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At least 649 records · Page 36Linked to original sources
USGS1942

Underground-water investigation in Utah: A part of Chapter 5 in Twenty-third biennial report of the State Engineer to the governor of Utah: 1940-1942

Systematic underground-water investigations have been in progress in the State of Utah since 1935 by the Federal Geological Survey in cooperation with the state engineer. The general plan and outline of these investigations, together with a summary of results accomplished to June 30, 1940, are given in the Twentieth, Twenty-first, and Twenty-second biennial reports of the state engineer to the governor of Utah. The investigations include two important phases: (1) A determination of the fluctuations of water levels and artesian pressures in most of the underground-water areas in the state, based on periodic measurements with steel tapes and on charts of automatic water-state recorders and pressure recorders, and (2) detailed investigations of individual underground-water areas to determine the source, movement, disposal, quantity, and quality of underground water, and to show the relation of present development to the maximum economic development of those areas. The aim of the investigation is to determine and make available factual data as to underground-water conditions in the different areas of the state so that they may serve to guide the state engineer in an equitable adjudication of underground-water resources.

Utah↗
USGS1994

User's guide to revised method-of-characteristics solute-transport model (MOC--version 31)

The U.S. Geological Survey computer model to simulate two-dimensional solute transport and dispersion in ground water (Konikow and Bredehoeft, 1978; Goode and Konikow, 1989) has been modified to improve management of input and output data and to provide progressive run-time information. All opening and closing of files are now done automatically by the program. Names of input data files are entered either interactively or using a batch-mode script file. Names of output files, created automatically by the program, are based on the name of the input file. In the interactive mode, messages are written to the screen during execution to allow the user to monitor the status and progress of the simulation and to anticipate total running time. Information reported and updated during a simulation include the current pumping period and time step, number of particle moves, and percentage completion of the current time step. The batch mode enables a user to run a series of simulations consecutively, without additional control. A report of the model's activity in the batch mode is written to a separate output file, allowing later review. The user has several options for creating separate output files for different types of data. The formats are compatible with many commercially available applications, which facilitates graphical postprocessing of model results. Geohydrology and Evaluation of Stream-Aquifer Relations in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin, Southeastern Alabama, Northwestern Florida, and Southwestern Georgia By Lynn J. Torak, Gary S. Davis, George A. Strain, and Jennifer G. Herndon Abstract The lower Apalachieola-Chattahoochec-Flint River Basin is underlain by Coastal Plain sediments of pre-Cretaceous to Quaternary age consisting of alternating units of sand, clay, sandstone, dolomite, and limestone that gradually thicken and dip gently to the southeast. The stream-aquifer system consism of carbonate (limestone and dolomite) and elastic sediments, which define the Upper Floridan aquifer and Intermediate system, in hydraulic connection with the principal rivers of the basin and other surface-water features, natural and man made. Separate digital models of the Upper Flori-dan aquifer and Intermediate system were constructed by using the U.S. Geological Survey's MODular Finite-Element model of two dimensional ground-water flow, based on concep- tualizations of the stream-aquifer system, and calibrated to drought conditions of October 1986. Sensitivity analyses performed on the models indicated that aquifer hydraulic conductivity, lateral and vertical boundary flows, and pumpage have a strong influence on groundwater levels. Simulated pumpage increases in the Upper Floridan aquifer, primarily in the Dougherty Plain physiographic district of Georgia,. caused significant reductions in aquifer discharge to streams that eventually flow to Lake Seminole and the Apalachicola River and Bay. Simulated pumpage increases greater than 3 times the October 1986 rates caused drying ofsome stream reaches and parts of the Upper Floridan aquifer in Georgia. Water budgets prepared from simulation results indicate that ground- water discharge to streams and recharge by horizontal and vertical flow are the principal mechanisms for moving water through the flow system. The potential for changes in ground-water quality is high in areas where chemical constituents can be mobilized by these mechanisms. Less than 2 percent of ground-water discharge to streams comes from the Intermediate system; thus, it plays a minor role in the hydrodynamics of the stream- aquifer system.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1956

Permafrost and ground-water conditions in the Glennallen area, Alaska

This report is an outgrowth of permafrost and geologic field studies now in progress in the southeastern Copper River basin, Alaska and is in response to inquiries for information on permafrost and ground-water conditions. Various private and governmental groups have encountered severe differential settlement of building foundations on permafrost, and consequent maintenance problems. Settlement and expansion of communities in the area also have been retarded by the apparent lack of a ready and large source of potable water. The information below is presented to make available data on permafrost and ground-water conditions for the benefit of those undertaking construction projects in the area.

Alaska↗
USGS2002

Southwest Washington coastal erosion workshop report 2000

This report is a compilation of abstracts that correspond to oral presentations and posters presented at the fifth principal investigators workshop of the Southwest Washington Coastal Erosion Study. The workshop was held November 15 - 17, 2000 at the Department of Ecology headquarters building in Olympia, WA. For the fourth consecutive year in November, the workshop convened the entire multi-disciplinary group of scientists and engineers working on the Study or on related projects within the Columbia River littoral cell (CRLC) (Figures 1 and 2). The workshop participants are listed in the List of Attendees section towards the end of this report. The purpose of this workshop was to bring all Study investigators and associated engineers and scientists together to discuss recent work, ongoing tasks, and future research plans in the CRLC. Investigators were asked to present recent data, preliminary interpretations, and research results to invoke discussion and correlation with parallel scientific efforts. The abstracts compiled in this report represent a wealth of information on the CRLC, but because much of the work is in progress, the reader is advised that the information provided herein is preliminary and subject to change.

Oregon;Washington↗
USGS2000

Tritium/3He measurements in young groundwater: Progress in applications to complex hydrogeological systems

Tritium/3He dating has been applied to many problems in groundwater hydrology including, for example, determination of circulation patterns, mean residence times, recharge rates, or bank infiltration. Here, we discuss recent progress in the application of the tritium/3He dating method to sites with complex hydrogeological settings. Specifically, we report on tritium/3He dating at sites with (a) river infiltration into the basaltic fractured rock aquifer of the Eastern Snake River Plain, and (b) river infiltration through sinkholes into the karstic limestone Upper Floridian aquifer near Valdosta, Georgia.Tritium/3He dating has been applied to many problems in groundwater hydrology including, for example, determination of circulation patterns, mean residence times, recharge rates, or bank infiltration. Here, we discuss recent progress in the application of the tritium/3He dating method to sites with complex hydrogeological settings. Specifically, we report on tritium/3He dating at sites with (a) river infiltration into the basaltic fractured rock aquifer of the Eastern Snake River Plain, and (b) river infiltration through sinkholes into the karstic limestone Upper Floridian aquifer near Valdosta, Georgia.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1982

Geological Survey research 1981

This U.S. Geological Survey activities report includes a summary of 1981 fiscal year scientific and economic results accompanied by a list of geologic, hydrologic, and cartographic investigations in progress. The summary of results includes: (1) Mineral, (2) Water resources, (3) Engineering geology and hydrology, (4) Regional geology, (5) Principles and processes, (6) Laboratory and field methods, (7) Topographic surveys and mapping, (8) Management of resources on public lands, (9) Land information and analysis, and (10) Investigations in other countries. Also included are lists of investigations in progress.

Professional Paper↗
USGS2019

Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays

Background Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is increasingly being used to detect the presence and relative abundance of rare species, especially invasive or imperiled aquatic species. The rapid progress in the eDNA field has resulted in numerous studies impacting conservation and management actions. However, standardization of eDNA methods and reporting across the field is yet to be fully established, with one area being the calculation and interpretation of assay limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). Aims Here, we propose establishing consistent methods for determining and reporting of LOD and LOQ for single‐species quantitative PCR (qPCR) eDNA studies. Materials & Methods/ Results We utilize datasets from multiple cooperating laboratories to demonstrate both a discrete threshold approach and a curve‐fitting modeling approach for determining LODs and LOQs for eDNA qPCR assays. We also provide details of an R script developed and applied for the modeling method. Discussion/Conclusions Ultimately, standardization of how LOD and LOQ are determined, interpreted, and reported for eDNA assays will allow for more informed interpretation of assay results, more meaningful interlaboratory comparisons of experiments, and enhanced capacity for assessing the relative technical quality and performance of different eDNA qPCR assays.

Environmental DNA↗
USGS2013

Wildfire and invasive species in the west: challenges that hinder current and future management and protection of the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem: a Gap Report

The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) to satisfy the 45-day report requirement identified in Cooperative Agreement (F13AC00353) between WAFWA and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) submit this “Gap Report”. This report summarizes the policy, fiscal and science challenges that land managers encounter related to the control and reduction of the invasive plant/fire complex, especially as it relates to the threaten or endangered species listing status of the Greater sage-grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ). While this Gap Report identifies 22 technical, policy, planning and funding gaps, it should be considered a “work in-progress”. To address this effort a Wildfire/Invasive Initiative Work Group (WG) was formed. The WG consist of nationally recognized experts in fire ecology, Sage-grouse ecology and management, range management and plant ecology. The WG developed this Gap Report and will be developing the final report for this Cooperative Agreement. Thus, as the WG evaluates the wildfire/invasive issue and makes recommendation to address scientific and management shortcomings, additional gaps will be identified and included in the final report. Within this report, the WG has suggested the top 5 gaps. However, the actual priority of what should be addressed first will depend on the significance and sequence of the limiting factor, available funding, current work, roles and responsibilities of the specific agencies, etc. The WG will continue to meet on a regular basis to further develop and expand this list of gaps. Additionally, the WG will offer specific options to address the identified gaps. However, the WG recommends that the FWS, possibly through the State/Federal (Western Governors Association) Sage Grouse Task Force or the National Sage-grouse Executive Oversight Committee, establish a Subcommittee to specifically review this Gap Report and develop a multi-agency approach on how to address each gap. The WG will continue to endeavor to establish a priority list and identify the “low hanging fruit” that can be addressed in the short-term to affect the listing decision. Additionally, the WG will propose a longer-term strategy. However, to successfully establish such a strategy it will take buy-in and commitment at the highest levels in federal and state governments. In an effort to provide managers an opportunity to address the most important issues this coming fiscal year, we offer the following top 5 gaps. Beyond these top 5, the WG has identified 17 additional gaps that should be evaluated by both federal and state agencies as a means to help better manage the wildfire/invasive threat in the west.

Report↗
USGS1984

Water resources investigations in Mississippi, 1984-85

This report describes the activities of the Water Resources Division in Mississippi. It summarizes progress made in water-resources investigations and related activities in the current fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, and outlines the work to be accomplished during the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985. Its specific purpose is to inform cooperating State, local, and other Federal agencies about all activities of this Division in water investigations in Mississippi and to give those cooperators a better understanding of how their participation fits into the total USGS program of water resources investigations. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1987

Water-resources activities of the Louisiana District in fiscal years 1986-87

The U.S. Geological Survey conducts three types of water resources activities in Louisiana - data collection, investigations, and research. These activities are conducted, in large part, through cooperation with other Federal, State, and local agencies. Water-resources activities undertaken from October 1, 1985 to September 30, 1987 are described. Specifically, the report presents information on organization of the District Office, cooperating agencies, data-collection activities, interpretive studies and research activities, new publications of the Louisiana District, and sources of information in the U.S. Geological Survey. For each activity, the following information is presented: project title, project number, study location, cooperating agency, project chief, project duration, problem, objective, approach, progress, and plans. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS2002

Lost, a desert river and its native fishes: A historical perspective of the lower Colorado River

The Colorado River had one of the most unique fish communities in the world. Seventy-five percent of those species were found no where else in the world. Settlement of the lower basin brought dramatic changes to both the river and its native fish. Those changes began more than 120 years ago as settlers began stocking nonnative fishes. By 1930, nonnative fish had spread throughout the lower basin and replaced native communities. All resemblance of historic river conditions faded with the construction of Hoover Dam in 1935 and other large water development projects. Today, few remember what the Colorado River was really like. Seven of the nine mainstream fishes are now federally protected as endangered. Federal and state agencies are attempting to recover these fish; however, progress has been frustrated due to the severity of human impact. This report presents testimony, old descriptions, and photographs describing the changes that have taken place in hopes that it will provide managers, biologists, and the interested public a better appreciation of the environment that shaped these unique fish.

Colorado River↗
USGS2023

Nonsalmonid gas bubble trauma investigations

From 2020 to 2023, a new spill program was implemented to aid the downstream passage of juvenile salmonids at mainstem dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers. Under this program, the total dissolved gas (TDG) cap was increased to 125% and monitoring of nonsalmonids for gas bubble trauma (GBT) became a requirement. The primary objective of this work and report was to measure the incidence and severity of GBT in nonsalmonids resulting from increased juvenile salmonid passage spill and associated levels of TDG during the spring spill period in 2023. Nonsalmonids were collected downstream from Bonneville, McNary, Ice Harbor, and Lower Granite dams and examined for the incidence and severity of GBT in 2023. Fish were collected at each location weekly (3 April to 20 June) during the spring spill period by backpack electrofishing and beach seining. Washington and Oregon State water quality agencies established minimum and target sample sizes for monitoring, but the minimum sample size of 50 fish and target sample size of 100 fish were not met in all weeks at individual projects due to high water flows and resulting low fish collections. Collected fish were examined for GBT according to the criteria and protocol established for the regional smolt monitoring program (SMP). TDG levels were often high relative to the 10-year average. GBT incidence rates and severity (according to SMP criteria) were low to moderate in most weeks. We found no apparent relationship between GBT incidence and TDG due to exposure history and interspecies susceptibility to elevated TDG that could not be quantified. GBT incidence rates exceeded the 15% threshold on two occasions below Ice Harbor Dam, triggering a reduction in spill under the State water quality standards. In the weeks immediately following the spill reductions, GBT incidence was zero or relatively low at this location. Sculpin (genus Cottus ) was the main species collected at all locations. As in past years, we did find GBT in non-SMP protocol areas, particularly in sculpin. The variability in GBT incidence rates is likely due to variability in environmental conditions, fish exposure history to TDG, and species sensitivity to TDG. Many of the species encountered in shallow shoreline habitats rear for extended times and probably do not seek the water depths that would help them reduce the effects of exposure to elevated TDG through depth compensation. Limited systematic sampling of TDG in the tailraces of each project showed that TDG can vary spatially within the tailrace and with percentage of water spilled. We investigated GBT progression and mortality in sculpin and threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ) in laboratory experiments (Chapter Two of this report). Fish were tested at 120%, 125%, and 130% TDG. We found that sculpin are more sensitive to TDG than stickleback and that GBT and associated mortality progress faster in sculpin than in stickleback. GBT prevalence and severity increased through time at all TDG levels tested, but relationships between severity and exposure time were weak or nonexistent. GBT and mortality progressed more rapidly as TDG increased in both species. The SMP criteria used to rank GBT did not fully capture the incidence and severity of GBT in sculpin and stickleback compared to using criteria based on all areas of the fish. The lateral line, body, dorsal fin, and pectoral fins were common locations of GBT in sculpin at 120 and 125% TDG, but signs were more prevalent in all areas at 130% TDG. In stickleback, GBT was most common on the head and body at all TDG levels tested. Positive buoyancy of fish with severe GBT was observed in both species and may have consequences for similarly impaired fish in the wild. The proximate cause of GBT-related death in sculpin and stickleback was bubbles in the gills and heart, but unlike in other species, bubbles appeared rapidly just before the point of death. Our results help fill the information void GBT progression and mortality for sculpin and stickleback.

Oregon, Washington↗
USGS2021

The use of continuous water-quality time-series data to compute total phosphorus loadings for the Turkey River at Garber, Iowa, 2018–20

In support of nutrient reduction efforts, total phosphorus loads and yields were computed for the Turkey River at Garber, Iowa (U.S. Geological Survey station 05412500), for January 1, 2018, to April 30, 2020, based on continuously monitored turbidity sensor data. Sample data were used to create a total phosphorus turbidity-surrogate model. Streamflow-based total phosphorus models were used during periods of missing sensor data to obtain a more complete annual total phosphorus load. This report presents methods needed to accurately compute site-specific loads and track annual progress toward nutrient reduction goals within the State. Annual total phosphorus loads for the Turkey River at Garber, Iowa, were 1,740 and 1,490 U.S. short tons for 2018 and 2019, respectively, with annual yields ranging from 3.01 to 3.53 pounds per acre per year, compared to a mean statewide yield of 0.73 pound per acre per year needed to achieve the total phosphorus-reduction goal.

Iowa↗
USGS2003

Stream Bank Stability in Eastern Nebraska

Dredged and straightened channels in eastern Nebraska have experienced degradation leading to channel widening by bank failure. Degradation has progressed headward and affected the drainage systems upstream from the modified reaches. This report describes a study that was undertaken to analyze bank stability at selected sites in eastern Nebraska and develop a simplified method for estimating the stability of banks at future study sites. Bank cross sections along straight reaches of channel and geotechnical data were collected at approximately 150 sites in 26 counties of eastern Nebraska. The sites were categorized into three groups based on mapped soil permeability. With increasing permeability of the soil groups, the median cohesion values decreased and the median friction angles increased. Three analytical methods were used to determine if banks were stable (should not fail even when saturated), at risk (should not fail unless saturated), or unstable (should have already failed). The Culmann and Agricultural Research Service methods were based on the Coulomb equation and planar failure; an indirect method was developed that was based on Bishop's simplified method of slices and rotational failure. The maximum angle from horizontal at which the bank would be stable for the given soil and bank height conditions also was computed with the indirect method. Because of few soil shear-strength data, all analyses were based on the assumption of homogeneous banks, which was later shown to be atypical, at least for some banks. Using the Culmann method and assuming no soil tension cracks, 67 percent of all 908 bank sections were identified as stable, 32 percent were at risk, and 1 percent were unstable; when tension cracks were assumed, the results changed to 58 percent stable, 40 percent at risk, and 1 percent unstable. Using the Agricultural Research Service method, 67 percent of all bank sections were identified as stable and 33 percent were at risk. Using the indirect method, 62 percent of all bank sections were identified as stable and 31 percent were at risk; 3 percent were unstable, and 3 percent were outside of the range of the tables developed for the method. For each of the methods that were used, the largest percentage of stable banks and the smallest percentage of at risk banks was for the soil group with the lowest soil permeability and highest median cohesion values. A comparison of the expected stable bank angles for saturated conditions and the surveyed bank angles indicated that many of the surveyed bank angles were considerably less than the maximum expected stable bank angles despite the banks being classified as at risk or unstable. For severely degraded channels along straight reaches this was not expected. It was expected that they would have angles close to the maximum stable angle as they should have been failing from an oversteepened condition. Several explanations are possible. The channel reaches of some study sites have not yet been affected to a significant degree by degradation; study sites were selected throughout individual basins and severe degradation has not yet extended to some sites along upper reaches; and some reaches have experienced aggradation as degradation progresses upstream. Another possibility is that some bank sections have been affected by lateral migration processes, which typically result in shallow bank angles on the inside bend of the channel. Another possibility is that the maximum expected stable bank angles are too steep. The stability methods used were well established and in essential agreement with each other, and there was no reason to question the geometry data. This left non-representative soil data as a probable reason for computed stable bank angles that, at least in some cases, are overly steep. Based on an examination of the cohesion data, to which the stable bank-angle calculations were most sensitive, both vertical and horizontal variability in soil properti

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2002

Land use change and effects on water quality and ecosystem health in the Lake Tahoe basin, Nevada and California: year-1 progress

As part of the requirements for the Geographic Research and Applications Prospectus grants, this Open-File Report is the second of two that resulted from the first year of the project. The first Open-File Report (OFR 01-418) introduced the project, reviewed the existing body of literature, and outlined the research approach. This document will present an update of the research approach and offer some preliminary results from multiple efforts, specifically, the production of historical digital orthophoto quadrangles, the development of the land use/land cover (LULC) classification system, the development of a temporal transportation layer, the classification of anthropogenic cover types from the IKONOS imagery, a preliminary evaluation of landscape ecology metrics (quantification of spatial and temporal patterns of ecosystem structure and function with appropriate indices) and their utility in comparing two LULC systems, and a new initiative in community-based science and facilitation.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2018

Natural and man-made hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), in groundwater near a mapped plume, Hinkley, California—study progress as of May 2017, and a summative-scale approach to estimate background Cr(VI) concentrations

This report describes (1) work done between January 2015 and May 2017 as part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), background study and (2) the summative-scale approach to be used to estimate the extent of anthropogenic (man-made) Cr(VI) and background Cr(VI) concentrations near the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) natural gas compressor station in Hinkley, California. Most of the field work for the study was completed by May 2017. The summative-scale approach and calculation of Cr(VI) background were not well-defined at the time the USGS proposal for the background Cr(VI) study was prepared but have since been refined as a result of data collected as part of this study. The proposed summative scale consists of multiple items, formulated as questions to be answered at each sampled well. Questions that compose the summative scale were developed to address geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical constraints on Cr(VI) within the study area. Each question requires a binary (yes or no) answer. A score of 1 will be assigned for an answer that represents data consistent with anthropogenic Cr(VI); a score of –1 will be assigned for an answer that represents data inconsistent with anthropogenic Cr(VI). The areal extent of anthropogenic Cr(VI) estimated from the summative-scale analyses will be compared with the areal extent of anthropogenic Cr(VI) estimated on the basis of numerical groundwater flow model results, along with particle-tracking analyses. On the basis of these combined results, background Cr(VI) values will be estimated for “Mojave-type” deposits, and other deposits, in different parts of the study area outside the summative-scale mapped extent of anthropogenic Cr(VI).

California↗
USGS1903

Preliminary report on the geology and water resources of Nebraska west of the one hundred and third meridian

This report is based on field work of the season of 1897. It is designed mainly to furnish information in relation to the geologic structure and the prospects for underground waters. A general account will also be given of the surface waters and their present and prospective use for irrigation, etc. The region is the portion of Nebraska lying west of the one hundred and third meridian, comprising Sioux, Scotts Bluff, Banner, and Kimball counties, the western portions of Cheyenne and Boxbutte counties, and the central and western portion of Dawes County; in all, an area of 7,400 square miles, adjoined on the west by Wyoming, on the north by South Dakota, and on the south by Colorado. It lies on the Great Plains south of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Scotts Bluff, Banner, and Cheyenne counties areas were· examined in detail, but time did not permit more than a general reconnaissance of the adjoining regions. I was assisted by Mr. C. A. Fisher, who obtained the data for the greater part of Kimball and Boxbutte counties. For several months I was accompanied by Prof. E. H. Barbour, the acting State geologist of Nebraska, who did much to further the progress of the work.

Nebraska↗