All News

Photo & Video Chronology — Kīlauea summit monitoring overflight

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:49:49 EDT

On Tuesday, July 14, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists completed a brief monitoring helicopter overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea.

Waves, not just runoff, drive sediment buildup on American Samoa coral reefs

ppearsall@usgs.gov — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:45:52 EDT

Sediment washing into coral reefs from land has long been viewed as one of the biggest threats to reef health. But new research from USGS and collaborators indicates that what happens after sediment reaches the reef may be just as important as where it comes from.

Rattlesnakes shed in groups

tmcconnell@usgs.gov — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:45:10 EDT

Prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) may gather to shed skin - a newly documented behavior observed by researchers at the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Dr. Courtney Conway, and graduate student Emily Martin, initially set out to document Prairie rattlesnake movement but ended up observing a unique behavior.

USGS Scientists at the 2026 Long Island Sound Research Conference

sernst@usgs.gov — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:24:17 EDT

The 2026 Long Island Sound Research Conference brings together researchers, managers, academia, and community partners to share the latest science and strengthen collaborations focused on the future of Long Island Sound. This year, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlighted a range of ocean, coastal, and watershed science needed to better understand the Sound today and prepare for tomorrow.

New Kīlauea summit eruption maps

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:52:42 EDT

New eruption maps depict the Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater that began on December 23, 2024.

Magnitude-4.5 Earthquake Information Statement

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:20:35 EDT

On Thursday, July 9, 8:17 p.m. HST, a magnitude-4.5 earthquake occurred 34 mi (54 km) west-southwest of Captain Cook on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 24 mi (39 km) below sea level.

The USGS Library Celebrates 250 Years of Discovery and Exploration

lsheng@usgs.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:16:58 EDT

The Library is proud to showcase these examples of the USGS’s role in our nation’s history – from first steps in cartography, to advances in mapping and printing, and into the future with our characteristic scientific excellence.

Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology of northeast Nevada

jolene_gittens@ios.doi.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:28:00 EDT

RESTON, Va. – The U.S. Geological Survey plans low-level helicopter flights over northeastern Nevada to image geology using airborne geophysical technology. The flights are scheduled to begin in July and continue until next October, weather and other flight restrictions permitting.

What’s that smell? Tracking Yellowstone’s hydrocarbon history

mpoland@usgs.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:30:00 EDT

Hydrocarbons in Yellowstone? Yes indeed, there are oil seeps in the northeastern part of the park! These seeps are a consequence of the region’s long and complex geological history.

Volcano Minute — Hawaii’s deep earthquakes explained

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Thu, 9 Jul 2026 19:58:47 EDT

If you’ve felt earthquake shaking lately, you’re not alone. Over the past several months, a handful of large, deep earthquakes have rattled the Island of Hawaiʻi—including the magnitude‑6.0 that was felt state-wide on May 22nd, followed by magnitude‑4.6 and 4.7 earthquakes in early June.

Volcano Watch — A deep dive into Hawaii’s deep earthquakes

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Thu, 9 Jul 2026 16:30:13 EDT

Island of Hawaiʻi residents may have felt shaking recently from large, deep earthquakes. Deep earthquakes like this have been recorded since the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) first started monitoring Hawaii’s volcanoes in 1912.

Hazard Ready Nation—Actionable Science for Risk Reduction

dchilds@usgs.gov — Thu, 9 Jul 2026 11:05:09 EDT

The USGS Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation provides an approach that our researchers and staff can use to deliver actionable, user-focused science that supports risk-informed decision making aimed at reducing risk and losses across the Nation. The Strategy builds upon successful efforts within the USGS and seeks to promote and prioritize similar work in the future under an organized framework.

Environmental DNA Monitoring Protects Fish Hatchery from Invasive Species

twojtowicz@usgs.gov — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 16:50:15 EDT

USGS NOROCK scientists, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, used environmental DNA monitoring in the early detection of invasive New Zealand mudsnails in a fish hatchery, enabling a rapid and successful eradication response. This effort prevented a mudsnail infestation that could have led to long-term operational disruption or permanent facility closure.

New publications on livestreaming cameras and Mauna Loa

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 15:15:28 EDT

Two articles recently published by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff highlight livestreaming cameras and Mauna Loa's 1868 eruption.

Great Salt Lake sediments record thousands of years of earthquake history

ppearsall@usgs.gov — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 13:20:42 EDT

As the largest lake west of the Mississippi River with an average depth of around five meters (~16 feet), the Great Salt Lake offers an opportunity to explore acoustic and sedimentary archives of earthquake ruptures in a shallow terminal basin. A new USGS study addresses questions related to how Great Salt Lake sediments respond to surface rupture and earthquake shaking.

Photo & Video Chronology — Kīlauea summit monitoring overflight

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 17:17:46 EDT

On Tuesday, July 7, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists completed a brief monitoring helicopter overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea.

Voyage into the Past: Stories from the California Current

kkovacs@usgs.gov — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 16:31:38 EDT

USGS scientists are using geochemical proxies to reconstruct past ocean conditions and better understand long-term changes to Earth's marine ecosystems. Join Friday's Findings as USGS researcher Jason Addison shares how paleoceanographic tools are shedding light on past conditions and offering insight to how marine systems respond to environmental change.

Convening on caldera collapses

jlball@usgs.gov — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 09:00:00 EDT

In February 2025, scientists from around the world met in Hilo, on the flanks of the Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes, for a scientific conference on basaltic caldera collapses. Organized by the USGS scientists and partners and attended by 155 researchers from 15 different countries, the goal of the meeting was to combine observations, discuss open questions, and plan new research.

What happens to coral reefs hit by disease?

kkovacs@usgs.gov — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 14:14:59 EDT

Coral disease is now one of the major causes of reef degradation and coral mortality. Tune into Friday's Findings to learn how USGS researchers are studying an emerging threat, stony coral tissue loss disease.

Connect with the CASCs at the 2026 Ecological Society of America Meeting

kmalpeli@usgs.gov — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 09:36:22 EDT

Explore CASC representation at the 2026 Ecological Society of America Meeting (July 26 - 31, 2026).

Friday's Findings | A USGS Webinar Series

ssoileau@usgs.gov — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 08:45:00 EDT

Friday’s Findings is a public webinar series hosted by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area. Each 30-minute session provides an overview of a current science topic and includes an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with USGS scientists through a question-and-answer segment. Webinars are held from 2:00-2:30 PM Eastern/11:00 -11:30 AM Pacific, unless otherwise noted.

Yellowstone’s phantom, sometimes mythical, Howard Eaton Trail

mpoland@usgs.gov — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 00:30:00 EDT

The Howard Eaton Trail, once spanning 157 miles, was the longest hiking and equestrian trail in Yellowstone National Park for nearly 50 years. Today, the remnants of that trail cover roughly a sixth of its former length.

Volcano Minute — Fifty lava fountains: Hawaii Five-O

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 22:07:27 EDT

Last Saturday, June 27th, marked a golden milestone—Hawaii’s 50th lava fountaining episode in the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at Kīlauea’s summit.

Photo & Video Chronology — Kīlauea summit tephra sampling

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 19:47:29 EDT

On July 2, three USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists flew via helicopter to the northwest side of Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea to sample tephra deposits in the crater wall.

USGS Scientist and National Weather Service and University of Alaska Southeast colleagues receive Alaska State Legislature Recognition for Response to Juneau’s annual Suicide Basin Outburst Floods

lmcduffie@usgs.gov — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 19:16:17 EDT

On July 1, 2026, the Thirty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature recognized Jamie Pierce, Aaron Jacobs, Dr. Eran Hood, and Dr. Jason Amundson for their outstanding service and leadership in responding to Juneau’s recurring glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF) events.

Volcano Watch — Hawaii Five-O! Fifty fountaining episodes at Kīlauea summit

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 18:23:48 EDT

Hawaii, the 50th state, reached a golden anniversary last Saturday, June 27. Surprise, it’s the 50th fountaining episode of the ongoing episodic eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea.

America at 250, Seen from Space

jolene_gittens@ios.doi.gov — Wed, 1 Jul 2026 14:13:32 EDT

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.

Photo & Video Chronology — Kīlauea summit monitoring overflight

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:20:55 EDT

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted a monitoring overflight of Kīlauea summit on June 30, 2026, following episode 50 of lava fountaining that occurred on June 27, 2026.

Photo & Video Chronology — Kīlauea summit eruption fountaining episode 50

kmulliken@usgs.gov — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:50:30 EDT

Episode 50 of lava fountaining in the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at the summit of Kīlauea took place for about 7 hours on June 27, 2026.

From Earth to Sky: How Minerals Create the Dazzling Colors of Independence Day Fireworks

jolene_gittens@ios.doi.gov — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:00:00 EDT

As fireworks burst across the sky this Fourth of July in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday, each vivid streak of color can be traced back to a mineral hidden beneath our feet.