What it does
USGS Multimedia Images provides photographs and illustrations about Earth science, natural hazards and research. Individual pages pair image downloads with scientific descriptions, topic links and a Sources/Usage statement.
Open an image record and choose Original, Medium or Thumbnail for the version you need. Read its Detailed Description alongside the date: the landslide-comparison image published in 2024 depicts events from 1995, 2017 and 2018. That distinction matters in a news article or teaching slide.
The Sources/Usage section identifies the selected file’s rights. USGS-produced material is generally public domain in the United States, but some hosted images belong to other copyright holders. USGS asks for a source credit and the photographer’s name when known. Commercial use of pictures showing USGS staff may also require permission for their likeness, even where the image itself is public domain.
Strengths
- Original and smaller download links sit beside the scientific description.
- Topic links help connect an image with its research program.
Watch out for
- Third-party images and identifiable staff can require additional permissions.
Best for
- Science publishers illustrating geological events
- Educators preparing Earth-science lessons
Sources
- Examples of landslides across the United States | U.S. Geological Survey (Oct 27, 2026)
- Copyrights and Credits | U.S. Geological Survey (Oct 27, 2026)