This activity describes the technique of preparing "GIS-ready" data and shows how to map that data and conduct basic analyses using a geographic information system (GIS). First, you will download and format near real-time and historical earthquake data from the USGS. Using latitude and longitude fields, you will then plot these data in a GIS. Next, you will analyze patterns by querying records and ... Full description.

This CD-ROM is a reproduction of the out-of-print textbook by the same name developed for the undergraduate to graduate level Earth systems science major to study landforms and landscapes. It presents in-depth coverage of geomorphology as a discipline and the use of satellite imagery in observation, study, and interpretation. It contains a gallery of 237 color and black and white plates of space imagery, ... Full description.

This USGS site contains graphs, tables, and charts for the following ground water topics: What is ground water, ground water flow diagrams, importance of groundwater, and trends in ground-water use. Ground water quality, pesticides, aquifers, waterwells, artesian wells, sinkholes, and land subsidence are also covered. There are a variety of links within all of the above topics and a very complete ... Full description.

Relevant sections in this resource include What are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), an Introduction to Algal Blooms and "Red Tide", Algae Species (which algae are responsible for the harmful effects?), Adverse Impacts, Human Illness (food poisoning associated with harmful algal blooms & information on diagnosis and treatment), HAB Distribution Maps, HAB events in the United States and around the ... Full description.

In this investigation, students examine Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. After becoming familiar with a bathymetric/topographic map of the area, students select a transect along the seafloor to study some of the geological, biological, and physical features that are present. In this activity students use a bathymetric/topographic map as a tool for recognizing geobiological features of the sanctuary, ... Full description.

Part of the USGS Water Science for Schools site, this resource defines irrigation water use and includes several tables and maps showing water use by various irrigation systems, by state, by crop, and by percentage of fresh water available. Students and teachers can look at their state and see 1990 data for how much ground water and how much ground water and surface water is used for irrigation. Various ... Full description.

This site uses Virtual Reality field trips in the Alvin submarine to the East Pacific Rise to explore hydrothermal vents. The education activites focus on 4 activities: Exploration, Observing (actual video from the seafloor), Mapping, and Collecting a Water Sample. Teaching materials for each of the explorations have been provided, each with two levels of assessment (basic and advanced). Full description.

This data center provides information on waterborne commerce, vessel characteristics, port facilities, dredging, and lock performance. Data can be queried and are available by state, by commodity, and by waterway. Metadata are also available. Fact sheets explain the US waterways, their management, and their role in the economy. There are also numerous publications availabe via the site and an interactive ... Full description.

With this interactive simulation, students can learn about Mako sharks, Sandbar sharks, and Nurse sharks, including facts about their habitats and migration. They will study the tagging procedure, including tools and processes used, and try to predict where a shrk will be in order to try to tag one. Full description.

This book cover relates the role the Great Dismal Swamp, NC, plays in the food chain. Full description.