Beginner’s guide to understanding, accessing, and retrieving Coastwide Reference Monitoring System data
No abstract available.
Louisiana↗
Geology topics
Research about United States
Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including United States.
Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) demographics and metal(loid) concentrations in egg contents from the Kootenai River basin, Montana nest box colonies
Selenium (Se) levels in water have been increasing in Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River below Libby Dam in Montana due to coal mining in the drainage basin of the Elk River, British Columbia. Aquatic monitoring of Se is ongoing to assess potential effects; however, exposure to terrestrial, aquatic-dependent wildlife has not been investigated. Tree swallows are a targeted receptor for evaluation of potential Se-related effects as this species is a mid-level consumer with aquatic-terrestrial food web linkages, is sensitive to Se, and reliably uses nest boxes. The goals of this project were to identify tree swallow demographics and metal(loid) concentrations to assess potential species and ecosystem-level effects within the Kootenai River basin study area. During 2022 and 2023, a total of 98 nest boxes were monitored across ~ 120 km of shoreline; 60 eggs were collected. Egg metal(loid) concentrations, including Se, were below levels identified to cause reproductive effects in avian species. However, nest box occupancy increased with distance from the US/Canada border ( P < 0.001; R 2 = 0.83), and Se concentrations were significantly higher ( P = 0.014) in 2023 than 2022 (3.2 (3.0–3.4) and 2.8 (2.6–3.1), respectively; geometric mean, 95% CI; mg/kg, dw). With ongoing mining operations in the drainage basin of the Elk River, these results suggest that long-term monitoring of tree swallows will support assessment of spatiotemporal metal(loid) trends. Additional data, including tree swallow foraging patterns, will allow evaluation of differences in nest box occupancy and metal(loid) concentrations in the Kootenai River basin.
Montana↗
Integrated distribution modeling resolves asynchrony between bat population impacts and occupancy trends through latent abundance
Monitoring populations is challenging for cryptic species with seasonal life cycles, where data from multiple field techniques are commonly collected and analyzed as multiple lines of evidence. Data integration can provide comprehensive inferences while improving accuracy, precision, and scope but faces challenges in modeling misaligned resolutions and observational uncertainties. We developed a multi-scale, integrated species distribution model (MS-iSDM) for North American bats to combine data across monitoring types and seasons using joint likelihood methods, observational models with false-negatives and false-positives, and seasonal migratory connectivity. We applied this model to 11 years of data for an imperiled bat species (tricolored bat, Perimyotis subflavus ). Relative abundance and occupancy were linked with multi-scale predictors, revealing clear patterns of population declines, but with important differences in spatial trends (abundance: corresponded with white-nose syndrome impacts, occupancy: at the range periphery) and overall severity (abundance: -74.8%, 95% CRI: -79.7% to -69.3%; occupancy: -35.5%, 95% CRI: -41.1% to -30.2%). The asynchrony between occupancy trends and population impacts was explained as an emergent pattern of spatiotemporal variation in abundance in the integrated distribution model. Compared to multiple lines of evidence, the integrated model provided consensus-estimates, increased precision and spatiotemporal scope, and strengthened evidence of population declines.
Communications Biology↗
Evaluating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) prevalence and potential for biological effects in Lake Superior tributaries
Several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are Great Lakes binational chemicals of mutual concern. Although known to be persistent, data gaps regarding PFAS prevalence and biological effects exist, especially within Lake Superior’s watershed. In this 2022 study of 27 United States tributaries to Lake Superior, water samples were collected during spring runoff, summer baseflow, and fall baseflow, and stream bed-sediment samples were collected during fall. PFAS were detected in 97% of water samples and 59% of sediment samples. Summed PFAS water sample concentrations (33 analytes) were generally low relative to other environmental studies (median = 6.5 ng/L), except at Newton, Miller, and Sargent Creeks (up to 391 ng/L). Maximum water concentrations were from perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS); perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) had the greatest median concentration. PFBA and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were most frequently detected in water samples (>90%). Summed PFAS sediment sample concentrations (33 analytes) were also generally low (median = 19 ng/kg), except at Newton and Muggun Creeks (up to 797 ng/kg). In sediment, PFOS occurred most frequently and had the greatest concentrations. The most contaminated samples came from sites with documented aqueous film forming foam or wastewater contamination; summer baseflow samples exhibited elevated PFAS concentrations. Comparison of observed water concentrations to published and derived water-quality guidelines indicated PFOS and PFHxS pose the greatest potential ecological risks. Observed PFAS mixtures may affect lipid metabolism, growth, thyroid hormones, and survival of aquatic organisms. The observed concentrations and predicted biological effects are likely underestimates of the environmental impact of PFAS. Despite low anthropogenic influence in Lake Superior’s watershed, PFAS were ubiquitous and occurred at potentially harmful concentrations.
Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin↗
Critical minerals in orogenic (gold) and Coeur d’Alene-type mineral systems of the United States
Orogenic and Coeur d’Alene-type mineral systems are produced by metamorphic devolatilization of thick volcanic or siliciclastic sedimentary rock sequences and the focused flow of hydrothermal fluids upwards along crustal-scale faults. Most orogenic systems are found along the Cordilleran orogen, stretching from California northwards into Alaska, whereas most Coeur d’Alene-type systems occur in the Proterozoic Belt Basin in Idaho and Montana. Although the deposit types in these systems are exploited for precious and base metals, potential exists for the production of critical minerals necessary for current (2025) societal needs in the United States. Publicly available geochemical data compiled for these mineral systems, coupled with mineralogical characteristics, indicate that several critical minerals could potentially be recovered from unmined resources and processed mine waste: arsenic, antimony, tellurium, cobalt, and tungsten from orogenic gold deposits and zinc, antimony, arsenic, and manganese from Coeur d’Alene-type systems. These critical minerals reside primarily in arsenopyrite (arsenic), scheelite (tungsten), siderite (manganese), sphalerite (zinc), tetrahedrite (antimony and arsenic), stibnite (antimony), and telluride (tellurium) minerals.
continental United States↗
Spatial patterns and temporal trends in water quality in Idaho’s lower Boise River and its tributaries, 1994–2023
The lower Boise River in southwestern Idaho is a vital cultural, economic, and ecological resource, but some of its beneficial uses are impaired by excess algae, sediment, nutrients, and bacteria. In response, a variety of water quality improvement projects and regulations have been implemented in recent decades. A recent study showed that, from water years 2003 to 2021, concentrations of total phosphorus at the mouth of the Boise River near Parma decreased by 60 percent, indicating the success of the improvement projects and progress towards reaching the regulatory target. However, although the progress of the system as a whole towards reaching the total phosphorus target is well documented, quantifying contributions and trends in total phosphorus loading from individual tributaries and upstream mainstem locations is needed. Similarly, tributary contributions and trends of other constituents of concern are unknown or have not been evaluated in a decade. To evaluate the success of past water-quality improvement efforts and help prioritize future investments, this study characterized spatial and seasonal patterns in concentrations and loads of suspended sediment, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, total nitrogen, nitrate plus nitrite, Escherichia coli bacteria, and periphyton chlorophyll a (chl-a) at three mainstem and seven tributary sites of the lower Boise River during water years 2019–2023. For sites and constituents with adequate data, temporal trends over a 15-year and 30-year period were also evaluated. Recent (in other words, water years 2019–2023) concentrations and loads of suspended sediment and total phosphorus were typically greatest during the irrigation season and often exceeded total maximum daily load targets. However, concentrations and loads of suspended sediment, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate have decreased over the past 15 to 30 years at many sites. In contrast, concentrations of total nitrogen and nitrate plus nitrite showed increasing trends at the Boise River near Parma, likely reflecting the effects of regional changes in agricultural practices in recent decades. Periphyton chl-a concentrations during October–November were highly likely increasing over the 30-year period at Boise River at Eckert, but were uncertain at Middleton and Parma. At Boise River at Middleton, periphyton chl-a concentrations exceeded the total maximum daily load target of 150 milligrams per square meter in 75 percent of samples during water years 2019–2023. Results therefore demonstrate that past watershed improvement efforts have been largely effective at reducing concentrations and loads of suspended sediment, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate in the lower Boise River watershed, but different strategies may be needed to reduce concentrations and loads of total nitrogen, nitrate plus nitrite, Escherichia coli , and periphyton chl-a.
Idaho↗
Spatial and temporal variation in dissolved organic matter in urban streams in metropolitan Boston, Massachusetts (USA)
Urban riverine systems are heterogeneous, and the substantial variability in impervious cover, riparian cover, wetlands, and wastewater and stormwater infrastructure affect sources and transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM), of which dissolved organic C (DOC) is a substantial component. An understanding of the quantity, bioavailability, and timing of DOM inputs (a key energy source for food webs and a component of nutrient cycling) to streams within cities can help to better evaluate drivers of DOM variability. We sampled 100 stream sites in the greater Boston (Massachusetts, USA) area spanning a range of land cover, riparian vegetation, stream size, housing and infrastructure age, and sociodemographic characteristics. Water samples collected during 4 seasonal synoptic events in 2021 and 2022 were analyzed for DOC concentration and DOM characteristics (using fluorescence excitation–emission matrices and absorbance spectra). Temporally, we observed more-autochthonous DOM and lower DOC concentrations in the summer, possibly due to low precipitation and streamflow disconnecting streams from humic wetland and soil C sources. Consistent with other studies, we observed that more-urbanized streams had DOM that was less humic and more autotrophic. Higher wetland cover was associated with more-humic, higher-molecular-weight DOM and was the strongest predictor of DOM characteristics, suggesting that managers should consider the impacts of development on DOM, stream ecological functions, and CO 2 emissions. Interestingly, except during the very dry summer, sites downstream of combined sewer outfalls showed distinctly higher concentrations of protein-like DOM, suggesting the influence of sewage overflows and highlighting the potential for monitoring wastewater contamination using protein-like DOM. Although sociodemographic variables were not strong predictors of DOM composition, we observed a possible association between lower-income areas with less canopy cover and more-autochthonous DOM and between areas with older housing, more canopy cover, and more-humic DOM. These patterns suggest that equitable repair of wastewater infrastructure and restoration of riparian vegetation is needed.
Massachusetts↗
Climate-driven sulfate export in alpine watersheds may stimulate methylmercury production
Climate change is increasing sulfate export and changing wetland extent in mountain regions. These changes may increase microbially mediated production of the neurotoxic substance methylmercury due to enhanced sulfate metabolism in mountain environments. Here, we assess methylmercury concentrations and formation rates across high-elevation wetlands in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We also investigate sulfate controls on methylmercury production within subalpine peatlands by amending soils with sulfate to mimic increased stream export of sulfate from the alpine zone and measuring methylmercury formation rates for different sulfate treatments. We found that subalpine peatlands have statistically significant higher methylmercury concentrations and formation rates compared to alpine, mineral-soil wetlands. Methylmercury production in subalpine peatlands also increased significantly ( p < 0.05) following sulfate additions; the highest rates occurred in sediments with intermediate extractable sulfate concentrations (∼0.60–1.4 mg sulfate g −1 dry soil). Our study is the first to identify soil sulfate-related thresholds for methylmercury production and sulfate-limitation of methylmercury production in subalpine peatlands. These findings highlight important linkages between climate-driven mineral weathering and mercury cycling in mountain regions globally.
Colorado↗
Magmatic volatiles in the Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field: The knowns, the unknowns, and the uncertainties
The Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field has a large magmatic system supplying heat and mass into the overlying hydrothermal system. To interpret changes in the composition and/or emission rates of hydrothermal fluids as possible indicators of volcanic unrest requires discriminating between magmatic, crustal, hydrothermal, and hybrid sources and processes. Significant progress in characterizing the composition and rates of hydrothermal fluid discharge has been made over the past two decades but many uncertainties about sources and processes remain.
Wyoming↗
Restoration of Gavia immer (common loon) in Minnesota—2024 annual report
In cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Geological Survey monitored 98 common loon ( Gavia immer ) focal territories and an additional 37 nonfocal territories in 2024 across 53 study lakes in Minnesota. Focal territories were those territories from which study inferences will be made, whereas nonfocal territories were observed to monitor common loon dynamics in territories adjacent to focal territories. In collaboration with lake associations and private citizens, we deployed 44 artificial nesting platforms within 44 treatment territories, and the remaining 54 focal territories were controls. We completed territorial surveys from April 29 to August 9, 2024, to evaluate occupancy, nest success, and chick survival. We attempted to visit each territory once a week. At least one nest attempt was observed in 41 of 54 control territories. Precisely one nest attempt was observed in 30 control territories, two nest attempts (first attempts failed) were observed in 9 control territories, and three nest attempts (first and second attempts failed) were observed in 2 control territories. At least one nest attempt was observed in 33 of 44 treatment territories. Precisely one nest attempt was observed in 25 treatment territories, two nest attempts (first attempts failed) were observed in 7 treatment territories, and three nest attempts (first and second attempts failed) were observed in 1 treatment territory. In treatment territories, 8 nests were on an artificial nesting platform; the remaining nest locations were natural. Chicks or other evidence of hatching were observed in 26 of 54 (48.1 percent) control territories and 21 of 44 (47.7 percent) treatment territories, with 7 of those successful treatment nests on an artificial nesting platform. This report includes no formal analysis, but we plan to analyze data after collection of all field data in subsequent years.
Minnesota↗
Estimating the magnitude and frequency of floods at ungaged locations on streams in Tennessee through the 2013 water year
To improve estimates of the frequency of annual peak flows for ungaged locations on non-urban, unregulated streams in Tennessee, generalized least-squares multiple linear-regression techniques were used to relate annual peak flows from streamgages operated by the U.S. Geological Survey to physical, climatic, and land-use characteristics of their drainage basins. Geospatial data acquired since the previous study in 2003, annual peak-streamflow data through the 2013 water year, and Bulletin 17C methods for frequency analysis of annual peak-streamflow data were used in the study. Generalized least-squares regression equations were developed for four hydrologic areas with distinct hydrologic, geologic, and topographic characteristics. Drainage area was used as an explanatory variable in equations developed for each hydrologic area. In addition to drainage area, a 2-year recurrence-interval climate factor was used for hydrologic area 1, a 10–85 channel slope was used for hydrologic area 2, and percent imperviousness was used for hydrologic area 4. The regression equations can be used to estimate annual exceedance probability streamflows for ungaged locations on non-urban, unregulated streams in Tennessee. The term “unregulated” indicates that streamflow is not appreciably influenced by regulation from reservoirs or other impoundments. Average standard errors of prediction for the regression equations ranged from 44.4 to 51.4 percent for hydrologic area 1; 30.4 to 42.9 percent for hydrologic area 2; 35.7 to 42.6 percent for hydrologic area 3; and 32.5 to 47.4 percent for hydrologic area 4.
Tennessee↗
Hydrogeologic mapping and three-dimensional geologic modeling of glacial deposits in a multicounty area of southeastern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio
The glacial deposits underlying southeastern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio are a substantial source of water to communities, agriculture, and industry in the region. Previous efforts to characterize aquifer materials in the area cited a need for additional information about the underlying hydrogeologic characteristics and related groundwater availability as well as improved mapping of the extent and properties of the glacial deposits. Recent U.S. Geological Survey multi-State compilations of water-well drilling records have greatly increased access to high-resolution geologic data, particularly in glacial depositional environments. This study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, uses processed data from the State-managed collections of well records to characterize the glacial deposits in the study area using two methods. The first method creates two-dimensional maps of basic hydrogeologic information commonly required for assessments of groundwater availability, including (1) total thickness of glacial deposits, (2) total thickness of coarse-grained deposits, (3) specific-capacity-based transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity, and (4) texture-based estimated equivalent horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The second method builds a hydrogeologic framework of the complex glacial aquifer through construction of a volumetric geologic model by using three-dimensional kriging. Results of the volumetric model indicate that aquifer materials are primarily concentrated in the western parts of the study area near the Indiana-Ohio border. Coarse-grained sediments are also present as surficial deposits in the north of the study area where intermixing glacial advances created complex distributions of unconsolidated deposits. Two-dimensional maps of hydrogeologic properties support the volumetric model, showing thicknesses of coarse-grained deposits that reach up to 250 feet in the western sections of the study area and progressively thin to near absence in the east. Visualization of the aquifer materials with a volumetric model generally shows a highly discontinuous distribution of coarse- and fine-grained materials, with no clearly defined boundaries to delineate the extent of the aquifer. Comparisons of cross sections derived from the volumetric model with existing published maps support previous near-surface hydrogeologic interpretations while filling gaps where data are sparse, particularly in deeper parts of the aquifer. Both the two-dimensional maps and the volumetric model provide data that can directly inform assessments of groundwater availability, in addition to having future applications to studies of groundwater flow and transport.
Indiana, Michigan, Ohio↗
Photographic guide to the leaf litter arthropod community of the lowland wet forest ecosystem of the Island of Hawaiʻi
Leaf litter arthropods are important components of the food web in forests, and their presence and diversity can provide information on forest health. There has been very little documentation of the leaf litter arthropods in Hawaiian forest ecosystems. This technical report is a photographic guide to some common arthropods collected from forest leaf litter at the Liko Nā Pilina Hybrid Ecosystems Project study site, a lowland wet forest in Hilo, Island of Hawaiʻi, USA. Leaf litter samples were collected from plots of invaded and experimental restoration communities using two complementary methods (litterbags and quadrats), and arthropods were extracted using Berlese funnels. The field site contained many morphospecies that were rare and locally distributed across plots, and only a few that were very common and widely distributed. The majority of the morphospecies identified were mites. This photoguide is designed to help identify arthropods found in plant litter in Hawaiian lowland forests and it may assist with research and education efforts concerned with the diversity, ecology, or conservation of litter arthropods across the Hawaiian archipelago and other Pacific islands.
Hawaii↗
First evidence of natural reproduction and recruitment of reintroduced Lake Sturgeon in the Coosa River, Georgia
Objective Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fluences became extirpated from the Coosa River system in Georgia and Alabama during the 1970s. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources began stocking hatchery-raised Lake Sturgeon in 2002 with the goal of reestablishing a self-sustaining population. Stocking lapsed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed an opportunity to assess natural recruitment to the reintroduced population. Methods We conducted trammel-net surveys during May–August in 2022 and 2023 and removed a pectoral fin spine section from all captured individuals. We compared the fin spine sections of suspected naturally hatched juveniles with those from known-age, hatchery-raised juveniles to confirm our age estimates. Results We captured one age-2 juvenile Lake Sturgeon in 2022 and eight age-3 juveniles in 2023. This indicates the presence of natural recruitment due to the absence of stocking of hatchery individuals in 2020. Conclusions Documenting individuals of a year-class that was not created by hatchery-raised juveniles provides the first evidence that offspring of early reintroduced Lake Sturgeon are being recruited into the reintroduced population in the Coosa River, Georgia.
Alabama, Georgia↗
Distribution, abundance, and breeding activities of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus) at select locations on the San Luis Rey River, San Diego County, California—2024 data summary
We surveyed for Southwestern Willow Flycatchers ( Empidonax traillii extimus ; flycatcher) at select locations along the San Luis Rey River, including along the middle San Luis Rey River near Bonsall and the upper San Luis Rey River near Santa Ysabel, California, in 2024. Surveys were completed at six locations: two along the middle San Luis Rey River (Bonsall [BO] and Rincon), which were last surveyed in 2021, and four along the upper San Luis Rey River, including three downstream from Lake Henshaw that have been surveyed annually since 2015 (Rey River Ranch, Cleveland National Forest [CNF] , Vista Irrigation District [VID] ), and one upstream at VID Lake Henshaw (VLH) that has been surveyed annually since 2018. There were a minimum of 47 territorial flycatchers (26 male, 21 female) detected at 1 location (VLH) and 6 transient flycatchers of unknown subspecies detected at 3 locations (BO, CNF, and VLH). In total, 30 territories were established, containing 21 pairs and 9 flycatchers of undetermined breeding status. Of the 21 pairs, 13 pairs were monogamous (1 male and 1 female), and 8 pairs were polygynous (1 male paired with more than 1 female). No territorial flycatchers were detected downstream from Lake Henshaw or along the middle San Luis Rey River. Brown-headed Cowbirds ( Molothrus ater ; cowbird) were detected at all six survey locations. No banded flycatchers were detected during surveys. Flycatchers used four habitat types in the survey area: (1) mixed willow riparian, (2) willow-cottonwood, (3) willow-oak, and (4) willow-sycamore. Of the flycatcher locations, 86 percent were in habitat characterized as mixed willow riparian, and 97 percent were in habitat with greater than 95-percent native plant cover. We monitored flycatcher nests at VLH to collect baseline data on nest success, productivity, and parasitism rate. There were 22 nests monitored in 13 territories; 9 were successful. Of the 13 failed nests, 8 were depredated, 3 failed for unknown reasons, and 2 failed because of cowbird parasitism. We confirmed 26 juvenile flycatchers in 2024, which included 22 from monitored nests, and an additional 4 juveniles detected in unmonitored territories. Based on 19 nests in which the contents were observed during the egg stage, 16 percent of nests in 2024 were parasitized.
California↗
Reproductive output of the rare plant Arctomecon californica does not appear to be limited by its floral visitor community
The majority of plants rely on animal-mediated pollination for reproduction. Reductions in pollinator visitations can lead to pollen limitation and declines in seed production. Arctomecon californica, the Las Vegas bearpoppy, is a rare plant native to the northeastern Mojave Desert. It is pollinator dependent for reproduction as it is self-incompatible, but associated pollinator populations can fluctuate greatly year to year. We therefore investigated if the reproductive output of A. californica is reduced in a year with lower pollinator visitation (2022) compared to a year when visitors were more abundant (2023). We documented the visiting bee community across both years and compared rates of A. californica seed fertilization and development across populations and between the two years. We collected and identified bees from 18 genera visiting A. californica flowers over the two years, with significant differences in the bee communities between years. There were significantly fewer overall bee visits to A. californica flowers in 2022 compared to 2023, but we found no impact on reproductive output, with overall high rates of seed production in both years.
Nevada↗
Denning black bear response to anthropogenic disturbance and implications for cub survival in Florida
Wildlife research and management can be disruptive to wildlife. By advancing our understanding of the impacts of these activities, we can reduce adverse effects, improve decision-making, and enhance the outcomes of research and management. During 2017–2019, we observed the responses of denning female American black bears ( Ursus americanus ) to 3 types of routine research and management activities in Florida, USA: (1) a low-level, nonintrusive human approach near the natal den ( n H 44); (2) a high-level, intrusive human approach involving cub handling ( n H 42); and (3) a prescribed burn within 1 km of the den during the denning season ( n H 11). We measured responses (flight distance, time away, and postdisturbance denning behavior) using Global Positioning System collars programmed to record a location every 2 hours. We observed minimal response from bears to low-level human disturbances. In contrast, all bears fled after high-level human disturbances, with responses ranging from staying nearby throughout the disturbance and quickly returning to cubs, to fleeing several kilometers and abandoning cubs. On average, bears fled approximately 380 m from the den and returned to their cubs 7 hours postdisturbance. After returning, most bears relocated their cubs to a new den site, on average 125 m away. Responses to prescribed fire ranged from no measurable response and no den relocation to den site abandonment with cub mortality. Through generalized linear modeling, we found that adult female time away was positively associated with cub age. We found that annual cub survival was negatively associated with fire exposure in the den and with continued denning at a disturbed den site following high-level disturbance. In areas where bears are easily displaced from dens, these results provide insights that may improve bear research and habitat management decisions.
Florida↗