Advertisement

Citizen Science takes a bite out of Natural Disasters

Discover how citizen scientists play a vital role in predicting and responding to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

Photo:USFWS

Collectively, your small acts lead to big results.

Natural disasters, like earthquakes, tornados, and landslides, are frightening and deadly. There are small, but important, steps citizen scientists can take to help predict and respond to these occurrences.Our editors have selected five exemplary projects, below. Be sure to read the safety warnings when applicable.

Find even more projects with the SciStarter Global Project Finder.

Cheers!

The SciStarter Team

Quake-Catcher Network

By linking computers from across the world, this project forms a huge earthquake monitoring network. Schools can also purchase seismic sensors to use for teaching kids about earthquakes.

Advertisement

Get started!

Advertisement

Photo: NOAA

SKYWARN

Storm spotters are needed throughout the United States to report severe weather like tornadoes, hail, and thunderstorms to the National Weather Service. This information helps people in your community stay safe!

Get started!

Advertisement

Photo: Avi

Share a Flood Observation

Observant volunteers from across the United Kingdom are needed to report floods of all sizes. Make an observation and help study the causes and management of flooding.

Advertisement

Get started!

Advertisement

Photo: Yuanwei Qin

Field Photo Library

Pictures of landscapes over time can document the impacts of events like drought or fire. You can use your smartphone or GPS-equipped camera to photograph and upload pictures of a landscape near you.

Get started!

Photo: USGS

Advertisement
Advertisement

Did You See It? Report a Landslide

Landslides are both dangerous and costly. If you see a landslide in the United States, you can report it to the US Geological Survey, the government agency that studies them.

Get started!

Want to learn more about the field of citizen science?

Do you run a project that requires tools (telescope, sensor, rain gauge)? We want to hear from you! Please take this brief survey.

Check out this new, low-cost book on Amazon!

Advertisement

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe
Advertisement

0 Free Articles