Electricity from Renewable Sources Gains
April 16, 2012 | Energy Information Administration
“Non-hydroelectric renewable generation has increased in many states over the past decade. In 2011, Maine had the highest percentage of non-hydroelectric renewable generation, at 27% of total in-state generation, up from 20% in 2001 (see maps). South Dakota and Iowa followed, with 21% and 17%, respectively, in 2011, up from 1% and less than one percent in 2001. Wind is the largest driver of this increase across all states.” Quoted from the Energy Information Administration press release.

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Hydroelectric Power in the United States
March 9, 2012 | Energy Information Administration
“The importance of hydropower as a source of electricity generation varies by geographic region. While hydropower accounted for 6% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2010, it provided over half of the electricity in the Pacific Northwest.” Quote from the Energy Information Administration article. |
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Monitoring Floods and Fires with LandSat
January 24, 2012 | USGS
USGS has recently published: “Monitoring Floods and Fires during the Summer of 2011 — The Value of the Landsat Satellite 40-Year Archive“ |
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Mineral Clubs and Organizations Worldwide
December 30, 2011 | The-Vug.com
The-Vug.com has an impressive listing of mineral clubs organized by state. You might be surprised at how many clubs are listed and there is probably one that meets within a short drive of your home. |
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High Plains Aquifer: Water Level Changes
December 27, 2011 | USGS
“Water-level declines began in parts of the High Plains aquifer soon after the beginning of substantial irrigation with groundwater in the aquifer area. This report presents water-level changes in the High Plains aquifer from the time before substantial groundwater irrigation development had occurred (about 1950 and termed “predevelopment” in this report) to 2009, from 2007-08, and from 2008-09. The report also presents change in water in storage in the aquifer, from predevelopment to 2009.” Quoted from the USGS report release. |
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Roadside Geology Guides
December 11, 2011 | Geology.com Store
Since 1972 the “Roadside Geology” series has provided introductory information on the geology of states and small regions of the United States. The books provide a combination of maps, travel logs, photos and commentary for the geology that can be seen along highways or visited at parks and public viewing areas. They are popular with geologists and others who are interested in the Earth. |
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Supersized Topographic Maps
December 4, 2011 | MyTopo.com
The folks at MyTopo.com are now printing supersized topo maps – large enough make a huge 5′ x 8′ (or 8′ x 5′) map that will look fantastic on the wall of your office, conference room, lobby, cabin or den. These maps are custom-centered on any location that you pick using their online map-making tool. Lots of smaller sizes are also available.
We are affiliates of MyTopo.com and receive a commission on sales. |
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United States Hydroelectric Capacity
November 29, 2011 | Energy Information Administration
The Energy Information Administration has an article with maps and graphs that explores hydroelectric capacity in the United States. |
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Wall Maps of US States
November 16, 2011 | Geology.com Store
Raven Maps are beautiful examples of shaded-relief wall maps that display the elevation of a state in vibrant colors. These large maps look great in a classroom, den or office. Use one to mark the locations of your work or company. |
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Local Emergency Management Agencies
September 20, 2011 | Ready.gov
Ready.gov is a website that connects visitors to state, county, regional, tribal and other emergency management agencies in all fifty states. |
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Water Level Declines in the High Plains Aquifer
July 31, 2011 | USGS
The High Plains Aquifer underlies some of the most important agricultural land in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. The Aquifer is in trouble because overpumping has dropped water levels in many areas over 100 vertical feet. This USGS report summarizes changes in the Aquifer from predevelopment to 2009. |
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Didymo Thrives in Pristine Rivers and Streams
June 3, 2011 | National Science Foundation
“A species of freshwater algae that lives in streams and rivers, called Didymo for Didymosphenia geminata, is able to colonize and dominate the bottoms of some of the world’s cleanest waterways.” Quoted from the National Science Foundation press release. |
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Missouri River Flooding From Rain and Snowmelt
May 31, 2011 | MSNBC
Recent rain and snowmelt have caused flooding in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and other states along the Missouri River. |
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Brine Contamination Associated with Oil and Gas Production in the Williston Basin
May 24, 2011 | USGS
“U.S. Geological Survey scientists and cooperating partners are examining the potential risk to aquatic resources by contamination from saline waters produced by petroleum development in the Williston Basin of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.” Quoted from the USGS publication release. |
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U.S. Flood Forecast for Spring 2011
February 26, 2011 | Weather.gov
“A large swath of the North Central United States is at risk of moderate to major flooding this spring. This area extends from northeastern Montana through western Wisconsin and along the Mississippi River south to St. Louis.” Quoted from the National Weather Service.
This report includes a color-coded map showing affected areas. |
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