Wildfires are a disaster that can spawn yet another disaster. Fire eliminates ground covering on slopes, exposing the soil underneath and making it more susceptible to debris flows. Such events can be catastrophic, as was the case in Montecito (Santa Barbara County) in 2018. David Longstreth, senior engineering geologist in California Geological Survey’s (CGS) Forest and Watershed Geology program, is one…
Explore CGS’ New Tsunami Inundation and Evacuation Maps for Humboldt County
This week, California Geological Survey (CGS) — which provides geologic and seismic expertise to the public and other government offices — released two tsunami hazard maps for Humboldt County: one tsunami inundation map and one tsunami evacuation map.
Funding Available to Hire Local Watershed Coordinators
We are excited to announce a funding opportunity that allows local entities to hire watershed coordinators.
Protecting California’s Food Supply Through the COVID-19 Pandemic– [a webinar recap]
Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 brought food security — and the resilience of food networks — to the forefront of discussion among policy makers. In particular, the pandemic has highlighted essential role of local farmers in ensuring a reliable and healthy food supply for our state and country. That’s why the American Farmland Trust…
California Geological Survey Shares Expertise During Nevada’s Largest Temblor in 65 Years
The largest earthquake in Nevada in 65 years drew plenty of attention at the California Geological Survey (CGS) – not because it caused significant damage – but because it helps paints a clearer picture of what’s going on under the Earth’s surface in the east/central part of our state. That’s important for an institution that…
The Mammoth Lakes Earthquakes – 40th Anniversary
On May 25, 1980–nearly one week after the spectacular eruption of the Mount St. Helens volcano–at 9:33 a.m. PST, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake rocked through Mammoth Lakes, California. During the next 16 minutes, four more shocks, magnitude 4.1 – 5.5 followed. This seismic activity was the beginning of an earthquake sequence that produced 72 magnitude…
CalGEM Public Health Meetings Go Digital
After postponing in-person meetings due to COVID-19, public health digital meetings are now open for registration. Deadline for comments is June 10, 2020.
Celebrate Earth Day (Week) With Us–Virtually
“During this especially challenging year, let’s be mindful of this unique time to appreciate the bounty that California has to offer and carry forward our current desire to get outside and enjoy it. Let’s take a moment to think about what we can do to continue appreciating our natural environment and ways to take care of this valuable resource. ” – DOC Director David Shabazian
CalConservation’s Technology Team Makes Telework Transition
In the blink of an eye, CalConservation’s staff went from 10 office buildings throughout the state to 900 home offices. Without missing a beat, our technology team (ETSD) facilitated a nearly flawless transition of our department to telework. Thanks to foresighted and proactive leaders, supportive management, and nimble and committed staff, DOC continues to produce…
Geological Survey’s Janis Hernandez Lends a Hand After Puerto Rico Quake
Janis Hernandez, a senior engineering geologist who heads California Geological Survey’s Los Angeles office, long wanted to visit the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. She can cross that off her bucket list, though she might have chosen different circumstances for her visit. “Well, I ended up seeing a lot more of the island than most…