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USGS2008

Ultrahigh resolution topographic mapping of Mars with MRO HiRISE stereo images: Meter-scale slopes of candidate Phoenix landing sites

The objectives of this paper are twofold: first, to report our estimates of the meter‐to‐decameter‐scale topography and slopes of candidate landing sites for the Phoenix mission, based on analysis of Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images with a typical pixel scale of 3 m and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) images at 0.3 m pixel −1 and, second, to document in detail the geometric calibration, software, and procedures on which the photogrammetric analysis of HiRISE data is based. A combination of optical design modeling, laboratory observations, star images, and Mars images form the basis for software in the U.S. Geological Survey Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers (ISIS) 3 system that corrects the images for a variety of distortions with single‐pixel or subpixel accuracy. Corrected images are analyzed in the commercial photogrammetric software SOCET SET (® BAE Systems), yielding digital topographic models (DTMs) with a grid spacing of 1 m (3–4 pixels) that require minimal interactive editing. Photoclinometry yields DTMs with single‐pixel grid spacing. Slopes from MOC and HiRISE are comparable throughout the latitude zone of interest and compare favorably with those where past missions have landed successfully; only the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) B site in Meridiani Planum is smoother. MOC results at multiple locations have root‐mean‐square (RMS) bidirectional slopes of 0.8–4.5° at baselines of 3–10 m. HiRISE stereopairs (one per final candidate site and one in the former site) yield 1.8–2.8° slopes at 1‐m baseline. Slopes at 1 m from photoclinometry are also in the range 2–3° after correction for image blur. Slopes exceeding the 16° Phoenix safety limit are extremely rare.

Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets↗

USGS2010

Detection and mapping of hydrocarbon deposits on Titan

We report the identification of compounds on Titan's surface by spatially resolved imaging spectroscopy methods through Titan's atmosphere, and set upper limits to other organic compounds. We present evidence for surface deposits of solid benzene (C 6 H 6 ), solid and/or liquid ethane (C 2 H 6 ), or methane (CH 4 ), and clouds of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) aerosols using diagnostic spectral features in data from the Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS). Cyanoacetylene (2-propynenitrile, IUPAC nomenclature, HC 3 N) is indicated in spectra of some bright regions, but the spectral resolution of VIMS is insufficient to make a unique identification although it is a closer match to the feature previously attributed to CO 2 . We identify benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, in larger abundances than expected by some models. Acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), expected to be more abundant on Titan according to some models than benzene, is not detected. Solid acetonitrile (CH 3 CN) or other nitriles might be candidates for matching other spectral features in some Titan spectra. An as yet unidentified absorption at 5.01- μ m indicates that yet another compound exists on Titan's surface. We place upper limits for liquid methane and ethane in some locations on Titan and find local areas consistent with millimeter path lengths. Except for potential lakes in the southern and northern polar regions, most of Titan appears “dry.” Finally, we find there is little evidence for exposed water ice on the surface. Water ice, if present, must be covered with organic compounds to the depth probed by 1–5- μ m photons: a few millimeters to centimeters.

Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets↗

USGS2012

Enhanced surveillance strategies for detecting and monitoring chronic wasting disease in free-ranging cervids

The purpose of this document is to provide wildlife management agencies with the foundation upon which they can build scientifically rigorous and cost-effective surveillance and monitoring programs for chronic wasting disease (CWD) or refine their existing programs. The first chapter provides an overview of potential demographic and spatial risk factors of susceptible wildlife populations that may be exploited for CWD surveillance and monitoring. The information contained in this chapter explores historic as well as recent developments in our understanding of CWD disease dynamics. It also contains many literature references for readers who may desire a more thorough review of the topics or CWD in general. The second chapter examines methods for enhancing efforts to detect CWD on the landscape where it is not presently known to exist and focuses on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the surveillance program. Specifically, it describes the means of exploiting current knowledge of demographic and spatial risk factors, as described in the first chapter, through a two-stage surveillance scheme that utilizes traditional design-based sampling approaches and novel statistical methods to incorporate information about the attributes of the landscape, environment, populations and individual animals into CWD surveillance activities. By accounting for these attributes, efficiencies can be gained and cost-savings can be realized. The final chapter is unique in relation to the first two chapters. Its focus is on designing programs to monitor CWD once it is discovered within a jurisdiction. Unlike the prior chapters that are more detailed or prescriptive, this chapter by design is considerably more general because providing comprehensive direction for creating monitoring programs for jurisdictions without consideration of their monitoring goals, sociopolitical constraints, or their biological systems, is not possible. Therefore, the authors draw upon their collective experiences implementing disease-monitoring programs to present the important questions to consider, potential tools, and various strategies for those wildlife management agencies endeavoring to create or maintain a CWD monitoring program. Its intent is to aid readers in creating efficient and cost-effective monitoring programs, while avoiding potential pitfalls. It is hoped that these three chapters will be useful tools for wildlife managers struggling to implement efficient and effective CWD disease management programs.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2005

Summary of significant results from studies of triazine herbicides and their degradation products in surface water, ground water, and precipitation in the midwestern United States during the 1990s

Nonpoint-source contamination of water resources from triazine herbicides has been a major water-quality issue during the 1990s in the United States. To address this issue, studies of surface water, ground water, and precipitation have been carried out by the U.S. Geological Survey in the Midwestern United States. Reconnaissance studies of 147 streams were conducted to determine the geographic and seasonal distribution of atrazine, cyanazine, propazine, and simazine. These studies showed that high concentrations of herbicides were flushed from cropland and transported through the stream system as pulses in response to spring and summer rainfall. The studies also revealed the persistence of herbicides and their degradation products in streams. An investigation of 76 reservoirs showed that the occurrence and temporal distribution of herbicides and their degradation products in reservoir outflow could be related to reservoir and drainage-basin characteristics, water and land use, herbicide use, and climate. Significant findings showed that concentrations of atrazine and its degradation products remained elevated all summer and into the fall and that recently applied atrazine mixed with atrazine applied the previous year as water moved through a reservoir. Reconnaissance studies of 303 ground-water wells were completed to determine hydrogeological and seasonal occurrence, concentration, and distribution of herbicides and their degradation products. Samples collected from across the Midwestern United States consistently revealed that triazine herbicide degradation products commonly were found more frequently than their parent herbicide and that ground-water age could be an important factor in explaining variations in herbicide contamination. A final study investigated precipitation in the Midwestern United States, northeast to the Atlantic Ocean, and northward to the Canadian border. It found that the highest herbicide concentrations in precipitation occurred following herbicide application to cropland. Atrazine was detected most often, followed by deethylatrazine, cyanazine, and deisoproplyatrazine. Mass deposition of herbicides by precipitation was greatest in areas where herbicide use was intense and decreased with distance from the Midwest. Findings of the 1990s studies include an improved understanding of the occurrence, persistence, chemistry, and transport of triazine herbicides and their degradation products in the hydrologic environment. A significant increase in knowledge of triazine herbicides and development and improvement of analytical methods were accomplished in the past decade. The results produced are not only significant for the present (2005) but provide an important data set for future use.

Midwest region↗

USGS2017

Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon life history investigations

Predation by nonnative fishes is one factor that has been implicated in the decline of juvenile salmonids in the Pacific Northwest. Impoundment of much of the Snake and Columbia rivers has altered food webs and created habitat favorable for species such as Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu . Smallmouth Bass are common throughout the Columbia River basin and have become the most abundant predator in lower Snake River reservoirs (Zimmerman and Parker 1995). This is a concern for Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (hereafter, subyearlings) that may be particularly vulnerable due to their relatively small size and because their main-stem rearing habitats often overlap or are in close proximity to habitats used by Smallmouth Bass (Curet 1993; Tabor et al. 1993). Concern over juvenile salmon predation spawned a number of large-scale studies to quantify its effect in the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s (Poe et al. 1991; Rieman et al. 1991; Vigg et al. 1991; Fritts and Pearsons 2004; Naughton et al. 2004). Smallmouth Bass predation represented 9% of total salmon consumption by predatory fishes in John Day Reservoir, Columbia River, from 1983 through 1986 (Rieman et al. 1991). In transitional habitat between the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River and McNary Reservoir, juvenile salmon (presumably subyearlings) were found in 65% of Smallmouth Bass (>200 mm) stomachs and comprised 59% of the diet by weight (Tabor et al. 1993). Within Lower Granite Reservoir on the Snake River, Naughton et al. (2004) showed that monthly consumption (based on weight) ranged from 5% in the upper reaches of the reservoir to 11% in the forebay. However, studies in the Snake River were conducted soon after Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon (NMFS 1992). During this time, Fall Chinook Salmon abundance was at an historic low, which may explain why consumption rates were relatively low compared to those from studies conducted in the Columbia and Yakima rivers where abundance was higher (e.g., Tabor et al. 1993; Fritts and Pearsons 2004). We speculate that predation on subyearlings by Smallmouth Bass in the Snake River may have increased in recent years for several reasons. Since their ESA listing, recovery measures implemented for Snake River Fall Chinook salmon have resulted in a large increase in the juvenile population (Connor et al. 2013). Considering that subyearlings probably now make up a larger portion of the forage fish population, it is plausible they should make up a large portion of Smallmouth Bass diets. Second, migrating subyearlings delay downstream movement in the transition zones of the Clearwater River and Snake River for varying lengths of time (Tiffan et al. 2010), which increases their exposure and vulnerability to predators. Spatial overlap in locations of Smallmouth Bass and subyearlings that died during migration provides support for this (Tiffan et al. 2010). Finally, the later outmigration of subyearlings from the Clearwater River results in their presence in Lower Granite Reservoir during the warmest summer months when predation rates of Smallmouth Bass should be highest. In 2016, we focused our efforts on Smallmouth Bass predation in Lower Granite Reservoir downstream of the transition zones and the confluence area where we worked during 2012–2015. Similar to past years, our first objective was to quantify Smallmouth Bass consumption rates of subyearlings, determine relative bass abundance, and describe bass diets. In addition, Tiffan et al. (2016a) posited that predation risk to subyearlings may be higher in shoreline habitats that are more suitable for Smallmouth Bass and lower in shoreline habitats that are more suitable for subyearlings. To test this hypothesis, our second objective examines the relationship between Smallmouth Bass predation of subyearlings and habitat suitability.

Idaho, Washington↗

USGS2000

Accounting for site effects in probabilistic seismic hazard analyses of southern California: Overview of the SCEC Phase III Report

This article presents an overview of the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) Phase-III effort to determine the extent to which probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) can be improved by accounting for site effects. The contributions made in this endeavor are represented in the various articles that compose this special issue of BSSA. Given the somewhat arbitrary nature of the site-effect distinction, it must be carefully defined in any given context. With respect to PSHA, we define the site effect as the response, relative to an attenuation relationship, averaged over all damaging earthquakes in the region. A diligent effort has been made to identify any attributes that predispose a site to greater or lower levels of shaking. The most detailed maps of Quaternary geology are not found to be helpful; either they are overly detailed in terms of distinguishing different amplification factors or present southern California strong-motion observations are inadequate to reveal their superiority. A map based on the average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 m, however, is found to delineate significantly different amplification factors. A correlation of amplification with basin depth is also found to be significant, implying up to a factor of two difference between the shallowest and deepest parts of the Los Angeles basin. In fact, for peak acceleration the basin-depth correction is more influential than the 30-m shear-wave velocity. Questions remain, however, as to whether basin depth is a proxy for some other site attribute. In spite of these significant and important site effects, the standard deviation of an attenuation relationship (the prediction error) is not significantly reduced by making such corrections. That is, given the influence of basin-edge-induced waves, subsurface focusing, and scattering in general, any model that attempts to predict ground motion with only a few parameters will have a substantial intrinsic variability. Our best hope for reducing such uncertainties is via waveform modeling based on first principals of physics. Finally, questions remain with respect to the overall reliability of attenuation relationships at large magnitudes and short distances. Current discrepancies between viable models produce up to a factor of 3 difference among predicted 10% in 50-yr exceedance levels, part of which results from the uncertain influence of sediment nonlinearity.

California↗

USGS2000

Overview of the Texas Source Water Assessment Project

The 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act require, for the first time, that each state prepare a source water assessment for all PWS. Previously, Federal regulations focused on sampling and enforcement with emphasis on the quality of delivered water. These Amendments emphasize the importance of protecting the source water. States are required to determine the drinking-water source, the origin of contaminants monitored or the potential contaminants to be monitored, and the intrinsic susceptibility of the source water. Under the amendments to the Act, States must create SWAP Programs. The programs must include an individual source water assessment for each public water system regulated by the State. These assessments will determine whether an individual drinking water source is susceptible to contamination. During 1997?99, TNRCC and USGS staff met as subject-matter working groups to develop an approach to conducting Source Water Susceptibility Assessments (SWSA) and a draft workplan. The draft workplan was then presented to and reviewed by various stakeholder and technical advisory groups. Comments and suggestions from these groups were considered, and a final workplan was produced and presented to the EPA. After EPA approval, work formally began on the Texas SWAP Project. The project has an expected completion date of September 2002. At that time, initial SWSA of all Texas public water supplies should be complete. Ground-water supplies can be considered susceptible if a possible source of contamination (PSOC) exists in the contributing area for the public-supply well field or spring, the contaminant travel time to the well field or spring is short, and the soil zone, vadose zone, and aquifer-matrix materials are unlikely to adequately attenuate the contaminants associated with the PSOC. In addition, particular types of land use/cover within the contributing area may cause the supply to be deemed more susceptible to contamination. Finally, detection of various classes of constituents in water from wells in the vicinity of a public supply well may indicate susceptibility of the public-supply well even though there may be no identifiable PSOC or land use activity. Surface-water supplies are by nature susceptible to contamination from both point and non-point sources. The degree of susceptibility of a PWS to contamination can vary and is a function of the environmental setting, water and wastewater management practices, and land use/cover within a water supply's contributing watershed area. For example, a PWS intake downstream from extensive urban development may be more susceptible to non-point source contamination than a PWS intake downstream from a forested, relatively undeveloped watershed. Surface-water supplies are also susceptible to contamination from point sources, which may include permitted discharges, as well as accidental spills or other introduction of contaminants.

Texas↗

USGS1979

Preliminary analysis of clay gouge from a well in the San Andreas fault zone in central California

Drilling into the San Andreas fault zone has begun in central California as part of the U.S.G.S. program of fault zone studies. The purpose of drilling into the fault zone is threefold. First, it will allow recovery of material from depth in order to determine the composition of both solid and fluid phases. Second, it will allow determination of the physical state of the fault zone, that is, the state of stress, pore pressure, and temperature. Finally, it will allow emplacement of instruments at depth in the fault zone for monitoring experiments related to short-term earthquake prediction. In an attempt to drill to the depth of earthquake focii, the initial drill site was chosen at a locale known as Dry Lake Valley (Fig. 1). Although the entire central section of the San Andreas fault is characterized by moderate seismicity and aseismic creep, Dry Lake Valley has particularly shallow earthquakes as well as a fairly high creep rate (18-20 mm/year). Figure 2 is a longitudinal section along the San Andreas fault. The high precision earthquake locations shown are magnitude one or greater events that occurred in 1973-1975 (from W. Ellsworth, pers. comm.). The depth estimates are accurate to about + 0.5 km. It is obvious from the figure that earthquakes in the section of the fault near the well are quite shallow.

California↗

USGS2009

Status and trends of prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2008

The Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) has conducted lake-wide surveys of the fish community in Lake Michigan each fall since 1973 using standard 12-m bottom trawls towed along contour at depths of 9 to 110 m at each of seven index transects. The resulting data on relative abundance, size structure, and condition of individual fishes are used to estimate various population parameters that are in turn used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. All seven established index transects of the survey were completed in 2008. The survey provides relative abundance and biomass estimates between the 5-m and 114-m depth contours of the lake (herein, lake-wide) for prey fish populations, as well as burbot, yellow perch, and the introduced dreissenid mussels. Lake-wide biomass of alewives in 2008 was estimated at 8.27 kilotonnes (kt) (1 kt = 1000 metric tons), which was the smallest biomass estimate in the entire time series and 29% lower than the 2007 estimate. Lake-wide biomass of bloater in 2008 was estimated at 3.33 kt, which was the lowest estimate since 1977 and 38% lower than the 2007 estimate. Rainbow smelt lake-wide biomass equaled 0.89 kt, which was only 0.01 kt higher than 2007, which is the lowest estimate in the time series. Deepwater sculpin lake-wide biomass equaled 5.23 kt, which is the fourth straight year of declining biomass. The 2008 estimate is the second smallest in the time series, and 39% lower than the 2007 estimate. Slimy sculpin lake-wide biomass remained relatively high in 2008 (2.75 kt), increasing 25% over 2007. Ninespine stickleback lake-wide biomass equaled only 0.50 kt in 2008, which was 79% lower than the 2007 estimate. The final prey fish, exotic round goby, increased two orders of magnitude between 2007 and 2008, from 0.02 to 4.65 kt. Round gobies now represent 18% of the prey fish biomass. Burbot lake-wide biomass (0.91 kt in 2008) has remained fairly constant since 2002. Numeric density of age-0 yellow perch (i.e., < 100 mm) equaled 0.7 fish per ha, which is indicative of a relatively poor year-class. Lake-wide biomass of dreissenid mussels dropped precipitously in 2008, down to 9.47 kt, and a 96% decline from the 2007 biomass estimate. Overall, the total lake-wide prey fish biomass estimate (sum of alewife, bloater, rainbow smelt, deepwater sculpin, slimy sculpin, round goby, and ninespine stickleback) in 2008 was 25.62 kt, which was the lowest observed since the survey began in 1973.

Lake Michigan↗

USGS2008

Streamflow characteristics of streams in the Helmand Basin, Afghanistan

A majority of the Afghan population lacks adequate and safe supplies of water because of contamination, lack of water-resources management regulation, and lack of basic infrastructure, compounded by periods of drought and seasonal flooding. Characteristics of historical streamflows are needed to assist with efforts to quantify the water resources of the Helmand Basin. The Helmand Basin is the largest river basin in Afghanistan. It comprises the southern half of the country, draining waters from the Sia Koh Mountains in Herat Province to the eastern mountains in Gardez Province (currently known as the Paktia Province) and the Parwan Mountains northwest of Kabul, and finally draining into the unique Sistan depression between Iran and Afghanistan (Favre and Kamal, 2004). The Helmand Basin is a desert environment with rivers fed by melting snow from the high mountains and infrequent storms. Great fluctuations in streamflow, from flood to drought, can occur annually. Knowledge of the magnitude and time distribution of streamflow is needed to quantify water resources and for water management and environmental planning. Agencies responsible for the development and management of Afghanistan's surface-water resources can use this knowledge for making safe, economical, and environmentally sound water-resource planning decisions. To provide the Afghan managers with necessary streamflow information, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), computed streamflow statistics for data collected at historical gaging stations within the Helmand Basin. The historical gaging stations used are shown in figure 1 and listed in table 1.

Helmand Basin↗

USGS2015

An assessment of arthropod prey resources at Nakula Natural Area Reserve, a potential site of reintroduction for Kiwikiu (Pseudonestor xanthophrys) and Maui `Alauahio (Parareomyza montana)

Hawaiian forest birds have declined dramatically since humans arrived in the archipelago. Birds from all foraging guilds have been affected but insectivorous species are currently at greatest risk of extinction. On the island of Maui, populations and ranges of the insectivorous kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill; Pseudonestor xanthophrys) and Maui ‘alauahio (Maui creeper; Paroreomyza montana) have declined significantly from historic levels primarily due to habitat loss, predation,disease, and food web disruption, leading to federal listings of endangered species and species of concern, respectively. Recovery plans for these birds include reestablishment of populations in parts of their former range. Nakula Natural Area Reserve on the leeward side of HaleakalāVolcano has been targeted for release of wild-caught or captive-bred individuals. The mesic, montane koa-‘ōhi‘a (Acacia koa-Metrosideros polymorpha) forest at Nakula has been heavily impacted through grazing by feral ungulates, but recent management actions to exclude these animals are promoting forest recovery. The objective of this study was to assess the arthropod prey base at Nakula in preparation for reintroductions of kiwikiu and Maui ‘alauahio. To accomplish that goal, we compared arthropod abundances at Nakula to those at Hanawi Natural Area Reserve and Waikamoi Preserve, areas where kiwikiu and Maui ‘alauahio are currently found. We also identified diets of kiwikiu and Maui ‘alauahio from fecal samples to better understand and evaluate the prey base at Nakula. Assessment methods included clipping branch tips to sample arthropods within the foliage of koa and ‘ōhi‘a, using traps to quantify arthropods on koa and ‘ōhi‘a bark surfaces, counting exit holes to quantify abundances of beetles (Coleoptera) within dead branches of koa, and measuring the density of arthropods within the stems of ‘ākala (Rubus hawaiiensis). The diet of kiwikiu was dominated by caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae), which comprised 90% of all prey items for 50 adult birds and 98% of all prey for two nestlings. Caterpillars were also the most important prey for Maui ‘alauahio (43% for 104 adult birds) although spiders (Araneae, 16%), beetles (12%) and true bugs, planthoppers and psyllids (Hemiptera; 12%) were also important. Caterpillars were generally the most abundant type of arthropod in the foliage of koa and ‘ōhi‘a, although spiders, beetles and hemipterans were also common. Total arthropod biomass and caterpillar biomass at Nakula was as great, or greater, than that observed at Hanawi and Waikamoi per unit of foliage of both koa and ‘ōhi‘a. Spiders generally dominated the bark fauna on both koa and ‘ōhi‘a at all sites although isopods (Isopoda), millipedes (Myriapoda: Millipeda) and lacewings (Neuroptera) were also abundant at Waikamoi and Hanawi. Total arthropod biomass on bark, as well as the biomass of several individual taxa, was significantly lower at Nakula than the other sites. Our measurement of the density of beetle exit holes in dead koa branches found no difference between Nakula and Waikamoi. Finally, no difference existed in the abundance of arthropods (primarily caterpillars and moth pupae) within ‘ākala stems among sites. With the exception of bark surfaces, our results suggest that the arthropod prey base for birds on primary foraging substrates at Nakula is similar to that found at two sites within the current range of kiwikiu and Maui ‘alauahio. However, our results should be viewed with caution because they are limited to the scale of individual branch, tree, or ‘ākala stem. To complete the assessment, our results should be scaled up to the landscape level by determining the density of each substrate within each site. Key arthropod prey of kiwikiu and Maui ‘alauahio are available at Nakula and, as habitat restoration continues, food abundance should increase to the point at which populations of these birds can be supported.

Hawaii↗

USGS2012

Porphyry copper assessment of the Mesozoic of East Asia: China, Vietnam, North Korea, Mongolia, and Russia: Chapter G in Global mineral resource assessment

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collaborated with the China Geological Survey (CGS) to conduct a mineral resource assessment of Mesozoic porphyry copper deposits in East Asia. This area hosts several very large porphyry deposits, exemplified by the Dexing deposit in eastern China that contains more than 8,000,000 metric tons of copper. In addition, large parts of the area are undergoing active exploration and are likely to contain undiscovered porphyry copper deposits. Three tracts were delineated to be permissive for Mesozoic porphyry copper deposits in East Asia: the Manchuride, Coastal Pacific, and East Qinling tracts, all Jurassic through Cretaceous in age. The tracts are based on mapped and inferred subsurface distributions of igneous rocks that define areas where the occurrence of porphyry copper deposits is possible. These tracts range in area from about 170,000 to about 1,400,000 km 2 . Although maps at a variety of scales were used in the assessment, the final tract boundaries are intended for use at a scale of 1:1,000,000. These Mesozoic deposits in East Asia all formed in post-subduction environments, environments newly recognized as permissive for the occurrence of porphyry copper deposits. Based on the grade, tonnage, and geologic characteristics of the known deposits, two tracts, Manchuride and Coastal Pacific, were evaluated using the general (Cu-Mo-Au) porphyry copper grade and tonnage model. The East Qinling tract was evaluated using the molybdenum-rich (Cu-Mo) model. Assessment participants estimated numbers of undiscovered deposits at different levels of confidence for each permissive tract. These estimates were then combined with the selected grade and tonnage models using Monte Carlo simulation to generate quantitative probabilistic estimates of undiscovered resources. Resources in future extensions of deposits with identified resources were not specifically evaluated. Assessment results, presented in tables and graphs, show mean amounts of metal and rock in undiscovered deposits at different quantile levels, as well as the arithmetic mean for each tract. This assessment estimated a mean total of about 44 undiscovered porphyry copper deposits within the assessed permissive tracts in East Asia. This represents nearly 4 times the 12 known deposits. Predicted mean (arithmetic) resources that could be associated with these undiscovered deposits are about 198,000,000 metric tons (t) of copper and about 3,900 t of gold, as well as byproduct molybdenum and silver. The reported identified resources for those 12 known deposits total about 23,000,000 t of copper and about 850 t of gold. The assessment area is estimated to contain nearly nine times as much copper in undiscovered porphyry copper deposits as has been identified to date. This report includes an overview of the assessment results and summary tables. Descriptions of each tract are included in appendixes, with estimates of numbers of undiscovered deposits, and probabilistic estimates of amounts of copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver that could be contained in undiscovered deposits for each permissive tract. A geographic information system that accompanies the report includes tract boundaries and a database of known porphyry copper deposits and prospects.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2016

Methods for estimating streamflow characteristics at ungaged sites in western Montana based on data through water year 2009: Chapter G in Montana StreamStats

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, developed regional regression equations based on basin and streamflow characteristics for streamflow-gaging stations through water year 2009 that can be used to estimate streamflow characteristics for ungaged sites in western Montana. The regression equations allow estimation of low-flow frequencies; mean annual and mean monthly streamflows; and the 20-, 50-, and 80-percent durations for annual and monthly duration streamflows for ungaged sites in western Montana that are unaffected by regulation. Regression equations were developed for 54 streamflow characteristics in each of the 4 hydrologic regions generally located in western Montana. Exploratory data analyses determined that of the 40 basin characteristics used as explanatory variables, only 3 were significant in the final equations. These three basin characteristics are contributing drainage area, mean annual precipitation of the drainage basin, and percentage of basin with slopes greater than 50 percent. Low-flow frequency data and daily mean streamflow data from 152 streamflow-gaging stations were used to develop the regression equations. These 152 streamflow-gaging stations were considered to be unregulated (or only the unregulated period of record for regulated streamflow-gaging stations were used). For this study, a streamflow-gaging station is considered to be unregulated if cumulative drainage area upstream from all upstream dams is less than 20 percent of the drainage basin for the streamflow-gaging station, and if no large diversion canals are upstream from the streamflow-gaging station. In addition to the regional regression equations, two methods for estimating streamflow characteristics based on drainage areas of a nearby streamflow-gaging station are provided. Also, spreadsheet tools are provided for calculating streamflow characteristics based on regression equations or the drainage-area ratio method. All of the data used to calculate basin characteristics were derived from publicly available data sources and are available through the U.S. Geological Survey Streamstats program ( http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/ ) for Montana. The primary purpose of the Montana StreamStats application is to provide estimates of basin characteristics and streamflow characteristics for user-selected ungaged sites on Montana streams. The regional regression equations presented in this report have been loaded to the Montana StreamStats application and can be used to derive streamflow characteristics for ungaged sites.

Montana↗

USGS2001

Geologic map of the Chewelah 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Washington and Idaho

This data set maps and describes the geology of the Chewelah 30' X 60' quadrangle, Washington and Idaho. Created using Environmental Systems Research Institute's ARC/INFO software, the data base consists of the following items: (1) a map coverage containing geologic contacts and units, (2) a point coverage containing site-specific geologic structural data, (3) two coverages derived from 1:100,000 Digital Line Graphs (DLG); one of which represents topographic data, and the other, cultural data, (4) two line coverages that contain cross-section lines and unit-label leaders, respectively, and (5) attribute tables for geologic units (polygons), contacts (arcs), and site-specific data (points). In addition, the data set includes the following graphic and text products: (1) A PostScript graphic plot-file containing the geologic map, topography, cultural data, and two cross sections, and on a separate sheet, a Correlation of Map Units (CMU) diagram, an abbreviated Description of Map Units (DMU), modal diagrams for granitic rocks, an index map, a regional geologic and structure map, and a key for point and line symbols; (2) PDF files of the Readme text-file and expanded Description of Map Units (DMU), and (3) this metadata file. The geologic map database contains original U.S. Geological Survey data generated by detailed field observation and by interpretation of aerial photographs. The map was compiled from geologic maps of eight 1:48,000 15' quadrangle blocks, each of which was made by mosaicing and reducing the four constituent 7.5' quadrangles. These 15' quadrangle blocks were mapped chiefly at 1:24,000 scale, but the detail of the mapping was governed by the intention that it was to be compiled at 1:48,000 scale. The compilation at 1:100,000 scale entailed necessary simplification in some areas and combining of some geologic units. Overall, however, despite a greater than two times reduction in scale, most geologic detail found on the 1:48,000 maps is retained on the 1:100,000 map. Geologic contacts across boundaries of the eight constituent quadrangles required minor adjustments, but none significant at the final 1:100,000 scale. The geologic map was compiled on a base-stable cronoflex copy of the Chewelah 30' X 60' topographic base and then scribed. The scribe guide was used to make a 0.007 mil-thick blackline clear-film, which was scanned at 1200 DPI by Optronics Specialty Company, Northridge, California. This image was converted to vector and polygon GIS layers and minimally attributed by Optronics Specialty Company. Minor hand-digitized additions were made at the USGS. Lines, points, and polygons were subsequently edited at the USGS by using standard ARC/INFO commands. Digitizing and editing artifacts significant enough to display at a scale of 1:100,000 were corrected. Within the database, geologic contacts are represented as lines (arcs), geologic units as polygons, and site-specific data as points. Polygon, arc, and point attribute tables (.pat, .aat, and .pat, respectively) uniquely identify each geologic datum.

Miscellaneous Field Studies Map↗

USGS2012

Porphyry copper assessment of the Tibetan Plateau, China: Chapter F in Global mineral resource assessment

The U.S. Geological Survey collaborated with the China Geological Survey to conduct a mineral-resource assessment of resources in porphyry copper deposits on the Tibetan Plateau in western China. This area hosts several very large porphyry deposits, exemplified by the Yulong and Qulong deposits, each containing at least 7,000,000 metric tons (t) of copper. However, large parts of the area are underexplored and are likely to contain undiscovered porphyry copper deposits. Three tracts were delineated as permissive for porphyry copper deposits on the Tibetan Plateau—the Yulong (Eocene and Oligocene), Dali (Eocene through Miocene), and Gangdese (Oligocene and Miocene) tracts. The tracts were defined based on mapped and inferred subsurface distributions of igneous rocks of specific age ranges in which the occurrence of porphyry copper deposits is possible. These tracts range in area from about 95,000 to about 240,000 square kilometers. Although maps of different scales were used in the assessment, the final tract boundaries are intended for use at a scale of 1:1,000,000. The deposits on the Tibetan Plateau all formed in a post-subduction environment, one newly recognized as permissive for the occurrence of porphyry copper deposits. Based on the grade, tonnage, and geologic characteristics of the known deposits, two tracts, Yulong and Gangdese, were evaluated using the general (Cu-Mo-Au) porphyry copper grade and tonnage model. The Dali tract was evaluated using the gold-rich (Cu-Au) submodel. Assessment participants estimated numbers of undiscovered deposits at different levels of confidence for each permissive tract. These estimates were then combined with the selected grade and tonnage models using Monte Carlo simulation to generate quantitative probabilistic estimates of undiscovered resources. Additional resources in extensions of deposits with identified resources were not specifically evaluated. Assessment results, presented in tables and graphs, show mean expected amounts of metal and rock in undiscovered deposits at different quantile levels, as well as the arithmetic mean for each tract. This assessment estimated a mean of 39 undiscovered porphyry copper deposits within the assessed permissive tracts on the Tibetan Plateau. This represents nearly four times the number of known deposits (11) already discovered. Predicted mean (arithmetic) resources that could be associated with the undiscovered deposits are about 145,000,000 t of copper and about 4,900 t of gold, as well as byproduct molybdenum and silver. Reliable reports of the identified resources in the 11 known deposits total about 27,000,000 t of copper and about 800 t of gold. Therefore, based on the assessments of undiscovered Tibetan Plateau resources in this report, about six times as much copper may occur in undiscovered porphyry copper deposits as has been identified to date.

Tibetan Plateau↗

USGS2004

Atlantic Flyway review: Region IV - Fall 2003

We welcome the Eden Mill station in northeastern Maryland to Region IV this year. With three stations reporting their worst year ever, we really need to be refreshed. After a cool and wet July, August was hot and wet in the east. Temperatures in September remained close to normal, but thanks to tropical storms Henri (6-8 Sep) and Isabel (18 Sep), rainfall was excessive in the Chesapeake Bay states. The entire Northeast had cool weather in October, starting with an early freeze on 3 Oct that triggered some good banding days in our region. Precipitation was unusually spotty in October, but plentiful at most of the Region IV stations. November temperatures were consistently well above the norm, starting with a record-breaking 81 ø in Baltimore on the 1 st . Four of the five Maryland stations had their best day on 19 or 20 Oct. One might expect some of the Virginia coastal stations, Chincoteague, Kiptopeke, and Back Bay, to share the same best day, but they did not. Three stations reported an increase in birds per net hour this year, while seven had a decline. Summarizing the changes in rank in Table 2, Gray Catbird was the species with the most (5) increases in rank (in excess of decreases), followed by junco (4) and Myrtle Warbler and Swamp Sparrow (3 each). Yellowthroat had the most decreases (5), followed by redstart (3). Myrtle Warbler (4572) was once again the most commonly banded species in Region IV, followed by White-throated Sparrow (1723), Gray Catbird (1349), and Western Palm Warbler (1090). Michelle Davis' station on Key Biscayne is the envy of the rest of us. Her top eight species were all warblers and there was not a Myrtle among them. Imagine having Parula, Prairie, and Worm-eating warblers fighting for sixth place! Not showing among the top ten, however, are other surprises. Several banders commented on Sawwhet Owls and Bicknell's Thrushes. Deanna Dawson banded a Cerulean Warbler at Patuxent. Danny Bystrak caught 138 Swamp Sparrows at Jug Bay. In addition to two Clay-colored Sparrows and two Gambel's White-crowns, Jim Gruber at Chino Farms had his first Le Conte's Sparrow and a state high of 39 Lincoln's Sparrows. Dick Roberts' new species at Chincoteague included Yellow-throated and Mourning warblers, while Jethro Runco's best birds at Kiptopeke included S edge Wren and Golden-winged Warbler. The Simpsons at Back Bay finally identified a Western Wood-Pewee after many years of trying. Unusual for Michelle Davis' warbler station on Key Biscayne were Tennessee, Chestnut-sided, and Bay-breasted warblers.

North American Bird Bander↗

USGS2018

Review of the geochemistry and metallogeny of approximately 1.4 Ga granitoid intrusions of the conterminous United States

The conterminous United States hosts numerous volumetrically significant and geographically dispersed granitoid intrusions that range in age from 1.50 to 1.32 billion years before present (Ga). Although previously referred to as A-type granites, most are better described as ferroan granites. These granitoid intrusions are distributed in the northern and central Rocky Mountains, the Southwest, the northern midcontinent, and a swath largely buried beneath Phanerozoic cover across the Great Plains and into the southern midcontinent. These intrusions, with ages that are bimodally distributed between about 1.455–1.405 Ga and 1.405–1.320 Ga, are dispersed nonsystematically with respect to age across their spatial extents. Globally, although A-type or ferroan granites are genetically associated with rare-metal deposits, most U.S. 1.4 Ga granitoid intrusions do not contain significant deposits. Exceptions are the light rare-earth element deposit at Mountain Pass, California, and the iron oxide-apatite and iron oxide-copper-gold deposits in southeast Missouri. Most of the U.S. 1.4 Ga granitoid intrusions are composed of hornblende ± biotite or biotite ± muscovite monzogranite, commonly with prominent alkali feldspar megacrysts; however, modal compositions vary widely. These intrusions include six of the eight commonly identified subtypes of ferroan granite: alkali-calcic and calc-alkalic peraluminous subtypes; alkalic, alkali-calcic, and calc-alkalic metaluminous subtypes; and the alkalic peralkaline subtype. The U.S. 1.4 Ga granitoid intrusions also include variants of these subtypes that have weakly magnesian compositions. Extreme large-ion lithophile element enrichments typical of ferroan granites elsewhere are absent among these intrusions. Chondrite-normalized rare-earth element patterns for these intrusions have modest negative slopes and moderately developed negative europium anomalies. Their radiogenic isotopic compositions are consistent with mixing involving primitive, mantle-derived components and evolved, crust-derived components. Each compositional subtype can be ascribed to a relatively unique petrogenetic history. The numerically dominant ferroan, peraluminous granites probably represent low-degree, relatively high-pressure partial melting of preexisting, crust-derived, intermediate-composition granitoids. The moderately numerous, weakly magnesian, peraluminous granites probably reflect similar partial melting but at a higher degree and in a lower pressure environment. In contrast, the ferroan but metaluminous granites may be the result of extensive differentiation of tholeiitic basalt. Finally, the peralkaline igneous rocks at Mountain Pass have compositions potentially derived by differentiation of alkali basalt. The varying alkalic character of each subtype probably reflects polybaric petrogenesis and the corresponding effect of diverse mineral stabilities on ultimate melt compositions. Mantle-derived mafic magma and variably assimilated partial melts of mainly juvenile Paleoproterozoic crustal components are required to generate the relatively low initial strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and distinctive neodymium isotope compositions characteristic of the U.S. 1.4 Ga granitoid intrusions. The characteristics of these intrusions are consistent with crustal melting in an extensional/decompressional, intracratonic setting that was triggered by mantle upwelling and emplacement of tholeiitic basaltic magma at or near the base of the crust. Composite magmas, formed by mingling and mixing mantle components with partial melts of Paleoproterozoic crust, produced variably homogenized storage reservoirs that continued polybaric evolution as intrusions lodged at various crustal depths.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS1926

Ore deposits of the Jerome and Bradshaw Mountains quadrangles, Arizona

In the summer of 1922, at the request of the Director of the United States Geological Survey, I undertook an examination of the ore deposits in the Jerome and Bradshaw Mountains quadrangles, Ariz. (See fig. 1.) The object of this work was not a detailed investigation of each deposit but rather a coordination and classification of the occurrences and an attempt to ascertain their origin and economic importance. Almost all the deposits occur in pre-Cambrian rocks or in rocks that are not readily differentiated from the pre-Cambrian. In the northern part of the Jerome quadrangle there are large areas of almost horizontal Paleozoic beds, and in both quadrangles there are also large areas of lava flows of Tertiary age. Finally there are wide spaces occupied by Tertiary tuff and limestone, or by Tertiary and Quaternary wash filling the valleys between the mountain ranges. But all these rocks except the pre-Cambrian are practically barren of ore deposits, and the problem therefore narrowed itself to an examination of the pre-Cambrian areas. This task was greatly facilitated by the careful work of Jaggar and Palache, set forth in the Bradshaw Mountains folio,l in which the southern quadrangle of the two under present consideration is mapped geologically and described, and which also includes a comprehensive though brief discussion of the mineral deposits. There is no published geologic map of the Jerome quadrangle, but I had the opportunity through the courtesy of Dr. G. M. Butler, Director of the Arizona Bureau of Mines, to use a manuscript map of this area prepared for the State by Mr. L. E. Reber, jr., and Mr. Olaf Jenkins.

Arizona↗