USGS April 2008 science picks

Kilauea Volcano, groovin' to the tunes of nature, forecasting potential floods, improving life for Iraqis, clay in sports, and more...

In this edition of Science Picks, you can discover recent dramatic developments at Kilauea Volcano, who is groovin’ to the tunes of nature, and how the USGS helps forecast and notify emergency managers of potential floods, which is especially important since April showers are on their way. You can also find out how the USGS is helping improve life for millions of Iraqis, and as you start gearing-up for baseball season, learn about the evolution and importance of clay in sports. If you would like to receive Science Picks via e-mail, would like to change the recipient or no longer want to receive it, please e-mail .

LEADS: (top news, updates and happenings in natural science)

Dramatic Developments at Kilauea Volcano

Explosive eruptions and noxious gas emissions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii have prompted scientists to work around the clock to understand what will happen next and how to keep the public out of harm’s way. Scientists are monitoring gas emissions and seismic activity at Kilauea, which on March 19 experienced its first explosive eruption since 1924. The volcano is also emitting sulfur dioxide at toxic levels. The USGS is issuing frequent updates, which can be accessed at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/. To listen to a podcast interview with USGS Volcano Hazards Program Coordinator John Eichelberger describing the activity at Kilauea, visit http://www.usgs.gov/corecast/. For more information, contact Clarice Nassif Ransom at (703) 648-4299 or .

Groovin to the Tunes of Nature

Just what does a bear do in the woods? USGS scientist Kate Kendall knows. Kendall’s group recently used remote photography to learn more about black bear’s and grizzly bear’s use of naturally occurring bear rubs and how they respond to baited hair traps. The video and photographs are part of a study to determine the size and distribution of bear populations in northwestern Montana. Bears are identified and counted through genetic analysis of hair samples collected from barbed wire hair traps and bear rub trees. To find out more about the project and view the footage, visit http://nrmsc.usgs.gov/news/KendallRemoteCamera.htm or contact Katherine Kendall at (406) 888-7994 or

April Showers May Bring Spring Flooding