Geology topics
Research about Alabama
Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Alabama.
Water resources data, Alabama, water year 1984
Water resources data for the 1984 water year consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; water levels and water quality of ground-water wells; and water quality of precipitation stations. This report contains records for water discharge at 85 gaging stations; stage at 23 gaging stations; stage and contents of 13 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 31 gaging stations, 26 partial-record stations; water levels at 48 observation wells and water quality at 5 wells. Also included are data for 4 crest stage, 6 flood hydrograph partial-record stations, and 3 quality of precipitation stations. Location of these sites are shown on figures 4-8. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not involved in the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. Discharge records for a few pertinent stations in bordering states are also included in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.
Investigation of selected streamflow characteristics of the Alabama River upstream from Selma, Alabama
Available data for floods in the vicinity of Montgomery since the late 1800 's indicate that the flood of 1886 is the highest since settlement of the area in 1814. Profiles for floods in 1948, 1961, 1976, and 1979 were defined using floodmarks and recorded peak stages at gaging stations at Selma and Montgomery. The floods in 1948 and 1961 occurred before construction of Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam (formerly Jones Bluff Lock and Dam and Millers Ferry Lock and Dam). Considerable water-surface differences are indicated between the profiles for periods before and after construction of the dams. The investigation included a step-backwater model to reproduce profiles based on the actual flood profiles. After the actual flood profiles were reproduced, the model was used to compute additional profiles showing the effects of varying tributary inflow. The profiles were computed for discharges ranging from 80,000 ft3/s to 500 ,000 ft3/s. Stage-discharge relations were then developed for five sites upstream from Selma. Discharge coefficient curves for prevalent types of flow over the spillway at Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam were developed using discharges obtained from current-meter measurements and standard discharge equations for flow through gate-controlled spillways. (USGS)
Geochemical survey of the Adams Gap and Shinbone Creek Roadless Areas, Clay County, Alabama
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) made a reconnaissance geochemical survey of the Adams Gap and Shinbone Creek Roadless Areas (fig. 1) to test for unidentified, indistinct, or unexposed mineral deposits that might be recognized by their geochemical halos or patterns formed by the distribution of trace elements. Similar geochemical surveys based on trace element analyses have been credited with the discovery of many types of ore deposits (Rose and others, 1979). No metallic-mineral deposits are reported in the rocks of the study area, and none were found during the reconnaissance geologic mapping. However, in the vicinity of the study area, the same sequence of rocks contains abandoned prospects for manganese, iron, and pyrite. Reports covering the mineral resources of Clay County and vicinity include Brewer (1896) and Adams (1930) on gold, Prouty (1923) on graphite, and Heinrich and Olson (1953) on mica. The mineral resources of the Talladega National Forest were evaluated by Gilbert and Smith (1973). The mineral resource potential of the two roadless areas is detailed in Robinson and others (1983) and an accompanying geologic report is given in Robinson and others (in press).
Water resources data, Alabama water year 1983
Water resources data for the 1983 water year consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report contains records for water discharge at 84 gaging stations; stage only at 23 gaging stations; stage and contents of 12 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 80 gaging stations, 55 partial-record stations; water levels at 53 observation wells and water quality at 48 wells. Also included are data for 5 crest stage and 6 flood hydrograph partial-record stations. Location of these sites are shown on figures 4-7. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not involved in the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. Discharge records for a few pertinent stations in bordering states are also included in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.
Preliminary stage-discharge relations for Tombigbee River at Aliceville lock and dam, near Pickensville, Alabama
The construction of Aliceville lock and dam and other related channel alterations, completed in 1979, has resulted in changes to the stage-discharge relations in the vicinity. The scarcity of current-meter measurements, coupled with backwater conditions, makes definition of a single stage-discharge relation impossible. However, limit curves can be defined that would encompass such a relation. Backwater is defined as water backed up or retarded in its course as compared with water flowing under normal or natural conditions. This results in a rise in stage above normal water level while the discharge remains unaffected. Backwater is usually caused by temporary obstruction(s) to flow downstream. Backwater at Aliceville Dam results from a variety of river conditions. Some of these conditions are large tributary inflow, return of flood plain flows to the main channel during recessions, and operations at Gainesville Dam during low flows. The discharges obtained from 26 current-meter measurements, along with computed discharges through the dam, are plotted versus stage. The plot illustrates, by the scatter of data points, the variations in backwater. Curves are drawn to envelope the extreme plot patterns showing possible ranges of several feet in stage for any given discharge. The upper end of the curves were extrapolated based on the results of a step-backwater analysis.
Water resources data, Alabama, water year 1982
Water resources data for the 1982 water year for Alabama consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels in wells. This report contains discharge records for 85 gaging stations; stage only for 16 gaging stations, stage and contents for 12 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 67 gaging stations and 76 wells, and water levels for 52 observation wells. Also included are 10 crest-stage partial-record stations, 8 flood hydrograph partial-record stations and 91 water-quality partial record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.
Reworked Hantkenina speciments at Little Stave Creek, Alabama
The Eocene-Oligocene boundary in Mississippi and Alabama has been traditionally placed between the Shubuta Member of the Yazoo Formation and the overlying Red Bluff Formation (or its carbonate facies equivalent, the Bumpnose Formation). Consequently, the presence of Eocene planktonic foraminifers in the Red Bluff and Bumpnose has long been attributed to reworking. To test the validity of this hypothesis, samples were collected on both sides of the boundary from the upper "Shubuta" and Bumpnose units at Little Stave Creek, Alabama, and were examined for both calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal content. The calcereous nannofossil assemblage, preserved in the matrix from inside handpicked specimens of Hantkenina from both units, was demonstrably older than the calcareous nannofossil assemblage from the surrounding sediment. Thus, at least some of the Hantkenina specimens in both the "Shubuta" and Bumpnose are indeed reworked, which not only confirms the original hypothesis regarding reworking within the Red Bluff and Bumpnose, but also indicates that the last occurrence of Hantkenina , the "Shubuta"-Bumpnose contact, and the Eocene-Oligocene boundary in the U.S. Gulf Coast may not be equivalent.
Maps showing mines, quarries, oil and gas activity, and sample localities in and near the Sipsey Wilderness and additions, Lawrence and Winston counties, Alabama
The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a field reconnaissance of Sipsey Wilderness in the fall of 1978 and of the roadless areas in the spring and summer of 1979. Mines, quarries, prospects, exposures, and drill sites in and near the study area were examined. Fifty-three samples were collected during the field work; sample localities are shown in figure 3. Analyses and preliminary test results for all limestone, clay and shale, sandstone, and coal samples were reported by Mory and others (1981). Mineral resource potential of the Sipsey Wilderness and additions is reported by Schweinfurth and others (1982). No mining activities are being conducted in the study area at present. Previous mining has been limited to small-scale production of limestone and coal. Two oil and gas test holes have been drilled inside the study area.
Methodology for hydrologic evaluation of a potential surface mine: Loblolly Branch basin, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
Methodology for evaluating premining hydrology and postmining effects of mining and reclamation on the hydrology of an area is presented for a potential mine-permit area of 1,680 acres in the Warrior Coal Field, northwestern Alabama. Information is included on climate, geology, soil-water relations, vegetation, surface water, ground water, and quality of water. Estimation techniques are used to develop data for reconstructed topography, soil-water relations, vegetation cover, peak flows, flow volumes, soil losses, and sediment yields. Streamflow response of the basin is described by the variable-source-area concept; nearly all water moving from slopes flows through coarse-textured soils and unconsolidated sand and gravel deposits that are underlain by an impermeable clay zone. The resultant peak discharges per unit area are small to moderate, and there is very little erosion of slopes or channels. Susceptibility of the soils to compaction by heavy machines and the effects of compaction on soil-water relations are demonstrated. Regression and empirical methods for evaluating streamflow characteristics are compared. Estimates of peak discharges made with four methods are divergent, particularly for recurrence intervals of 2, 5, and 10 years; divergence is less for 25-, 50-, and 100-year discharges. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and sediment-delivery ratios are used to estimate sediment yields for various land and cover conditions from premining until 20 years after reclamation would begin. A premining estimate of sediment yield made with the Universal Soil Loss Equation and a sediment-delivery ratio is about 2.5 times larger than an estimate made with the sediment rating curve-flow duration method. Research and data needs are discussed regarding: (1) An improved understanding of the hydrology of small, very ,permeable, upland basins; (2) alternative methods for estimating streamflow and sediment yield of such basins; (3) field evaluation of permeability and erodibility of soils on reclaimed areas; and (4) better understanding of ground-water hydrology and geochemistry of the coal-bearing Pottsville Formation before and after mining.
Results of a modeling workshop concerning economic and environmental trends and concomitant resource management issues in the Mobile Bay area
During the past decade, the southern regions of the U.S. have experienced rapid change which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Growth in population, industry, and resource development has been attributed to a variety of advantages such as an abundant and inexpensive labor force, a mild climate, and the availability of energy, water, land, and other natural resources. While this growth has many benefits for the region, it also creates the potential for increased air, water, and solid waste pollution, and modification of natural habitats. A workshop was convened to consider the Mobile Bay area as a site-specific case of growth and its environmental consequences in the southern region. The objectives of the modeling workshop were to: (1) identify major factors of economic development as they relate to growth in the area over the immediate and longer term; (2) identify major environmental and resource management issues associated with this expected growth; and (3) identify and characterize the complex interrelationships among economic and environmental factors. This report summarizes the activities and results of a modeling workshop concerning economic growth and concomitant resource management issues in the Mobile Bay area. The workshop was organized around construction of a simulation model representing the relationships between a series of actions and indicators identified by participants. The workshop model had five major components. An Industry Submodel generated scenarios of growth in several industrial and transportation sectors. A Human Population/Economy Submodel calculated human population and economic variables in response to employment opportunities. A Land Use/Air Quality Submodel tabulated changes in land use, shoreline use, and air quality. A Water Submodel calculated indicators of water quality and quantity for fresh surface water, ground water, and Mobile Bay based on discharge information provided by the Industry and Human Population/Economy Submodels. Finally, a Fish Submodel calculated indicators of habitat quality for finfish and shellfish, utilizing information on water quality and wetlands acreage. The workshop was successful in identifying many of the critical interrelations between components of the Mobile area system. Not all of those interactions, such as the feedback of air quality as a limitation on development, could be incorporated into the workshop model because of the model's broad spatial scale and because of uncertainties or data gaps. Thus, the value of the modeling workshop was in the areas outlines below, rather than in the predictive power of the initial model developed at the workshop. First, participants developed a holistic perspective on the interactions which will determine future economic and environmental trends within the Mobile Bay area. Potential environmental consequences and limitations to grown identified at the workshop included: shoreline and water access; water quality of Mobile Bay; finfish and shellfish habitat quality with respect to dissolved oxygen and coliforms; air quality; and acreage of critical wetland habitat. Second, the model's requirements for specific, quantitative information stimulated supporting analyses, such as economic input-output calculations, which provide additional insight into the Mobile Bay area system. Third, the perspective of the Mobile area as an interacting system was developed in an open, cooperative forum which my provide a foundation for conflict resolution based on common understanding. Finally, the identification of model limitations and uncertainties should be useful in guiding the efficient allocation of future research effort.
Model of the ground-water flow system of the Gordo and Eutaw aquifers in west-central Alabama
Hydrologic conditions for a two-aquifer system consisting of the Gordo and Eutaw aquifers of Cretaceous age in west-central Alabama were simulated using a three-dimensional finite difference digital model. The model was calibrated to observed heads in the aquifers using a least squares method for obtaining the values for hydraulic parameters which provided the best fit to 28 calibration points in the model. The standard error of estimate for computed heads in the model is 3.46 feet. Data collected during the period of 1900 to 1970 indicate that the modeled aquifer system is in a steady-state condition. The results of steady-state model simulations show that about 56 percent of the discharge from the system is by upward vertical leakage through confining beds to rivers, about 18 percent is to unregulated flowing wells, 10 percent is to pumped wells, and 16 percent is to boundaries. The areal distribution of water in the aquifer containing chloride concentrations greater than 1,000 mg/L appears to be related to flow patterns in the system. Areas of greatest head loss in the system are those where there is natural discharge and pumpage. More than 80 percent of the head loss in the system can be attributed to natural discharge by upward leakage through the confining beds.
Hydraulic data for Coosa River in vicinity of Walter Bouldin and Jordan Dams near Wetumpka, Alabama
No abstract available.
Analyses and descriptions of geochemical samples, Sipsey Wilderness and additions, Lawrence and Winston counties, Alabama
Semiquantitative emission spectrographic analyses for 31 elements on 271 stream sediments and 53 rock samples from Sipsey Wilderness and additions, Lawrence and Winston Counties, Ala., are reported here in detail. All sample localities are given in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. Brief descriptions of rock samples are also included. Rocks analyzed are mostly sandstone, shale, and limestone. No obviously anomalous values related to mineralized rock are in the data.