Geology Discipline Real-Time Hazard Information

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USGS volcanologists work directly on the rugged slopes of a volcano to measure and observe changes in it's activity and to install and maintain a network of volcano monitoring instruments.

USGS science reduces death, injuries, and property damage resulting from hazards such as earthquakes, by providing the information needed to mitigate those losses.

Solar wind from sunspot activity distorts the Earth's magnetic field, causing magnetic storms that disrupt satellite communications and power grids.

Illustration by K. Endo, Nikkei Science, Inc., Japan

The loss of life and property from landslides can be reduced by improving our understanding of the causes of ground-failure. USGS science has led to significant advances in understanding ground-failure, saving lives and property.

Under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C 5201 et seq), the USGS has responsibility to provide information for disaster warnings for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, tsunami (tidal waves), and geomagnetic storms.

The USGS Geologic Hazards programs provide near real-time data and contribute to the reduction of human and economic losses and disruptions associated with natural disasters. USGS monitoring includes the Global Seismic Networks, the U.S. National Networks, 16 U.S. Regional Networks, as well as five volcano and 14 geomagnetic observatories.

Real-time information is available over the Internet at NEIC, NLIC, and volcano observatories.

We are expanding the fundamental knowledge of earthquake, volcano, and landslide processes for more effective risk-mitigation and disaster-response strategies.