Geology topics

Research about Arkansas, Oklahoma

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Arkansas, Oklahoma.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2026

Constraining the onset of carboniferous cyclicity in the Arkoma Basin of the Midcontinent, North America: Implications for calibrating a globally significant latest Bashkirian transgression

Cyclothems are defined by the repeat juxtaposition of littoral and open marine successions over short stratigraphic distances (meters to 10's of meters) and are interpreted to be driven by glacioeustatic forcing of sea level during the late Paleozoic Ice Age. The concept of cyclothems was defined in the Midcontinent region of the United States. However, correlating the Midcontinent region to other cyclic successions is difficult, which is the result of no geochronologic control for the Midcontinent biostratigraphic framework. We present the first high-resolution U Pb zircon CA-ID-TIMS and feldspar 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age control for the onset of Midcontinent cyclothem deposition in the Arkoma Basin, Arkansas USA. Geochronologic control is obtained from a volcaniclastic unit preserved in the newly recovered Dare Creek #1 core. We integrate these data with biostratigraphic, lithostratigraphic and trace element analyses to investigate the timing, stratigraphic and geochemical response to late Paleozoic climate forcing. The lowermost Atoka Formation is associated with the onset of five high frequency transgressive-regressive cycles, which are defined by nearshore sandstones juxtaposed on top of offshore marine mudstones and are associated with changes in salinity and redox conditions. The Trace Creek Member of the lower Atoka Formation hosts a thick, organic-rich black shale, which defines the last and maximum transgression of the lower Atoka Formation in the Arkoma Basin, in the latest Bashkirian. Base-level records from time equivalent stratigraphic successions from Arrow Canyon, Nevada, U.S.A. and the Donets Basin, Ukraine also record a maximum transgression in the latest Bashkirian. The synchroneity of maximum flooding events from multiple basins which span the low latitudes in the latest Bashkirian support that cyclothem deposition was controlled by allostratigraphic forcing mechanisms, likely glacioeustatic forcing resulting from dynamic glaciation in high-latitude Gondwana.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2025

Regional hydraulic geometry characteristics of stream channels in the Boston Mountains in Arkansas

Many stream-channel infrastructure, habitat enhancement, and restoration projects are undertaken on streams throughout Arkansas by Federal, State, and local agencies as well as by private organizations and businesses with limited data on local geomorphology and streamflow conditions. Equations that relate drainage area above stable stream reaches to the basin characteristics, bankfull streamflow, and the associated channel dimensions can be used to estimate stream conditions. These equations, along with streambed material particle information, provide information that can be used to improve stream-channel projects. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, completed a study to develop these equations for streams in the Boston Mountains in Arkansas. Fourteen U.S. Geological Survey streamgages and stream reaches located in the Boston Mountains were selected for analysis. Geomorphic parameters of streams, including the mean bankfull channel dimensions (cross-sectional area, top width, mean depth, and streamflow), and the contributing drainage areas were investigated. Streambed materials were collected at eight of these sites to develop descriptive statistics of the streambed particle-size distributions and percentages of substrate type. Stream reaches at each study site were classified to Rosgen level II stream type based on the averages of stream-channel metrics collected from site cross sections and profiles. Of the 14 selected Boston Mountain stream reaches, 7 were classified as B-type streams, and 7 were classified as C-type streams. For these streams, the significant differences in measured parameters between stream types were that the B-type streams had greater depth, hydraulic radii, and bar D50 and D85 particle sizes, while C-type streams had greater watershed slopes. Streambed material particle size decreased with mean drainage basin elevation and decreased with increasing entrenchment ratios. Bar sediment size exhibited decreasing size with increasing sinuosity. Regional hydraulic geometry curves were constructed for the streams in the Boston Mountains by plotting measured bankfull geometry dimensions from stable reaches and the associated bankfull streamflow against the contributing drainage area.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2024

Influence of inherited structure on flexural extension in foreland basin systems: Evidence from the northern Arkoma basin and southern Ozark dome, USA

Extensional faults are key components of foreland basin systems. They form within the upper crust in response to flexure of the lithosphere and accommodate subsidence within the foredeep and forebulge depozones. Such faults are excellent proxies for orogenic system evolution and control the distribution of natural resources and hazards. However, the spatiotemporal evolution of flexural extension has not been documented previously at a regional scale, thereby limiting our understanding of underlying geodynamic controls. Here, we resolve late Paleozoic flexural extension in the northern Arkoma basin and southern Ozark dome, USA. We synthesize a large database of previous mapping, existing research, subsurface data, and geophysical data into 3D geologic and 2D kinematic models. Mesh surfaces representing several key horizons from the Carboniferous Period (ca. 335-306 Ma) were constructed. These surfaces were built from oil and gas well tops (n = ∼10,000) and surface geologic map contacts using an advanced kriging method. The mesh surfaces are offset by a complex 3D fault network, allowing detailed analysis of along-strike and down-dip variations in fault displacement. Analysis of the 3D model reveals a regular and repeated fault segmentation pattern wherein E -W striking, left- and foreland-stepping en échelon normal faults are segmented by inherited NE striking basement faults. Maximum vertical separation along the E -W normal faults is generally focused between the inherited NE-trending faults. This suggests that the inherited basement faults delocalized extensional strain during late Paleozoic normal faulting. Maximum vertical separation and fault localization may correlate to areas with high-amplitude positive magnetic anomalies interpreted as Mesoproterozoic granitic rocks. Speculative covariance of magnetic anomalies and fault displacements implies that the relatively strong basement granite concentrated stress, leading to localized faulting within the relatively thin sedimentary cover. Lastly, we show that flexural extension migrated southeast to northwest from the Chesterian-Morrowan (ca. 335-319 Ma) to the Desmoinesian (ca. 306 Ma). The migratory flexural extension may be explained by diachronous loading during Pangean assembly, or by synchronous loading but variable load compensation due to inherent factors.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2021

Modern reporting methods for angler tag-return studies:Trends in data quality, choice of method, and future considerations

Angler tag-return studies are a cornerstone of fisheries research, providing insights into individual movements and estimates of exploitation, among many other applications. However, the data generated from these studies is dependent upon effective communication between anglers and scientists. As technological advances are adopted by anglers, little research has been directed at the potential benefits of incorporating modern tag reporting methods. We tagged stream-dwelling black bass Micropterus spp. and provided anglers a choice of reporting methods (telephone, email, iNaturalist app, or a “mixed-mode” combination thereof). Our objectives were to examine the fate of reported fish, quantify trends in data quality across reporting methods, and explore how geographic location and angler avidity may influence use of reporting methods. Ninety-four percent of tag reports involved the release of the fish with the tag still intact, creating opportunities for longer-term data collection. Telephone was the most commonly used reporting method; however, this method had significantly lower completeness scores (e.g., lack of photographs or specifying fate of fish) and less precise location information than other methods. In contrast, iNaturalist had the highest completeness and most precise location information but was seldom used and had increased lag times in reporting. We found no significant differences in the proportion of reporting methods used across stream locations in our study, and avid anglers appeared to be individualistic in their choice of method. Overall, our study suggests that the adoption of modern reporting methods, like email and smartphone apps, could benefit data collection efforts of angler tag-return studies. Fisheries scientists may wish to consider which reporting methods align with their specific study objectives and with the angling public of a given study area.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2021

Load estimation and trend analysis for nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended sediment in the Eucha-Spavinaw drainage area, northeastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas, 2011–18

Lake Eucha is a source of water for public supply and recreation for the residents of Tulsa and other municipalities in northeastern Oklahoma. Beaty Creek and Spavinaw Creek flow into Lake Eucha and drain about 388 square miles of agricultural and forested land in northeastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas. Beginning in the 1990s, eutrophication of Lake Eucha characterized by excessive algal blooms resulted in taste and odor problems associated with lake water when it is used for public supply. The predominant sources of phosphorus in the Eucha-Spavinaw drainage area were identified by previous investigators as runoff from fertilized agricultural areas (nonpoint sources) and treated effluent from a wastewater-treatment plant (point source). To further evaluate the transport of nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended sediment in the Eucha-Spavinaw drainage area, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the City of Tulsa, estimated the loads and computed temporal trends of these constituents from water-quality and streamflow data collected at five USGS streamgages in the Beaty Creek and Spavinaw Creek subbasins. Estimates and comparisons of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads from the Beaty Creek and Spavinaw Creek subbasins to Lake Eucha during 2011–18 were made by using different types of regression equations. The first type of regression equation is referred to as “daily mean load regression equations” and was developed from water-quality data obtained from periodic water-quality samples and daily mean streamflow data collected at five USGS streamgages. The second type of regression equation is referred to as “instantaneous continuous load regression equations.” In addition to water-quality data obtained from periodic water-quality samples, continuous real-time (every 15 minutes) measurements of physicochemical properties (specific conductance, water temperature, and turbidity), and continuous streamflow data were used to estimate instantaneous continuous loads of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment at two of the same five streamgages where daily mean loads were estimated. The use of these two types of regression equations was documented by previous investigators who estimated loads of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment in the study area by using data collected during 2002–10. The regression equations used to estimate constituent loads that were based on water-quality data obtained from periodic water-quality samples and continuous water-quality and streamflow data (instantaneous continuous load regression equations) better described the temporal variance in constituent loads compared to the regression equations based only on periodic water-quality data and daily mean streamflows (daily mean load regression equations). Estimates computed using instantaneous continuous load regression equations showed that mean annual loads of 1,844,000 pounds of total nitrogen, 150,300 pounds of total phosphorus, and 78,735,000 pounds of suspended sediment were transported into Lake Eucha from the Beaty Creek and Spavinaw Creek subbasins. Most of the estimated mean annual loads from the Beaty Creek and Spavinaw Creek subbasins entered Lake Eucha during runoff conditions, including about 80 percent of total nitrogen, 95 percent of total phosphorus, and 98 percent of suspended sediment. Daily, annual, and mean annual load estimates varied substantially, depending on streamflow conditions and the independent variables used to develop the regression equations. Daily and annual loads estimated from instantaneous continuous load regression equations that included specific conductance, water temperature, turbidity, and streamflow described the variability in the field data better than did loads estimated from daily mean load regression equations that included streamflow, seasonality, and time. Loads estimated from the instantaneous continuous load regression equations generally were greater than those estimated from the daily mean load regression equations. Temporal trends in total nitrogen concentrations showed statistically significant (probability value less than or equal to 0.05) downward trends during both base-flow and runoff conditions at all five USGS streamgages except for the streamgage 07191179 Spavinaw Creek near Cherokee City, Ark. Temporal trends in total phosphorus concentrations were not consistent between streamgages over the study period, showing upward and downward trends throughout the Eucha-Spavinaw drainage area. Total phosphorus concentrations during base-flow and runoff conditions showed statistically significant upward trends at USGS streamgages 07191160 Spavinaw Creek near Maysville, Ark., and 07191222 Beaty Creek near Jay, Okla. Total phosphorus concentrations showed a statistically significant downward trend during base-flow conditions at USGS streamgage 071912213 Spavinaw Creek near Colcord, Okla., and in both base-flow and runoff conditions at USGS streamgage 07191179 Spavinaw Creek near Cherokee City, Ark. Temporal trends in suspended-sediment concentrations were not consistent between streamgages over the study period and were similar to temporal trends in total phosphorus concentrations.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2021

Seasonal diet and habitat use of large, introduced Rainbow Trout in an Ozark Highland stream

Stocking of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss commonly provides seasonal or mitigation fisheries; however, these fish are usually small and ecosystem effects are spatially or temporally limited. Yet agencies receive requests to stock Rainbow Trout in relatively natural settings (i.e., not tailwater or mitigation fisheries), where introductions may have greater ecosystem consequences. The size of introduced fish is an important factor in determining biotic interactions with native species; therefore, our objectives were to assess the seasonal feeding ecology and microhabitat use of large (265–530 mm TL) nonnative Emmerson strain Rainbow Trout in a relatively unaltered, groundwater-influenced, warmwater stream of the Ozark Highlands. Rainbow Trout consumed a variety of prey; however, diets differed between cool (winter and spring) and warm (summer) seasons. Cool-season Rainbow Trout exhibited a mixed feeding strategy, with individual specialization on crayfishes and fishes and generalist feeding on Ephemeroptera and Diptera, but Gastropoda were the dominant prey. Feeding strategy in the warm season switched to individual specialization on numerous prey types. Overall, larger prey resources were important components of Rainbow Trout diets. Piscivory was relatively high in both seasons, and crayfishes were one of the most important prey types across seasons. Selection of coarse substrates and deeper-water microhabitats (>0.95 m) was similar between seasons. Rainbow Trout selected the lowest-velocity microhabitats available during the warm season and moderate velocities in the cool season. Rainbow Trout were five times more likely to be associated with cover in the warm season. Due to their higher temperature tolerance, Emmerson strain Rainbow Trout may persist in Ozark Highland streams, where they disrupt local food webs and occupy habitat otherwise selected by native fish, such as Neosho Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu velox . If native species conservation is a priority for agencies, then caution regarding Rainbow Trout stockings may be warranted.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2019

Coldwater periods in warmwater streams: Microhabitat shifts from autumn to winter by Smallmouth Bass

Seasonal and life stage variation in microhabitat use is an important driver of fish survival and bioenergetics, but knowledge of microhabitat selection during colder periods is generally lacking in warmwater streams. Our objective was to examine changes in microhabitat selection by age‐0 (TL ≤ 85 mm) and age‐1+ (TL > 85 mm) Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu from autumn to winter in streams of the southwest Ozark Highlands ecoregion. We examined microhabitat selection (depth, velocity, substrate, cover, and temperature) during autumn 2017 (Spavinaw Creek) and winter 2018 (Spavinaw and Spring creeks). During autumn and winter, age‐0 fish selected intermediate depths of approximately 1 m, whereas age‐1+ fish selected the deepest available habitat. Water depth selection was similar across seasons for both life stages. Both age‐0 and age‐1+ bass selected areas of zero velocity, increasing substrate size, instream cover, and warmwater patches in autumn. Velocity selection differed between autumn and winter with both life stages showing stronger selection of low velocity patches (0.1–0.3 m/s) during winter. Both life stages shifted to having no substrate selection during winter. Age‐1+ bass were more likely than age‐0 bass to use cover during autumn, but this relationship shifted in winter to the age‐0 cohort increasing their selection of cover and the age‐1+ cohort decreasing their selection. Both age‐0 and age‐1+ bass selected relatively warmer habitats during autumn, but not winter. Collectively, our results highlight both seasonal and life stage variation in Smallmouth Bass microhabitat selection. As our understanding of habitat selection across seasons develops, the management of Smallmouth Bass will undoubtedly improve. Changing environmental conditions over time may influence available habitat as well as the timing of seasonal shifts across a range of spatial and temporal scales, including microhabitat patches.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2019

Peak streamflow and stages at selected streamgages on the Arkansas River in Oklahoma and Arkansas, May to June 2019

As much as 22 inches of rain fell in Oklahoma in May 2019, resulting in historic flooding along the Arkansas River in Oklahoma and Arkansas. The flooding along the Arkansas River and its tributaries that began in May continued into June 2019. Peaks of record were measured at 12 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages on various streams in eastern and northeastern Oklahoma. This report documents the peak streamflows and stages for seven selected streamgages along the Arkansas River in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Most of the flood peaks occurred from May 26 to June 4, 2019. The historic flooding caused homes to fall into the river as a result of bank erosion, forced some towns to be evacuated, and resulted in the highest flood depths in Tulsa, Oklahoma, since 1986. Along the Arkansas River, peak streamflows were recorded at six of the seven selected USGS streamgages, with the seventh streamgage on the Arkansas River having the second highest peak of record at that site since regulation began.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2019

Relations of dissolved-oxygen variability, selected field constituents, and metabolism estimates to land use and nutrients in high-gradient Boston Mountain streams, Arkansas

Continuous monitoring data can be extremely useful for assessing water quality conditions particularly for variables that exhibit dynamic diel swings such as dissolved oxygen. As a means of evaluating dissolved oxygen criteria used by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for assessing this stream class, we compared continuous dissolved oxygen (DO) data collected at five small- to moderate-sized (watersheds 10-100 mi 2 ), high-gradient streams in the Boston Mountains distributed across a land-use and nutrient condition gradient. The current DO criteria employed by ADEQ for Boston Mountains streams >10 mi2 consists of both an exceedance rate and a magnitude, in which, streams may be considered 'impaired' if greater than 10% of DO measurements during a period of record are < 6 mg/L. The 10% exceedance rate, however, is a commonly used “default” value that requires independent testing for different ecoregion stream classifications. Our findings for the five Boston Mountain streams fit a general pattern established for other aquatic systems (e.g. larger streams, low-gradient streams, and lakes) where increasing land-use intensity generally results in increased nutrient concentrations, which can lead to stream eutrophication and increased DO variability. DO concentrations were < 6 mg/L for fewer than 4% of measurements at the two sites identified “a priori” as least disturbed by nutrient and land-use indices, while concentrations at the three sites identified as moderately and most disturbed were < 6 mg/L for 20 to 33% of measurements. These findings demonstrate that the 10% exceedance rate currently employed by ADEQ was effective at identifying various degrees of DO impairment in Boston Mountain streams. Our analysis also demonstrated that continuous pH and specific conductance data and estimates of stream metabolism were helpful for associating DO variability to anthropogenic or natural origins. Considerations that were useful for examining these relationships and evaluating ADEQ’s DO criteria should be applicable to DO studies in other locations where stream and geologic characteristics are like those of the Boston Mountains.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2015

Population connectivity of endangered Ozark big-eared bats ( Corynorhinus townsendii ingens )

The endangered Ozark big-eared bat ( Corynorhinus townsendii ingens ) is restricted to eastern Oklahoma and western and north-central Arkansas, where populations may be susceptible to losses of genetic variation due to patchy distribution of colonies and potentially small effective population sizes. We used mitochondrial D-loop DNA sequences and 15 nuclear microsatellite loci to determine population connectivity among Ozark big-eared bat caves. Assessment of 7 caves revealed a haplotype not detected in a previous study (2002–2003) and gene flow among colonies in eastern Oklahoma. Our data suggest genetic mixing of individuals, which may be occurring at nearby swarming sites in the autumn. Further evidence of limited gene flow between caves in Oklahoma with a cave in Arkansas highlights the importance of including samples from geographically widespread caves to fully understand gene flow in this subspecies. It appears autumn swarming sites and winter hibernacula play an important role in providing opportunities for mating; therefore, we suggest protection of these sites, maternity caves, and surrounding habitat to facilitate gene flow among populations of Ozark big-eared bats.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2015

Observational changes to the natural flow regime in Lee Creek in relation to altered precipitation patterns and its implication for fishes

The natural flow regime is important for structuring streams and their resident ichthyofauna and alterations to this regime can have cascading consequences. We sought to determine if changes in hydrology could be attributed to changes in precipitation in a minimally altered watershed (Lee Creek). The stream flow regime was analyzed using Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) software, and data from a nearby climate station were used to summarize concurrent precipitation patterns. We discovered that Lee Creek hydrology had become flashier (i.e., increased frequency of extreme events of shorter duration) since 1992 coincident with changes in precipitation patterns. Specifically, our results show fewer but more intense rain events within the Lee Creek watershed. Our research provides evidence that climate-induced changes to the natural flow regime are currently underway and additional research on its effects on the fish community is warranted.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2014

Upper Devonian–Mississippian stratigraphic framework of the Arkoma Basin and distribution of potential source-rock facies in the Woodford–Chattanooga and Fayetteville–Caney shale-gas systems

Wireline logs were used to document the stratigraphic framework of Upper Devonian–Mississippian strata in the Arkoma Basin, and maps of high-gamma ray (HGR) log response were used to analyze the spatial distribution of potential source rocks in the Woodford–Chattanooga and Fayetteville–Caney shale-gas systems. The Woodford–Chattanooga shale is a transgressive deposit that accumulated on an arid continental margin influenced by marine upwelling and minimal sediment influx. A broad HGR depocenter along the southwestern margin of the basin includes two areas of higher accommodation containing the thickest HGR concentrations. Basin-wide patterns of HGR likely reflect broad tectonic influence on accommodation. The proportion of chert in the formation increases eastward and southward, likely reflecting latitudinal and bathymetric influence on the accumulation of siliceous ooze. The Lower Mississippian Burlington sequence, which lies between the two shale-gas systems, comprises carbonate ramp and distal shale deposits. Proximal ramp facies form an apron around the southern flank of the Ozark uplift and grade radially basinward into distal facies. An Upper Mississippian succession in the east includes lowstand deposits of the Batesville delta, which onlap the relict Burlington ramp. Basinwide, the succession includes the transgressive Fayetteville–Caney shale overlain by regressive deposits of the proximal Pitkin Limestone and distal upper Fayetteville (Arkansas) and “false” Caney (Oklahoma) shale. The HGR shale is concentrated in an area of intermediate accommodation on the western margin of the Mississippi Embayment and just basinward of the Pitkin Limestone pinchout in Arkansas, and in an area of relatively high accommodation in Oklahoma.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2011

Comparison of load estimation techniques and trend analysis for nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended sediment in the Eucha-Spavinaw Basin, northwestern Arkansas and northeastern Oklahoma, 2002-10

The City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, uses water from Lake Eucha and Spavinaw Lake in the Eucha-Spavinaw basin of northwestern Arkansas and northeastern Oklahoma for public water supply. Increases in algal biomass, which cause taste and odor problems in drinking water produced from the lakes, may be attributable to increases in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the lakes and in streams discharging to the lakes. To evaluate transport of nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended sediment in this basin, loads and temporal trends were evaluated for five streamflow-gaging stations in the Spavinaw and Beaty Creek basins. Two approaches were used to develop regression equations for estimation of loads and yields of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. The first approach used regression equations referred to as daily mean load (DM L ) regressions, developed from water-quality samples and daily mean streamflow data collected from 2002 through 2010 at five streamflow-gaging stations in the basin. This approach was updated to compare loading results with those used in previous investigations. The second approach used regression equations, referred to as instantaneous continuous (INST C ) regressions, developed from continuous measurements of physical water-quality constituents (specific conductance, temperature, and turbidity, and streamflow data) obtained from 2004 through 2010 to estimate loads of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment at two of the streamflow-gaging stations, Spavinaw Creek near Colcord, Okla., and Beaty Creek near Jay, Okla. Daily, annual, and mean annual loads estimated from these two regression methods were compared for the period 2005–10. Based on estimates obtained using DM L regressions, mean annual loads of 1,640,000 pounds of nitrogen, 99,900 pounds of phosphorus, and 116,000,000 pounds of sediment were transported into Lake Eucha from the Spavinaw and Beaty Creek basins. Estimated annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus delivered to Lake Eucha from the Spavinaw and Beaty Creek basins during 2002–10 were 2.5 to 7.8 percent less, respectively, than the loads of those constituents discharged to Lake Eucha from 2002–09, indicating that nitrogen and phosphorus loads in 2010 were less than loads typical for the period 2002–09. Daily, annual, and mean annual load estimates varied substantially, depending on streamflow conditions and the independent variables used to develop regressions. Daily and annual loads estimated from INST C regressions that included turbidity, streamflow, temperature, specific conductance, and seasonality fit better with the field data than loads estimated from DM L regressions that included streamflow, seasonality, and time. Loads estimated from the INST C regression generally were greater than those estimated from the DM L regression. Relative percent differences in the mean annual total nitrogen load estimated by the INST C and DM L regressions were within 2 percent for Spavinaw Creek near Colcord, and Beaty Creek near Jay, Okla. The relative percent difference between the two types of regressions for estimates of mean annual total phosphorus loads at the two streamflow-gaging stations was 27.7 for Spavinaw Creek near Colcord, Okla., and only -2.6 percent for Beaty Creek near Jay, Okla. The relative percent difference between mean annual suspended-sediment loads at the streamflow-gaging stations was -38.6 percent for Spavinaw Creek near Colcord, Okla., and -122.7 percent for Beaty Creek near Jay, Okla. The DM L regression may have substantially underestimated phosphorus load at the Spavinaw Creek near Colcord, Okla., streamflow-gaging station in wet years and overestimated sediment load at both streamflow-gaging stations in wet years. Temporal trends in flow-adjusted nitrate-nitrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment concentrations were analyzed for the five streamflow-gaging stations for the period 2001–10. No significant trends were observed for nitrate plus nitrite-nitrogen or total nitrogen concentrations at any streamflow-gaging station. There were significant upward trends in phosphorus concentrations in water samples collected during base-flow conditions at the Spavinaw Creek near Maysville, Okla., streamflow-gaging station and during runoff conditions for the Beaty Creek near Jay, Okla., streamflow-gaging station (3.5 to 4.2 percent per year). There were significant downward trends in phosphorus concentrations in base-flow and runoff samples collected at the Spavinaw Creek near Cherokee City, Sycamore, and Colcord, Okla., streamflow-gaging stations (-4.9 to -12.9 percent per year). There were significant downward trends in suspended-sediment concentration at the Spavinaw Creek near Maysville, and Sycamore, Okla., and the Beaty Creek near Jay, Okla., streamflow-gaging stations (-1.5 to -1.8 percent per year). No significant trends were detected in suspended-sediment concentration for the Spavinaw Creek near Cherokee City, and Colcord, Okla., streamflow-gaging stations. Possible causes for downward trends in phosphorus concentrations include decreases in phosphorus discharges from a wastewater-treatment plant upstream from the Spavinaw Creek near Cherokee City, Okla., streamflow-gaging station, and implementation of best management practices in the basin. Downward trends in sediment concentrations may be related to effects of best management practices in the basin.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2010

A comparison of algal, macroinvertebrate, and fish assemblage indices for assessing low-level nutrient enrichment in wadeable Ozark streams

Biotic indices for algae, macroinvertebrates, and fish assemblages can be effective for monitoring stream enrichment, but little is known regarding the value of the three assemblages for detecting perturbance as a consequence of low-level nutrient enrichment. In the summer of 2006, we collected nutrient and biotic samples from 30 wadeable Ozark streams that spanned a nutrient-concentration gradient from reference to moderately enriched conditions. Seventy-three algal metrics, 62 macroinvertebrate metrics, and 60 fish metrics were evaluated for each of the three biotic indices. After a group of candidate metrics had been identified with multivariate analysis, correlation procedures and scatter plots were used to identify the four metrics having strongest relations to a nutrient index calculated from log transformed and normalized total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations. The four metrics selected for each of the three biotic indices were: algae—the relative abundance of most tolerant diatoms, the combined relative abundance of three species of Cymbella , mesosaprobic algae percent taxa richness, and the relative abundance of diatoms that are obligate nitrogen heterotrophs; macroinvertebrate—the relative abundance of intolerant organisms, Baetidae relative abundance, moderately tolerant taxa richness, and insect biomass; fish—herbivore and detritivore taxa richness, pool species relative abundance, fish catch per unit effort, and black bass ( Micropterus spp.) relative abundance. All three biotic indices were negatively correlated to nutrient concentrations but the algal index had a higher correlation (rho = −0.89) than did the macroinvertebrate and fish indices (rho = −0.63 and −0.58, respectively). Biotic index scores were lowest and nutrient concentrations were highest for streams with basins having the highest poultry and cattle production. Because of the availability of litter for fertilizer and associated increases in grass and hay production, cattle feeding capacity increases with poultry production. Studies are needed that address the synergistic effect of poultry and cattle production on Ozark streams in high production areas before ecological risks can be adequately addressed.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2009

Summary of surface-water quality data from the Illinois River Basin in Northeast Oklahoma, 1970-2007

The quality of streams in the Illinois River Basin of northeastern Oklahoma is potentially threatened by increased quantities of wastes discharged from increasing human populations, grazing of about 160,000 cattle, and confined animal feeding operations raising about 20 million chickens. Increasing numbers of humans and livestock in the basin contribute nutrients and bacteria to surface water and groundwater, causing greater than the typical concentrations of those constituents for this region. Consequences of increasing contributions of these substances can include increased algal growth (eutrophication) in streams and lakes; impairment of habitat for native aquatic animals, including desirable game fish species; impairment of drinking-water quality by sediments, turbidity, taste-and-odor causing chemicals, toxic algal compounds, and bacteria; and reduction in the aesthetic quality of the streams. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, prepared this report to summarize the surface-water-quality data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey at five long-term surface-water-quality monitoring sites. The data summarized include major ions, nutrients, sediment, and fecal-indicator bacteria from the Illinois River Basin in Oklahoma for 1970 through 2007. General water chemistry, concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, chlorophyll-a (an indicator of algal biomass), fecal-indicator bacteria counts, and sediment concentrations were similar among the five long-term monitoring sites in the Illinois River Basin in northeast Oklahoma. Most water samples were phosphorus-limited, meaning that they contained a smaller proportion of phosphorus, relative to nitrogen, than typically occurs in algal tissues. Greater degrees of nitrogen limitation occurred at three of the five sites which were sampled back to the 1970s, probably due to use of detergents containing greater concentrations of phosphorus than in subsequent periods. Concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment, and counts of bacteria generally increased with streamflow at the five sites, probably due to runoff from the land surface and re-suspension of streambed sediments. Phosphorus concentrations typically exceeded the Oklahoma standard of 0.037 milligrams per liter for Scenic Rivers. Concentrations of chlorophyll-a in phytoplankton in water samples collected at the five sites were not well correlated with streamflow, nor to concentrations of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, probably because much of the algae growing in these streams are periphyton attached to streambed cobbles and other debris, rather than phytoplankton in the water column. Sediment concentrations correlated with phosphorus concentrations in water samples collected at the sites, probably due to sorption of phosphorus to soil particles and streambed sediments and runoff of soils and animal wastes at the land surface and resuspension of streambed sediments and phosphorus during wet, high-flow periods. Fecal coliform bacteria counts at the five sites sometimes exceeded the Oklahoma Primary Body Contact Standard of 400 colonies per 100 milliliters when streamflows were greater than 1000 cubic feet per second. Ultimately, Lake Tenkiller, an important ecological and economic resource for the region, receives the compounds that runoff the land surface or seep to local streams from groundwater in the basin. Because of eutrophication from increased nutrient loading, Lake Tenkiller is listed for impairment by diminished dissolved oxygen concentrations, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a by the State of Oklahoma in evaluation of surface-water quality required by section 303d of the Clean Water Act. Stored phosphorus in soils and streambed and lakebed sediments may continue to provide phosphorus to local streams and lakes for decades to come. Steps are being made to reduce local sources of phosphorus, including upgrades in capacity and effective

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2008

Nutrient concentrations, loads, and yields in the Eucha-Spavinaw Basin, Arkansas and Oklahoma, 2002-2006

The City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, uses Lake Eucha and Spavinaw Lake in the Eucha-Spavinaw basin in northwestern Arkansas and northeastern Oklahoma for public water supply. Taste and odor problems in the water attributable to blue-green algae have increased in frequency. Changes in the algae community in the lakes may be attributable to increases in nutrient levels in the lakes, and in the waters feeding the lakes. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Tulsa, investigated and summarized nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and provided estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus loads, yields, and flow-weighted concentrations in the Eucha-Spavinaw basin for three 3-year periods—2002–2004, 2003–2005, and 2004–2006, to update a previous report that used data from water-quality samples for a 3-year period from January 2002 through December 2004. This report provides information needed to advance knowledge of the regional hydrologic system and understanding of hydrologic processes, and provides hydrologic data and results useful to multiple agencies for interstate agreements. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were significantly greater in runoff samples than in base-flow samples for all three periods at Spavinaw Creek near Maysville, Arkansas; Spavinaw Creek near Colcord, Oklahoma, and Beaty Creek near Jay, Oklahoma. Runoff concentrations were not significantly greater than base-flow concentrations at Spavinaw Creek near Cherokee, Arkansas; and Spavinaw Creek near Sycamore, Oklahoma except for phosphorus during 2003–2005. Nitrogen concentrations in base-flow samples significantly increased downstream in Spavinaw Creek from the Maysville to Sycamore stations then significantly decreased from the Sycamore to the Colcord stations for all three periods. Nitrogen in base-flow samples from Beaty Creek was significantly less than in samples from Spavinaw Creek. Phosphorus concentrations in base-flow samples significantly increased from the Maysville to Cherokee stations in Spavinaw Creek for all three periods, probably because of a wastewater-treatment plant point source between those stations, and then significantly decreased downstream from the Cherokee to Colcord stations. Phosphorus in base-flow samples from Beaty Creek was significantly less than phosphorus in base-flow samples from Spavinaw Creek downstream from the Maysville station. Nitrogen concentrations in runoff samples were not significantly different among the stations on Spavinaw Creek for most of the three periods, except during 2003–2005 when runoff samples at the Colcord station were less than at the Sycamore station; however, the concentrations at Beaty Creek were significantly less than at all other stations. Phosphorus concentrations in runoff samples were not significantly different among the three downstream stations on Spavinaw Creek and were significantly different at the Maysville station on Spavinaw Creek and the Beaty Creek station, only during 2004–2006. Phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations in runoff samples from all stations generally increased with increasing streamflow.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS2003

Phosphorus concentrations, loads, and yields in the Illinois River Basin, Arkansas and Oklahoma, 1997-2001

The Illinois River and tributaries, Flint Creek and the Baron Fork, are designated scenic rivers in Oklahoma. Recent phosphorus increases in streams in the basin have resulted in the growth of excess algae, which have limited the aesthetic benefits of water bodies in the basin, especially the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has established a standard for total phosphorus not to exceed the 30- day geometric mean concentration of 0.037 milligram per liter in Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. Data from water-quality samples from 1997 to 2001 were used to summarize phosphorus concentrations and estimate phosphorus loads, yields, and flowweighted concentrations in the Illinois River basin. Phosphorus concentrations in the Illinois River basin generally were significantly greater in runoff-event samples than in base-flow samples. Phosphorus concentrations generally decreased with increasing base flow, from dilution, and increased with runoff, possibly because of phosphorus resuspension, stream bank erosion, and the addition of phosphorus from nonpoint sources. Estimated mean annual phosphorus loads were greater at the Illinois River stations than at Flint Creek and the Baron Fork. Loads appeared to generally increase with time during 1997-2001 at all stations, but this increase might be partly attributable to the beginning of runoff-event sampling in the basin in July 1999. Base-flow loads at stations on the Illinois River were about 10 times greater than those on the Baron Fork and 5 times greater than those on Flint Creek. Runoff components of the annual total phosphorus load ranged from 58.7 to 96.8 percent from 1997-2001. Base-flow and runoff loads were generally greatest in spring (March through May) or summer (June through August), and were least in fall (September through November). Total yields of phosphorus ranged from 107 to 797 pounds per year per square mile. Greatest yields were at Flint Creek near Kansas (365 to 797 pounds per year per square mile) and the least yields were at Baron Fork at Eldon (107 to 440 pounds per year per square mile). Estimated mean flow-weighted concentrations were more than 10 times greater than the median and were consistently greater than the 75th percentile of flow-weighted phosphorus concentrations in samples collected at relatively undeveloped basins of the United States (0.022 milligram per liter and 0.037 milligram per liter, respectively). In addition, flow-weighted phosphorus concentrations in 1999-2001 at all Illinois River stations and at Flint Creek near Kansas were equal to or greater than the 75th percentile of all National Water-Quality Assessment program stations in the United States (0.29 milligram per liter). The annual average phosphorus load entering Lake Tenkiller was about 577,000 pounds per year, and more than 86 percent of the load was transported to the lake by runoff.The Illinois River and tributaries, Flint Creek and the Baron Fork, are designated scenic rivers in Oklahoma. Recent phosphorus increases in streams in the basin have resulted in the growth of excess algae, which have limited the aesthetic benefits of water bodies in the basin, especially the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has established a standard for total phosphorus not to exceed the 30- day geometric mean concentration of 0.037 milligram per liter in Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. Data from water-quality samples from 1997 to 2001 were used to summarize phosphorus concentrations and estimate phosphorus loads, yields, and flowweighted concentrations in the Illinois River basin. Phosphorus concentrations in the Illinois River basin generally were significantly greater in runoff-event samples than in base-flow samples. Phosphorus concentrations generally decreased with increasing base flow, from dilution, and increased with runoff, possibly because of phosphorus resuspension, stream bank erosion, and the addition of phosphorus

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS1993

Rotational reflectance properties of Arkoma Basin dispersed vitrinite: Insights for understanding reflectance populations in high thermal maturity regions

Analysis and interpretation of dispersed vitrinite reflectance data in regions of high thermal maturity (> 2% vitrinite reflectance) have been equivocal partly because of an increase in width and complexity of reflectance histograms with increasing mean reflectance. Such complexity is illustrated by random reflectance ( R ran ) data from the Arkoma Basin that display a linear increase in standard deviation of R ran with an increase in mean R ran from 1 to 5%. Evaluating how much of the dispersion in these data is the result of vitrinite anisotropy and how much is the result of mixing of kerogen populations by sedimentary processes and/or sampling procedures has been problematic. Automated collection of reflectance data during polarizer rotation provides preliminary data for solution of this problem. Rotational reflectance data collected from a subset of Arkoma Basin samples reveal positive, linear relationships among maximum ( R ′ max ), random ( R ran ), rotational ( R rot ), and minimum ( R ′ min ) reflectance, as well as a systematic increase in bireflectance ( R ′ max – R ′ min ) with increasing reflectance. R ′ max and R rot display lower standard deviations and narrower, more nearly unimodal histograms than R ran and R ′ min , suggesting that R ′ max and R rot are superior (less ambiguous) indices of thermal maturity. These data patterns are inferred to be mostly an indication of increasing vitrinite anisotropy with increasing thermal maturity, suggesting that the linear covariance observed between mean R ran and standard deviation in dispersed organic data sets from regions of high thermal maturity may be explained mostly as the result of increasing vitrinite anisotropy with increasing thermal maturity.

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗