All News

Environmental DNA monitoring leads to early detection of invasive zebra mussel DNA in the Colorado River, Utah

U.S. Geological Survey — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:36:38 EDT

In June and July 2026, state and federal partners collaborated with USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) scientists to sample the Colorado River near Canyonlands National Park for invasive zebra mussel environmental DNA (eDNA) using eDNA autosamplers. For the first time in Utah, zebra mussel eDNA was detected through these efforts.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 8: Rapid response science summary products to support natural resource managers

U.S. Geological Survey — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:00:00 EDT

Natural resource managers often look to summary and synthesis products to find the science they need for decision making. However, decision timelines are often short, so there is a need to produce such products quickly. In 2026, a FORT team developed a process and software, KWICer, to meet that need.

Volcano Minute — Explore Maunaiki: a shield built on Kīlauea from 1919-1920

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:32:36 EDT

If you’ve visited Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park recently, you’ve probably seen the crowds gathering on the rim of the caldera to watch the spectacular lava fountaining episodes in Halemaʻumaʻu. But during pauses in the eruption, there’s an entire volcanic landscape waiting to be explored.

Volcano Watch — Remembering the 1919–1920 Maunaiki eruption of Kīlauea

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:49:52 EDT

Kīlauea has drawn huge crowds to witness the lava fountaining episodes from its summit crater of Halemaʻumaʻu since December 2024, with many visitors hiking trails and visiting overlooks to watch the eruption. However, there are many other trails across the unique, lava-strewn landscape of Kīlauea that can be hiked during pauses between lava fountaining episodes, including the Footprints Trail.

Helping Prepare the Nation Against Landslide Threats

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:00:00 EDT

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.

New USGS-Funded Science Will Support Landslide Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness Nationwide

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:00:00 EDT

USGS has selected 16 recipients to be awarded grant funding to address landslide risk reduction science. The grants will help advance landslide research capabilities.

USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center Estuary Science Highlights

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:24:28 EDT

National Estuaries Week, September 20-27 this year, is an annual celebration to raise public awareness about the importance of estuaries, the dynamic ecosystems where rivers meet the sea, and the vital services they provide. Estuaries support rich biodiversity and are essential for recreational activities, economic growth and community wellbeing.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 7: Using fire history to inform fire management and future wildfire projections in the Western U.S.

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:00:00 EDT

It’s no secret that today’s wildfires are severe. But are current fire patterns novel or the norm? Partnering with experts across the West, USGS Fort Collins Science Center scientists discovered where megafires are truly unprecedented and proposed the best management strategies for fuel-choked dry conifer forests.

Media Alert: Low-level airplane and helicopter flights to resume scanning geology over southern, central New Mexico

U.S. Geological Survey — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 13:19:24 EDT

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey plans low-level flights by airplane and helicopter over southern and central New Mexico to image geology using airborne geophysical technology. The survey began in March and will continue through mid-October, weather and wildfire restrictions permitting.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 6: Economics and social science to support wildfire risk management

U.S. Geological Survey — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 01:00:00 EDT

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity across the Western United States, posing significant risk to public safety and security. FORT scientists aid decision makers in determining which wildfire risk assessment and reduction actions are most needed and valued by the public.

New Kīlauea summit eruption map

U.S. Geological Survey — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 21:19:04 EDT

This reference map depicts the Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater that began on December 23, 2024. Most of the data for this map were collected during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight on August 28, 2026, so the provided statistics are reflective of the entire eruption through episode 54 on August 25.

A Celebration of Information for Recreation – National Hunting and Fishing Day

U.S. Geological Survey — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 10:29:26 EDT

In honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 26, here are examples of how USGS science supports our nation’s hunting heritage.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 5: Helping communities adapt to wildfire

U.S. Geological Survey — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 01:00:00 EDT

The Wildfire Research (WiRē) Team works in close collaboration with partners to collect data and develop community-focused programs for reducing wildfire risk. This year, they replicated a study evaluating agreement between trained assessors’ and homeowners’ wildfire risk perceptions, and they published five new installments of their Living with Wildfire series.

Yellowstone Volcano Observatory…in Arizona?!

U.S. Geological Survey — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 00:30:00 EDT

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory is not only responsible for monitoring and studying Yellowstone, but also volcanic systems throughout southwestern United States. Arizona hosts multiple volcanic fields, and new research suggests there may be more young volcanism in the state than previously thought.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 4: Science for effective management of invasive fine fuels across the West

U.S. Geological Survey — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 00:30:01 EDT

Invasive fine fuels like cheatgrass are spreading across western landscapes, destroying ecosystems and increasing wildfire risks. FORT scientists evaluate habitat management practices to inform effective management and restoration of regions prone to invasion.

New Kīlauea summit eruption tephra map

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 22:52:48 EDT

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory produced a new map following a helicopter LiDAR survey of the ongoing Kīlauea summit tephra deposit and crater floor shortly after the end of lava fountaining episode 52 the morning of July 29, 2026.

Volcano Minute — It’s National Preparedness Month, what can you do to prepare?

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 22:15:28 EDT

September is National Preparedness Month, so let’s take a minute to talk about a few simple steps that you can take to make a difference in how prepared you are for hazardous events.

Volcano Watch — September is National Preparedness Month

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 17:06:16 EDT

Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” As the past year in Hawaii has shown, hurricanes, eruptions, earthquakes, flooding, and severe weather can occur with little or no warning and result in power outages, disrupted roadways, and other impacts. Steps you take to prepare in advance for any one emergency can help you and your family be better prepared overall.

USGS Cooperative National Geologic Map Now Covers 50 States, U.S. Territories

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 15:16:51 EDT

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.

Land Treatment Exploration Tool 3.1 Launch

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 14:02:27 EDT

The U.S. Geological Survey and Bureau of Land Management launched an updated version of the Land Treatment Exploration Tool.

Fall 2026 Highlights from EESC’s Disease Decision Analysis and Research Group

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 11:45:00 EDT

USGS scientists of the Disease Decision Analysis and Research (DDAR) group and their collaborators support the management of wildlife diseases in close coordination with state, federal, and tribal partners. DDAR efforts with decision makers enable rapid response to both persistent and emerging infectious disease issues. Learn more about the recent activities of this team below.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 3: Science informing the management of invasive reptiles in the Everglades

U.S. Geological Survey — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 01:00:00 EDT

Invasive reptiles in the Greater Everglades, like the Burmese python and Argentine black and white tegu, are threatening ecosystems and pose a major challenge to long-term, costly restoration work in the region. USGS is leading science to improve understanding of these species and how to effectively management them.

Predicting chronic wasting disease spread in North American deer and understanding the role of deer movement

U.S. Geological Survey — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 14:41:29 EDT

USGS scientists estimated how quickly chronic wasting disease was spreading in multiple regions of North America and compared those rates to model predictions based on deer movement data.

Investigation of Drivers and Sources of Potential Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Anna, Virginia, 2023–24

U.S. Geological Survey — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 14:16:13 EDT

Algal blooms in Lake Anna pose risks to recreation and water quality, with cyanobacteria occasionally producing low toxin levels. A 19‑month USGS study found blooms are driven by nutrients, temperature, sediment, wind, and boating activity. Seasonal storms and internal loading create conditions that support recurring blooms.

Upcoming CDI Monthly Meetings

U.S. Geological Survey — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 08:01:00 EDT

CDI Monthly Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month, from 11-12:30 pm Eastern Time.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 2: New research advances methods for removal of invasive brown treesnakes in the Pacific

U.S. Geological Survey — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 01:00:00 EDT

Invasive brown treesnakes are the cause of significant ecological and economic damage on the island of Guam, including the local extinction or decline of 17 of Guam’s 18 native bird species, and numerous power outages across the island. Recent studies out of FORT advance early detection and rapid response to this invasive species, to aid managers in preventing further spread and destruction.

September is National Preparedness Month

U.S. Geological Survey — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 17:06:56 EDT

The U.S. Geological Survey provides critical information to help protect communities from the natural hazards that occur every day. As the preeminent hazard science agency, we monitor everything from earthquakes to volcanoes, from landslides to flooding, and so much more. Our science is used by emergency responders and policymakers to support public safety, security, and economic well-being.

Is California going to "lose" a threatening volcano?

U.S. Geological Survey — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 17:00:00 EDT

It's National Preparedness Month, and USGS geologists are currently reassessing the list of young and threatening volcanoes in California and Nevada. The total is likely to drop - so what changed and why?

Supercomputer-Powered Research Shows How Yellowstone’s Geyser Basins Evolved

U.S. Geological Survey — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 11:27:08 EDT

A new publication advances our understanding of how the Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field and geyser basins have changed over thousands of years.

FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 1: Integrating aquatic invasive species data into a national invasive species management tool

U.S. Geological Survey — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 01:00:00 EDT

Natural resource agencies invest significant time and money in the fight against aquatic nuisance species that damage waterways. In 2026, FORT researchers developed habitat suitability estimates of 103 freshwater invasive species, to assist natural resource managers in maintaining clean, quality water across the U.S.