Geology topics

G.H. Hughes

Publications and source records attributed to G.H. Hughes.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1981

Low-flow frequency data for selected stream gaging stations in Florida

This report contains tables of low-flow frequency data for 161 stream-gaging stations in Florida. The selected stations represent those having suitable flow records spanning 7 or more years. Flow values representing the annual minimum average flow for selected periods ranging from 1 to 183 days are presented for recurrence intervals ranging from 2 to 50 years. The low-flow frequency data of relatively short-term stations were adjusted where possible on basis of records of long-term stations to reduce the possible bias introduced by short-term climatic trends. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1979

Surface-water features in Osceola County and adjacent areas, Florida

The western two-thirds of Osceola County, Fla., drains southward by way of the Kissimmee River and its tributaries; the eastern one-third drains eastward to the St. Johns River or to marshy areas that make up part of the headwaters of the St. Johns River. About 15 percent of the county is covered by several hundred lakes whose surface areas range in size from a few to several thousand acres. Much of the natural drainage has been altered by canalization or regulated by control structures. Under natural conditions streamflow is seasonal, usually high in September or October and low in May or June, in phase with the rainy season. Control structures are used to maintain lake levels within a relatively small range in stage, producing greater seasonal variations in river flow than before regulation. Dissolved-solids concentration of much of the surface water is less than 240 mg/l, in some, much less. The water typically is of calcium bicarbonate type. Color is fairly high, in water draining from swamps, where the pickup of humic acids is significant. (Kosco-USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1978

Impact of potential phosphate mining on the hydrology of Osceola National Forest, Florida

Potentially exploitable phosphate deposits underlie part of Osceola National Forest, Fla. Hydrologic conditions in the forest are comparable with those in nearby Hamilton County, where phosphate mining and processing have been ongoing since 1965. Given similarity of operations, hydroloigc effects of mining in the forest are predicted. Flow of stream receiving phosphate industry effluent would increase somewhat during mining, but stream quality would not be greatly affected. Local changes in the configuration of the water table and the quality of water in the surficial aquifer will occur. Lowering of the potentiometric surface of the Floridan aquifer because of proposed pumpage would be less than five feet at nearby communities. Flordian aquifer water quality would be appreciably changed only if industrial effluent were discharged into streams which recharge the Flordian through sinkholes. The most significant hydrologic effects would occur at the time of active mining: long-term effects would be less significant.

Florida↗

USGS1977

Hydrologic considerations in dewatering and refilling Lake Carlton, Orange and Lake Counties, Florida

Lake Carlton straddles the line between Lake and Orange Counties in central Florida. The 382-acre (155-hectare) lake is highly eutrophic and subject to virtually perpetual algal blooms. The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has proposed to restore the lake to a less eutrophic state by dewatering the lake long enough to allow the muck on its bottom to dry and compact. Lake Carlton would be permanently sealed off from Lake Beauclair which presently serves as a source of nutrient enriched water for Lake Carlton. On the assumption that the seasonal rainfall would be normal, and that the dewatering phase would begin on March 1, the predicted time required to dewater the lake at a pumping rate of 50,000 gallons (190 cubic meters) per minute is 21 days. The average rate of pumping required to maintain the lake in a dewatered condition is computed to be 2,400 gallons (9.08 cubic meters) per minute. If pumping is ended May 31, the predicted altitude to which the lake would recover by October 31 as a result of net natural input is 56.2 feet (17.1 meters) above sea level. Raising the lake level to 63 feet (19.2 meters) above sea level by October 31 would require that the net natural input be supplemented at an average rate of about 4,860 gallons (18.4 cubic meters) per minute between May 31 and October 31.

Florida↗

USGS1977

Evaluation of chemical, biological, and physical conditions in the Winter Haven chain of lakes, Florida, March-June 1976

Reconnaissance of water-quality conditions of 14 interconnected navigable lakes, in and around Winter Haven, Fla., revealed that in March and May, 1976 most were eutrophic, on the basis of high nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) concentrations. Lakes Lulu and Shipp were the most enriched as a result of surface runoff from residential, agricultural, and highly urbanized areas, and many years of municipal and industrial waste effluent input. Phytoplankton counts were greater than a million cells per milliliter in some lakes sampled; algal blooms have ocurred, and water clarity was low. The level of Lake Howard fell to the lowest stage recorded in 31 years during May 1976. The record low was likely due to rainfall deficiency. Leakage of water through the lake beds to the ground-water system is also possible, but determination of the escaping water volume would require additional study. (Woodard-USGS)

Florida↗

USGS1976

Hydrology of Lake County, Florida

Lake County includes a 1,150 square-mile area consisting of ridges, uplands, and valleys in central-peninsular Florida. About 32 percent of the county is covered by lakes, swamps, and marshes. Water requirements in 1970 averaged about 54 million gallons per day. About 85 percent of the water was obtained from wells; about 15 percent from lakes. The Floridan aquifer supplies almost all the ground water used in Lake County. Annual recharge to the Floridan aquifer averages about 7 inches over the county; runoff average 8.5 inches. The quality of ground and surface water in Lake County is in general good enough for most uses; however, the poor quality of Floridan-aquifer water in the St. John River Valley probably results from the upward movement of saline water along a fault zone. Surface water in Lake County is usually less mineralized than ground water but is more turbid and colored. (Woodard-USGS)

Florida↗

USGS1967