Geoscience Currents transmit snapshots of the many facets of the geoscience profession, in-depth case studies of how geoscience is applied, factsheets that provide rigorous introductions to a range of geoscience topics, workforce trends, and career paths.
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Displaying 211 - 220 of a total of 350 items
May 19, 2017
Landslide hazard maps based on geologic maps are a tool for local government officials, planners, developers, engineers, insurance companies, lending institutions, and landowners to assess the risk and take appropriate actions.
Defining the Problem
Damaging landslides occur even in vertically...
May 19, 2017
Geologic maps can help to show which areas may be more prone to landslides and therefore directly assist in making optimum engineering design choices.
Defining the Problem
U.S Highway 85 and ND Highway 22, along with numerous county roads, buildings, pipelines, and power lines, have been...
May 19, 2017
In California, detailed modern geologic maps are fundamental for evaluating how susceptible an area is to earthquake-induced landslides.
Defining the Problem
The geologic history of the Oakland, California, area has produced steep hillsides and unstable rock and soil that generate damaging...
May 19, 2017
The Sudbury region of Ontario is rich in metallic ores. Underground mining operations at the 15 active mines of Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. in Sudbury currently produce 51,000 tons of ore per day [note: these figures are from the late 1990s], and five other mines within 500 km of Sudbury...
May 19, 2017
Geologic maps have provided the key to finding new gold deposits in Nevada.
Defining the Problem
The western states contain many gold deposits (Fig. 1), and a zone of faulted sedimentary and igneous rocks in northeastern Nevada, known as the “Carlin” trend, is the most productive region in the...
May 19, 2017
Hurricanes bring not only intense rainfall, but also high winds and flooding. This flooding is powered by the hurricane storm surge: a rise in coastal sea level caused by lowered barometric pressure and by wind blowing the ocean onto the land. The result is that waves and currents affect areas that...
May 19, 2017
Geologic maps are useful in identifying areas that may be affected by post-wildfire debris flows. Land-use planners use these maps to identify potential hazards in areas that are proposed for development and to develop mitigation strategies. The maps can also focus post-wildfire emergency planning...
May 19, 2017
The geologic and groundwater mapping products support county land use and planning decisions in this rapidly developing area. State water agencies, planners, developers, home owners, home buyers, real estate agents, and county officials use the maps to support an array of decisions regarding water...
May 05, 2017
Enrollments in U.S. geoscience programs remained robust during the 2015-2016 academic year. Undergraduate enrollments slipped about 5% but remains near record levels, while graduate enrollments dipped slightly. The slip in undergraduate enrollments may reflect a perceived softness in geoscience...
March 31, 2017
More than just volcanic eruptions
Volcanic eruptions are a serious hazard. But at many stratovolcanoes in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Alaska, landslides and debris flows can be just as dangerous. Some of these - especially volcanic mudflows (lahars) - are directly triggered by...
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