Results for “Working Group Report” — Page 14

USGS1955

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory record book 1955

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) record books are annual journals in which field observations of eruptive activity at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, on the Island of Hawaiʻi, were compiled by HVO staff for most years from 1912 through early 1966. In addition to descriptive observations, the record books also contain hundreds of annotated photographs and sketches, as well as temperature and transit measurements. When photographs are included, the camera settings and film types used are noted. The field notes, sketches, and photographs used to compile the record books provide an unparalleled record of eruptive activity and were the basis for published newspaper reports and periodic bulletins, such as the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory bulletins and The volcano letter . HVO staff also painstakingly prepared a second copy of each early record book, virtually identical to the original, complete with photographs and sketches. The original version of the record book was kept at HVO, while the duplicate went to the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which was created by a group of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, businessmen to promote HVO’s work. The Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which dissolved decades ago, held the duplicate books in Honolulu, where they were more readily accessible to the public. After 1923, HVO stopped duplicating the books—at least, no duplicate records for subsequent years have been found. During the decade of the 1940s, preparation of the record books stopped altogether. In 1952, compilation of the record books resumed and continued, with long gaps, until early 1966. Entries in these later volumes are sparse, and these books are little more than photo albums of the episodic eruptions of Kīlauea. The original record books were held at HVO and, later, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. In 1972, the original record books for the years 1912 through 1939 were transferred to the Bishop Museum, in Honolulu, for safekeeping. These record books are now stored in archival boxes at that institution (accession number 172.265). The duplicate set of record books held by the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association were bound into volumes at an unknown date and turned over to the U.S. Geological Survey. This set of record books, spanning 1912 through 1923, is now housed in the rare book room of the U.S. Geological Survey Library in Reston, Virginia (catalog number 220(950) H3d). The record books for 1952 through early 1966 remain in storage at HVO. After 1955, typed annotations were no longer placed in the record books, and only photographs, most with captions, were included. Although the volumes titled “Record Book” end with the 1955 volume, the photograph albums that followed are similar, and the record book designation is retained for simplicity. Note that the photographs in these albums were not all originally arranged in chronological order.

Hawaii↗

USGS1966

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory record book 1960, 1965, and 1966

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) record books are annual journals in which field observations of eruptive activity at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, on the Island of Hawaiʻi, were compiled by HVO staff for most years from 1912 through early 1966. In addition to descriptive observations, the record books also contain hundreds of annotated photographs and sketches, as well as temperature and transit measurements. When photographs are included, the camera settings and film types used are noted. The field notes, sketches, and photographs used to compile the record books provide an unparalleled record of eruptive activity and were the basis for published newspaper reports and periodic bulletins, such as the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory bulletins and The volcano letter . HVO staff also painstakingly prepared a second copy of each early record book, virtually identical to the original, complete with photographs and sketches. The original version of the record book was kept at HVO, while the duplicate went to the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which was created by a group of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, businessmen to promote HVO’s work. The Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which dissolved decades ago, held the duplicate books in Honolulu, where they were more readily accessible to the public. After 1923, HVO stopped duplicating the books—at least, no duplicate records for subsequent years have been found. During the decade of the 1940s, preparation of the record books stopped altogether. In 1952, compilation of the record books resumed and continued, with long gaps, until early 1966. Entries in these later volumes are sparse, and these books are little more than photo albums of the episodic eruptions of Kīlauea. The original record books were held at HVO and, later, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. In 1972, the original record books for the years 1912 through 1939 were transferred to the Bishop Museum, in Honolulu, for safekeeping. These record books are now stored in archival boxes at that institution (accession number 172.265). The duplicate set of record books held by the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association were bound into volumes at an unknown date and turned over to the U.S. Geological Survey. This set of record books, spanning 1912 through 1923, is now housed in the rare book room of the U.S. Geological Survey Library in Reston, Virginia (catalog number 220(950) H3d). The record books for 1952 through early 1966 remain in storage at HVO. After 1955, typed annotations were no longer placed in the record books, and only photographs, most with captions, were included. Although the volumes titled “Record Book” end with the 1955 volume, the photograph albums that followed are similar, and the record book designation is retained for simplicity. Note that the photographs in these albums were not all originally arranged in chronological order.

Hawaii↗

USGS1963

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory record book 1963

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) record books are annual journals in which field observations of eruptive activity at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, on the Island of Hawaiʻi, were compiled by HVO staff for most years from 1912 through early 1966. In addition to descriptive observations, the record books also contain hundreds of annotated photographs and sketches, as well as temperature and transit measurements. When photographs are included, the camera settings and film types used are noted. The field notes, sketches, and photographs used to compile the record books provide an unparalleled record of eruptive activity and were the basis for published newspaper reports and periodic bulletins, such as the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory bulletins and The volcano letter . HVO staff also painstakingly prepared a second copy of each early record book, virtually identical to the original, complete with photographs and sketches. The original version of the record book was kept at HVO, while the duplicate went to the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which was created by a group of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, businessmen to promote HVO’s work. The Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which dissolved decades ago, held the duplicate books in Honolulu, where they were more readily accessible to the public. After 1923, HVO stopped duplicating the books—at least, no duplicate records for subsequent years have been found. During the decade of the 1940s, preparation of the record books stopped altogether. In 1952, compilation of the record books resumed and continued, with long gaps, until early 1966. Entries in these later volumes are sparse, and these books are little more than photo albums of the episodic eruptions of Kīlauea. The original record books were held at HVO and, later, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. In 1972, the original record books for the years 1912 through 1939 were transferred to the Bishop Museum, in Honolulu, for safekeeping. These record books are now stored in archival boxes at that institution (accession number 172.265). The duplicate set of record books held by the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association were bound into volumes at an unknown date and turned over to the U.S. Geological Survey. This set of record books, spanning 1912 through 1923, is now housed in the rare book room of the U.S. Geological Survey Library in Reston, Virginia (catalog number 220(950) H3d). The record books for 1952 through early 1966 remain in storage at HVO. After 1955, typed annotations were no longer placed in the record books, and only photographs, most with captions, were included. Although the volumes titled “Record Book” end with the 1955 volume, the photograph albums that followed are similar, and the record book designation is retained for simplicity. Note that the photographs in these albums were not all originally arranged in chronological order.

Hawaii↗

USGS1965

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory record book 1963, 1964, and 1965

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) record books are annual journals in which field observations of eruptive activity at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, on the Island of Hawaiʻi, were compiled by HVO staff for most years from 1912 through early 1966. In addition to descriptive observations, the record books also contain hundreds of annotated photographs and sketches, as well as temperature and transit measurements. When photographs are included, the camera settings and film types used are noted. The field notes, sketches, and photographs used to compile the record books provide an unparalleled record of eruptive activity and were the basis for published newspaper reports and periodic bulletins, such as the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory bulletins and The volcano letter . HVO staff also painstakingly prepared a second copy of each early record book, virtually identical to the original, complete with photographs and sketches. The original version of the record book was kept at HVO, while the duplicate went to the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which was created by a group of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, businessmen to promote HVO’s work. The Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which dissolved decades ago, held the duplicate books in Honolulu, where they were more readily accessible to the public. After 1923, HVO stopped duplicating the books—at least, no duplicate records for subsequent years have been found. During the decade of the 1940s, preparation of the record books stopped altogether. In 1952, compilation of the record books resumed and continued, with long gaps, until early 1966. Entries in these later volumes are sparse, and these books are little more than photo albums of the episodic eruptions of Kīlauea. The original record books were held at HVO and, later, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. In 1972, the original record books for the years 1912 through 1939 were transferred to the Bishop Museum, in Honolulu, for safekeeping. These record books are now stored in archival boxes at that institution (accession number 172.265). The duplicate set of record books held by the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association were bound into volumes at an unknown date and turned over to the U.S. Geological Survey. This set of record books, spanning 1912 through 1923, is now housed in the rare book room of the U.S. Geological Survey Library in Reston, Virginia (catalog number 220(950) H3d). The record books for 1952 through early 1966 remain in storage at HVO. After 1955, typed annotations were no longer placed in the record books, and only photographs, most with captions, were included. Although the volumes titled “Record Book” end with the 1955 volume, the photograph albums that followed are similar, and the record book designation is retained for simplicity. Note that the photographs in these albums were not all originally arranged in chronological order.

Hawaii↗

USGS1965

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory record book 1965

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) record books are annual journals in which field observations of eruptive activity at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, on the Island of Hawaiʻi, were compiled by HVO staff for most years from 1912 through early 1966. In addition to descriptive observations, the record books also contain hundreds of annotated photographs and sketches, as well as temperature and transit measurements. When photographs are included, the camera settings and film types used are noted. The field notes, sketches, and photographs used to compile the record books provide an unparalleled record of eruptive activity and were the basis for published newspaper reports and periodic bulletins, such as the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory bulletins and The volcano letter . HVO staff also painstakingly prepared a second copy of each early record book, virtually identical to the original, complete with photographs and sketches. The original version of the record book was kept at HVO, while the duplicate went to the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which was created by a group of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, businessmen to promote HVO’s work. The Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, which dissolved decades ago, held the duplicate books in Honolulu, where they were more readily accessible to the public. After 1923, HVO stopped duplicating the books—at least, no duplicate records for subsequent years have been found. During the decade of the 1940s, preparation of the record books stopped altogether. In 1952, compilation of the record books resumed and continued, with long gaps, until early 1966. Entries in these later volumes are sparse, and these books are little more than photo albums of the episodic eruptions of Kīlauea. The original record books were held at HVO and, later, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. In 1972, the original record books for the years 1912 through 1939 were transferred to the Bishop Museum, in Honolulu, for safekeeping. These record books are now stored in archival boxes at that institution (accession number 172.265). The duplicate set of record books held by the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association were bound into volumes at an unknown date and turned over to the U.S. Geological Survey. This set of record books, spanning 1912 through 1923, is now housed in the rare book room of the U.S. Geological Survey Library in Reston, Virginia (catalog number 220(950) H3d). The record books for 1952 through early 1966 remain in storage at HVO. After 1955, typed annotations were no longer placed in the record books, and only photographs, most with captions, were included. Although the volumes titled “Record Book” end with the 1955 volume, the photograph albums that followed are similar, and the record book designation is retained for simplicity. Note that the photographs in these albums were not all originally arranged in chronological order.

Hawaii↗

USGS2015

Southern Salish Sea Habitat Map Series data catalog

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean Water Act, and its overall goal is to restore the environment of the Puget Sound Estuary by 2020. The Southern Salish Sea Mapping Project was funded through the Assistance Program request for proposal process which also supports a large number of coastal-zone- and ocean-management issues, and includes the recommendations of the Marine Protected Areas Work Group to the Washington State Legislature. These recommendations include a Puget Sound and coast-wide marine conservation needs assessment, gap analysis of existing Marine Protected Areas and recommendations for action. Four areas with recently acquired National Ocean Service hydrographic data are included in the Southern Salish Sea Habitat Map Series (fig. 1), each to be published individually as USGS Open File Reports at a scale of 1:40,000. The map products display seafloor geoforms, substrate, and biotopes using the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard. This data catalog contains much of the data used to prepare the SIMs in the Southern Salish Sea Habitat Map Series. Other data that were used to prepare the maps were compiled from previously published sources (for example, sediment samples and seismic reflection profiles) and are not included in this data series.

Washington↗

USGS1958

Records of springs in the Snake River valley, Jerome and Gooding Counties, Idaho, 1899-1947

Many springs and seeps discharge water from the north wall of the valley of the Snake River between Milner and Bliss, Idaho. These are fed by a large ground-water body lying east and north of the river, beneath the Snake River Plain. Much ground water is pumped on the plain, many irrigation wells having been drilled since 1946. Heavy withdrawal of ground water from wells may alter the discharge rates and regimens of the springs and may affect downstream flow of the river. For that reason, the historic record of discharge from the springs is an important part of the basis on which hydrologic changes can be determined. The records also would facilitate appraisal of the total groundwater resources of the Snake River Plain. This report brings together in a single volume all obtainable records for the period 1899-1947. The report also includes descriptive data and a brief history of work done. The springs occur in a 40-mile reach of the valley of the Snake River between Milner Dam and Bliss. Most are on the north side of the river but a few are on the south. The earliest measurements of record were made by F. S. Shirley and N. S. Dils, of the U. S. Geological Survey, in 1899. The next were by J. D. Stannard for the Idaho State Engineer and by Dils in 1902. Few measurements were made from 1903 to 1916. Somewhat more systematic measurements were made by the Geological Survey and by local agencies in 1917-20, 1923-25, and 1931, and at several intervals thereafter. In 1950 the Geological Survey began continuous, systematic measurements by installing and operating gaging stations on four representative springs and by making yearly direct measurements of all large springs. The recent records are not included in this report; they have been published yearly in a series of reports on stream discharge. The report includes lists of all published sources from which data were compiled, and cites many unpublished sources. The principal workers and agencies that have obtained records are listed also. The quality and accuracy of the compiled records, as might be expected, are not uniform, as the records were collected under varying circumstances, by many individuals, and according to changing or differing standards. The continuity is generally poor. Nevertheless, the compilation represents the base from which further work must start and is an extremely valuable record. It represents about 30 large springs and groups of springs, having discharge rates ranging from a fraction of a cubic foot per second to well over 1,000 cfs. Many smaller springs and seeps never have been measured. The fluctuation indexes for individual springs or groups range from 2 to 41 percent. The fluctuation index is the mean deviation of the discharge rate from the arithmetic mean, expressed as a percentage of the arithmetic mean. Although to some extent the indexes are a measure of the consistency of the record, they also seem to reflect actual differences in range of discharge, and they indicate that springs upstream in the Snake River valley fluctuate through a wider range than do those downstream. The fluctuations are rather slow, which reflects the equalizing influence of the large ground-water reservoir that supplies the springs.

Idaho↗

USGS2011

Invasive crayfish in the Pacific Northwest

Invasive species directly threaten freshwater biodiversity, particularly in regions of high aquatic richness like the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Crayfish are among the most impactful of aquatic invasive species. Invasive crayfish are considered ecosystem engineers due to their ability to alter basic wetland properties, such as reducing vegetation and bank integrity and increasing turbidity. In areas where invasion is advanced, crayfish pose major economic and ecological problems. Crayfish have been widely introduced for aquaculture and can become established in a wide range of habitat conditions. They also may be spread by anglers who use them as bait. Several non-native crayfish are established in the PNW, but the extent of their invasion is not well known. At least two groups are known from scattered sites in the PNW, and both have proven problematic for native species in other parts of the world: Red swamp crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) and several members of the genus Orconectes . Both groups are native to areas of the eastern United States. Both are identified globally as invasives of high concern and appear on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's "10 Most Unwanted" and the U.S. Forest Service's "Primary Species of Concern" lists for stream systems in the PNW. Despite the presence of introduced crayfish in the PNW and their high potential for negative effects, the scope of their invasion and effects on aquatic systems are not well known. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), along with local groups and state agencies, is working to clarify crayfish distribution and to outline which basins may not yet be invaded. Other goals are to improve understanding of habitat associations of invasive crayfish and their potential effects on native crayfish.

Pacific Northwest↗

USGS1979

Palladium, platinum, and rhodium concentrations in mafic and ultramafic rocks from the Kizildag and Guleman areas, Turkey, and the Faryab and Esfandagheh-Abdasht areas, Iran

The Kizildag and Guleman areas, Turkey, and the Faryab and Esfandagheh-Abdasht areas, Iran, have produced chromite from ophiolite complexes consisting of harzburgite tectonite, dunite tectonite containing chromitite, pyroxenite, wehrlite, and gabbro. Forty-six samples from these complexes were analyzed in order to investigate the possibility of platinum-group metals being present that could be produced as byproducts. The results, however, indicate concentrations of palladium, platinum, and rhodium ranging up to 46 ppb (parts per billion), 55 ppb, and 24 ppb, respectively. The concentration levels and ratios of these metals are similar to other alpine ultramafic bodies that have been analyzed by modern analytical techniques. Ten samples from massive sulfide deposits in the Gunes and Ergani-Maden areas, Turkey, and the Sheikh Ali mine, Iran, were analyzed also. The results of the analysis suggests a low potential for byproduct palladium, platinum, and rhodium production in these ophiolite-associated massive sulfide deposits. The four ultramafic and mafic areas in Turkey and Iran under consideration have, and are, producing in 1978 chromite from podiform chromitites in alpine-type complexes. Because of the known association of chromitites and platinum-group metals, a collection of chromitites was made to check their palladium, platinum, and rhodium content to determine if economic concentrations might exist. Also, inasmuch as such rocks are thought to represent parts of the oceanic crust and upper mantle, data on platinum-group elements from these rocks can provide information to design geochemical models for the distribution of these elements. During the field excursions of the CENTO Working Group on Volcanic and Intrusive Rocks and Their Associated Ore Deposits, the Kizildag and Gunes areas, Turkey, were sampled in 1974 and the Guleman area, Turkey; Faryab and Esfandagheh-Abdasht areas, Iran, were sampled in 1975. In addition, samples of massive sulfide ores from the Ergani-Maden area, Turkey, were also collected for analysis, and the results included here. In this report the geologic framework of these areas is briefly examined as a background for interpreting the concentrations of palladium, platinum, and rhodium in the chromitites and ultramafic and mafic rocks. Comparisons of these analyses with analyses from other areas containing similar rocks show few differences in concentration or proportions of these three platinum-group metals.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2004

Yellowstone grizzly bear investigations: Annual report of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, 2003

The contents of this Annual Report summarize results of monitoring and research from the 2003 field season. The report also contains a summary of nuisance grizzly bear ( Ursus arctos horribilis ) management actions. The study team continues to work on issues associated with counts of unduplicated females with cubs-of-the-year (COY). These counts are used to establish a minimum population size, which is then used to establish mortality thresholds for the Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 1993). A computer program that defines the rule set used by Knight et al. (1995) to differentiate unique family groups is currently under development. Once complete, we intend to use it to verify the accuracy of the rules using known bears and their telemetry locations in test runs. We hope to have this work complete by summer 2004. The grizzly bear recovery plan (USFWS 1993) established mortality quotas at 4% of the minimum population estimate derived from female with COY data and no more than 30% of the 4% (1.2%) could be female bears. Simulation modeling (Harris 1984) established sustainable mortality at around 6% of the population. We used the latest information on reproduction and survival to estimate population trajectory in the same simulation model originally used by Harris. A Wildlife Monograph has been drafted and submitted for consideration as a publication. We anticipate final word sometime during winter 2005. Our project addressing the potential application of stable isotopes and trace elements to quantify consumption rates of whitebark pine ( Pinus albicaulis ) and cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki ) by grizzly bears was completed. Our manuscript on consumption rates of whitebark pine has been published (Canadian Journal of Zoology 81:763-770). A copy can be found on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) website http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/igbst-home.htm. The manuscript on fish consumption is in final review and should be published in 2004. We began a new study in Grand Teton National Park evaluating habitat use both temporally and spatially between grizzly and black ( Ursus americanus ) bears. We will employ a new form of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology that incorporates a spread spectrum communication system. Spread spectrum allows for transfer of stored GPS locations from the collar to a remote receiving station. We tested 2 collars during the fall of 2003 and provide a summary of the results. We will attempt to deploy several of these collars during the 2004 field season. The annual reports of the IGBST summarize annual data collection. Because additional information can be obtained after publication, data summaries are subject to change. For that reason, data analyses and summaries presented in this report supersede all previously published data. The study area and sampling techniques are reported by Blanchard (1985), Mattson et al. (1991a), and Haroldson et al. (1998).

Montana↗

USGS2021

Assessment of peak flow scaling and Its effect on flood quantile estimation in the United Kingdom

Regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) methods are essential tools to assess flood hazard and plan interventions for its mitigation. They are used to estimate flood quantiles when the at‐site record of streamflow data is not available or limited. One commonly used RFFA method is the index flood method (IFM), which assumes that peak floods satisfy the simple scaling hypothesis. In this work we present an integrated approach to assess the spatial scaling behavior of floods in the United Kingdom (UK) for 540 catchments, where the IFM is currently used operationally. This assessment employs product moments, probability weighted moments, and quantile analysis, and is applied to two different types of “hydrologically homogeneous” UK regions: geographical regions as defined in the Flood Studies Report (NERC, 1975) and pooling‐groups as defined in the updated Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH; Institute of Hydrology, 1999). To understand which variables play a significant role in the flood‐peak generating mechanism, the assessment approach considers scaling not only of drainage area alone but also of other hydro‐geomorphological variables. Results provided by the different methodologies consistently showed that only part (ranging from 30% to 70%) of the peak flow variability is explained by drainage area alone; this fraction increases (up to 80%–95%) when multiple regression is used. Supported by the peak flow spatial scaling assessment, we compared the proposed approach for peak flow quantile estimation with the current FEH method in ungauged catchments. The quantile regression method based on the pooling‐group outperforms the current FEH‐ungauged method, providing a 14% relative improvement in root mean square error over the entire country.

Water Resources Research↗

USGS2020

Western purple martin (Progne subis arboricola) occurrence on the Siuslaw National Forest, Summer 2019

The western subspecies of the purple martin ( Progne subis arboricola ) is currently listed as a “critically” sensitive species in four ecoregions of western Oregon: Coast Range, Klamath Mountains, West Cascades, and Willamette Valley (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2019). Importantly distinct from the abundant and widespread eastern subspecies ( Progne subis subis ), the western subspecies is of particular concern to Federal forest managers. Whereas the eastern subspecies is almost entirely dependent on artificial human-provided housing, the western subspecies continues to rely on natural cavities for nesting habitat (Bettinger, 2003). Accurate estimates of the regional abundance of the western purple martin are difficult to obtain; the most recent statewide census for Oregon, conducted in 2005, estimated the population at 1,100 pairs (Western Purple Martin Working Group, 2010). Several factors, including a small population size, loss of breeding habitat, and reductions in the number of suitable nesting sites have put populations of the western purple martin at risk throughout much of the Pacific Northwest region (Rockwell, 2019).

Oregon↗

USGS2014

Status of study of the frequency and magnitude of floods by the Mississippi Valley Committee of the Public Works Administration in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey

Active work under the recently authorized project relating to floods and their frequencies began in March, and such progress as may be reported at this time is largely that of organization and preliminary planning. One of the outstanding and impressive features of the organization is the provision for cooperative effort, whereby the mature judgment and possibly diverse viewpoints of various committees and consultants may be utilized to the fullest advantage. This arrangement should provide the necessary safeguard against adoption of immature individual views or favorite methods of analysis, to the exclusion of others of equal or greater merit. On the other hand, it is conceivable that too much of the limited time might be consumed in preliminary discussions of basic principles, methods of analysis, and formulas dealing with either magnitude or frequency of floods, if unanimity of opinion among several professional groups must precede the main work under the project authorized. In effect, such a procedure would require a practical and workable solution before the basic data had become available. To avoid such delays, a definite line of procedure has beer, proposed for consideration.

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union↗

USGS2013

An integrated multi-criteria scenario evaluation web tool for participatory land-use planning in urbanized areas: The Ecosystem Portfolio Model

Land-use land-cover change is one of the most important and direct drivers of changes in ecosystem functions and services. Given the complexity of the decision-making, there is a need for Internet-based decision support systems with scenario evaluation capabilities to help planners, resource managers and communities visualize, compare and consider trade-offs among the many values at stake in land use planning. This article presents details on an Ecosystem Portfolio Model (EPM) prototype that integrates ecological, socio-economic information and associated values of relevance to decision-makers and stakeholders. The EPM uses a multi-criteria scenario evaluation framework, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis and spatially-explicit land-use/land-cover change-sensitive models to characterize changes in important land-cover related ecosystem values related to ecosystem services and functions, land parcel prices, and community quality-of-life (QoL) metrics. Parameters in the underlying models can be modified through the interface, allowing users in a facilitated group setting to explore simultaneously issues of scientific uncertainty and divergence in the preferences of stakeholders. One application of the South Florida EPM prototype reported in this article shows the modeled changes (which are significant) in aggregate ecological value, landscape patterns and fragmentation, biodiversity potential and ecological restoration potential for current land uses compared to the 2050 land-use scenario. Ongoing refinements to EPM, and future work especially in regard to modifiable sea level rise scenarios are also discussed.

Environmental Modelling and Software↗

USGS2008

U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, Bowling Green, Kentucky, May 27-29, 2008

*INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS* Karst aquifer systems are present throughout parts of the United States and some of its territories. The complex depositional environments that form carbonate rocks combined with post-depositional tectonic events and the diverse climatic regimes under which these rocks were formed result in unique hydrologic systems. The dissolution of calcium carbonate and the subsequent development of distinct and beautiful landscapes, caverns, and springs have resulted in some karst areas of the United States being designated as national or state parks and commercial caverns. Karst aquifers and landscapes that form in tropical areas, such as the north coast of Puerto Rico, differ greatly from karst areas in more arid climates, such as central Texas or western South Dakota. Many of these public and private lands contain unique flora and fauna associated with the hydrologic systems in these karst areas. As a result, multiple Federal, State, and local agencies have an interest in the study of karst terrains. Carbonate sediments and rocks (limestone and dolomite) are composed of greater than 50 percent carbonate minerals and the predominant carbonate mineral is calcium carbonate or limestone (CaCO3). Unlike terrigenous clastic sedimentation, the depositional processes that produce carbonate rocks are complex, involving both biological and physical processes. These depositional processes impact greatly the development of permeability of the sediments. Carbonate minerals readily dissolve or precipitate depending on the chemistry of the water flowing through the rock, thus the study of both marine and meteoric diagenesis of carbonate sediments is multidisciplinary. Even with a better understanding of the depositional environment and subsequent diagenesis, the dual porosity nature of karst aquifers presents challenges to scientists attempting to study ground-water flow and contaminant transport. Many of the major springs and aquifers in the United States are developed in carbonate rocks and karst areas. These aquifers and the springs that discharge from them, serve as major water-supply sources and as unique biological habitats. Commonly, there is competition for the water resources of karst aquifers, and urban development in karst areas can impact the ecosystem and water quality of these aquifers. The concept for developing a Karst Interest Group evolved from the November 1999 National Ground-Water Meeting of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Water Resources Division. As a result, the Karst Interest Group was formed in 2000. The Karst Interest Group is a loose-knit grass-roots organization of USGS employees devoted to fostering better communication among scientists working on, or interested in, karst hydrology studies. The mission of the Karst Interest Group is to encourage and support interdisciplinary collaboration and technology transfer among USGS scientists working in karst areas. Additionally, the Karst Interest Group encourages cooperative studies between the different disciplines of the USGS and other Department of Interior agencies and university researchers or research institutes. The first Karst Interest Group workshop was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, February 13-16, 2001, in the vicinity of karst features of the Floridan aquifer system. The proceedings of that first meeting, Water-Resources Investigations Report 01-4011 are available online at: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/karst/ The second Karst Interest Group workshop was held August 20-22, 2002, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in close proximity to the carbonate aquifers of the northern Shenandoah Valley. The proceedings of the second workshop were published in Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4174, which is available online at the previously mentioned website. The third workshop of the Karst Interest Group was held September, 12-15, 2005, in Rapid City, South Dakota, which is in close proximity to karst features

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2006

Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Manzanar National Historic Site, California

We conducted a baseline inventory for amphibians and reptiles at Manzanar National Historic Site (MANZ), Inyo County, California, in 2002-3. Objectives for this inventory were to: 1) inventory and document the occurrence of reptile and amphibian species at MANZ, with the goal of documenting at least 90% of the species present; 2) provide one voucher specimen for each species identified; 3) provide a GIS-referenced list of sensitive species that are known to be federally- or state-listed, rare, or worthy of special consideration that occur at MANZ; 4) describe park-wide distribution of federally- or state-listed, rare, or special concern species; 5) enter all species data into the National Park Service NPSpecies database; and 6) provide all deliverables as outlined in the Mojave Network Biological Inventory Study Plan. Survey methods included time-area constrained searches, lizard line transects, general surveys, nighttime road driving, and pitfall trapping. We documented the occurrence of ten reptile species (seven lizards and three snakes), but found no amphibians. Based on our findings, as well as literature review and searches for museum specimen records, we estimate inventory completeness for Manzanar to be 50%. Although the distribution and relative abundance of common lizard species is now known well enough to begin development of a monitoring protocol for that group, additional inventory work is needed in order to establish a baseline of species occurrence of amphibians and snakes at Manzanar. Key Words: amphibians, reptiles, Manzanar National Historic Site, Inyo County, California, Owens Valley, Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, inventory.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2017

U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, San Antonio, Texas, May 16–18, 2017

Introduction and Acknowledgments Karst aquifer systems are present throughout parts of the United States and some of its territories, and have developed in carbonate rocks (primarily limestone and dolomite) and evaporites (gypsum, anhydrite, and halite) that span an interval of time encompassing more than 550 million years. The depositional environments, diagenetic processes, post-depositional tectonic events, and geochemical weathering processes that form karst aquifers are varied and complex. These factors involve biological, chemical, and physical changes that when combined with the diverse climatic regimes in which karst development has taken place, result in the unique dual- or triple-porosity nature of karst aquifers. These complex hydrogeologic systems typically represent challenging and unique conditions to scientists attempting to study groundwater flow and contaminant transport in these terrains. The dissolution of carbonate rocks and the subsequent development of distinct and beautiful landscapes, caverns, and springs have resulted in the most exceptional karst areas being designated as national or state parks. Tens of thousands of similar areas in the United States have been developed into commercial caverns and known privately owned caves. Both public and private properties provide access for scientists to study the flow of groundwater in situ . Likewise, the range and complexity of landforms and groundwater flow systems associated with karst terrains are enormous, perhaps more than for any other aquifer type. Karst aquifers and landscapes that form in tropical areas, such as the cockpit karst along the north coast of Puerto Rico, differ greatly from karst landforms in more arid climates, such as the Edwards Plateau in west-central Texas or the Guadalupe Mountains near Carlsbad, New Mexico, where hypogenic processes have played a major role in speleogenesis. Many of these public and private lands also contain unique flora and fauna associated with these karst hydrogeologic systems. As a result, numerous federal, state, and local agencies have a strong interest in the study of karst terrains. Many of the major springs and aquifers in the United States have developed in carbonate rocks, such as the Floridan aquifer system in Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina; the Ozark Plateaus aquifer system in parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma; and the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system in west-central Texas. These aquifers, and the springs that discharge from them, serve as major water-supply sources and form unique ecological habitats. Competition for the water resources of karst aquifers is common, and urban development and the lack of attenuation of contaminants in karst areas due to dissolution features that form direct pathways into karst aquifers can impact the ecosystem and water quality associated with these aquifers. The concept for developing a platform for interaction among scientists within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) working on karst-related studies evolved from the November 1999 National Groundwater Meeting of the USGS. As a result, the Karst Interest Group (KIG) was formed in 2000. The KIG is a loose-knit, grass-roots organization of USGS and non-USGS scientists and researchers devoted to fostering better communication among scientists working on, or interested in, karst science. The primary mission of the KIG is to encourage and support interdisciplinary collaboration and technology transfer among scientists working in karst areas. Additionally, the KIG encourages collaborative studies between the different mission areas of the USGS as well as with other federal and state agencies, and with researchers from academia and institutes. To accomplish its mission, the KIG has organized a series of workshops that have been held near nationally important karst areas. To date (2017) seven KIG workshops, including the workshop documented in this report, have been held. The workshops typically include oral and poster sessions on selected karst-related topics and research, as well as field trips to local karst areas. To increase non-USGS participation an effort was made for the workshops to be held at a university or institute beginning with the fourth workshop. Proceedings of the workshops are published by the USGS and are available online at the USGS publications warehouse https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/ by using the search term “karst interest group.” The first KIG workshop was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2001, in the vicinity of the large springs and other karst features of the Floridan aquifer system. The second KIG workshop was held in 2002, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in proximity to the carbonate aquifers of the northern Shenandoah Valley, and highlighted an invited presentation on karst literature by the late Barry F. Beck of P.E. LaMoreaux and Associates. The third KIG workshop was held in 2005, in Rapid City, South Dakota, near evaporite karst features in limestones of the Madison Group in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Rapid City KIG workshop included field trips to Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, and featured a presentation by Thomas Casadevall, then USGS Central Region Director, on the status of Earth science at the USGS. The fourth KIG workshop in 2008 was hosted by the Hoffman Environmental Research Institute and Center for Cave and Karst Studies at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, near Mammoth Cave National Park and karst features of the Chester Upland and Pennyroyal Plateau. The workshop featured a late-night field trip into Mammoth Cave led by Rickard Toomey and Rick Olsen, National Park Service. The fifth KIG workshop in 2011 was a joint meeting of the USGS KIG and University of Arkansas HydroDays, hosted by the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The workshop featured an outstanding field trip to the unique karst terrain along the Buffalo National River in the southern Ozarks, and a keynote presentation on paleokarst in the United States was delivered by Art and Peggy Palmer. The sixth KIG workshop was hosted by the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) in 2014, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. George Veni, Director of the NCKRI, served as a co-chair of the workshop with Eve Kuniansky of the USGS. The workshop featured speaker Dr. Penelope Boston, Director of Cave and Karst Studies at New Mexico Tech, Socorro, and Academic Director at the NCKRI, who addressed the future of karst research. The field trip on evaporite karst of the lower Pecos Valley was led by Lewis Land (NCKRI karst hydrologist), and the field trip on the geology of Carlsbad Caverns National Park was led by George Veni. This current seventh KIG workshop is being held in San Antonio at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). This 2017 workshop is being hosted by the Department of Geological Sciences’ Student Geological Society (SGS), and student chapters of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG), with support by the UTSA Department of Geological Sciences and Center for Water Research. The UTSA student chapter presidents, Jose Silvestre (SGS), John Cooper (AAPG), and Tyler Mead (AEG) serve as co-chairs of the 2017 workshop with Eve Kuniansky of the USGS. The technical session committee is chaired by Eve Kuniansky, USGS, and includes Michael Bradley, Tom Byl, Rebecca Lambert, John Lane, and James Kaufmann, all USGS, and Patrick Tucci, retired USGS. The logistics committee includes Amy Clark, Yongli Gao, and Lance Lambert (Department Chair), UTSA Department of Geological Sciences; and Ryan Banta and Allan Clark, USGS, San Antonio, Texas. The field trip committee is chaired by Allan Clark and includes Amy Clark, Yongli Gao, and Keith Muehlestein, UTSA; Marcus Gary, Edwards Aquifer Authority and University of Texas at Austin; Ron Green, Southwest Research Institute; Geary Schindel, Edwards Aquifer Authority; and George Veni, NCKRI. Additionally, two organizations have assisted the UTSA student chapters in hosting the meeting by donating funds to the chapters: the Edwards Aquifer Authority, San Antonio, Texas, and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Authority, Austin, Texas. Additionally, Yongli Gao, Center for Water Research and Department of Geological Sciences, UTSA, helped develop sessions on cave and karst research in China for this workshop. These proceedings could not have been accomplished without the assistance of Lawrence E. Spangler as co-editor who not only has subject matter expertise, but also serves as an editor with the USGS Science Publishing Network. We sincerely hope that this workshop continues to promote future collaboration among scientists of varied and diverse backgrounds, and improves our understanding of karst aquifer systems in the United States and its territories. The extended abstracts of USGS authors were peer reviewed and approved for publication by the USGS. Articles submitted by university researchers and other federal and state agencies did not go through the formal USGS peer review and approval process, and therefore may not adhere to USGS editorial standards or stratigraphic nomenclature. However, all articles had a minimum of two peer reviews and were edited for consistency of appearance in the proceedings. The use of trade, firm or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program funded the publication costs of the proceedings.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2022

Potential effects of energy development on environmental resources of the Williston Basin in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota—Physiography, climate, land use, and demographics

The Williston Basin has been a leading domestic oil and gas producing region. As energy demands have increased, so has energy development. A group of 13 Federal agencies and Tribal groups formed the Bakken Federal Executive Group to address common challenges associated with energy development, with a focus on understanding the cumulative environmental challenges attributed to oil and gas development throughout the basin. To better understand the natural resources in the Williston Basin, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, began work to synthesize existing information on science topics that will support management decisions related to energy development. This report is a compilation of information regarding the natural setting, energy development history, demographics, and related investigations related to energy development in the Williston Basin of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Completed and ongoing investigations include the topical areas of unconventional oil and gas assessments, water quality, water availability, air quality, effects on human health, and ecological effects.

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota↗