Geology Reports⌕ Search

Geology topics

J. H. Lambing

Publications and source records attributed to J. H. Lambing.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS1985

Simulated effects of surface coal mining and agriculture on dissolved solids in the Redwater River, east-central Montana

Dissolved solids concentrations in five reaches of the Redwater River in east-central Montana were simulated to evaluate the effects of surface coal mining and agriculture. A mass-balance model of streamflow and dissolved solids load developed for the Tongue River in southeastern Montana was modified and applied to the Redwater River. Mined acreages, dissolved solids concentrations in mined spoils, and irrigated acreage can be varied in the model to study relative changes in the dissolved solids concentration in consecutive reaches of the river. Because of extreme variability and a limited amount of data, the model was not consecutively validated. Simulated mean and median monthly mean streamflows and consistently larger than those calculated from streamflow records. Simulated mean and median monthly mean dissolved solids loads also are consistently larger than regression-derived values. These discrepancies probably result from extremely variable streamflow, overestimates of streamflow from ungaged tributaries, and weak correlations between streamflow and dissolved solids concentrations. The largest increases in simulated dissolved solids concentrations from mining and agriculture occur from September through January because of smaller streamflows and dissolved solids loads. Different combinations of agriculture and mining under mean flow conditions resulted in cumulative percentage increases of dissolved solids concentrations of less than 5% for mining and less than 2% for agriculture. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1984

Sediment yields in eastern Montana; summary of data and proposed techniques for estimating sediment yields from small, ungaged watersheds

Sediment-yield data for 121 sites in eastern Montana have been compiled from results of studies conducted by various Federal, State, and private agencies. Methods used to determine mean annual sediment yields included reservoir sedimentation surveys, suspended-sediment sampling in streams, and estimates of gross erosion and indirect estimation based on physical characteristics of the basin. Multiple-regression equations were developed and evaluated for their adequacy in estimating mean annual sediment yields from small, ungaged watersheds in eastern Montana. Sediment yields determined from reservoir surveys were used as the dependent variable because they were considered the most representative of long-term yields. Independent variables consisted of basin characteristics which could be measured from maps or obtained from published sources. Consequently, equations developed in this study do not require onsite data. Evaluation of equations indicated that the best prediction capability was obtained when reservoir basins were segregated into classes of similar vegetation/soil complex. The predictive capability of regression equations developed for each of three classes of vegetation/soil complex, as indicated by the coefficient of determination (R2), ranged from 0.59 to 0.96. Corresponding standard errors ranged from 95 to 20 percent. The equations are applicable for small drainage basins of 2 square miles or less within the study area. (USGS)

Montana↗
USGS1983

Statistical analysis and evaluation of water-quality data for selected streams in the coal area of east-central Montana

To document and evaluate existing conditions of water quality prior to proposed coal development in east-central Montana, water-quality data were collected at 23 sites on selected streams from October 1975 through September 1981. The data were statistically summarized and regression equations were developed to define relationships between water-quality variables. Where applicable, measured water-quality conditions were compared to various water-use standards. Measured concentrations of dissolved solids ranged from 145 to 12,200 milligrams per liter. Concentrations commonly exceeded 1,000 milligrams per liter and thereby present a high to very high salinity hazard for irrigation. Streamflow of the area contains predominantly sodium and sulfate ions and generally constitutes a medium to very high sodium hazard for irrigation during base flow. The water in most streams is generally adequate for livestock consumption during base flow. Concentrations of suspended sediment were extremely variable and had a direct correlation to water discharge. Measured suspended-sediment concentrations ranged from 4 to 23 ,000 milligrams per liter. Sediment-transport curves were developed for 18 of the study sites. Mean annual suspended-sediment loads were determined at five sites using the flow-duration, sediment-transport curve method. Mean annual sediment loads ranged from 1,010 to 72,7000 tons. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗