Geology topics

Ronald E. Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to Ronald E. Thompson.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2008

Regression method for estimating long-term mean annual ground-water recharge rates from base flow in Pennsylvania

A method was developed for making estimates of long-term, mean annual ground-water recharge from streamflow data at 80 streamflow-gaging stations in Pennsylvania. The method relates mean annual base-flow yield derived from the streamflow data (as a proxy for recharge) to the climatic, geologic, hydrologic, and physiographic characteristics of the basins (basin characteristics) by use of a regression equation. Base-flow yield is the base flow of a stream divided by the drainage area of the basin, expressed in inches of water basinwide. Mean annual base-flow yield was computed for the period of available streamflow record at continuous streamflow-gaging stations by use of the computer program PART, which separates base flow from direct runoff on the streamflow hydrograph. Base flow provides a reasonable estimate of recharge for basins where streamflow is mostly unaffected by upstream regulation, diversion, or mining. Twenty-eight basin characteristics were included in the exploratory regression analysis as possible predictors of base-flow yield. Basin characteristics found to be statistically significant predictors of mean annual base-flow yield during 1971-2000 at the 95-percent confidence level were (1) mean annual precipitation, (2) average maximum daily temperature, (3) percentage of sand in the soil, (4) percentage of carbonate bedrock in the basin, and (5) stream channel slope. The equation for predicting recharge was developed using ordinary least-squares regression. The standard error of prediction for the equation on log-transformed data was 9.7 percent, and the coefficient of determination was 0.80. The equation can be used to predict long-term, mean annual recharge rates for ungaged basins, providing that the explanatory basin characteristics can be determined and that the underlying assumption is accepted that base-flow yield derived from PART is a reasonable estimate of ground-water recharge rates. For example, application of the equation for 370 hydrologic units in Pennsylvania predicted a range of ground-water recharge from about 6.0 to 22 inches per year. A map of the predicted recharge illustrates the general magnitude and variability of recharge throughout Pennsylvania.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2006

Selected Streamflow Statistics and Regression Equations for Predicting Statistics at Stream Locations in Monroe County, Pennsylvania

A suite of 28 streamflow statistics, ranging from extreme low to high flows, was computed for 17 continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations and predicted for 20 partial-record stations in Monroe County and contiguous counties in north-eastern Pennsylvania. The predicted statistics for the partial-record stations were based on regression analyses relating inter-mittent flow measurements made at the partial-record stations indexed to concurrent daily mean flows at continuous-record stations during base-flow conditions. The same statistics also were predicted for 134 ungaged stream locations in Monroe County on the basis of regression analyses relating the statistics to GIS-determined basin characteristics for the continuous-record station drainage areas. The prediction methodology for developing the regression equations used to estimate statistics was developed for estimating low-flow frequencies. This study and a companion study found that the methodology also has application potential for predicting intermediate- and high-flow statistics. The statistics included mean monthly flows, mean annual flow, 7-day low flows for three recurrence intervals, nine flow durations, mean annual base flow, and annual mean base flows for two recurrence intervals. Low standard errors of prediction and high coefficients of determination (R2) indicated good results in using the regression equations to predict the statistics. Regression equations for the larger flow statistics tended to have lower standard errors of prediction and higher coefficients of determination (R2) than equations for the smaller flow statistics. The report discusses the methodologies used in determining the statistics and the limitations of the statistics and the equations used to predict the statistics. Caution is indicated in using the predicted statistics for small drainage area situations. Study results constitute input needed by water-resource managers in Monroe County for planning purposes and evaluation of water-resources availability.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2005

Streamflow statistics for the Paradise and Pocono Creek watersheds and selected streamflow-gaging stations in Monroe County, Pennsylvania

suite of 36 observed streamflow statistics, ranging from high to low flows, were computed for 7 continuous-record and predicted for 12 partial-record streamflow-gaging stations in Monroe County, Pa. The predicted statistics for the partial-record stations were determined from regression analyses of intermittent streamflow measurements made at the partial-record stations and concurrent daily mean flows at index continuous-record stations. The prediction methodology has been previously used only for estimating low-flow statistics. Results from this study indicate the methodology may have applicability for predicting high- and intermediate-flow statistics as well. Three sets of base-flow measurements were made at 40 sites in the Paradise and Pocono Creek watersheds to determine subbasin yields and stream reaches gaining or losing flow. Subbasin yields, the base-flow measurements normalized to respective drainage areas, were consistent for each measurement period.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS1989

Water resources data for Indiana, water year 1988

Water resources data for the 1988 water year for Indiana consist of records of discharge, stage, and water quality of streams and wells; reservoir stage and contents; and water levels in lakes and wells. This report contains records of discharge for 176 stream-gaging stations, stage for 4 stream stations, stage and contents for 1 reservoir, water quality for 3 streams and 2 observation wells, and water levels for 79 lakes and 88 observation wells. Also included are records of peak flows for 23 crest-stage, partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data-collection program, and are shown as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in Indiana in cooperation with State and Federal agencies.

Indiana↗

USGS1987

Water resources data for Indiana, water year 1986

Water resources data for the 1986 water year for Indiana consist of records of discharge, stage, and water quality of streams; reservoir stage and contents; and water levels in lakes and wells. This report contains records of discharge for 189 stream-gaging stations, stage for 1 stream station, stage and contents for 1 reservoir, water quality for 5 streams, and water levels for 79 lakes and 94 observation wells. Also included are records of peak flows for 24 crest-stage, partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data-collection program, and are shown as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in Indiana in cooperation with State and Federal agencies.

Indiana↗

USGS1986

Water resources data for Indiana, water year 1985

Water resources data for the 1985 water year for Indiana consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of 1 reservoir; and water levels in wells. This report contains discharge records for 185 gaging stations, stage and contents for 1 reservoir, water temperature for 1 gaging station, water quality for 5 gaging stations, and water levels for 84 observation wells. Also included are 25 crest-stage partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Indiana.

Indiana↗