See a landslide? Think C-A landslide, as in CAlandslide@conservation.ca.gov.
The California Geological Survey (CGS) is asking for the public’s help in pinpointing landslides which occur in many flavors: rockfalls, rock avalanches, and debris flow–in the state.
Category: Geology
Using GIS to Show the Interconnectivity of Our Work
Happy #GISDay! Today we celebrate how geographic information systems (GIS) are being used across the globe to make a difference. While a map is a drawing showing a limited number of things – roads, streets, county lines, etc. – an entire database of information is connected to a GIS. It’s an intelligent map that lets…
30 Years After Loma Prieta, CGS Continues to Ensure Safety of California
As the 30th anniversary of the devastating Loma Prieta Earthquake approaches, it’s time to take stock of California’s preparedness. The California Geological Survey (CGS) has a large role to play in that area: Since that magnitude 6.9 earthquake, which occurred on October 17, 1989, CGS began the Seismic Hazards Mapping Program to create maps and…
As Seen on TV: Could a Hollywood-Sized Tsunami Hit Santa Monica?
On Monday night, the Fox Television show “9-1-1” was based around a 50-foot tsunami hitting the Southern California coast near Santa Monica. The show employed the giant water tanks that were used to create the effects in the movie “Titanic.” The episode ended (to be continued!) with a cresting wave about to engulf the pier….
California Geological Survey Scientists Respond to Big SoCal Earthquakes
California Geological Survey scientists rushed to the Ridgecrest-Trona area after the July 4-5 earthquakes to gather data important to protecting public safety in the future. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred at 10:33 a.m. on the Fourth of July. There’s always a chance a larger earthquake will follow even an earthquake of that magnitude, and such…
Cal State Fullerton Names CGS Scientist ‘2019 Geology Alumna of the Year’
Janis Hernandez of the California Geological Survey (CGS) was recently awarded 2019 Alumna of the Year by the California State University, Fullerton Geology Department. Hernandez’s professional experience includes geologic mapping, fault and landslide investigations, groundwater well construction management, and geophysical studies. In her tenure at CGS, she has worked on Seismic Hazard Zone mapping, geologic mapping,…
DOC Seals 65 Dangerous Mine Openings in Cargo Muchacho Mountains
By: Don Drysdale A project that can trace its history to 18th century Spanish explorers and involved the use of drone technology is unfolding in the southeastern California desert. The Bureau of Land Management and California Department of Conservation’s Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR) are working to eliminate 65 hazardous legacy mine shafts and openings…
DOC’s Women in Science Making a Difference
Women In Science Day “The Department of Conservation is home to dozens of earth science experts and experienced, talented staff. From professional engineers, to geologists, botanists, environmental scientists, and more, DOC is proud many of our science-based positions are held by women. I am proud of the contributions DOC’s women scientists are making toward helping California achieve…
New Year New Faces at DOC
A new year means new faces for our Faces of Conservation project. Faces of Conservation does just that. It puts a face to the work our staff do daily, often outside of the public eye. We are committed to employing top scientists, engineers, technicians, supervisors, and support staff and leveraging their talent to help balance…
DOC Team Receives Prestigious CAL FIRE Award for Work with Thomas Fire
Several of our staff were recently awarded by CAL FIRE for Superior Accomplishment for their emergency post-fire mapping efforts during the tragic Thomas fire and ensuing mudslide in Montecito last year. The Thomas fire started on December 4, 2017. It ignited on the south-facing hillslopes along State Route 150 above Santa Paula, and burned west…