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.
Partner with us to help support well-informed public policy and decision making with expert, impartial geoscience information. Visit our Sponsorships page for more information or email sponsorships@americangeosciences.org.
Displaying 1 - 10 of a total of 34 items
August 06, 2018
What is a rip current?
Rip currents are fast, concentrated flows of water that can form on beaches that have breaking waves.1 Every beach is different, but rips generally form when waves break across a wide surf zone and the beach bathymetry is uneven (e.g., if there are sandbars, piers, jetties,...
August 06, 2018
What is a rip current?
Rip currents are fast, concentrated flows of water that can form on beaches that have breaking waves.1 Every beach is different, but rips generally form when waves are breaking and the underwater surface is uneven (e.g., if there are sandbars, piers, jetties, or groins along...
April 09, 2018
Overview
The 800-mile-long Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which starts at Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s North Slope, can carry 2 million barrels of oil per day south to the port of Valdez for export, equal to roughly 10% of the daily consumption in the United States in 20171. The pipeline crosses the Denali...
September 25, 2017
The Need for Groundwater Management: Sustaining water supplies and preventing hazards
In California, surface water from rainfall, snowmelt, and distant rivers rarely meets the state’s urban and agricultural water needs. Groundwater is an essential water source, providing 35% of the fresh water...
May 19, 2017
Geologic mapping provides the data foundation that makes soil mapping and earthquake simulations possible. This approach also can be used to predict damage in areas where the historical record indicates a risk of potential earthquakes.
Defining the Problem
The density and value of its buildings...
May 19, 2017
Geologic maps are being used in Kentucky to identify areas that have high potential for development of karst features, such as sinkholes and caves.
Defining the Problem
A new interstate highway, I-66, is being planned to pass through the vicinity of Mammoth Cave National Park (Fig. 1). It is one...
May 19, 2017
Remote sensing imagery is used by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to support recovery efforts after a tornado.
Defining the Problem
Following a tornado, first responders need maps of the width and location (swath) of the damage area. The biggest challenge when integrating...
May 19, 2017
Surface and subsurface mapping of lahar and lahar runout deposits from Glacier Peak volcano has contributed important geologic information for land-management planning and emergency preparedness in the lower Skagit Valley.
Defining the Problem
Active volcanoes, such as Glacier Peak (Fig. 1), pose...
May 19, 2017
Under pressure to restrict aggregate operations, county leaders in Tooele, Utah developed an ordinance to protect the stone, gravel, and sand industry as well as the environment.
Between 1990 and 2000, the population of Tooele, Utah, increased 51.3 percent to 40,735. As demand for construction and...
May 19, 2017
In Garfield County, an area of multiple land uses, geologic maps show the location and quality of the sand and gravel resources. Planners, citizens, and resource developers use this information to locate and evaluate potential deposits and make informed land-use choices.
Defining the Problem
As...
Pages
Upcoming Webinars
