Finding Faults
http://sio.ucsd.edu/explorations/faults/
"Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for marine science research, graduate training, and public service in the world." As part of the main Scripps Web site, the Finding Faults page chronicles Dr. Jeff Babcock's efforts to map in detail a California offshore earthquake fault system using an innovative seismometer developed by his team at Scripps. Visitors to the site will find descriptions, photographs, attractive graphics, and more, presented in a non-technical and interesting fashion. Anyone interested in geology, oceanography, or science in general will enjoy this site. [JAB]
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Household Products Database
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/
The Household Products Database is a new offering from the National Institute of Health and the National Library of Medicine that contains information on over 4,000 consumer brands, allowing consumers to research products based on chemical ingredients. The database "helps answer questions such as: What are the chemical ingredients and their percentage in specific brands? Which products contain specific chemical ingredients? Who manufactures a specific brand? How do I contact this manufacturer? What are the acute and chronic effects of chemical ingredients in a specific brand? What other information is available about chemicals in the toxicology-related databases of the National Library of Medicine?" Users can browse or search the well-designed database by products, ingredients, or Material Safety Data Sheets to easily locate the desired information. [JAB]
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Environmental Maps
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cio/emaps/index.cfm
The US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Environmental Maps Web site is a free Internet service that combines information on HUD's community development and housing programs with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental data. The maps "provide: location, type, and performance of HUD-funded activities in every neighborhood across the country; and select EPA information on brownfields, hazardous wastes, air pollution and waste water discharges." The Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based mapping interface is easily manipulated and users can locate theirs, or an interested neighborhood, in no time and browse the information provided. This powerful application is one of the best online interactive GIS mapping sites online for both its content and ease of use, making it a must visit. [JAB]
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Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/
The US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web site offers the Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home interactive online activity. This informative site does a great job of providing important information to homeowners on what they can do to save energy in several categories, including insulation and weathering, heating and cooling, water heating, windows, landscaping, lighting, appliances, and more. Each section contains descriptions, graphics, animations, and links to get specific information on what can be done. [JAB]
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American Solar Challenge
http://www.americansolarchallenge.org/
The American Solar Challenge (ASC) is a competition to design, build and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. The 2003 race began on July 13 in Chicago, Illinois, followed historic Route 66, and ended in Claremont, California on July 23. As is stated, ASC promotes a greater understanding of solar energy technology, its environmental benefits, and its promise for the future. The challenge offers the opportunity for creative integration of technical and scientific expertise across a range of disciplines and a hands-on opportunity for students and engineers to develop and demonstrate their technical and creative abilities. Visitors of the site can read about the 2003 teams, views photos of the vehicles, find out who won, and much more. [JAB]
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Petrology Collections Database
http://internt.nhm.ac.uk/cgi-bin/earth/petrology/
The Natural History Museum (NHM) of London offers several quality online sites including the Petrology Collections Database. The interface allows users to search the collection by BM number, rock name, country of origin, locality, donor, and more. Results contain all of the aforementioned information as well as a link to a full description. Although a browse feature and photographs are not available, the site does give those who are serious about petrology an easy way to locate and get information about specimens the museum holds. If more information is sought, the site also provides links to additional facts on the petrology collection, information on other petrology collections, NHM petrology research, and NHM analytical facilities. [JAB]
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International Joint Commission [pdf]
http://www.ijc.org/ijcweb-e.html
The International Joint Commission was created by Canada and the United States "because they recognized that each country is affected by the other's actions in lake and river systems along the border. The two countries cooperate to manage these waters wisely and to protect them for the benefit of today's citizens and future generations." Visitors to the site can read about great lakes water quality issues, great lakes exports, water levels, news releases, publications, view maps, and much more. One of the latest publications available on the site includes the proceeding from a workshop entitled Addressing Atmospheric Mercury: Science and Policy. This extensive site is well organized and written, giving anyone living near or interested in the great lakes a good source for timely and important information. [JAB]
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Mineral Industry Surveys
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/mis.html [pdf]
The US Geological Surveys Mineral Industry Survey's Web site provides "periodic on-line statistical and economic publications designed to provide timely statistical data on production, distribution, stocks, and consumption of significant mineral commodities." Visitors to the site will find an alphabetical listing of minerals that includes everything from Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, and Asbestos, to Zeolite, Zinc, and Zirconium. Once clicked, a brief description of the mineral is provided along with links to yearly information publications as well as special publications such as its historical statistics, other agency links, contact information, and more. [JAB]
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