"LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Watershed Health Assessment Framework provides a comprehensive look at Minnesota's watershed and environmental information in the form of an interactive map. The map includes information on:
The surge in recent years of earthquake activity associated with some oil and gas operations, most notably in Oklahoma, has spurred a range of actions and responses from state geoscientists and regulators. States have taken measures to monitor these earthquakes and moderate the activities that may be causing them, particularly the deep underground injection of large volumes of wastewater. Many states with extensive oil and gas operations but little or no increased earthquake activity have also adopted practices to prevent and prepare for potential induced earthquakes in their area.
Our speakers are:
Jeremy Boak, Ph.D., Director, Oklahoma Geological Survey, Mewbourne College of Earth & Energy, University of Oklahoma | SlidesVideo
Michael H. Young, Ph.D., Associate Director for Environment, Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, John A. and Katherine G. Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin | SlidesVideo
Steven Dade, Geologist 2, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil & Gas Resources Management | SlidesVideo
The Tsunami Evacuation Map from the Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources provides a large amount of information about tsunami evacuation procedures for the state of Washington. Each of the shaded areas in the image above can be zoomed in on for more detailed information including:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's nowCOAST web app provides real-time observations, forecasts, and warnings for a wide range of coastal and inland weather, water, air, and hazard issues. Available layers and services include:
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which houses the Geo-Institute, announced that the 2016 revision of its ASCE Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures will, for the first time, contain a chapter on tsunamis. Part of the creation of this chapter was the establishment of a committee to study the response of buildings, and their internal structures, to tsunamis. The committee was officially established in February of 2011, just weeks before the devastating Tohoko Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. Click for more: