Geology topics
Hugh B. Wilder
Publications and source records attributed to Hugh B. Wilder.
Hydrology of major estuaries and sounds of North Carolina
Hydrology-related problems associated with North Carolina 's major estuaries and sounds include contamination of some estuaries with municipal and industrial wastes and drainage from adjacent, intensively farmed areas, and nuisance-level algal blooms. In addition, there is excessive shoaling in some navigation channels, salt-water intrusion into usually fresh estuarine reaches, too high or too-low salinities in nursery areas for various estuarine species, and flood damage due to hurricanes. The Cape Fear River is the only major North Carolina estuary having a direct connection to the sea. Short-term flow throughout most of its length is dominated by ocean tides. Freshwater entering the major estuaries is, where not contaminated, of acceptable quality for drinking with minimum treatment. However, iron concentrations in excess of 0.3 milligrams per liter sometimes occur and water draining from swampy areas along the Coastal Plain is often highly colored, but these problems may be remedied with proper treatment. Nuisance-level algal blooms have been a recurring problem on the lower estuarine reaches of the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, and Chowan Rivers where nutrients (compounds of phosphorous and nitrogen) are abundant. The most destructive blooms tend to occur in the summer months during periods of low freshwater discharge and relatively high water temperatures. Saltwater intrusion occurs from time to time in all major estuaries except the Roanoke River, where releases from Roanoke Rapids Lake and other reservoirs during otherwise low-flow periods effectively block saline water from the estuary. New shoaling materials found in the lower channelized reaches of the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers are primarily derived, not from upstream sources, but from nearby shore erosion, from slumping of material adjacent to the dredged channels, from old spoil areas, or from ocean-derived sediments carried upstream by near-bottom density currents.
Program for evaluating stream quality in North Carolina
The design and objectives of the program for evaluating stream quality in North Carolina are described. Using water-quality and streamflow data collected since the 1940?s, a study is underway to define certain variations in water quality, to quantify the effects of man?s activities on water quality, and to determine long-term trends at key locations on the State?s major rivers. Data collected from 47 unpolluted stream sites were used to estimate average concentrations for naturally occurring constituents during periods of high and low flow. Methods are described for estimating constituent loads derived from both natural sources and sources of pollution.
Water quality of the French Broad River, North Carolina — An analysis of data collected at Marshall, 1958-1977
An investigation of water quality in the French Broad River in North Carolina has resulted in the definition of variations in water quality, a determination of the degree to which the quality of water in the river has been affected by man 's activities, and an analysis of trends in the changing chemical quality of the river. The investigation centered on data collected during 1958-77 at the U.S. Geological Survey 's station at Marshall, N.C. The quality of water in the French Broad River at Marshall is suitable for most uses. None of the major dissolved constituents and nutrients, nor defined properties such as hardness, alkalinity and color, exceed suggested limits for drinking waters. Chromium, lead, selenium, and zinc are the only trace metals to occasionally exceed drinking water standards. Dissolved oxygen levels are high year round, remaining near or above the saturation level even at higher summer temperatures. Results of tests for biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand characterize the French Broad at Marshall as a clean river. However, 58% of samples analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria during 1974-77 exceeded recommended limits for bathing waters. In 1958, an estimated 64% of the dissolved solids load in the river at Marshall was due to pollution. By 1966, 74% of the dissolved load could be attributed to pollution. Loads of dissolved solids, sodium, sulfate, and calcium showed the most dramatic increases, coinciding with general increases in population and industrial employment. New wastewater treatment facilities and improved industrial technology have apparently combined to curb pollution and reverse the earlier trend. In 1977 water quality had returned at least to levels of 1958.
Hydrology of major estuaries and sounds of North Carolina
Hydrology-related problems associated with North Carolina's major estuaries and sounds include contamination of some estuaries with municipal and industrial wastes and drainage from adjacent intensively- farmed areas, and nuisance-level algal blooms. In addition, there is excessive shoaling in some navigation channels, saltwater intrusion into usually fresh estuarine reaches, too-high or too-low salinities in nursery areas for various estuarine species, and flood damage due to hurricanes. The Cape Fear River is the only major North Carolina estuary having a direct connection to the sea. Short-term flow throughout most of its length is dominated by ocean tides. The estuarine reaches of the Neuse-Trent, Tar-Pamlico, Chowan, and Roanoke River systems are at least partly shielded from the effects of ocean tides by the Outer Banks and the broad expanses of Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. With the probable exception of the Roanoke River, winds are usually the dominant short-term current-producing force in these estuaries and in most of Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. Freshwater entering the major estuaries is, where not contaminated, of acceptable quality for drinking with minimum treatment. However, iron concentrations in excess of 0.3 milligrams per liter sometimes occur and water draining from swampy areas along the Coastal Plain is often highly colored, but these problems may be remedied with proper treatment. Nuisance-level algal blooms have been a recurring problem on the lower estuarine reaches of the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, and Chowan rivers where nutrients (compounds of phosphorous and nitrogen) are abundant. The most destructive blooms tend to occur in the summer months during periods of low freshwater discharge and relatively high water temperatures.
Program for evaluating stream quality in North Carolina
The design and objectives of the program for evaluating stream quality in North Carolina are described. Using water-quality and streamflow data collected since the 1940's, a study is underway to define certain variations in water quality, to quantify the effects of man 's activities on water quality, and to determine long-term trends at key locations on the State 's major river. Data collected from 47 unpolluted stream sites were used to estimate average concentrations for naturally occurring constituents during periods of high and low flow. Methods are described for estimating constituent loads derived from both natural sources and sources of pollution. (Woodard-USGS)
Water resources of northeast North Carolina
Several water-related problems are associated with economic development of northeast North Carolina. The solution to these problems depends in part on adequate knowledge of the hydrology of this 8,930 square mile coastal area. Average annual precipitation on the area is about 50 inches. Of this amount, about 34 inches returns to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration, about 15 inches leaves the area as runoff, and about one inch leaves through ground-water outflow. No large stream originates within the area, but major streams entering from the north and west bring in three times as much streamflow as originates within the study area. The flat, low-lying terrane does not offer opportunities for extensive development of surface-water supplies through the use of reservoirs. Much of the surface water is contaminated by saltwater from the ocean. Ground water occurs in three major aquifers, all of which contain both freshwater and saltwater.
Chemical quality of water in streams of North Carolina
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Summary of data on chemical quality of streams of North Carolina, 1943-67
This report summarizes water-quality data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the State of North Carolina during the period 1943-67. Maximum, minimum, and average values are shown for complete analyses of mineral constituents dissolved in water from 177 locations at which samples were collected daily or monthly for at least 1 consecutive year. Maximum and minimum values are given for 460 'miscellaneous and occasional stations' at which two or more chemical analyses were made. Single analyses are shown for 580 additional sampling sites. A total of about 19,000 analyses were used in determining statistical values included in the report. Water in streams of North Carolina is generally of good mineral quality and is acceptable with a minimum amount of treatment for most uses.
Ground-water supply of Cape Hatteras National Seashore recreational area, North Carolina, Part 4
In 1957, the National Park Service requested that the U. S. Geological Survey determine the quality and quantity of available ground water at selected sites within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. A series of reports, Ground-Water Supply of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area" by P. M. Brown (1960), "Ground-Water Supply of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, Part 2" by J. 0. Kimrey (1960), and "Ground -Water Supply of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, Part 3" by W. H. Harris and H. B. Wilder (1964), have been prepared and transmitted to the National Park Service in compliance with their request.
Ground-water supply of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, North Carolina. Part 3
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