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At least 1,297 records · Page 72Linked to original sources
USGS2004

Development and Application of Watershed Regressions for Pesticides (WARP) for Estimating Atrazine Concentration Distributions in Streams

Regression models were developed for predicting atrazine concentration distributions in rivers and streams, using the Watershed Regressions for Pesticides (WARP) methodology. Separate regression equations were derived for each of nine percentiles of the annual distribution of atrazine concentrations and for the annual time-weighted mean atrazine concentration. In addition, seasonal models were developed for two specific periods of the year--the high season, when the highest atrazine concentrations are expected in streams, and the low season, when concentrations are expected to be low or undetectable. Various nationally available watershed parameters were used as explanatory variables, including atrazine use intensity, soil characteristics, hydrologic parameters, climate and weather variables, land use, and agricultural management practices. Concentration data from 112 river and stream stations sampled as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment and National Stream Quality Accounting Network Programs were used for computing the concentration percentiles and mean concentrations used as the response variables in regression models. Tobit regression methods, using maximum likelihood estimation, were used for developing the models because some of the concentration values used for the response variables were censored (reported as less than a detection threshold). Data from 26 stations not used for model development were used for model validation. The annual models accounted for 62 to 77 percent of the variability in concentrations among the 112 model development stations. Atrazine use intensity (the amount of atrazine used in the watershed divided by watershed area) was the most important explanatory variable in all models, but additional watershed parameters significantly increased the amount of variability explained by the models. Predicted concentrations from all 10 models were within a factor of 10 of the observed concentrations at most model development and model validation stations. Results for the two sets of seasonal models were similar. Concentration distributions derived from the seasonal-model predictions provided additional information compared to distributions derived from the annual models.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1979

Map showing occurrences of spring-deposited travertine in the conterminous Western United States

Extinct travertine terraces occur hundreds of meters above present levels of spring activity and have potentials for interpretation of ancient hydrologic systems, rates of downcutting, or rates of tectonic uplift that remain virtually unexploited. The abundance and size of extinct travertine deposits suggest that in many places, such as pinnacles at the southwest end of the Searles Lake basin, California, spring activity was once more widespread and copious than it is now. Travertine of Eocene age has been reported, and a scattering of later Tertiary occurrences is known. But where age has been inferred, the inferred ages are predominantly Pleistocene or younger. So travertine seems to be a geologically transient phenomenon, subject either to removal by erosion or to burial and disappearance. Many travertine deposits are known to be on or close to faults. Their occurrence in otherwise structurally featureless alluvial valleys may, therefore, suggest the possibility of a hidden fault. From the Front Range to the Pacific, more than 300 travertime deposits have been identified. The map shows that the deposits are widely dispersed. However, there are apparent groupings on the Wasatch Fault and associated tectonic areas trending northward in Utah and southern Idaho, and also near the great fault zone that marks the eastern boundary of the Sierra Nevada, California. (Lantz-PTT)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

Statistical analysis of aquifer-test results for nine regional aquifers in Louisiana

This report, prepared as part of the Gulf Coast Regional Aquifer-System Analysis project, presents a compilation, summarization, and statistical analysis of aquifer-test results for nine regional aquifers in Louisiana. These are from youngest to oldest: The alluvial, Pleistocene, Evangeline, Jasper, Catahoula, Cockfield, Sparta, Carrizo, and Wilcox aquifers. Approximately 1,500 aquifer tests in U.S. Geological Survey files in Louisiana were examined and 1,001 were input to a computer file. Analysis of the aquifer test results and plots that describe aquifer hydraulic characteristics were made for each regional aquifer. Results indicate that, on the average, permeability (hydraulic conductivity) generally tends to decrease from the youngest aquifers to the oldest. The most permeable aquifers in Louisiana are the alluvial and Pleistocene aquifers; whereas, the least permeable are the Carrizo and Wilcox aquifers. (Author 's abstract)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1985

Water quality of the North Platte River, east-central Wyoming

This report is a statistical summary of 40 different constituents and physical characteristics that describe the water quality of the North Platter River between Alcova Dam and Orin, Wyoming, a distance of 143 river miles. Data from seven stations are summarized for 1970-79. Water entering the North Platte River upstream from Casper generally is more mineralized and degraded than the water in the North Platte River or in the tributaries entering the river downstream from Casper. The average dissolved solids concentration was about 320 mg/L at the upper sampling station and about 430 mg/L just downstream from Casper. This increase is typical of many other constituents. The mean fecal-coliform concentration at the upper station was about 8 colonies/ml and about 4,000 colonies/100 ml at the station downstream from Casper. Concentrations of some constituents periodically were greater than maximum recommended for drinking water supplies. About 24% of the dissolved solids concentrations were more than 500 mg/L. Some selenium concentrations exceeded the limit of 10 micrograms/L mandated for public water supplies. Large concentrations of copper, zinc, and ammonia indicate that these constituents might be a problem for sensitive aquatic life. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1999

Stratigraphy and hydrologic conditions at the Brookhaven National Laboratory and vicinity, Suffolk County, New York, 1994-97

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has installed many test borings as part of an effort to delineate the extent of ground-water contamination at the site. In 1994, the U.S. Geological Survey began a study in cooperation with BNL to define the stratigraphy in the 28-square-mile area encompassing BNL, and to monitor ground-water levels in the 300 squaremile area of central Suffolk County that surrounds BNL. The uppermost geologic units at BNL are of Pleistocene age. These sediments are underlain unconformably by the Matawan Group-Magothy Formation, undifferentiated (referred to as the Magothy Formation), of Cretaceous age, which typically consists of light- to dark-gray, variably sorted sand interbedded with light- to dark-gray clay layers; it also contains beds of grayish-brown to brownish-gray sand. Bed thicknesses differ substantially within each boring and tend to be laterally discontinuous as a result of their terrestrial deltaic depositional environment, although a prominent clay unit, referred to as the ?grayish-brown clay? in this report, was encountered at many borings. Pollen-sample analyses confirm that this unit is of Cretaceous age and is the uppermost unit of Cretaceous sediments in several parts of the study area. The upper surface of the Cretaceous deposits is irregular within the 28-square-mile study area and has relief of about 120 feet. Several prominent channels and ridges in the surface are aligned generally northwest-southeast. The Cretaceous surface beneath BNL is characterized more by local erosional features than by the regional cuesta shape that was suggested by previous authors. The overlying Pleistocene-aged units include (1) a sand layer overlain by the Gardiners Clay, (2) the Gardiners Clay, and (3) upper Pleistocene deposits, which include the Upton unit, glacial outwash, glaciolacustrine deposits, and terminal moraine deposits. The sand unit below the Gardiners Clay was the first Pleistocene unit to be deposited atop the irregular surface of the Cretaceous deposits in this area. The Gardiners Clay was deposited during a major rise in sea level as the sea encroached into parts of the present-day BNL study area. The shallow part of the upper Pleistocene deposits generally consists of light-brown sand and gravel but overlies green to grayish-green, variably sorted sand, silt, and clay at altitudes of 50 to 70 feet below sea level in some parts of the study area. This lower part of the upper Pleistocene deposits in the study area was referred to by previous investigators as the unidentified unit and has been designated as the Upton unit in this report. The discharge of ground water to the Peconic and Carmans Rivers locally affects the water-table configuration. The main ground-water divide on Long Island is about 0.5 miles north of the site; a secondary divide originates near the start of flow of the Peconic River and extends east-southeastward toward the South Fork. The water-table configuration on the BNL site is affected by pumping from supply wells and remediation wells, by infiltration of the water through recharge basins, by discharge from the sewage-treatment plant, and by local near-surface clay units. The horizontal hydraulic gradient at BNL typically is 0.001 foot per foot but can steepen near recharge basins and pumping wells. Vertical flow gradients within the upper Pleistocene deposits (upper glacial aquifer) were as large as 0.007 foot per foot (downward) in the northern part of BNL and were negligible in the southern part. Downward vertical gradients between the lower part of the upper glacial aquifer and the upper part of the Magothy Formation (Magothy aquifer) were about 0.018 foot per foot throughout the site.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1985

Cost effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in Pennsylvania

This report documents a cost-effectiveness study of the stream-gaging program in Pennsylvania. Data uses and funding were identified for 223 continuous-record stream gages operated in 1983; four are planned for discontinuance at the close of water-year 1985; two are suggested for conversion, at the beginning of the 1985 water year, for the collection of only continuous stage records. Two of 11 special-purpose short-term gages are recommended for continuation when the supporting project ends; eight of these gages are to be discontinued and the other will be converted to a partial-record type. Current operation costs for the 212 stations recommended for continued operation is $1,199,000 per year in 1983. The average standard error of estimation for instantaneous streamflow is 15.2%. An overall average standard error of 9.8% could be attained on a budget of $1,271,000, which is 6% greater than the 1983 budget, by adopted cost-effective stream-gaging operations. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2004

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory-Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds in sediment by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A method for the determination of 28 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 25 alkylated PAH homolog groups in sediment samples is described. The compounds are extracted from sediment by solvent extraction, followed by partial isolation using high-performance gel permeation chromatography. The compounds are identified and uantitated using capillary-column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The report presents performance data for full-scan ion monitoring. Method detection limits in laboratory reagent matrix samples range from 1.3 to 5.1 micrograms per kilogram for the 28 PAHs. The 25 groups of alkylated PAHs are homologs of five groups of isomeric parent PAHs. Because of the lack of authentic standards, these homologs are reported semiquantitatively using a response factor from a parent PAH or a specific alkylated PAH. Precision data for the alkylated PAH homologs are presented using two different standard reference manuals produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology: SRM 1941b and SRM 1944. The percent relative standard deviations for identified alkylated PAH homolog groups ranged from 1.55 to 6.98 for SRM 1941b and from 6.11 to 12.0 for SRM 1944. Homolog group concentrations reported under this method include the concentrations of individually identified compounds that are members of the group. Organochlorine (OC) pesticides--including toxaphene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organophosphate (OP) pesticides--can be isolated simultaneously using this method. In brief, sediment samples are centrifuged to remove excess water and extracted overnight with dichloromethan (95 percent) and methanol (5 percent). The extract is concentrated and then filtered through a 0.2-micrometer polytetrafluoroethylene syringe filter. The PAH fraction is isolated by quantitatively injecting an aliquot of sample onto two polystyrene-divinylbenzene gel-permeation chromatographic columns connected in series. The compounds are eluted with dichloromethane, a PAH fraction is collected, and a portion of the coextracted interferences, including elemental sulfur, is separated and discarded. The extract is solvent exchanged, the volume is reduced, and internal standard is added. Sample analysis is completed using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer and full-scan acquisition.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1990

Water quality of alluvial aquifers, Carroll and Guthrie counties, Iowa, with emphasis on the occurrence of nitrate and pesticides, 1986-87

Samples collected from wells in Carroll and Guthrie Counties, Iowa, were analyzed to describe the chemical quality of the ground water in shallow aquifers. The study began in June 1986 with the selection of 20 shallow wells in Carroll County and 22 shallow wells in Guthrie County. These wells were sampled in the summer and fall of 1986 and 1987. Samples from the wells were analyzed for major ions, nutrients, trace elements, radiochemicals, nitrate, and pesticides. Median and mean nitrate concentrations were 95 and 11 milligrams per liter. About 60 percent of the samples had nitrate concentrations greater than 5.0 milligrams per liter. Detectable concentrations of a least one pesticide were in 27 percent of the samples. Atrazine, the most prevalent pesticide, was detected in 25 percent of the samples; alachlor was detected in 6 percent; and cyanazine was detected in 5 percent. Dicamba, metolachlor, trifluralin, and2,4-D were detected in 2 percent or less of the samples. In the summer and fall 1986,43 and 45 percent of the water samples had nitrate concentrations larger than 10 milligrams per liter, the maximum contaminant level for public drinking water specified by the State of Iowa; in the summer and fall 1987,41 and 55 percent of the samples had nitrate concentrations larger than the maximum contaminant level. In the summer and fall 1986,23 and 18 percent of the samples contained detectable concentrations of at least one pesticide; in the summer and fall 1987,21 and 47 percent of the samples contained detectable concentrations of at least one pesticide. Detection frequencies ofatrazine, alachlor, and cyanazine increased for samples collected in October 1987. Pesticides were more frequently detected along Brushy Creek, and the East Nishnabotna, Middle, North Raccoon, and South Raccoon Rivers. However, pesticides also were detected along the Middle Raccoon and West Nishnabotna Rivers. Detection frequencies were greatest (50 percent) for the East Nishnabotna River and Middle River alluvial settings. Increased nitrate concentrations generally were observed in the shallower wells and were larger than those previously reported for shallow municipal wells. Pesticide detection relative to well depth was inconsistent with the trend observed for nitrate. Pesticide detection frequencies were greater for wells that were 40 to 80 feet deep (about 40 percent) than for wells less that 40 feet deep (about 20 percent). Of the water samples with nitrate concentrations greater than or equal to 5.0 milligrams per liter, 33 percent had detectable pesticide concentrations. Conversely, for those samples with detectable pesticide concentrations, 76 percent had nitrate concentrations larger than or equal to 5.0 milligrams per liter and 67 percent were larger than or equal to 10 milligrams per liter. The median concentration of nitrate for samples containing at least one detectable pesticide was 15 milligrams per liter and was greater than the overall median nitrate concentration of 95 milligrams per liter. The median for samples that did not contain a detectable pesticide was 73 milligrams per liter.

Iowa↗
USGS1998

Regional rainfall-runoff relations for simulation of streamflow for watersheds in Du Page County, Illinois

Rainfall and streamflow data collected from July 1986 through September 1993 were utilized to calibrate and verify a continuous-simulation rainfall-runoff model for three watersheds (11.8--18.0 square miles in area) in Du Page County. Classification of land cover into three categories of pervious (grassland, forest/wetland, and agricultural land) and one category of impervious subareas was sufficient to accurately simulate the rainfall-runoff relations for the three watersheds. Regional parameter sets were obtained by calibrating jointly all parameters except fraction of ground-water inflow that goes to inactive ground water (DEEPFR), interflow recession constant (IRC), and infiltration (INFILT) for runoff from all three watersheds. DEEPFR and IRC varied among the watersheds because of physical differences among the watersheds. Two values of INFILT were obtained: one representing the rainfall-runoff process on the silty and clayey soils on the uplands and lake plains that characterize Sawmill Creek, St. Joseph Creek, and eastern Du Page County; and one representing the rainfall-runoff process on the silty soils on uplands that characterize Kress Creek and parts of western Du Page County. Regional rainfall-runoff relations, defined through joint calibration of the rainfall-runoff model and verified for independent periods, presented in this report, allow estimation of runoff for watersheds in Du Page County with an error in the total water balance less than 4.0 percent; an average absolute error in the annual-flow estimates of 17.1 percent with the error rarely exceeding 25 percent for annual flows; and correlation coefficients and coefficients of model-fit efficiency for monthly flows of at least 87 and 76 percent, respectively. Close reproduction of the runoff-volume duration curves was obtained. A frequency analysis of storm-runoff volume indicates a tendency of the model to undersimulate large storms, which may result from underestimation of the amount of impervious land cover in the watershed and errors in measuring rainfall for convective storms. Overall, the results of regional calibration and verification of the rainfall-runoff model indicate the simulated rainfall-runoff relations are adequate for stormwater-management planning and design for watersheds in Du Page County.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

A reconnaissance water-quality appraisal of the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer between Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colorado, including trace elements and organic constituents

This report describes the hydrology and chemical quality of water in the stream-aquifer system along Fountain Creek and relates groundwater quality to land use, water use, and wastewater discharges. The alluvial aquifer, which is underlain by shale bedrock, is transmissive, extensively pumped, and primarily is recharged by Fountain Creek and irrigation-return flow. Groundwater flows south about 20 ft/day, average residence time is less than 10 yr. Land use primarily is urban in the northern one-third and agricultural in the southern two-thirds of the area. Major ions, boron, iron, lithium, selenium, strontium, and uranium increased in concentration downgradient. The largest concentrations of nitrogen and detergents were in the northern end of the area because of recharge of sewage effluent in Fountain Creek. Other trace elements usually were present in concentrations less than 20 mg/L. Volatile organic compounds were detected in water from 11 of 20 wells sampled. Samples from 4 of the 20 wells were analyzed for semivolatile organics using a closed-loop stripping technique, which detected additional compounds at nanogram/L concentrations. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1983

Computation of inflows and outflows of eight regulated lakes in the Oswego River Basin, New York, 1930-79

Estimates of daily inflows and outflows of eight regulated lakes in the Oswego River basin and discharges of three rivers draining these lakes were computed and compiled for use in evaluated lake-regulation procedures in the basin 's stream and reservoir system and are stored on computer. This report includes a table of monthly flows at these sites from 1930-79. Computations were based on records from the 1930-79 water years. Daily net inflow estimates (lake inflow minus evaporation and possible groundwater seepage) were computed from the outflows and changes in lake storage. Lake storage was estimated from lake level data and elevation-capacity curves for each lake. A smoothing technique was applied to plots of daily lake levels before net inflows were computed. Where lake level or outflow data were missing, net flows were estimated from linear regression equations. Analysis of results indicates that: (1) smoothing the plots of daily lake levels significantly reduces random fluctuations resulting from seiche or wind action; (2) continuous lake storage recorders provide a more reliable record than staff gages (once-daily, lake level readings) for computing daily changes in lake storage; and (3) the effect of smoothing decreases as the computational period is increased. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2003

Effect of the Paradox Valley Unit on the dissolved-solids load of the Dolores River near Bedrock, Colorado, 1988-2001

Discharge of brine with an average dissolved-solids concentration of about 256,000 milligrams per liter from alluvium in Paradox Valley, a collapsed salt anticline, substantially increases the dissolved-solids load of the Dolores River. In 1996, the Bureau of Reclamation began operation of the Paradox Valley Unit, a series of brine-withdrawal wells completed in alluvium along the Dolores River and a deep-injection well for the brine, to decrease flow of brine into the river. This report presents the findings of a study to determine the effectiveness of the Paradox Valley Unit from 1988 through September 2001. Differences in dissolved-solids load of the Dolores River between two gaging stations, one upstream and one downstream from the Paradox Valley Unit, indicate that an average dissolved-solids load of about 313 tons per day (an annual average of about 115,000 tons) was contributed by brine inflow to the Dolores River before operation of the Paradox Valley Unit began in July 1996. By September 30, 2001, the dissolved-solids load contributed by brine had declined to an average of about 29 tons per day? a decrease of about 90 percent. This decrease might have been facilitated by a decrease in precipitation and streamflow into the Paradox Valley during the last few years of the assessed period.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1985

Determination of roughness coefficients for streams in Colorado

Most hydraulic calculations of flow in channels and overbank areas require an evaluation of flow resistance, generally expressed as Manning 's roughness coefficient. The degree of roughness depends on many factors. The report summarizes and relates several methods of estimating roughness and presents additional channel-roughness verification data on higher-gradient streams with slopes greater than 0.002. A procedure is outlined that enables the user to systematically evaluate the factors affecting natural, agricultural, and urban channel and overbank roughness. Two prediction equations are presented to aid in the calculation of coefficients for natural stable channels in which roughness changes dramatically with depth of flow. Roughness coefficients can be determined from low-to-high flow conditions as long as the channel remains fairly stable, sediment concentrations are not so great as to result in mudflows or debris flows, and stream slopes are less than 0.05. Because of extreme turbulence, large energy losses, and hence large roughness coefficients, flow in high-gradient, cobble- and boulder-bed mountain streams generally is subcritical. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2001

Characteristics of water, sediment, and benthic communities of the Wolf River, Menominee Indian Reservation, Wisconsin, water years 1986-98

Analyses and interpretation of water quality, sediment, and biological data from water years 1986 through 1998 indicated that land use and other human activities have had only minimal effects on water quality in the Wolf River upstream from and within the Menominee Indian Reservation in northeastern Wisconsin. Relatively high concentrations of calcium and magnesium (natural hardness), iron, manganese, and aluminum were measured in Wolf River water samples during water years 1986-98 from the three sampled sites and attributed to presence of highly mineralized geologic materials in the basin. Average calcium and magnesium concentrations varied from 22-26 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and 11-13 mg/L, respectively. Average iron concentrations ranged from 290-380 micrograms per liter ( μ g/L); average manganese concentrations ranged from 53-56 mg/L. Average aluminum concentrations ranged from 63-67 μ g/L. Mercury was present in water samples but concentrations were not at levels of concern. Levels of Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite plus nitrate, total phosphorus, and orthophosphorus in water samples were often low or below detection limits (0.01- 0.10 mg/L). Trace amounts of atrazine (maximum concentration of 0.031 μ g/L), deethylatrazine (maximum 0.032 μ g/L), and alachlor (maximum of 0.002 μ g/L) were detected. Low concentrations of most trace elements were found in streambed sediment. Tissues of fish and aquatic invertebrates collected once each year from 1995 through 1998 at the Langlade and Keshena sites, near the northern and southern boundaries of the Reservation, respectively, were low in concentrations of most trace elements. Arsenic and silver in fish livers from both sites were less than or equal to 2 μ g/g arsenic and less than 1 μ g/g silver for dry weight analysis, and concentrations of antimony, beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, lead, nickel, and uranium were all below detection limits (less than 1 μ g/g dry weight). Concentrations of most other trace elements in fish were low, with the exceptions of chromium, copper, mercury, and selenium; however, these concentrations are not at levels of concern. Concentrations of all trace elements analyzed in whole caddisfly larvae also were low compared to those reported in the literature. During 1998, a total of 48 species of macroinvertebrates were identified at each of two sampled sites, with similar numbers of genera represented at both: 41 at Keshena and 44 at Langlade. The percentage EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) was 52 at Keshena and 77 at Langlade; these relatively large percentages suggest very good to excellent water quality at these sites. A total of 52 algal taxa were identified at the Wolf River near Langlade. Diatoms made up 96 percent of the algal biomass. A total of 58 algal taxa were identified at Keshena, including 48 diatom taxa (83 percent). Although diatoms accounted for just 22 percent of the algal relative abundance, in cells per square centimeter, diatoms contributed 91 percent of the total algal biomass. The overall biological integrity of the Keshena and Langlade sites, based on diversity, siltation, and pollution indexes for diatoms is excellent.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1980

Sediment transport of streams tributary to San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun Bays, California, 1909-66

A review of historical sedimentation data is presented, results of sediment-data collection for water years 1957-59 are summarized, and long-term sediment-discharge estimates from a preliminary report are updated. Comparison of results based on 3 years of data to those for the 10 water years, 1957-66, provides an indication of the adequacy of the data obtained during the short period to define the long-term relation between sediment transport and streamflow. During 1909-66, sediment was transported to the entire San Francisco Bay system at an average rate of 8.6 million cubic yards per year. The Sacramento and San Joaquin River basins provided about 83% of the sediment inflow to the system annually during 1957-66 and 86% during 1909-66. About 98% of this inflow was measured or estimated at sediment measuring sites. Measured sediment inflow directly to the bays comprised only about 40% of the total discharged by basins directly tributary to the bays. About 90% of the total sediment discharge to the delta and the bays in the San Francisco Bay system thus was determined on the basis of systematic measurements. (USGS)

California↗
USGS1985

An investigation of ground-water recharge by injection in the Palo Alto Baylands, California: Hydraulic and chemical interactions — Final report

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, has completed a study of ground-water recharge by injection in the Palo Alto baylands along San Francisco Bay, California. Selected wells within the Water District 's injection-extraction network were monitored to determine hydraulic and chemical interactions affecting well-field operation. The well field was installed to prevent and eliminate saline contamination in the local shallow aquifer system. The primary focus of this study is on factors that affect injection efficiency, specifically well and aquifer clogging. Mixing and break-through curves for major chemical constituents indicate ion exchange, adsorption, and dissolution reactions. Freshwater breakthrough was detected in water-level data, which reflected fluid-density change as well as head buildup. Dissolution of calcium carbonate caused by dilution of saline ground water probably accounts for an apparent increase in specific capacity possibly related to improved aquifer permeability. Adsorption evidently removed trace elements during passage of injected water through the aquifer. In terms of hydraulic and chemical compatibility, the well field is a viable system for ground-water recharge. Aquifer heterogeneity and operational constraints reduce the efficiency of the system. Efficiency may be maximized by careful attention to extraction distribution and quantity and to injection distribution, quantity, and water quality. (USGS)

California↗
USGS2002

Ecological effects on streams from forest fertilization: Literature review and conceptual framework for future study in the western Cascades

Fertilization of forests with urea-nitrogen has been studied numerous times for its effects on water quality. Stream nitrogen concentrations following fertilization are typically elevated during winter, including peaks in the tens-of-thousands of parts per billion range, with summer concentrations often returning to background or near-background levels. Despite these increases, water-quality criteria for nitrogen have rarely been exceeded. However, such criteria are targeted at fish toxicity or human health and are not relevant to concentrations that could cause ecological disturbances. Studies of the responses of stream biota to fertilization have been rare and have targeted either immediate, toxicity-based responses or used methods insensitive to ongoing ecological processes. This report reviews water-quality studies following forest fertilizations, emphasizing Cascade streams in the Pacific Northwest and documented biological responses in those streams. A conceptual model predicting potential ecological response to fertilization, which includes effects on algal growth and primary production, is presented. In this model, applied fertilizer nitrogen reaching streams is mostly exported during winter. However, some nitrogen retained in soils or stream and riparian areas may become available to aquatic biota during spring and summer. Biological responses may be minimal in small streams nearest to application because of light limitation, but may be elevated downstream where light is sufficient to allow algal growth. Ultimately, algal response could be greatest in downstream reaches, although ambient nutrient concentrations remain low due to uptake and benthic nutrient recycling. Ground-water flow paths and hyporheic processing could be critical in determining the fate of applied nitrogen. A framework is provided for testing this response in the Little River watershed, a tributary to the North Umpqua River, Oregon, at basic and intensive levels of investigation.

Oregon↗
USGS1978

Flood profiles for Peace River, south-central Florida

This report presents flood heights and profiles for a 70-mile reach of Peace River from Bartow to Arcadia, Fla. The flood heights were calculated using the U.S. Geological Survey step-backwater model. Profiles were prepared for floods having expected recurrence intervals of 2, 2.33, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 years. Flood-peak discharges used in the step-backwater analyses were determined by weighting stream gaging-station data with data from a regional analysis. Land-surface elevation data for 183 cross sections - including values of Manning 's roughness coefficient - also were used in the backwater analysis. Flood height data are generally accurate to + or - 0.5 foot. They indicate that most roads and two bridges in the study reach will be inundated by some of the floods evaluated. (Woodard-USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗