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Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

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At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

USGS1977

A summary of the mineral resources of the proposed Great Bear wilderness, Flathead, Teton, and Pondera counties, Montana

The proposed Great Bear wilderness has a good potential for oil and gas (mainly gas), and a moderate potential for submarginal resources of copper and silver in a belt 25 miles (40 km) long and about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide that is partly within the study area along the western boundary. The eastern part of the area may contain small submarginal resources of coal. Sand and gravel, dimension stone, and high calcium limestone are in the area, but they occur in abundance in more accessible areas elsewhere in northwest Montana. The potential for geothermal resources is nil. A mineral survey of the proposed Great Bear wilderness was made in 1974 and 1976. The work by the U.S. Geological Survey consisted of geologic mapping, and geochemical and geophysical surveys. The U.S. Bureau of Mines made a courthouse search for mining claims, and sampled and mapped prospects.

Montana↗

USGS1993

Plans for a sensitivity analysis of bridge-scour computations

Plans for an analysis of the sensitivity of Level 2 bridge-scour computations are described. Cross-section data from 15 bridge sites in Texas are modified to reflect four levels of field effort ranging from no field surveys to complete surveys. Data from United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps will be used to supplement incomplete field surveys. The cross sections are used to compute the water-surface profile through each bridge for several T-year recurrence-interval design discharges. The effect of determining the downstream energy grade-line slope from topographic maps is investigated by systematically varying the starting slope of each profile. The water-surface profile analyses are then used to compute potential scour resulting from each of the design discharges. The planned results will be presented in the form of exceedance-probability versus scour-depth plots with the maximum and minimum scour depths at each T-year discharge presented as error bars.

Conference Paper↗

USGS2006

Aeromagnetic and Gravity Surveys in Afghanistan: A Web Site for Distribution of Data

Aeromagnetic data were digitized from aeromagnetic maps created from aeromagnetic surveys flown in southeastern and southern Afghanistan in 1966 by PRAKLA, Gesellschaft fur praktische Lagerstattenforschung GmbH, Hannover, Germany, on behalf of the 'Bundesanstalt fur Bodenforschung', Hannover, Germany. The digitization was done along contour lines, followed by interpolation of the data along the original survey flight-lines. Survey and map specifications can be found in two project reports, 'prakla_report_1967.pdf' and 'bgr_report_1968.pdf', made available in this open-file report.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2008

Seismic hazard mapping of California incorporating spatial variability of site conditions

The U.S. Geological Survey has recently released a 2008 version of the probabilistic National Seismic Hazard Maps. These maps plot the peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration (SA) ordinates at 0.2 and 1.0 sec with 2% and 10% probabilities of being exceeded in 50 years, corresponding to earthquake return periods of about 2,475 and 475 years, respectively. These acceleration levels were computed for uniform “firm rock” site conditions, i.e., 760 m/sec average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 m, and therefore these maps do not show the potential spatial variability of ground motion associated with different site conditions, so we have combined the USGS National Seismic Hazard model with the California showing 17 generalized geologic units geologic units that can be defined by their shear-wave velocity (Wills and Clahan 2006), we regrouped these units into to 7 shear-wave velocities. At each shear-wave velocity value, a probabilistic seismic hazard map was generated for the entire state. By combining seismic hazard maps based on the 7 different shear-wave velocity values, a suite of seismic hazard maps was computed for California for 0.2 and 1.0 sec spectral ordinates at 2% probability of being exceeded in 50 years. The improved maps thus explicitly incorporate the site effects and their spatial variability on ground motion estimates. The SA at 1.0 sec map of seismic shaking potential for California has been now published as California Geological Survey Map Sheet 48, which is intended to be accessible and understandable to the general public.

California↗

USGS2020

Geologic map of the Butte City 7.5' Quadrangle, Butte County, Idaho

The geologic map of the Butte City 7.5’ quadrangle is based on mapping summarized in the 1:100,000 scale map of the Idaho National Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Map I-2330, by Kuntz and others, 1994. New surficial geologic mapping was completed by National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) interns, Evan Martin (2015) and Samuel Helmuth (2017). Previously published maps and associated data, by various authors, including Kuntz, M.A., Betty Skipp, M.A. Lanphere, W.E. Scott, K.L. Pierce, G.B. Dalrymple, L.A. Morgan, D.E. Champion, G.F. Embree, W.R. Page, R.P. Smith, W.R. Hackett, and D.W. Rodgers from 1994 to 2017, were incorporated into this project. The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Idaho National Laboratory Project Office, a field office of the Idaho Water Science Center, conducts subsurface investigations to study the Snake River aquifer at the Idaho National Laboratory. Many subsurface basalts erupted from vents exposed at the surface. Tracing the flows from the surface to the subsurface provides data for numerical models of groundwater flow and contaminant transport.

Idaho↗

USGS2018

Geophysical and geologic maps of Mountain Pass and vicinity, California and Nevada

U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3412 is a series of products that consists of geophysical and geologic maps of Mountain Pass and vicinity, California. Maps A and B (red outline in above map image) are gravity and aeromagnetic maps, respectively. The map series was begun as part of an effort to study regional crustal structures as an aid to understanding the geologic framework and mineral resources of the southeast Mojave Desert. Mountain Pass resides within the southeast Mojave Desert, and it is host to a one of the world’s largest rare earth element carbonatite deposits. The deposit is found along a north-northwest- trending, fault-bounded block that extends along the eastern parts of the Clark Mountain Range, Mescal Range, and Ivanpah Mountains. This Paleoproterozoic block is composed of a 1.7-Ga metamorphic complex of gneiss and schist that underwent widespread metamorphism and associated plutonism during the Ivanpah orogeny. The Paleoproterozoic rocks were intruded by a Mesoproterozoic (1.4 Ga) ultrapotassic alkaline intrusive suite and carbonatite body. The intrusive rocks include, from oldest to youngest, shonkinite, mesosyenite, syenite, quartz syenite, potassic granite, carbonatite, carbonatite dikes, and late shonkinite dikes. Each map in the series provides the basis for geophysical and geologic interpretations of the Mountain Pass carbonatite terrane. Combined, they provide a comprehensive framework of the regional subsurface geologic structure of the area. Together, they form the first publicly available series of geophysical and geologic maps of this part of the southeast Mojave Desert.

California, Nevada↗

USGS1978

Remote-sensing methods for monitoring surface coal mining in the northern Great Plains

Recent studies at a large surface coal mine in southern Montana confirm that remote sensing is both feasible and effective for gathering land-use and environmental data (spatial, dynamic, and seasonal) for large-scale surface mines in the northern Great Plains. The Western Energy Co.'s Rosebud mine near Colstrip, Mont., was selected as a test site because it typifies surface operations in the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming and elsewhere in the northern Great Plains. Several basic interpretive and analytical remote-sensing techniques were used to identify and delineate various categories of surface-mining operations and concurrent stages of reclamation that characterize most, if not all, such mining operations. Color infrared and black-and-white aerial photographs and a black-and-white band 5 Landsat image were used to identify (1) high wall and bench areas, (2) ungraded spoils, (3) graded and recontoured areas, (4) revegetated recontoured areas, (5) natural and impounded surface water, and (6) miscellaneous areas. Over the lifespan of an extensive surface mine, cultural and natural processes and cumulative environmental effects can be monitored by capitalizing on the close correlation between enhanced satellite imagery, infrared and (or) black-and-white aerial photography, standard large-scale topographic maps (such as U.S. Geological Survey 7½-minute quadrangle maps), and results of onsite inspection of mining and reclamation by Federal or State agencies.

Montana↗

USGS2001

Map Indexes Available from the U.S. Geological Survey

Each year the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produces thousands of new and revised topographic and geologic maps, as well as other types of cartographic products. To provide easy access to these maps, the USGS publishes indexes that are updated periodically.

Fact Sheet↗

USGS2017

US Topo—Topographic maps for the Nation

Building on the success of 125 years of mapping, the U.S. Geological Survey created US Topo, a georeferenced digital map produced from The National Map data. US Topo maps are designed to be used like the traditional 7.5-minute quadrangle paper topographic maps for which the U.S. Geological Survey is so well known. However, in contrast to paper-based maps, US Topo maps provide modern technological advantages that support faster, wider public distribution and basic, onscreen geospatial analysis, including the georeferencing capability to display the ground coordinate location as the user moves the cursor around the map.

Fact Sheet↗

USGS2007

Radiometric Survey in Western Afghanistan: A Website for Distribution of Data

Radiometric (uranium content, thorium content, potassium content, and gamma-ray intensity) and related data were digitized from radiometric and survey route location maps of western Afghanistan published in 1976. The uranium content data were digitized along contour lines from 33 maps in a series entitled 'Map of Uranium (Radium) Contents of Afghanistan (Western Area),' compiled by V. N. Kirsanov and R. S. Dershimanov. The thorium content data were digitized along contour lines from 33 maps in a series entitled 'Map of Thorium Contents of Afghanistan (Western Area),' compiled by V. N. Kirsanov and R. S. Dershimanov. The potassium content data were digitized along contour lines from 33 maps in a series entitled 'Map of Potassium Contents of Afghanistan (Western Area),' compiled by V. N. Kirsanov and R. S. Dershimanov. The gamma-ray intensity data were digitized along contour lines from 33 maps in a series entitled 'Map of Gamma-Field of Afghanistan (Western Area),' compiled by V. N. Kirsanov and R. S. Dershimanov. The survey route location data were digitized along flight-lines located on 33 maps in a series entitled 'Survey Routes Location and Contours of Flight Equal Altitudes. Western Area of Afghanistan,' compiled by Z. A. Alpatova, V. G. Kurnosov, and F. A. Grebneva.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1981

Increasing the availability of national mapping products.

A discussion of the means employed by the US Geological Survey to facilitate map usage, covering aspects of project Map Accessibility Program including special rolled and folded map packaging, new market testing, parks and campgrounds program, expanded map dealer program, new booklet-type State sales index and catalog and new USGS map reference code. The USGS is seen as the producer of a tremendous nation-wide inventory of topographic and related map products available in unprecedented types, formats and scales, and as endeavouring to increase access to its products. The new USGS map reference code is appended. -J.C.Stone

Information Bulletin, Western Association of Map L↗

USGS2015

U.S. Geological Survey groundwater toolbox, a graphical and mapping interface for analysis of hydrologic data (version 1.0): user guide for estimation of base flow, runoff, and groundwater recharge from streamflow data

This report is a user guide for the streamflow-hydrograph analysis methods provided with version 1.0 of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Groundwater Toolbox computer program. These include six hydrograph-separation methods to determine the groundwater-discharge (base-flow) and surface-runoff components of streamflow—the Base-Flow Index (BFI; Standard and Modified), HYSEP (Fixed Interval, Sliding Interval, and Local Minimum), and PART methods—and the RORA recession-curve displacement method and associated RECESS program to estimate groundwater recharge from streamflow data. The Groundwater Toolbox is a customized interface built on the nonproprietary, open source MapWindow geographic information system software. The program provides graphing, mapping, and analysis capabilities in a Microsoft Windows computing environment. In addition to the four hydrograph-analysis methods, the Groundwater Toolbox allows for the retrieval of hydrologic time-series data (streamflow, groundwater levels, and precipitation) from the USGS National Water Information System, downloading of a suite of preprocessed geographic information system coverages and meteorological data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Climatic Data Center, and analysis of data with several preprocessing and postprocessing utilities. With its data retrieval and analysis tools, the Groundwater Toolbox provides methods to estimate many of the components of the water budget for a hydrologic basin, including precipitation; streamflow; base flow; runoff; groundwater recharge; and total, groundwater, and near-surface evapotranspiration.

Techniques and Methods↗

USGS2022

U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Toolbox — A graphical and mapping interface for analysis of hydrologic data

The Hydrologic Toolbox is a Windows-based desktop software program that provides a graphical and mapping interface for analysis of hydrologic time-series data with a set of widely used and standardized computational methods. The software combines the analytical and statistical functionality provided in the U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater and Surface-Water Toolboxes and provides several enhancements to these programs. The main analytical methods are the computation of hydrologic-frequency statistics such as the 7-day minimum flow that occurs on average only once every 10 years (7Q10); the computation of design flows, including biologically based flows; the computation of flow-duration curves and duration hydrographs; eight computer-programming methods for hydrograph separation of a streamflow time series, including the Base-Flow Index (BFI), HYSEP, PART, and SWAT Bflow methods and Eckhardt’s two-parameter digital-filtering method; and the RORA recession-curve displacement method and associated RECESS program to estimate groundwater-recharge values from streamflow data. Several of the statistical methods provided in the Hydrologic Toolbox are used primarily for computation of critical low-flow statistics. The Hydrologic Toolbox also facilitates retrieval of streamflow and groundwater-level time-series data from the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System and outputs text reports that describe their analyses. The Hydrologic Toolbox was developed by use of the DotSpatial geographic information system (GIS) programming library, which is part of the MapWindow project. DotSpatial is a nonproprietary, open-source program written for the .NET framework that includes a spatial data viewer and GIS capabilities. Advantages of the DotSpatial system include its pure .NET implementation for both the user interface and the GIS mapping engine, and thus the DotSpatial system simplifies software deployment and installation. In addition to combining the functionality of the separate Groundwater and Surface-Water Toolboxes, the Hydrologic Toolbox also organizes the functionality by theme (Groundwater Tools, Surface-Water Tools, and general Time-Series Tools). This report provides a description of how to build a Hydrologic Toolbox project and to download and manage hydrologic time-series data. It includes an overview of the analytical and statistical capabilities of the Hydrologic Toolbox and highlights the primary differences between the Hydrologic Toolbox and the Groundwater and Surface-Water Toolboxes. The report supplements information available in an extensive online Help manual and is intended to provide a set of instructions that will allow users to quickly develop skills to use the mapping, data-retrieval, and computational tools of the program.

Techniques and Methods↗

USGS2006

Aeromagnetic Survey in Western Afghanistan: A Web Site for Distribution of Data

Aeromagnetic and related data were digitized from 1976 magnetic field and survey route location maps of western Afghanistan. The magnetic field data were digitized along contour lines from 33 maps in a series entitled 'Map of Magnetic Field of Afghanistan (Western Area) Delta-Ta Isolines,' compiled by V. A. Cnjagev and A. F. Bukhmastov. The survey route location data were digitized along flight-lines located on 33 maps in a series entitled 'Survey Routes Location and Contours of Flight Equal Altitudes. Western Area of Afghanistan,' compiled by Z. A. Alpatova, V. G. Kurnosov, and F. A. Grebneva.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1972

Principal facts for gravity stations in the Death Valley region, California

Observed gravity values, station locations, terrain corrections, and Bouguer gravity data are provided in tabular form for approximately 1,500 gravity observations in eastern California. Coverage includes Saline Valley, Panamint Valley, Searles Basin, Death Valley, the southern Amargosa Desert and the enclosed and adjoining highlands. These data were used in preparation of -- Mabey, Don R., 1963, Complete Bouguer anomaly map of the Death Valley region, California: U.S. Geol. Survey Geophys. Inv. Map GP-305.

California↗

USGS2008

Areas of historical oil and gas exploration and production in the United States

This report contains maps and associated spatial data showing historical oil and gas exploration and production in the United States. Because of the proprietary nature of many oil and gas well databases, the United States was divided into cells one-quarter square mile and the production status of all wells in a given cell was aggregated. Base-map reference data are included, using the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Map, the USGS and American Geological Institute (AGI) Global GIS, and a World Shaded Relief map service from the ESRI Geography Network. A hardcopy map was created to synthesize recorded exploration data from 1859, when the first oil well was drilled in the U.S., to 2005. In addition to the hardcopy map product, the data have been refined and made more accessible through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The cell data are included in a GIS database constructed for spatial analysis via the USGS Internet Map Service or by importing the data into GIS software such as ArcGIS. The USGS internet map service provides a number of useful and sophisticated geoprocessing and cartographic functions via an internet browser. Also included is a video clip of U.S. oil and gas exploration and production through time.

Data Series↗

USGS1964

Placer gold occurrences in Alaska

The following references give data on localities of placer gold by quadrangle and are keyed by number within each quadrangle to locations shown on map. The quadrangle boundaries and names used on the map are those selected by the U. S. Geological Survey for topographic mapping in Alaska on a scale of 1:250,000. The references cited for each group of localities are the most complete or most recent descriptions as of December 31, 1960.

Alaska↗

USGS2007

Geologic resource evaluation of Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Hawai‘i, part II: Benthic habitat mapping

In cooperation with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has mapped the underwater environment in and adjacent to three parks along the Kona coast on the island of Hawai‘i. This report is the second of two produced for the NPS on the geologic resource evaluation of Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE) and presents benthic habitat mapping of the waters of Kawaihae Bay offshore of PUHE. See Part I (Richmond and others, 2006) for an overview of the regional geology, local volcanics, and a detailed description of coastal landforms in the park. PUHE boundaries do not officially extend into the marine environment; however, impacts downslope of any activity in the park are of concern to management. The area of Kawaihae Bay mapped for this report extends from the north edge of the U.S. Coast Guard Reservation north of Kawaihae Harbor approximately 3.5 km south to the north edge of the Mauna Kea Golf Course and Beach Resort at Waikoloa and from the shoreline to depths of approximately 40 m (130 ft), where the fore reef drops off to the sandy shelf. The waters of smaller Pelekane Bay directly offshore of the park, while not formally under NPS jurisdiction, are managed by the park under an agreement with the State. This embayment is described in greater detail because of its special resource status. PUHE lies within the Kawaihae watershed, which contributes ~75 percent of the drainage in the northern portion of the study area; the Waikoloa/Waiulaula watershed contributes ~25 percent in the southern portion of the study area. Drainages from these watersheds into the study area include Makahuna, Makeāhua, Pohaukole, Kukui, and Waikoloa/Waiulaula Gulches. The Waikoloa/Waiulaula Gulch is the only perennial stream with a year-round water flow. Only during periods of extreme rainfall will water flow in the Makeāhua and Pohaukole gulches, merge together in the park, and empty directly into Pelekane Bay. In the late 1950s the reef off of PUHE was dredged to construct Kawaihae Harbor. Coral rubble was used in the construction of causeways and a revetment wall surrounding the commercial harbor. In the late 1960s the reef near Pelekane was blasted to create a small-boat harbor adjacent to the larger commercial harbor. Damage from these activities, in addition to a change in circulation patterns, has led to problems of high turbidity in Pelekane Bay.

Hawai'i↗