USGS Science / Hurricane Response Vehicle

Of interest from the USGS... the USGS in Lafayette, La. has a new science response vehicle which can be immediately deployed to hurricane sites along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. Equipped with state-of-the-art satellite computer systems it will provide critical communications when other sources fail. The vehicle serves as a mobile laboratory, facilitating collection and processing field samples including water quality testing on site; receives weather and emergency information. It also provides "geoaddressing" of 911 calls and critical infrastructure, such as levee breaks, bridges, pumping stations. The vehicle provides living quarters for a small team of scientists and response personnel for about a week.  It has recently been tested during a mock hurricane drill in May. (www.usgs.gov)