When disaster strikes, strike back with citizen science!

Photo: USGS
Photo: USGS

Natural disasters can be devastating and terrifying but in some cases, there are things we can do to take control.

Here are a selection of citizen science projects designed to inform rescue efforts and related research.

Photo: FEMA
Photo: FEMA
Geotag-X

 

After hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters, many people photograph the destruction and the rescue efforts. Geotag-X asks volunteers to record important details from photographs that recovery teams can use to plan their efforts. Read our latest blog entry to see how Geotag-X is being used.

did you feel it

Did You Feel It? 

The United States Geological Survey tracks earthquakes across the country. If you feel an earthquake, report the time, location, and details of the experience using an easy online form.

Get Started!

Photo: USGS
Photo: USGS

Did You See It?

Have you seen a landslide near you? In the United States, report these dangerous occurrences to the United States Geological Survey. The information helps scientists understand the causes and effects of landslides.

Get Started!

Photo: Nerds for Nature
Photo: Nerds for Nature

Monitor Change: Fire Monitoring 

A simple picture can help track wildfires and fire recovery. If you’re planning a trip to Stanislaus National Forest or Mount Diablo State Park in California, check out how you can help this citizen science project.

Photo: NOAA
Photo: NOAA

Skywarn

This National Weather Service Project relies on specially trained volunteers from across the United States to report on severe weather conditions in their area. There are over 120 training locations throughout the country; find the one closest to you today! Check out our blog entry about how storm spotters are making a difference during severe weather.

Get Started!

We have some very exciting announcements coming up! Sign up for a SciStarter account today to get a sneak preview!

myObservatory, a citizen science platform,  is offering project owners $2,000 in free data services! Find out more.

Contact the SciStarter Team

Email: info@scistarter.com
Website: http://scistarter.com

Categories: Citizen Science, Climate & Weather, Computers & Technology, Newsletter

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About the Author

Arvind Suresh

Arvind Suresh

Arvind Suresh is science communicator and a former laboratory biologist, he has a Master’s degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. He enjoys reading, teaching, talking and writing science. Connect with him on Twitter @suresh_arvind.