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 11 - 20 of a total of 26 items
February 26, 2018
Earthquakes in the New Madrid Fault Zone
The New Madrid fault zone (NMFZ) is a long-established weakness in the Earth’s crust in the central and eastern US where earthquakes have occurred for hundreds of millions of years. In 1811-1812, three large earthquakes (up to magnitude 7.5) caused severe...
December 07, 2017
What grows in arid, sandy soils? How do these soils become dust?
Many small organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, grow among the sand and silt particles in dry valley and desert soils. At the soil’s surface, these organisms often form biological webs (“microbiotic crusts”) that keep small sand...
September 07, 2017
What is a Dry Well?
A dry well is a well that is used to transmit surface water underground and is deeper than its width at the surface (see image, below). Most dry wells are 30 to 70 feet deep and 3 feet wide at the surface. They are lined with perforated casings and can be filled with gravel or...
September 07, 2017
Introduction
Dry wells improve stormwater drainage and aquifer recharge by providing a fast, direct route for rainwater to drain deep into underlying sediment and rock. Dry wells are most common in the western U.S. where clay or caliche layers slow down the natural drainage of water into...
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
Although sinkhole development in susceptible areas cannot be completely prevented, policy makers and the public can use geologic maps that delineate karst features to develop strategies that can minimize or avoid property damage and personal injuries.
Defining the Problem
Sinkholes, which abound...
May 19, 2017
On November 3, 2002, the 800-mile long Trans-Alaska Pipeline pipeline was able to withstand the largest recorded earthquake for the Denali fault without spilling a drop of oil and with only 3 days shutdown time for inspections. The survival of the pipeline demonstrates the value of combining...
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...
Pages
Upcoming Webinars
