Search USGS⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search USGS

Results for “Chemical Physics”

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

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
USGS1997

Distribution of fish, benthic invertebrate, and algal communities in relation to physical and chemical conditions, Yakima River basin, Washington, 1990

Biological investigations were conducted in the Yakima River Basin, Washington, in conjunction with a pilot study for the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Ecological surveys were conducted at 25 sites in 1990 to (1) assess water-quality conditions based on fish, benthic invertebrate, and algal communities; (2) determine the hydrologic, habitat, and chemical factors that affect the distributions of these organisms; and (3) relate physical and chemical conditions to water quality. Results of these investigations showed that land uses and other associated human activities influenced the biological characteristics of streams and rivers and overall water-quality conditions. Fish communities of headwater streams in the Cascades and Eastern Cascades ecoregions of the Yakima River Basin were primarily composed of salmonids and sculpins, with cyprinids dominating in the rest of the basin. The most common of the 33 fish taxa collected were speckled dace, rainbow trout, and Paiute sculpin. The highest number of taxa (193) was found among the inverte- brates. Insects, particularly sensitive forms such as mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies (EPT--Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera fauna), formed the majority of the invertebrate communities of the Cascades and Eastern Cascades ecoregions. Diatoms dominated algal communities throughout the basin; 134 algal taxa were found on submerged rocks, but other stream microhabitats were not sampled as part of the study. Sensitive red algae and diatoms were predominant in the Cascades and Eastern Cascades ecoregions, whereas the abundance of eutrophic diatoms and green algae was large in the Columbia Basin ecoregion of the Yakima River Basin. Ordination of physical, chemical, and biological site characteristics indicated that elevation was the dominant factor accounting for the distribution of biota in the Yakima River Basin; agricultural intensity and stream size were of secondary importance. Ordination identified three site groups and three community types. Site groups consisted of (1) small streams of the Cascades and Eastern Cascades ecoregions, (2) small streams of the Columbia Basin ecoregions, and (3) large rivers of the Cascades and Columbia Basin ecoregions. The small streams of the Columbia Basin could be further subdivided into two groups--one where agricultural intensity was low and one where agricultural intensity was moderate to high. Dividing the basin into these three groups removed much of the influence of elevation and facilitated the analysis of land-use effects. Community types identified by ordination were (1) high elevation, cold-water communities associated with low agricultural intensity; (2) lower elevation, warm-water communities associated with low agricultural intensity, and (3) lower elevation, warm-water communities associated with moderate to high agricultural intensity. Multimetric community condition indices indicated that sites in the Cascades and Eastern Cascades site group were largely unimpaired. In contrast, all but two sites in the Columbia Basin site group were impaired, some severely. Agriculture (nutrients and pesticides) was the primary factor responsible for this impairment, and all impaired sites were characterized by multiple indicators of impairment. Three sites (Granger Drain, Moxee Drain, and Spring Creek) had high levels of impairment. Sites in the large-river site group were moderately to severely impaired downstream from the city of Yakima. High levels of impairment at large-river sites corresponded with high levels of pesticides in fish tissues and the occurrence of external anomalies.

Washington↗
USGS2009

Historical physical and chemical data for water in Lake Powell and from Glen Canyon Dam releases, Utah-Arizona, 1964–2013

This report presents the physical and chemical characteristics of water in Lake Powell and from Glen Canyon Dam releases from 1964 through 2013. These data are available in a several electronic formats. Data have been collected throughout this period by various offices of the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Geological Survey and are compiled to represent the existing body of chemical and physical information on Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam releases. From this record, further interpretation may be made concerning mixing processes in Lake Powell, the movement and fate of advective inflow currents, effects of climate and hydrological variations, and the effects of the operation and structure of Glen Canyon Dam on the quality of water in Lake Powell and from Glen Canyon Dam releases.

Arizona, Utah↗
USGS1974

Physical and chemical characteristics of Lake Oahe, 1968-69

The physical and chemical characteristics presented provide a description of Lake Oahe and establish bases for certain characteristics which may alter as the reservoir ages. Water temperatures were strongly influenced by wind-driven currents and water depth. The duration of thermal stratification varied from about 3 wk in the upstream portion of the reservoir to about 15 wk near the dam in 1968 and from unstratified upstream to about 15 wk downstream in 1969. Dissolved oxygen was usually near saturation, although it fell to 30% in 1968 and 43% in 1969. Nitrate nitrogen and soluble phosphorous were present on all sampling dates in 1969. Silica levels may have become limiting for diatoms in late summer, 1969.

Technical Paper↗
USGS1999

Reconnaissance of chemical and physical characteristics of selected bottom sediments of the Caloosahatchee River and estuary, tributaries, and contiguous bays, Lee County, Florida, July 20-30, 1998

This report summarizes a reconnaissance study, conducted July 20-30, 1998, of chemical and physical characteristics of recently deposited bottom sediments in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. Recently deposited sediments were identified using an isotopic chronometer, Beryllium-7 (7Be), a short-lived radioisotope. Fifty-nine sites were sampled in an area that encompasses the Caloosahatchee River (River) about three miles upstream from the Franklin Lock (S-79), the entire tidally affected length of the river (estuary), and the contiguous water bodies of Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay, Estero Bay, Tarpon Bay, and Pine Island Sound in Lee County, Florida. Bottom sediments were sampled for 7Be at 59 sites. From the results of the 7Be analysis, 30 sites were selected for physical and chemical analysis. Sediments were analyzed for particle size, total organic carbon (TOC), trace elements, and toxic organic compounds, using semiquantitative methods for trace elements and organic compounds. The semiquantitative scans of trace elements indicated that cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc concentrations, when normalized to aluminum, were above the natural background range at 24 of 30 sites. Particle size and TOC were used to characterize sediment deposition patterns and organic content. Pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (CaPAHs) were determined at 30 sites using immunoassay analysis. The semiquantitative immunoassay analyses of toxic organic compounds indicated that all of the samples contained DDT, cyclodienes as chlordane (pesticides), and CaPAHs. PCBs were not detected. Based on analyses of the 30 sites, sediments at 10 of these sites were analyzed for selected trace elements and toxic organic compounds, including pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs, using quantitative laboratory procedures. No arsenic or cadmium was detected. Zinc was detected at two sites with concentrations greater than the lower limit of the range of sediment contaminant concentrations that are usually or always associated with adverse effects (Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Sediment Quality Assessment Guidelines). Organochlorine pesticides were detected at four sites at concentrations below the reporting limits; there were no organophosphorus pesticides or PCBs detected. PAHs were detected at eight sites; however, only four sites had concentrations above the reporting limit.

Florida↗
USGS2005

Physical and chemical properties of submarine basaltic rocks from the submarine flanks of the Hawaiian Islands

To evaluate physical and chemical diversity in submarine basaltic rocks, approximately 280 deep submarine samples recovered by submersibles from the underwater flanks of the Hawaiian Islands were analyzed and compared. Based on observations from the submersibles and hand specimens, these samples were classified into three main occurrence types (lavas, coarse-grained volcaniclastic rocks, and fine-grained sediments), each with several subtypes. The whole-rock sulfur content and porosity in submarine basaltic rocks, recovered from depths greater than 2000 m, range from < 10 ppm and 2 vol.% to 2200 ppm and 47 vol.%, respectively. These wide variations cannot be due just to different ambient pressures at the collection depths, as inferred previously for submarine erupted lavas. The physical and chemical properties of the recovered samples, especially a combination of three whole-rock parameters ( F e-oxidation state, S ulfur content, and P orosity), are closely related to the occurrence type. The FSP triangular diagram is a valuable indicator of the source location of basaltic fragments deposited in deep submarine areas. This diagram can be applied to basaltic rocks such as clasts in debris-flow deposits, submarine-emplaced lava flows that may have crossed the shoreline, and slightly altered geological samples.

Hawaii↗
USGS1999

Integrating physical and chemical characteristics of lakes into the glacially influenced landscape of the Northern Cascade Mountains, Washington State, USA

A basic knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of lakes is needed by management to make informed decisions to protect water resources. In this study we investigated some of the physical and chemical characteristics of 58 lakes in alpine, subalpine, and forest vegetation zones in a natural area (North Cascades National Park Service Complex) between 1989 and 1993. The objectives of the study were to: (1) document the time of ice-out relative to lake elevation; (2) determine how a sharp climate gradient west and east of the hydrologic divide affected the time of ice-out for subalpine lakes; and (3) assess how lake water quality was associated with lake elevation, lake depth, and basin geology. As expected, lake ice-out times occurred earlier with decreasing elevation. East-slope subalpine lakes iced-out earlier than did west-slope subalpine lakes because the east slope of the study area was drier and warmer than the west slope. On average, the lakes were relatively cold, neutral in pH, and low in dissolved substances and concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus. Although some shallow lakes (depth ,10 m) exhibited the highest alkalinities, conductivities, and concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen, most shallow lakes exhibited low values for these variables that were comparable to values observed in deep lakes. Geology did not play a major role in segregating the lakes based on water quality. Overall, lake temperature, pH, alkalinity, conductivity, and concentrations of total phosphorus and total Kjeldahl N increased with decreasing elevation. These changes in water quality with decreasing elevation in this temperate mountainous region corresponded with warmer air temperatures and increased vegetation biomass, soil depth and maturity, and dissolved substances and nutrients.

Environmental Management↗
USGS2025

An approach to urban waterway assessment using holistic values and reciprocity

Current aquatic ecosystem assessment methods and tools often focus on physical, chemical, and biological indicators of ecosystem health. This approach to ecosystem assessment is not always straightforward to execute in urban environments and ignores potential connectivity between social and environmental outcomes. During a workshop at the Symposium on Urbanization and Stream Ecology in Brisbane, Australia in 2023 (SUSE6), we developed an approach to urban aquatic ecosystem assessment that incorporates a holistic perspective. Specifically, our approach considers both environmental (biological, chemical, and physical integrity) and social (community connection, human safety, resource use) values of urban waterways. This approach is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives, such as the concept of reciprocity, whereby consideration of both the environment and society leads to a healthy ecosystem. To highlight how this holistic assessment approach could be used, we present real-world examples that included assessing both environmental and societal values informed by reciprocity or balanced perspectives. This approach can be broadly applied and adapted to specific aquatic ecosystem conditions and projects, providing an inclusive, community-centered approach for assessing the health of waterways in urban environments.

Freshwater Science↗
USGS2024

Observing systems, modeling, and forecasting

Predicting harmful algal blooms (HABs) requires integrating physical, chemical, and biological data collected from observing networks and then assimilating these data into models, which are used to generate forecasts. In 2005, the Harmful Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental Science Strategy 2005-2015 (HARRNESS, 2005) made recommendations on how to improve HAB modeling and forecasting over the next decade. Key HARRNESS recommendations related to sensing, networking, and modeling HABs included: ● Support the development and validation of new and improved technologies for remote cell and toxin detection, and for modeling and forecasting, ● Improve coordination of monitoring/ and modeling efforts, both at national and regional levels, ● Improve the use of networking technologies for monitoring and modeling efforts, ● Conduct sustained time series measurements of the biotic, chemical, and physical environments impacted by HABs, ● Develop food web models on the ecosystem fate and effects of toxins, ● Develop and improve species-specific models that link to physical-biological models. Here we review HAB observing, modeling, and forecasting advances and technologies and recommend research and management priorities for the next decade and beyond. Our report encompasses sensing technologies, sensor networking and data management, models and forecasts, and the paths to operationalize forecasts. Continued improvements of deployable sensors are foundational to improving early warning indicators, models, and forecasts, which are only as good as the underlying data. Sensing technology has advanced considerably in the last decade; for example, more capable fluorometric pigment sensors can track changes in bloom biomass in real-time. Additionally, automated imaging/classifying systems to identify and quantify key harmful algal (HA) taxa are being routinely deployed. However, deployable toxin sensors are available for only some HAB toxins and continue to be identified as a critical need by researchers and managers. As more and improved sensors and technologies become available, the data quality associated with each sensor needs to be assessed. Data quality encompasses the reliability, accuracy, and uncertainty associated with sensor-generated data. These data need to be of known quality so that researchers, managers, and end-users can reliably determine if the information is appropriate for their intended applications. Many of the data quality recommendations from HARRNESS (2005) are still relevant and have been reiterated within the management community. Understanding and documenting data quality, and when applicable, standardizing best practices for sensor use, continue to be recommended.

Report↗
USGS2004

Demonstration-site development and phytoremediation processes associated with trichloroethene (TCE) in ground water, Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base Carswell Field, Fort Worth, Texas

A field-scale phytoremediation demonstration study was initiated in 1996 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, at a site on Naval Air StationJoint Reserve Base Carswell Field (NAS–JRB) adjacent to Air Force Plant 4 (AFP4) in Fort Worth, Tex. (fig. 1). Trichloroethene (TCE) has been used at AFP4 in aircraft manufacturing processes for decades; spills and leaks from tanks in the manufacturing building have resulted in shallow ground-water contamination on-site and downgradient from the facility (Eberts and others, 2003). The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of eastern cottonwoods ( Populus deltoides ) in decreasing the mass of dissolved TCE in ground water through phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is a process by which plants decrease the mass of a contaminant through a variety of chemical, physical, and biological means. Before development of the phytoremediation demonstration site, natural attenuation of TCE at the site occurred by sorption, dispersion, dilution, and possibly volatilization (Eberts and others, 2003). Long-term, field-scale monitoring and evaluation of this site contribute to the understanding of the processes associated with phytoremediation and provide practical information about field-scale applications of the method. This fact sheet briefly summarizes the development of the phytoremediation demonstration site at NAS–JRB and describes some of the physical and chemical processes associated with phytoremediation. The phytoremediation demonstration site is on the southern edge of the central lobe of a TCE plume in the surficial (alluvial) aquifer. The plume originates at AFP4 about 0.9 mile upgradient from the site (fig. 1). The 9.5-acre site is in the northwestern corner of the golf course on NAS–JRB. The saturated thickness of the alluvial aquifer, which is composed of clay, silt, sand, and gravel, ranges from about 1.5 to 5 feet at the site. The total thickness of the alluvial aquifer ranges from about 6 to 15 feet. The Goodland-Walnut confining unit, composed of massively bedded shaley limestone, underlies the alluvial aquifer. The general direction of ground-water flow in the study area (fig. 2) is from northwest to southeast, approximately perpendicular to the long sides of the cottonwood plantations. Ground water flows toward Farmers Branch Creek in the area southwest of the golf cart path. At the time of site characterization in August 1996, depth to water ranged from 8 to 13 feet below land surface.

Texas↗
USGS1985

Chemical and biological quality of selected lakes in Ohio, 1978 and 1979

Twenty-eight Ohio lakes were sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for water-quality characteristics during the spring and summer of 1978 and 1979. This report is the third in a series covering a lake-sampling program that began in 1975. Data include water-column profiles of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and specific conductance. Chemical, physical, and biological properties were measured at specific points in the water column, and selected physical and chemical properties also were measured in the principal inflows. The lakes were predominatly hard (120 180 milligrams per liter) to very hard water, although several soft-water lakes were found in southeastern Ohio. Calcium, bicarbonate, and sulfate were the principal dissolved constituents. Specific conductance ranged from 103 micromhos per centimeter (at 25 degrees Celsius) at Tycoon Lake, 1978, to 2,550 micromhos per centimeter at West Fork Mill Creek Lake, 1978. Thirteen lakes had trace-element concentrations that were above the limits for exceptional warm-water habitat recammended by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Seasonal thermal gradients developed in most lakes deeper than 17 feet. Oxygen concentrations were zero or near zero during the summer sampling of the bottom water of all lakes having definite thermal gradients. Most anaerobic zones contained hydrogen sulfide and high concentrations of ammonia. All lakes were evaluated and classified by Carlson's trophic state index. Most of the lakes were classified as eutrophic. Blue-green algae (CyanophytaJ) dominated the summer algal communities. Fecal colifrom counts were within Ohio standards, although high (more than 1,000 colonies per 100 milliliters) fecal colifrom and fecal streptococcus counts were observed in West Fork Mill Creek Lake after significant runoff.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1980

Physical and chemical properties of San Francisco Bay waters, 1977

Basic data on the physical and chemical properties of San Francisco Bay waters are presented here. Samples were collected over the period March-November 1977 at approximately monthly intervals at 36 stations. The stations were located along the axis of the Bay from Calaveras Point in South San Francisco Bay to the town of Rio Vista on the Sacramento River. The samples were analyzed for the following core parameters: salinity, temperature, light transmission, chlorophyll a fluorescence, light extinction, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, pCO 2 , orthophosphate, nitrate+nitrite, nitrite, ammonia, and silicate. Additional analyses were performed on selected discrete samples collected for particulate organic carbon, chlorophyll a, alkalinity, total CO 2 and suspended particulate matter. The results of these analyses and the analytical methods used are documented in this report.

California↗
USGS1979

Physical and chemical properties of San Francisco Bay waters, 1969-1976

Basic data on the physical and chemical properties of San Francisco Bay are presented here. Samples were collected over the period 1969-1976 at approximately six-week intervals at 36 stations. The stations were located along the axis of the Bay from Calaveras Point in South San Francisco Bay to the town of Rio Vista on the Sacramento River. On most cruises vertical profiles of the water properties were taken at 12 of the 36 stations. The samples were analyzed for the following core parameters: salinity, temperature, light transmission, chlorophyll a fluorescence, dissolved oxygen, orthophosphate, nitrate+nitrite, nitrite, ammonia, and silicate. Other analyses performed on selected samples included: particulate organic carbon, alkalinity, pH, pCO 2 , and suspended particulate weight. The results of these analyses and the analytical methods used are documented in this report.

California↗
USGS1980

Physical and chemical properties of the Potomac River and environs, August 1978

Basic data on the physical and chemical properties measured over the period 21 August through 31 August 1978 on the tidally influenced Potomac River and estuary are presented herein. Forty-two vertical profiles, and approximately 170 surface observations were made of the distributions of salinity, temperature, light transmission, chlorophyll-a fluorescence, dissolved oxygen, partial pressure of CO2, orthophosphate, nitrate+nitrite, nitrite, ammonia, and silicate. Additional analyses were performed on discrete samples collected for particulate organic carbon, alkalinity, pH, suspended particulate matter, total phosphate, total nitrogen, total dissolved phosphate, and total dissolved nitrogen.

Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia↗
USGS1986

Physical and chemical data for the Sacramento River at Rio Vista, California, January through May, 1983

Physical and chemical data for the Sacramento River at Rio Vista , California, for the period of January to May, 1983 are presented in this report. Measurements include specific conductance, alkalinity, suspended particulate matter, and the dissolved inorganic nutrients; nitrite, nitrate plus nitrite, ammonium, dissolved silica, and ortho-phosphate. Numerical results are tabulated and details of the methods are described.

California↗
USGS1986

Physical and chemical data for northern San Francisco Bay, California, September through November, 1984

This report presents physical and chemical data for northern San Francisco Bay waters. Samples were collected during the late summer and fall of 1984 during six cruises at near-two-week intervals. Bay waters were sampled at designated (historical) stations and selected salinitis along the deep channel of northern San Francisco Bay. Measurements included temperature, salinity, turbidity, in vivo fluorescence, chlorophyll a, alkalinity, suspended particulate matter, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved inorganic nutrients: nitrite, nitrate + nitrite, ammonium, dissolved silica, and ortho-phosphate. Numerical results are tabulated and methods are described. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1986

Physical and chemical data for the Sacramento River at Rio Vista, California, November 1983 through November 1984

Physical and chemical data for the Sacramento River at Rio Vista , California, for the period of November 1983 through November 1984 are presented in this report. Measurements include specific conductance, alkalinity, suspended particulate matter, and the dissolved inorganic nutrients: nitrite, nitrate + nitrite, ammonium, dissolved silica, and ortho-phosphate. Numerical results are tabulated and details of the methods are described. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1982

Chemical and physical characteristics of water in estuaries of Texas, October 1976-September 1978

The Texas Water Plan (1968) proposes development and utilization of water resources in Texas and includes provision for the use and preservation of water in the estuaries of the State. Management of estuarine waters requires knowledge of the hydrodynamics and of the continuing changes in the chemical and physical characteristics of water in the estuaries. In September 1967, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Texas Department of Water Resources began a cooperative water-resources investigation of the principal estuaries along the Texas coast (fig. 1) except the Rio Grande estuary, which is under the jurisdiction of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico. The objectives of the investigation are to define: (1) The occurrence, source, and distribution of nutrients; (2) the physical, organic, and inorganic water-quality constituents and their areal distribution and time variations; (3) the chemical and physical characteristics of Gulf water that enters the estuaries; (4) the occurrence, quality, quantity, and dispersion of drainage entering the estuarine systems; and (5) the current patterns, directions, and rates of water movement. The coastal waters of Texas are not classical estuaries, but are similar to them in ecosystems and mixing phenomena. A description of various types of estuaries is presented in "Estuaries" edited by Lauff (1967, p. 3-11). The term estuary as used in this report, refers to concomitant water bodies in which streamflow mixes with seawater.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1980

Chemical and physical characteristics of natural ground waters in Michigan: A preliminary report

Wide variations occur in the chemical and physical characteristics of natural groundwaters in Michigan. Dissolved-solids concentrations range from 23 to 2,100 milligrams per liter. Waters having low dissolved-solids concentrations are calcium bicarbonate waters. Sodium, sulfate, and chloride increase as mineralization increases. Iron, aluminum, and titanium are higher at some locations than is common in most natural waters. Lead concentrations exceed those desirable in drinking water at some locations in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula. Generalized areal patterns of water quality variation suggest that geology is a primary cause of differences across the State. Examples of chemical associations in water suggest that chemical analyses may be valuable in tracing and identifying mineral deposits.

Michigan↗