This virtual tour features three-dimensional images from the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) collection. It introduces visitors to the volcanic landforms of Lava Beds National Monument in California, the site of extensive recent and Quaternary volcanism. Features include cinder and spatter cones, lava flows, and the monument's extensive network of lava tubes, many of which are open to the ... Full description.

This collection of resources is intended to commemorate the centennial of the Great 1906 Earthquake that destroyed much of San Francisco. Items include maps, books and articles, photos and video, field trip ideas, interactive features, and simulations. Of particular interest is 'Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country', a general interest publication that provides information about earthquake hazards ... Full description.

This lesson uses interactive diagrams of ground shaking from the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake to teach students about the mechanics involved in the rupture of a fault and the propagation of seismic waves as an earthquake progresses. They will understand that earthquakes begin at a point; that a long section of a fault can rupture during an earthquake; that the earth shakes in all different directions ... Full description.

This downloadable compilation of articles was originally published as a series of weekly features in The San Francisco Chronicle. They present some of the new understanding gained and scientific advances made in the century since the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Topics include lessons learned from the 1906 earthquake, the uses of seismograms, recognizing active faults, investigating faults ... Full description.

This map shows Earth's tectonic features, volcanoes, earthquakes, and impact craters. Smaller inset maps are included to depict the North and South Poles. The back of the map provides additional information, highlighting examples of fundamental processes; and providing text, timelines, references, and other resources to enhance understanding. The main and polar maps feature online interactive versions. ... Full description.

This site is the homepage of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) tsunami warning center for Alaska and the west coast of the United States. Users can access current current tsunami information through an interactive map that shows the latest events and information statements. Rolling over the map symbols provides the date and time, location, and preliminary magnitude of earthquakes. ... Full description.

This report contains true stories that illustrate how to survive (and how not to survive) a tsunami. It is meant for people who live, work, or play along coasts that tsunamis may strike. The stories are personal accounts selected from interviews with people who survived a Pacific Ocean tsunami generated by the magnitude 9.5 earthquake that occurred along the coast of Chile on May 22, 1960. Important ... Full description.

This report outlines the key elements of a comprehensive and effective national strategy for reducing losses from landslides nationwide and provides an assessment of the status, needs, and associated costs of this strategy. Topics include the rising costs resulting from landslide damage, the role of the federal government in mitigating this hazard, and some features of the new strategy such as partnerships ... Full description.

This site is the homepage of the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program (LHP). Materials available include an overview of the geologic hazard presented by landslides, a discussion of the objectives and operations of LHP, and links to program staff. The site also provides a link to the National Landslide Information Center (NLIC), which is responsible for distributing information ... Full description.

This report discusses the spatial distribution of the largest, most damaging floods in the United States and some of the factors that affect this distribution. Topics include regional climatology, topography, and basin size. A discussion of climatological factors includes the general northward trend of decreasing atmospheric moisture; proximity to oceanic moisture sources such as the Pacific Ocean ... Full description.