Mapping Tsunami Hazards in California: When Experience Meets Expertise

Nick Graehl, engineering geologist in California Geological Survey’s Tsunami Program, often reflects on his first post-tsunami reconnaissance trip as a reminder of the importance of preparing Californians for a tsunami. “It’s something not everyone gets to experience but then once you have, you never forget.” From Studying to Experiencing Tsunami Effects A post-tsunami reconnaissance trip,…

Citizen Scientists: Help CGS Map Landslides

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.

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…

Fire and Rain … and Debris Flows

Fire and Rain … and Debris Flows That’s what happened last January in Santa Barbara County. One of California’s largest wildfires, the Thomas Fire, was nearly 100 percent contained after five weeks. Two people died and more than 1,000 structures burned. Flames torched 281,893 acres. Then a band of thunderstorms arrived the morning of January…

From Serving the Country to Conserving It — GIS is Key

“I am passionate about conserving natural resources and working to slow the rate at which California urbanizes productive farmland and open space.  The Williamson Act is a key tool to achieve that goal.” Annie Giovacchini – Environmental Planner   #FacesOfConservation — Meet Ann Marie (Annie) Giovacchini, an environmental planner for DOC’s Division of Land Resource Protection. Annie…