Atlas of Natural Hazards in the Hawaiian Coastal Zone [.pdf]
http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/i-map/i2761/
A report entitled Atlas of Natural Hazards in the Hawaiian Coastal Zone was recently released from the US Geological Survey. The stated purpose of the report is to communicate to citizens and regulatory authorities the history and relative intensity of coastal hazards in Hawaii and to provide a strong data set for planners and managers to guide the future of coastal resources. The nearly 300 page atlas can be downloaded in seven different sections or as one large document. Included in the atlas are notes on specific hazards, a ranking of hazard intensity, an overall hazard assessment, and specific technical hazard maps for each island. [JAB]
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The International Research Institute for Climate Prediction 2002 Annual Report [.pdf]
http://iri.columbia.edu/outreach/publication/irireport/report2002.pdf
The International Research Institute for Climate Prediction of Columbia University has a mission to enhance society's capability to understand, anticipate, and manage the impacts of seasonal climate fluctuations in order to improve human welfare and the environment, especially in developing countries. The 2001 to 2002 accomplishments of the organization are highlighted in this "glossy" 80 page report. Readers will find information on specific programs underway in various parts of the world, current impacts, and future goals. Those interested will enjoy the document's attractive graphics and well laid out format. [JAB]
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Magnetic Declination and Field Value Calculator
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/seg/gmag/fldsnth1.pl
From NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center comes the Magnetic Declination and Field Value Calculator. Users can computes the estimated values of Earth's magnetic field, including magnetic declination based on the current International Geomagnetic Reference Field. Inputs include a zip code or latitude and longitude, a specific date or range of dates, and an elevation to retrieve a number of things -- the magnetic declination and inclination; the horizontal, vertical, north, and east component of the magnetic field; magnetic field vector; and more. Researchers and professionals will appreciate this easy to use and helpful tool. [JAB]
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US Gazetteer
http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/gazetteer
Offered and maintained by the US Census Bureau, the US Gazetteer data server is used to identify places to view with the Tiger Map Server and obtain census data from the 1990 Census Lookup server. Searches can be done by place name, state, or zip code to locate the specific information desired. Results include all relevant location information and the needed links to further access the myriad of data from both sources. The GIS-based Tiger Map Server is especially helpful for easily obtaining useful geographic information relevant for a whole host of research needs. [JAB]
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Earth System Science Center: Database
http://www.essc.psu.edu/cgi-bin/essc.cgi?database&index.html
With a goal to search for links between the Earth's physical processes and past and future global change, Pennsylvania State's Earth System Science Center (ESSC) is a consortium of the school's Departments of Geosciences, Meteorology, Geography, and Energy, Environmental, and Mineral Economics. The Web site includes a database, which contains "geographically referenced data sets, representing both data generated by ESSC investigators, and other data needed to support their investigations." These include soil climatology and paleo-climatology data, land use information, aerial photography, and much more. Even though users are forced to use a somewhat cumbersome method of data retrieval via a hierarchical directory tree, the resources available make it well worth the effort. [JAB]
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Interactive Mapping and Geoscience Data Analysis
http://atlas.geo.cornell.edu/ima.html
The Earth Sciences Department at Cornell University maintains the Interactive Mapping and Geoscience Data Analysis Web site. The site contains an interactive data retrieval Java applet that is described as giving users unprecedented ability to dynamically interact with large volumes of organized digital data sets and to map and display any parts of the data sets according to their purposes. Displayable information includes a wide range of geographical, geological, geophysical, image, and other data that can be viewed and downloaded for personal use. [JAB]
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The Oregon Climate Service
http://www.ocs.orst.edu/
The Oregon Climate Service of the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, Oregon, is the state repository for weather and climate information. Visitors of the site will find weather forecasts, climate data such as temperature and precipitation records, climate and weather maps, satellite data products, periodicals and reports, and much more. Some of the newest products include a report of California weather, a climate report of Oregon, and information sheets from Oregon climate stations. The site does a good job of organizing and presenting information, making it easy to find and utilize relevant data. [JAB]
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Velocity Ratio and its Application to Predicting Velocities [.pdf]
http://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/b2197/B2197-508.pdf
This publication from the US Geological Survey is entitled Velocity Ratio and its Application to Predicting Velocities. The purpose of the paper is "to accurately predict elastic velocities of water-saturated clastic sediments by utilizing the dependence of the velocity ratio on porosity." Readers will find information on the Biot-Gassmann theory; modeling velocities; and all relevant discussions, appendixes, and figures related to the research. Although a very specific subject, researchers involved in similar fields should find the document interesting. [JAB]
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