Summary

Abstract: Ask-A-Geologist is an online virtual help desk designed to provide answers to geologically based questions. Submitted questions are answered by one of several USGS employees, retirees, and contractors who to participate in the project. The participating scientists have varying degrees of experience and include such titles as geologist, hydrologist, cartographer, and technician. Questions are answered by any one of the scientists who may or may not be the field specialist. Approximately 45% of all questions are answered within a few days and most other questions receive an automated reply of regret. Sample questions and answers are povided in the "example" link yet there is no FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page. Ask-A-Geologist recommends that users search for answers from the search USGS web site ("http://search.usgs.gov/") before submitting a question. Another useful site of information is the "USGS Science Challenge". It is linked from the Ask-A-Geologist page and contains a collection of questions and answers addressing Earth and Planetary Science topics. Questions on this site cover science disciplines such as volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, rocks and minerals, hydrology, biology, and cartography. [Summary adapted from the Ask-A-Geologist web site, http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/ask-a-geologist/ .]

Related URL

Link: VIEW RELATED INFORMATION Description: Science Challenge Questions and Answersby Carol Lawson and Mary Ellen Lazarus Open File Report Number: 98-507-A. A collection of 196 questions and answers addressing Earth and Planetary Science topics. Questions cover science disciplines such as volcanoes, earthquakes, hydrology, biology, minerals and cartography. It is intended for general audiences.

Service Citation

Originators: United States Geological Survey (USGS) Title: Ask-A-Geologist Release_Date: 1994-10-01 Provider: USGS URL: http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/ask-a-geologist/

Service Keywords

REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICES >DIGITAL/VIRTUAL REFERENCE DESKS >ASK-A GEOLOGIST   [Definition]

Science Keywords

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >GROUND WATER >GROUND WATER DISCHARGE/FLOW   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >GROUND WATER >DRAINAGE   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >GROUND WATER >SPRINGS   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >GROUND WATER >WATER TABLE   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >SURFACE WATER >LAKES   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >SURFACE WATER >RIVERS/STREAMS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >SEDIMENTARY ROCKS >COAL   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >METALS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >EARTH GASES/LIQUIDS >NATURAL GAS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >EARTH GASES/LIQUIDS >PETROLEUM   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >ELEMENTS >RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >IGNEOUS ROCKS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >METAMORPHIC ROCKS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >MINERALS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >SEDIMENTARY ROCKS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >ROCKS/MINERALS/CRYSTALS >SEDIMENTS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >TECTONICS >EARTHQUAKES >EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE/INTENSITY   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >TECTONICS >VOLCANIC ACTIVITY >ERUPTION DYNAMICS   [Definition]

SOLID EARTH >TECTONICS >PLATE TECTONICS >LITHOSPHERIC PLATE MOTION   [Definition]

ISO Topic Category

ECONOMY GEOSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION INLAND WATERS

Use Constraints

Users are encouraged to include a return e-mail address in the body of their message. Ask-A-Geologist scientists cannot answer student test question or provide reports. Personal location and financial questions are also not answered. You should receive a reply in a few days -- but we can't reply to every message. We answer about 45% of incoming messages. Answers are not official policy of the USGS or the United States Government, are not reviewed or guarenteed for correctness or consistency. Questions requiring official answers should not be sent to Ask-A-Geologist.

Keywords

Volcanoes

Earthquakes

Mountains

Rocks

Maps

Ground Water

Lakes

Rivers

Service Provider

Western Region CMG, Coastal and Marine Geology, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior Service Provider Personnel Name: REX SANDERS Phone: (831) 427-4755 Fax: (831) 427-4748 Email: rsanders at usgs.gov Contact Address: USGS Pacific Science Center 400 Natural Bridges Drive City: Santa Cruz Province or State: California Postal Code: 95060 Country: USA

Distribution Media

Distribution_Media: electronic Distribution_Format: html

Personnel

TYLER B. STEVENS Role: SERF AUTHOR Phone: (301) 614-6898 Fax: 301-614-5268 Email: Tyler.B.Stevens at nasa.gov Contact Address: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Global Change Master Directory City: Greenbelt Province or State: MD Postal Code: 20771 Country: USA

Creation and Review Dates

SERF Creation Date: 1999-12-08 SERF Last Revision Date: 2012-01-10