USGS: Your Resource During Hurricane Season

Science that weathers the storm...

By Jennifer LaVista June/July 2009

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When hurricanes strike, you can find critical information to help protect lives and property at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hurricane Web site.

More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 mi of a coast—and coastal populations are increasing. Many U.S. coastal areas, especially the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, will be in the direct path of hurricanes.

Above: Hurricane Ike was still a Category 4 storm on the morning of September 4, 2008, when this photograph was taken from the International Space Station's vantage point of 220 mi above the Earth. The season's ninth named storm was churning west-northwestward through the mid-Atlantic Ocean, sporting winds of 120 nautical miles per hour with gusts to 145. Image from International Space Station Imagery. [larger version]

"Throughout hurricane season, reliable scientific information is essential in order for emergency managers to keep the American public safe," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "The USGS provides this science, which helps prevent hazards from becoming disasters."

The USGS hurricane Web site highlights important storm information, such as flood levels near your home; pictures of the coastline before and after the storm; information on the timing, extent, and magnitude of storm tide; and much more.

USGS research and analysis supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is responsible for monitoring and issuing warnings for hurricanes and tropical storms in the United States and its territories. Science to forecast hurricane impacts is a collaborative effort among the USGS, NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and others.

The USGS strives to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. By working with people from all sectors of society, the USGS and its partners are taking action to prepare for this year's hurricane season. The USGS anticipates that these actions will provide many benefits, including improved monitoring of ground conditions affected by flooding and storm surge, enhanced ability to navigate in a disaster zone, more effective search and rescue operations, and better assessments of the effects on coastlines and ecology.

Gulf Coast Impacts of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike Documented by USGS Extreme-Storms Group October 2008

Assessing the Resilience of a Vital Barrier-Island Chain—Chandeleur and Breton Islands, Louisiana December 2007

Measuring Hurricane Impacts—USGS Coastal Hazards Team Is Up to the Challenge October 2005

USGS Science: Before, During and After the Storm USGS

Coastal Change Hazards: Hurricanes and Extreme Storms USGS

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June/July 2009

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in this issue:

cover story:
Submarine Ground Water Discharge Along the West Florida Shelf

Significant Gas Resource Discovered in Gulf of Mexico

Assessing Offshore Marine Sand Deposits

10th Anniversary of Sound Waves

USGS: Your Resource During Hurricane Season

Internship Programs at USGS Center in St. Petersburg

Open House in Menlo Park

Annual NGOM Science Meeting

June/July 2009 Publications List