To better prepare mountain communities for possible floods, experts say that it is important to understand the communities themselves.
disaster preparedness
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A New View of the Plate Dynamics Behind Earthquakes in Ecuador
Scientists get one step closer to an updated seismic hazard map that could help Ecuador prepare for future tremors.
Posted inNews
Science Academies Urge Stronger Action on Disaster Resilience
A separate statement calls for nurturing new scientists, promoting science education, and supporting women and minorities in science.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Volcanic Lightning Could Aid Hazard Response During Eruptions
Lightning and ash plume dynamics reflected eruption behavior and signaled the onset of fast-moving rock and gas flows during the 2015 eruption of Chile's Calbuco volcano.
Posted inNews
Senate Pushes USGS Director for More Action on Minerals, Hazards
Suzette Kimball also tells senators that innovation is the characteristic she hopes to nurture the most as USGS director.
Posted inScience Updates
Anticipating Cascading Effects from Climate Extremes
Preparing for High Consequence, Low Probability Events: Heat, Water & Energy in the Southwest; Tucson, Arizona, 28–29 September 2015
Posted inNews
Science of Tying Some Extreme Weather to Climate Change Advances
A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says attribution of some classes of extreme events can provide policy makers with better information about future risks.
Posted inNews
USGS Budget Plan to Advance Earth Observations, Hazards Measures
The request for across-the-board increases in fiscal year 2017 also seeks to improve water monitoring and terrain mapping, downsize infrastructure, and grow operations in support of scientific work.
Posted inNews
White House Showcases Earthquake Alerts, Federal Quake Readiness
A prototype ShakeAlert early warning system approaches alert-ready status as the administration issues an executive order on federal earthquake standards.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Solar Storms Are More Predictable Than Hurricanes
An encouraging new study finds that solar storms don't propagate chaotically like hurricanes—their arrivals are more predictable, which should make it easier for our planet to prepare for them.