Booklets: O - Z

	Our Changing Continents Where were the land areas and oceans of the North American Continent 1 million years ago, compared to their present locations? Was North America always about the same size and shape that it is today? To answer these questions, geologists must interpret the clues they find preserved in the rocks. Online version
	Pachamama: Our Earth, Our Future A fun and exciting book about learning to establish a personal relationship with the Mother Earth and caring for her in the same way that we do for our friends and family. Online version
	Plain Geology More than 50 years ago former Director George Otis Smith recognized that scientific reports are often couched in words and phrases that are understandable only to other scientists, engineers, or technicians. His plea for "Plain Geology" was a classic, just as applicable now as it was in 1921. It is herewith reprinted to make it generally available. Text-only version
	Prospecting for Gold in the United States Anyone who pans for gold hopes to be rewarded by the glitter of colors in the fine material collected in the bottom of the pan. Although the exercise and outdoor activity experienced in prospecting are rewarding, there are few thrills comparable to finding gold. Even an assay report showing an appreciable content of gold in a sample obtained from a lode deposit is exciting. The would-be prospector hoping for financial gain, however, should carefully consider all the pertinent facts before deciding on a prospecting venture. Text-only version
	The San Andreas Fault This 17-page booklet defines the San Andreas Fault and also discusses earthquake magnitude and intensity. Online version Text-only version
	The Severity of an Earthquake Earthquakes are the result of forces deep within the Earth's interior that continuously affect the surface of the Earth. The energy from these forces is stored in a variety of ways within the rocks. When this energy is released suddenly, for example by shearing movements along faults in the crust of the Earth, an earthquake results. The severity of an earthquake can be expressed in terms of both intensity and magnitude. However, the two terms are quite different, and they are often confused. Text-only version
	This Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics This colorfully illustrated 77-page booklet complements the "This Dynamic Planet" poster and describes in detail the various aspects of plate tectonics. $7.00, 92-TDE Online version
	Topographic Map Symbols Describes and illustrates various symbols used on USGS topographic maps. Online version
	Topographic Mapping Describes and shows samples of the digital data available from the USGS. Online version
	USGS GeoData This 28-page booklet illustrates and describes types of USGS maps and gives ordering information. 93-0581 PDF version
	USGS Maps This 28-page booklet illustrates and describes types of USGS maps and gives ordering information. 93-0581 Online version
	USGS Scientists in Action Geared toward middle and high school students, professional scienctists talk about their careers in the natural sciences. Online version
	Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawaii The eruptions of volcanoes often have direct, dramatic effects on the lives of people and on their property. People who live on or near active volcanoes can benefit greatly from clear, scientific information about the volcanic and seismic hazards of the area. This booklet provides such information for the residents of Hawaii so they may effectively deal with the special geologic hazards of the island. Online version
	Volcanoes This 45-page booklet presents a summary of the nature of the earth processes that create common types of volcanoes around the world, along with an introduction to the techniques of volcano monitoring research. 94-0195 Online version Text-only version
	Volcanoes of the United States This 44-page booklet describes the principal volcanoes in Hawaii, Alaska, and the Cascades Mountain Range that have erupted during the last few hundred years. Also summarizes recent events at active calderas in California and Wyoming. 93-0610 Online version Text-only version