Geology topics

N. E. Driver

Publications and source records attributed to N. E. Driver.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2007

Nationwide regression models for predicting urban runoff water quality at unmonitored sites

Regression models are presented that can be used to estimate mean loads for chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, dissolved solids, total nitrogen, total ammonia plus nitrogen, total phosphorous, dissolved phosphorous, total copper, total lead, and total zinc at unmonitored sites in urban areas. Explanatory variables include drainage area, imperviousness of drainage basin to infiltration, mean annual rainfall, a land-use indicator variable, and mean minimum January temperature. Model parameters are estimated by a generalized-least-squares regression method that accounts for cross correlation and differences in reliability of sample estimates between sites. The regression models account for 20 to 65 percent of the total variation in observed loads.

Water Resources Bulletin↗

USGS1999

Distribution of trace elements in streambed sediment associated with mining activities in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Colorado, USA, 1995-96

Streambed-sediment samples were collected in the Southern Rocky Mountains physiographic province in the Upper Colorado River Basin in Colorado to characterize the occurrence and distribution of trace elements in mined and nonmined areas of the basin. During October 1995 and September 1996, streambed sediment was collected at 37 sites, and the samples were analyzed for trace elements. The ranges in concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn at mining sites generally were orders of magnitude higher than the ranges of concentrations at nonmining sites. Sampling sites located in two predominant rock types in mining areas were not significantly different (p > 0.05) for concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. Cu was significantly different (p < 0.05) between sites in the two predominant rock types. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between main-stem sites and tributary sites. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn exceeded established guidelines for adverse effects on aquatic biota at some sites in the study area. The patterns in concentrations of Cd and Zn, Cd and Pb, and Pb and Zn were highly correlated to one another in this study. Concentrations of trace elements in the <63-??m fraction were higher than in the total particle-size fraction analysis. Comparison of reference sites to sites affected by a mine source indicated that trace- element concentrations initially increased downstream of the source and then gradually decreased in concentration with distance from the source.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗

USGS1989

Regression models for estimating urban storm-runoff quality and quantity in the United States

Urban planners and managers need information about the local quantity of precipitation and the quality and quantity of storm runoff if they are to plan adequately for the effects of storm runoff from urban areas. As result of this need, linear regression models were developed for the estimation of storm-runoff loads and volumes from physical, land-use, and climatic characteristics of urban watersheds throughout the United States. Three statistically different regions were delineated, based on mean annual rainfall, to improve linear regression models. One use of these models is to estimate storm-runoff loads and volumes are gaged and ungaged urban watersheds. The most significant explanatory variables in all linear regression models were total storm rainfall and total contributing drainage area. Impervious area, land-use, and mean annual climatic characteristics were also significant explanatory variables in some linear regression models. Models for dissolved solids, total nitrogen, and total ammonia plus organic nitrogen as nitrogen were the most accurate models for most areas, whereas models for suspended solids were the least accurate. The most accurate models were those for the more arid western United States, and the least accurate were those for areas that had large quantities of mean annual rainfall.

Journal of Hydrology↗

USGS1987

US Geological Survey urban-stormwater data base of constituent storm loads; characteristics of rainfall, runoff, and antecedent conditions; and basin characteristics

A data base which consists of constituent storm loads, characteristics of rainfall, runoff, and antecedent conditions, and basin characteristics measured at most of the stations in the U.S. Geological Survey urban-stormwater data-collection network in metropolitan areas throughout the United States has been compiled. Tables of these constituents storm loads and characteristics are presented in this report. The data base also is available on magnetic tape. The data represent 1,144 storms at 97 stations in 21 metropolitan areas. Storm loads for 18 constituents and 15 characteristics of rainfall, runoff, and antecedent conditions are reported. Twenty-eight selected basin characteristics also are reported, including 11 categories of land use. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1986

Hydrogeology of and potential mining impacts on strippable lignite areas in the Denver Aquifer, east-central Colorado

This study describes the hydrogeology of and potential impacts of mining on strippable lignite areas in the Denver aquifer in the east-central Colorado plains. Strippable lignitic coal seams , 20 to 60 ft thick, are present in the Denver Formation. The Denver aquifer, the saturated part of the Denver Formation, is likely to be affected locally by surface mining of lignite. Transmissivity of the aquifer in the study area ranges from 145 to 1,000 mg/L to the northeast in the study area as, hydraulic head decreases from 6,600 to 5,400 ft. Distance-drawdown curves show the extent of water level drawdown near a dewatered surface mine. After reclamation of the lignite mine pit, flow through the lignite spoil pile may increase the dissolved solids concentrations in the Denver aquifer. This increase could occur, because, as water from rain and overland flow percolates through the newly-exposed rock surfaces in the spoil material, minerals from the overburden can be dissolved in the water, which then joins with water from the aquifer. This increase could locally change streams, springs, and alluvial and bedrock aquifers. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1985

U.S. Geological Survey urban-stormwater data base for 22 metropolitan areas throughout the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey has been collecting urban rainfall, runoff, and water-quality data nationally for several decades. These data have been stored in many data bases and locations. A collective urban-stormwater data base has now been assembled on magnetic tape and contains data from the U.S. Geological Survey 's urban-stormwater program, that includes data from the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program. Stations having simultaneous rainfall, runoff, and water-quality data were selected for the data base. Rigorous quality-assurance procedures were followed to ensure that the data were of good quality. The resultant data base contains information for 723 storms from 99 stations in 22 metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Data for five or more storms are available for about two-thirds of the stations. This data base is available to the public in standardized format on magnetic tape. This publication explains the content and format of the tape. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗