USGS Oregon Science Podcast

USGS Science Career Day (Episode: 22)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EDT

In this episode, high school students from Rosemary Anderson High School in Portland, Oregon, visit the USGS Oregon Water Science Center for a ‘Science Career Day’ event. Scientists work with the students and try to promote the appeal and benefits of a career in science. The day is broken up into two parts: an early morning discussion period, and an afternoon field period. Check out just how much fun science can be in this episode of the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

Organic Carbon and the World around Us (Episode: 20)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 4 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EDT

In this episode, we talk about organic carbon. The benefit of studying carbon extends to many issues, including tracing mercury contamination or investigating disinfection by-products in drinking water treatment. It is amazing what can be discovered by monitoring the volume and flux of carbon through the environment. Learn about the biogeochemistry of carbon from USGS research chemists George Aiken and Brian Bergamaschi, only in this episode of the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

Wha’�s in Our Water? (Episode: 19)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EDT

In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance �water.� We are going to examine what is in our nations� water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet�s most abundant resource. This is the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

Groundwater 101 (Episode: 18)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EDT

In this episode we explore how vital groundwater is as a natural resource and discuss what impact a changing climate and human consumption has on groundwater supplies. Join us, as we sit down with USGS Groundwater Specialist Marshall Gannett to get a primer on the role groundwater plays in our daily lives, today on the Oregon Science Podcast.

Shocking! Electrofishing for Largescale Suckers on the Columbia River (Episode: 17)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 EDT

In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined. Join us, as we explore how native fish are used to determine the water quality and ecological health of our local rivers, only in this month�s episode of the Oregon Science Podcast.

Oregon Songbirds: Singing for Their Supper in Evergreen Forests (Episode: 16)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Wed, 9 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EDT

In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests. Join us, as we demonstrate how Oregon songbirds sing for their supper in evergreen-dominated forests, only in this month's episode of the Oregon Science Podcast.

3-D Geologic Model of Columbia Plateau Aquifer System (Episode: 15)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 8 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EDT

In this month’s episode we discuss how 3-D modeling is used to examine groundwater in the Columbia Plateau. USGS hydrologist Erick Burns describes how his team modeled the 53,000 mi² plateau, how this information is currently used, and what implications it has for the future. Join us, as we explore how cutting edge science today is used to solve tomorrow’s problems, only in this month’s episode of the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

Also see: Video Version

Clearing up Muddy Waters (Episode: 14)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT

For this month�s episode we discuss the water-quality parameter turbidity. More than just a way to measure dirty water, turbidity can serve as a useful indicator of the ecological health of a watershed. Join us, as we sit down with USGS scientist Heather Bragg to discuss differences in how turbidity is measured, how the data are used, and where you can find real-time turbidity monitoring here in Oregon, only in this month�s episode of the Oregon Science Podcast.

Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR (Episode: 13)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Thu, 2 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EDT

This month's episode focuses on one of the most useful geographic tools scientists have for studying our natural world: Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR. LiDAR is a powerful data collection technique that can be used to map surface features, even those hidden beneath the dense canopy of Pacific Northwest forests. USGS scientists use high-resolution LiDAR data to create virtual 3-D landscapes, similar to the wireframe worlds found in movies and video games. With these virtual surfaces, investigators can now manipulate, measure, model, calculate, and examine the landscape in a whole new way and discover things previously unseen. Listen in as we uncover how new technologies reveal new possibilities, only in this month's episode of the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

Unearthing the Secrets Beneath the Forest Floor (Episode: 12)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EDT

There is a black box hidden beneath the forests of the Pacific Northwest, guarding the secrets to why the trees grow so large! The black box is soil, which harbors immense biological diversity and controls the release of water and nutrients that support the life above ground. Join us as Sue Powell interviews USGS ecologist Steve Perakis and discusses his research about the forests and watersheds in the Pacific Northwest, only in this month's episode of the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

Recent USGS Studies in the Willamette Valley (Episode: 11)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EDT

This month the USGS Oregon Science Podcast contains two interviews. First, we sit down with USGS hydrologist Stewart Rounds to discuss the effect dams have on water temperature in the rivers of the Willamette Valley. Then, we are joined by former USGS hydrologist Bernie Bonn to learn how chemistry can be used to identify where organic matter in streams comes from in the Tualatin River Basin.

Well, Well, Well! How Deep is the Water Table? (Episode: 10)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

This month we highlight a new interactive map that allows users to determine the depth to groundwater at any location in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Oregon. This month's episode features an interview with the groundwater project's lead author, USGS hydrologist Daniel Snyder. Stick around and learn about the water beneath our feet here at the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.

Klamath River Basin Restoration (Episode: 9)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Dennis Lynch, USGS scientist and Department of Interior's Program Manager for the Klamath Basin Secretarial Determination, brings us up to speed on recent developments in the Klamath River Basin restoration. Developments include the signing of two historic agreements that attempt to provide long term solutions to one of the West's most challenging conflicts over how water is balanced among the many different needs of the local community. In addition, the Department of the Interior recently established a new website KlamathRestoration.gov to inform the public of progress on these agreements and allow them a chance to comment and receive updates on the Klamath Settlement process.

To Burn or Not to Burn? A Framework to Answer the Question (Episode: 8)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Prescribed burns are a common tool used by land managers to control invasive plant species and to promote native plants. There are many benefits to using a prescribed burn as a management tool; however, controlling fire is often difficult as it can be unpredictable. FRESC research ecologist Dave Pyke sat down with us to speak about a new framework that he has developed for land managers, which can be used to determine if fire is the appropriate strategy for controlling or enhancing specific plant species.

Drab Appearance Masks Complexity of Imperiled Sagebrush Ecosystems (Episode: 7)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Compared to the rich diversity of forests, sagebrush shrublands contain relatively few species. Yet, these shrublands in the western United States have incredibly complex dynamics that present major challenges for conservation. They are also one of the most imperiled habitats in North America, primarily due to invasive plant species. Non-native cheatgrass promotes more frequent and larger wildfires, preventing sagebrush re-establishment. USGS ecologist Steve Knick provides an overview of sagebrush ecosystems and discusses research priorities, birds and their habitats, and indicators of change over a broad landscape.

Fatal Frog Fungus (Episode: 6)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EDT

The potentially lethal fungal disease chytridiomycosis has been associated with declining amphibian populations around the globe. This rapidly emerging disease, and the chytrid fungus that causes it, have forced scientists to scramble to learn more. There are still plenty of mysteries about the origin and spread of the fungus. With today's episode we will shed some light on what we know and what we can expect for the future of amphibians. Join us as we interview USGS ecologists Mike Adams and Tara Chestnut, as well as USGS hydrologist Chauncey Anderson.

Northwest Mussels Live Long to Tell Their Story (Episode: 5)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Few would believe the importance of freshwater mussels to scientists here in the Pacific Northwest. These little-known and often-ignored organisms may live for over a century on the bottoms of lakes, rivers, and streams. Freshwater mussels have a story to tell, and researchers have developed a way of ‘reading’ this story. USGS Aquatic Biologist Jason Dunham discusses his ongoing research on the freshwater mussels of the Pacific Northwest.

Urban Hydrology: Restoration and Monitoring of Johnson Creek in Portland, Oregon (Episode: 4)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Johnson Creek watershed is an important resource in Portland, Oregon. It forms a wildlife and recreational corridor through densely populated areas of the Portland metropolitan area, as well as rural and agricultural land in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties. However, because of its location within an urban environment, there are often concerns, including worries about persistent flooding and degradation of water-quality. Join us, as we interview USGS scientist Karl Lee about what's being done to monitor and restore Johnson Creek.

Tsunamis: Tides have nothing to do with it (Episode: 3)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Tsunamis are devastating. Usually associated with earthquakes in the Pacific, these giant surges of oceanic water can kill thousands and do billions of dollars of damage in minutes. Surprisingly, most people in Oregon are not aware of the tsunami history and hazard along our very own coast. Listen in as we examine the science of tsunamis and sit down for a special interview with USGS scientist Brian Atwater and Oregon Office of Emergency Management Geologic Hazard Coordinator Althea Turner. Plus, a recap of this week's Geological Society of America annual meeting.

Science is back! And it's better than ever (Episode: 2)

ssobie@usgs.gov (U.S. Geological Survey (Oregon)) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Better late than never, here's a proper introduction to the USGS Oregon Science Podcast. Learn about who we are, what we do, and what you can expect from us in the future. Plus, as an added bonus, get a teaser for what's coming next month.