Geology topics

Wallace J. Nichols

Publications and source records attributed to Wallace J. Nichols.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2014

Global research priorities to mitigate plastic pollution impacts on marine wildlife

Marine wildlife faces a growing number of threats across the globe, and the survival of many species and populations will be dependent on conservation action. One threat in particular that has emerged over the last 4 decades is the pollution of oceanic and coastal habitats with plastic debris. The increased occurrence of plastics in marine ecosystems mirrors the increased prevalence of plastics in society, and reflects the high durability and persistence of plastics in the environment. In an effort to guide future research and assist mitigation approaches to marine conservation, we have generated a list of 16 priority research questions based on the expert opinions of 26 researchers from around the world, whose research expertise spans several disciplines, and covers each of the world’s oceans and the taxa most at risk from plastic pollution. This paper highlights a growing concern related to threats posed to marine wildlife from microplastics and fragmented debris, the need for data at scales relevant to management, and the urgent need to develop interdisciplinary research and management partnerships to limit the release of plastics into the environment and curb the future impacts of plastic pollution.

Endangered Species Research↗

USGS1984

Phosphorus loading to McGrath and Ellis ponds, Kennebec County, Maine

McGrath and Ellis Ponds in south-central Maine have been identified as having nuisance algae blooms. In 1978, a cooperative study between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Maine Department Environmental Protection was begun to evaluate areas in which restoration effort would best improve water quality of the ponds. Streamflow and phosphorus data were collected from 28 tributaries to the ponds, April 1 through September 30, 1978 and 1979. Phosphorus yields from each tributary watershed were compared to determine their relative importance to the phosphorus budgets of the ponds. Three tributaries to the ponds were estimated to contribute 44 percent of the phosphorus load, yet drain only 22 percent of the watershed. Phosphorus input to the ponds likely would be most easily reduced by instituting phosphorus control practices in parts of the basin drained by the three tributaries. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1978

Quality and movement of ground water in Otter Creek - Dry Creek basin, Cortland County, New York

A steady increase in the chloride and nitrate content of water in a sand and gravel aquifer of glacial origin in the Cortland, N.Y., area prompted a study to obtain data on the extent and source of these constituents. Chloride concentration in the upper part of the aquifer increased generally from 2 mg/liter in 1930 to 20 mg/liter in 1976, and nitrate concentration (as nitrogen) in the upper part of the aquifer increased from 1 mg/liter in 1930 to an average of 4 mg/liter in 1976. Although the ground water is normally very hard, its quality generally meets State standards for source waters used for drinking. Road salting and farming seem to be the primary cause of chloride increases, although septic systems may be a major source locally. Farm-animal waste, sewage systems, and fertilizers are the major contributors of nitrate to ground water. Flow in the aquifer system in the Otter Creek-Dry Creek basin was simulated with a digital-computer model. The model was calibrated by comparing measured water levels in the aquifer with those determined by the model. The major sources of recharge are from precipitation and seepage from losing reaches of the streams. (Woodard-USGS)

New York↗

USGS1972

Map showing flood of June 1972 resulting from tropical storm Agnes, Owasco Inlet at Moravia, New York

In June 1972, tropical storm Agnes caused severe flooding in Pennsylvania and southern New York. The floods on many major streams were the highest known since the river valleys were settled. Maximum discharges were as much as twice the discharge of a 50-year flood. In southern New York, large areas in Corning, Elmira, Wellsville, Salamanca, and in many smaller communities were inundated to depths of several feet. Levels of all of the Finger Lakes were higher than any previously recorded, and extensive flooding of lakeside properties resulted. The extent of flooding shown on the map was delineated by the U.S. Geological Survey by field surveys.

New York↗