United States

Articles and information related to the geography of the United States

The Diomedes Islands mark the closest point between Russia and the United States.

These Two Countries are Separated by 2.4 Miles and 21 Hours

Caitlin Dempsey

There exists a geographic point where two of the largest countries in the world are only separated by a 2.4 miles but are 21 hours apart.

A dark photo taken at night showing lightning and a purple sky around the lightning.

Geography of Lightning Strikes in the United States

Caitlin Dempsey

Researchers recently mapped out data from the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) between 2017 and 2022 to see where lightning strikes the most across the contiguous United States.

A map showing moisture levels carried by an atmospheric river over the West Coast including California. High moisture levels are a dark blue-green and low moisture levels are brown.

What is the Outlook for California’s Atmospheric Rivers?

Caitlin Dempsey

During the winter months, atmospheric rivers carry enormous amounts of water to the state of California.

An oblique view of Hawaii showing two snow-capped volcanoes.

Snow in Hawaii

Caitlin Dempsey

Hawaii may be in the tropics, but it gets snow every year.

Double rainbow seen from Lower Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Dan Hottle/NPS, public domain.

Exploring Rainbows and Moonbows

Caitlin Dempsey

Rainbows and moonbows occur when light is refracted through drops of water in the sky.