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Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Corn Maze Geography: Teaching Geography Using Corn Mazes 
 This document features "lessons for teaching geography through the concept of corn mazes," which are "paths cut or plowed in a field of corn (maize) so that the paths form a pattern when viewed from overhead." Lesson topics include navigation, maps, global positioning systems (GPS), aerial photographs, and other geography concepts. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Rocky Mountain Mapping Center. http://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/cornmazegeography.html Topics: Geography, Lesson Plans, Technology, Transportation Last updated Feb 5, 2008 Hurricane Katrina Impact Studies
Information from a research project of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), NASA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the University of New Orleans "investigating coastal change that occurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina." Includes results of "aerial video, still photography, and laser altimetry surveys of post-storm beach conditions ... collected August 31 and September 1, 2005 for comparison with earlier data." From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/katrina/ Topics: Hurricane Katrina, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Regional, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States Last updated Sep 20, 2005 Environmental Atlas of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin
Atlas to Lake Pontchartrain and its surrounding basin, which encompasses land in Louisiana and Mississippi. The site "presents information about geology, land cover, types of shorelines, biological resources, flow patterns, significant storms, growth trends and more." Includes a bibliography. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/of02-206/ Topics: Environment, Geography, Hurricane Katrina, Scientific Themes, U.S. Maps, Water Last updated Sep 2, 2005 The Voyage of Discovery Continues: A Satellite View of the Journey of Lewis and Clark
"To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition from 1803-1806 and the 125th anniversary of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the USGS National Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) has assembled a collection of satellite images that provides a contemporary view the route that Lewis and Clark took from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Pacific Coast." Images are accompanied by descriptions of the journey. http://edc.usgs.gov/LewisandClark/ Topics: Geography, Holidays and Observances Individually, United States History Last updated Jul 27, 2005 Iron Ore Statistics and Information
Statistical publications on iron ore, "a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a reductant, will yield metallic iron (Fe). ... Iron ore is the source of primary iron for the world's iron and steel industries." Includes links to statistics about iron and steel scrap (recycled into new steel and cast-iron products) and slag (nonmetallic byproducts of iron and steel manufacturing). From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/iron_ore/ Topics: Geology Last updated Oct 23, 2006 USGS Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory: Earthquakes
Features on this site include a map of current earthquakes in Hawaii, an explanation of the difference between magnitude and intensity scales of felt earthquakes, a table of historical destructive earthquakes in Hawaii back to 1868, details about Hawaii seismic hazards, and and the role of volcanism. From the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, part of the Volcano Hazards Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/earthquakes/ Topics: Geology Last updated Oct 18, 2006 Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification Guide: An Online Guide for the Identification of Amphibians in North America North of Mexico
This site provides a browsable "checklist of all amphibian species and subspecies currently recognized in North America north of Mexico" (with photographs and details for some). Salamanders, newts, frogs, and toads are briefly described in their adult phase; many entries include photos and range maps showing where a species is found. Includes an annotated list of amphibian and reptile identification websites. From the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/herps/amphibid/amphibid.htm Topics: Animals, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Photograph Collections: Regional, Science, Science Last updated May 27, 2006 Bird Banding Laboratory: The North American Bird Banding Program
Information on the banding of wild birds to monitor populations and migration and for other studies. Includes a history of the practice, descriptions of types of bands and auxiliary markers (used for identifying individual birds at a distance), resources for banders, and a form for reporting recovered bands (also in Spanish). A joint program of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Canadian Wildlife Service. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/ Topics: Birds Last updated Nov 1, 2005 Ecological Effects of Fire Retardant Chemicals and Fire Suppressant Foams
This report discusses the toxicity of fire suppressants and retardants to vegetation, algae, aquatic invertebrates, and fish. Includes a summary and a list of the chemicals used in the study. Also provides links to related reports. From the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/habitat/fireweb/ Topics: Environment, Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Science Last updated Aug 2, 2006 Landslide Hazards Program
This site features maps that forecast rainfall and areas susceptible to landslides in California. Also provides a FAQ about landslides in general, a fact sheet on landslide types and processes, media advisories, and related information. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://landslides.usgs.gov/ Topics: Weather Last updated May 24, 2009 U.S. Board of Geographic Names (BGN)
The website for this government body created "to maintain uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government" features links to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) for the U.S., the GEOnet Names Server (GNS) for foreign names, and material about names of features in Antarctica. Search results include information such as latitude, longitude, and elevation. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://geonames.usgs.gov/ Topics: Dictionaries, Geography, Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated Sep 24, 2007 North Cascades National Park Geology: A Mountain Mosaic
Three virtual field trips, taking viewers along the North Cascade Highway from the town of Concrete in Washington state to the Washington Pass Overlook, to Baker River Road and Schriebers Meadows, and along the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Includes maps and photographs. Also features information about the minerals, rocks, and other geologic features of the region. From the U.S. Geological Survey. http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/noca/ Topics: Geology Last updated Jun 9, 2008 Review of Variability in the North American Monsoon
Basic information about the "North American monsoon (NA monsoon), variously known as the Southwest United States monsoon, the Mexican monsoon, or the Arizona monsoon [which is] ... a pronounced increase in rainfall from an extremely dry June to a rainy July over large areas of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico." From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/changes/natural/monsoon/ Topics: Regions of the World, Weather Last updated Aug 23, 2005 Peat Statistics and Information
Statistical publications on peat, "a renewable, natural, organic material of botanical origin and commercial significance. Peatlands are situated predominately in shallow wetland areas of the Northern Hemisphere, where large deposits developed from the gradual decomposition of plant matter under anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions." Includes the Directory of U.S. Peat Producers and entries in the Minerals Yearbook and Mineral Commodity Summaries. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/peat/ Topics: Environment, Water Last updated Aug 17, 2005 Iron and Steel Statistics and Information
Statistical publications for iron and for steel, which is "a combination of iron with a small amount of carbon." Includes data on production, consumption, and related information from Minerals Commodity Summaries, the Minerals Yearbook, and other publications. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/iron_&_steel/ Topics: Industries, Statistics Last updated Apr 16, 2007 Parking-Lot Sealcoat: A Major Source of PAHs in Urban and Suburban Environments
This site reports on 2005 findings that "coal-tar based sealcoat -- the black, shiny emulsion painted or sprayed on asphalt pavement such as parking lots -- has extremely elevated concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and can affect the quality of downstream water resources." Includes a FAQ covering PAHs, coal tar, and sealcoat, and links to related information. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/asphalt_sealers.html Topics: Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Pollution, Water Last updated Jul 5, 2005 Water Use in the United States
Reports issued every five years that compile and disseminate data on water usage by homes, farms, and industry on county, state, and national levels. From the National Water-Use Information Program, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://water.usgs.gov/watuse/ Topics: Water Last updated Apr 14, 2005 The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
Information about this earthquake that hit at 5:12 a.m. on April 18, 1906. Includes information about the size of the quake, casualties and damage from the earthquake and fire, information about other notable quakes in the San Francisco Bay Area after 1906, and links to photo collections and eyewitness accounts. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/1906/18april/index.php Topics: Geology Last updated Jan 5, 2007 1906 Earthquake Centennial
This site created for the 100-year anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire features animated ground motion simulation maps, earthquake intensity maps, computer animations of some San Francisco landmarks (such as the Golden Gate Bridge) shaking in a repeat of the 1906 earthquake, and current maps and information about the San Andreas and Hayward earthquake faults. Includes links to related sites. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/1906/ Topics: Geology Last updated Apr 6, 2006 Water Science For Schools: Sinkholes
Introduction to sinkholes, a geological occurrence "common where the rock below the land surface is limestone, carbonate rock, salt beds, or rocks that can naturally be dissolved by ground water circulating through them. As the rock dissolves, spaces and caverns develop underground." Features a map showing areas of the U.S. prone to sinkholes, and diagrams of types of sinkholes. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sinkholes.html Topics: Geology Last updated Apr 25, 2006 National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII): Your Home for Biological Information on the Web
The NBII provides links to "diverse, high-quality biological databases, information products, and analytical tools" in the biological disciplines of botany, fisheries and aquatic resources, systematics, and reptiles and amphibians. Includes materials on specific regions and on topics such as biodiversity, invasive species, coral reefs, and wildlife diseases. Includes an image library and teacher resources. From the Center for Biological Informatics of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://www.nbii.gov Topics: Biology Last updated Jun 1, 2006 Indonesia Volcanoes and Volcanics
Collection of background material about volcanoes in Indonesia. Features a map and description of volcanoes, including details about the eruptions of Krakatau in 1883 and Merapi in 1994. Also includes links to related sites about volcano eruptions in Indonesia. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Indonesia/ Topics: Geology Last updated Jun 6, 2006 Zinc Statistics and Information
Statistical publications for zinc, "the 23rd most abundant element in the earth's crust. Sphalerite, zinc sulfide, is and has been the principal ore mineral in the world." Includes data on production and use, recycling, and related information from Mineral Commodity Summaries, the Minerals Yearbook, and other publications. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://minerals.er.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zinc/ Topics: Geology Last updated Jun 26, 2006 Helium Statistics and Information
Collection of statistical publications on helium gas, including production and use, government stockpiles, world production and reserves, trends and issues, and related topics. Includes Mineral Commodity Summaries, Minerals Yearbook, and other publications. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/helium/ Topics: Geology Last updated Nov 15, 2006 Ecological Topics: Pollinators
Collection of resources on "the biology, ecology, conservation status, and threats to native pollinators, pollinator-dependent species, and pollinator habitats in the United States and abroad." Includes background about pollination (including plant features used by pollinators), descriptions of specific pollinator species (bees, birds, bats, and insects), material on conservation and on farming and gardening for pollinators, news and updates, teaching resources, and more. From the National Biological Information Infrastructure, administered by the U.S. Geological Survey. http://www.nbii.gov/portal/community/Communities/Ecological_Topics/Pollinators/ Topics: Plants Last updated Sep 14, 2007 Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA)
"In support of the International Polar Year (IPY 2007-2008), LIMA brings the coldest continent on Earth alive in greater detail than ever before through this virtually cloudless, seamless, and high resolution satellite view of Antarctica." Includes images, an interactive atlas of Antarctic research, and related material. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). http://lima.usgs.gov/ Topics: Regions of the World Last updated Dec 3, 2007 2008 High-Flow Experiment From Glen Canyon Dam
Details about the Department of the Interior approved experiment in early March 2008 to evaluate "the effectiveness of using high flows from Glen Canyon Dam to improve natural, recreational, and cultural resources in Grand Canyon National Park." Includes a FAQ, media releases, flow schedule, maps, water gage data for sites along the Colorado River, planning documents and fact sheets, and related material. From the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://www.gcmrc.gov/research/high_flow/2008/ Topics: Technology Last updated Mar 3, 2008 Sand in the Grand Canyon: Two U.S. Geological Survey Studies
Information about how "a controlled flood was held during late March and early April of 1996 to help researchers determine if periodic large releases of water from Glen Canyon Dam can rebuild sandbars and restore other habitats [along the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River] that have deteriorated since the dam's completion in 1963." Includes discussion of the studies of sandbar formation and sand distribution. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/grandcan/twostudies.html Topics: Technology, Water Last updated Mar 3, 2008 Copper Statistics and Information
Statistical publications about copper, which is "one of the oldest metals ever used and has been one of the important materials in the development of civilization." Includes copper data from annual and monthly publications, such as Mineral Commodity Summaries and Minerals Yearbook, and one-time and special publications about copper, such as a map and table of world copper smelters and information about material flows associated with copper smelting. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/copper/ Topics: Geology Last updated Apr 3, 2008 New Madrid Earthquakes 1811-1812
Background about the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes in the Midwest. "On the basis of the large area of damage ... the widespread area of perceptibility ... and the complex physiographic changes that occurred, the Mississippi River valley earthquakes of 1811-1812 rank as some of the largest in the United States since its settlement by Europeans." Includes an earthquake summary, subsequent historical images, eyewitness accounts, and maps. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/events/1811-1812.php Topics: Geography, Geology Last updated Apr 23, 2008 China Earthquake Information
Compilation of links to earthquake information for China, including details about the latest earthquakes, earthquake history, maps, seismological institutions, and related material. The Notable Earthquakes link provides information about the major May 2008 earthquake in the Sichuan province. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/world/index.php?regionID=35 Topics: Geography, Geology Last updated May 12, 2008 Migration of Birds: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Circular 16
This circular, originally authored in 1935, "effectively communicated the wonders of bird migration to a wide audience, both young and old, experienced observers of birds as well as the simply curious." Describes subsequent revisions and presents the text of the latest version, which covers the study of migration, basic migration concepts, migration routes and patterns, and related topics. Includes a bibliography. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/migratio/ Topics: Birds Last updated Sep 4, 2008 A Review of the Problem of Lead Poisoning in Waterfowl
This academic article reviews research on the problem of lead poisoning in waterfowl from lead shot in hunting firearms. Provides references to past studies and data tables. Of particular interest is a discussion of lead vs. steel shot in the "Practices to Reduce Lead Toxicosis" section. From the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/pbpoison/index.htm Topics: Outdoor Recreation, Pollutants & Toxic Substances Last updated Nov 7, 2008 Concerns Rise Over Known and Potential Impacts of Lead on Wildlife
This article discusses the potential health impacts on "upland game birds, scavengers (such as vultures, hawks and eagles) and other waterbirds that are exposed to lead through the ingestion of spent lead shot, bullet fragments and fishing sinkers." Accompanied by many related links about lead poisoning and wildlife. From the National Wildlife Health Center, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/lead_poisoning/index.jsp Topics: Outdoor Recreation, Pollutants & Toxic Substances Last updated Sep 29, 2008 Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Information
Compilation of material about two species of shellfish, the zebra and quagga mussels, that have similar ecological and environmental impacts in the U.S. Provides fact sheets, a quagga vs. zebra FAQ, current quagga and zebra mussel sightings maps, historic distribution maps, photos, and more. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/ Topics: Fish, Reptiles, & Amphibians Last updated Nov 7, 2008 USGS Office of Global Change
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) office "strives to understand how the earth works and to anticipate changes in how the earth functions," and conducts research that "aims to understand the interrelationships among earth surface processes, ecological systems, and human activities." Find publications (including climate change fact sheets), news, FAQs, podcasts, and links to USGS project pages for research areas such as sea-level change, permafrost, carbon sequestration, health risk, and drought. From the USGS. http://www.usgs.gov/global_change/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 7, 2009 |
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