicopter Will Survey Northeast Wisconsin for Geologic Study

Bakken Shale unconventional oil and gas production has not caused widespread hydrocarbon contamination to date in groundwater used for water supply

Our surface water, groundwater, and aquatic ecosystems are priceless resources, used by people across the Nation for drinking, irrigation, industry, and recreation. The National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project is a leading source of scientific data and knowledge for development of science-based policies and management strategies to improve and protect our water resources. Source link

Surface-water nutrient and sediment mappers are now available

SPARROW mappers are interactive tools that allow users to evaluate streamflow and nutrient and sediment conditions as well as the importance of different sources of contaminants in a selected river basin. Data can be visualized at different scales using maps and interactive graphs and tables. SPARROW (SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes) models estimate the amount …

Read moreSurface-water nutrient and sediment mappers are now available

Assessment of Mercury Bioaccumulation in US National Parks Using Citizen Science

Mercury is a globally distributed pollutant that threatens human and ecosystem health. Even protected areas, such as national parks, are subjected to mercury contamination because it is delivered through atmospheric deposition, often after long-range transport. In aquatic ecosystems, certain environmental conditions can promote microbial processes that convert inorganic mercury to an organic form Source link

Assessment of Mercury Bioaccumulation in US National Parks Using Citizen Science

Mercury is a globally distributed pollutant that threatens human and ecosystem health. Even protected areas, such as national parks, are subjected to mercury contamination because it is delivered through atmospheric deposition, often after long-range transport. In aquatic ecosystems, certain environmental conditions can promote microbial processes that convert inorganic mercury to an organic form Source link

Assessment of Mercury Bioaccumulation in US National Parks Using Citizen Science

Mercury is a globally distributed pollutant that threatens human and ecosystem health. Even protected areas, such as national parks, are subjected to mercury contamination because it is delivered through atmospheric deposition, often after long-range transport. In aquatic ecosystems, certain environmental conditions can promote microbial processes that convert inorganic mercury to an organic form Source link

TNMCorps Mapping Challenge Summary Results for City / Town Hall Structures in MT, ND, & SD

This challenge is now complete!!  Thank you to everyone who contributed! (Public domain.) Here is a time lapse of our volunteer contributions for this challenge: (Public domain.) Overall, 8 volunteers participated and edited 405 unique points throughout the challenge.    Here is a summary of the edits by user role:   Standard Editor: 96  Peer Reviewer: 8  Advanced Editor: 470    Many thanks to our volunteers who contributed!    Ava …

Read moreTNMCorps Mapping Challenge Summary Results for City / Town Hall Structures in MT, ND, & SD

FINISHED!! TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Hall Structures in MT, ND, & SD

This challenge is now FINISHED!!  Thank you to everyone who contributed! We’re putting together summary results and will post them on this page shortly.  We’re also working on a new challenge that will soon be posted on this page.  In the mean time, our challenges for Arkansas schools and Arkansas city / town halls are …

Read moreFINISHED!! TNMCorps Mapping Challenge for City / Town Hall Structures in MT, ND, & SD