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Research about Michigan

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Michigan.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources
USGS1988

An outbreak of type E botulism among common loons ( Gavia immer ) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

An epizootic of type E botulism (Clostridium botulinum) occurred among common loons (Gavia immer) along the Lake Michigan shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (USA) during October and November 1983. An estimated 592 dead loons washed ashore along the Garden Peninsula. Type E botulinal toxin was demonstrated in blood samples and stomach contents of dead loons, and in samples of three species of dead fish found on the Lake Michigan shore. We suspect that loons acquired botulism by ingesting sick or dead fish containing type E toxin.

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USGS1987

Water resources data, Michigan, water year 1986

Water resources data for the 1986 water year for Michigan consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water temperature of ground water. This report contains discharge records for 136 gaging stations; stage only records for 1 gaging station; 56 stage and contents for 5 lakes and reservoirs; water-quality records for gaging stations; water-level records for 53 observation wells; and water-temperature records for 6 observation wells. Also included are 52 crest-stage partial-record stations and 33 low-flow partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program. Miscellaneous data were collected at 58 measuring sites and 38 water-quality sampling sites. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State, Local, and Federal agencies in Michigan.

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USGS1987

Changes in water quality of Michigan streams near urban areas, 1973-84

Monthly water-quality monitoring of streams was begun by Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 1973 to (1) determine temporal and spatial variability, (2) detect long-term trends, and (3) describe changes in water quality near urban areas. This report provides a statistical analysis and summary of data collected from 1973 through 1984. Concentrations and discharges of nine commonly measured water-quality constituents and specific conductance are examined. Twenty-three sites on inland streams (streams draining basins wholly within Michigan) and 20 sites on Detroit River are discussed. The changes in water quality in 9 rivers near 12 urban areas in Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula and the relation between streamflow and selected waterquality characteristics, including phosphorus, chloride, sulfate, nitrogen, specific conductance, and solid residues are described. Results show that the median dissolved-solids concentration in Clinton River downstream from Pontiac exceed Michigan's 1986 stream water-quality standard. Among inland streams, constituent concentrations and discharges generally were greatest in Saginaw River and least in Grand River upstream from Jackson. Upstream from Detroit, constituent concentrations in Detroit River did not differ appreciably across the Windmill Point Transect; downstream from Detroit, at the Fermi Transect across Detroit River, most constituent concentrations were higher near the American and Canadian shorelines. Among urban areas, greatest changes in constituent concentrations occurred in the Grand River near Jackson, in the Clinton River near Pontiac, and in the Tittabawassee River near Midland; the least changes in constituent concentrations occurred in the Saginaw River near Saginaw, in Detroit River near Detroit and the Kalamazoo River near Battle Creek. Greatest changes in constituent discharges occurred in the Detroit River near the Detroit area; the least occurred in the Chippewa River near Mount Pleasant. Of the 230 regressions between streamflow and constituent concentrations in inland streams, about 73 percent were significant at the 5-percent level. The degree of the correlation and nature of the relation varied among sites and constituents. Generally, higher streamflows were associated with lower concentrations. Changes in streamflow and changes in constituent concentrations near urban areas were correlated in 57 percent of the 120 analyses. Generally, higher changes in streamflow were associated with lower changes in concentrations.

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USGS1986

Comparison of species composition and richness of fish assemblages in altered and unaltered littoral habitats

Species composition and richness of fish assemblages in altered and unaltered littoral habitats in Lake St. Clair, Michigan, differed between areas. A percid-cyprinid-cyprinodontid assemblage dominated in the unaltered area, Muscamoot Bay, which has a natural shoreline (with almost no alteration due to dredging or bulkheading), high water quality, and high species richness of aquatic macrophytes. A centrarchid assemblage dominated in the altered area, Belvidere Bay, which has a bulkheaded shoreline, many dredged areas, reduced water quality due to inputs of nutrients from a nearby river, and relatively low species richness of aquatic macrophytes. Habitat factors, species richness and abundance of aquatic macrophytes, had the most influence on fish community structure in both areas. The percid-cyprinid-cyprinodontid assemblage was significantly correlated with six species of macrophytes whereas the centrarchid assemblage was significantly correlated with only four. These patterns suggest that preference for diverse habitats was higher, and tolerance to habitat alteration lower, in percid-cyprinid-cyprinodontid assemblages than in centrarchid assemblages.

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USGS1986

Ground-water data for Michigan 1985

Water levels, locations, depths, and aquifers tapped are given for 113 observation wells. Tabulated data include extremes of water levels for calendar year 1985 and for the period of record, pumpage of most major ground-water users in the State, and water-quality data from selected wells. The largest reported user of ground-water, the city of Lansing, pumped 7.9 billion gallons from the Saginaw Formation and glacial deposits in 1985.

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USGS1986

Plan of study for the regional aquifer systems analysis of the Michigan Basin

Quaternary glacial deposits and Pennsylvanian and Mississippian sandstones, -the Saginaw Formation and Marshall Sandstone- are the major aquifers in the Michigan basin. These aquifers supply approximately 188 million gal/day to municipalities in the 29 ,000 sq mi study area. The most significant problems related to groundwater supplies are the identification of potable sources of groundwater in large quantities and the migration of saline groundwater toward pumping centers. Saline water underlies the entire lower Peninsula of Michigan at indeterminate depth in the deeper parts of the Saginaw Formation and Marshall Sandstone in the center of the Michigan basin. In places, saline water is present in glacial deposits. Overdraft has resulted in severe drawdown in the Lansing area and the abandonment of wells near Flint because of saline water encroachment. Increased demand on the groundwater resources of the study area are expected to cause further problems. In 1985, the U.S. Geological Survey began a 5-yr study to define the geohydrologic framework, describe the geochemistry of groundwater in the glacial and bedrock aquifers, and analyze regional groundwater flow patterns. The scope, plan of study, organization and work elements are described in this report.

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USGS1986

Devonian rocks and Lower and Middle Devonian pelecypods of Guangxi, China, and the Traverse Group of Michigan

A state-of-the-art summary of the Devonian rocks of China, correlation of the Lower and Middle Devonian of the Guangxi Autonomous Region with the European Standards, and detailed lithologic descriptions of the major Lower and Middle Devonian sections in Guangxi from which pelecypods were collected. Systematic descriptions are given for the Lower and Middle Devonian pelecypods of Guangxi. The Chinese pelecypods are principally compared with the previously little studied Givetian pelecypods of Michigan, which are also described.

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USGS1986

Water resources data for Michigan, water year 1985

Water resources data for the 1985 water year for Michigan consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water temperature of ground water. This report contains discharge records for 135 gaging stations; stage only records for 1 gaging station; stage and contents for 5 lakes and reservoirs; water-quality records for 52 gaging stations; water-level records for 53 observation wells; and water-temperature records for 6 observation wells. Also included are 52 crest-stage partial-record stations and 30 low-flow partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program. Miscellaneous data were collected at 41 measuring sites and 1 water-quality sampling site. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State, Local, and Federal agencies in Michigan.

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USGS1986

Assessment of ground-water contamination at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, 1982-85

Continued study of ground-water contamination at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, defined the movement and distribution of volatile organic compounds in the glacial sand and gravel aquifer at known sites of contamination, and has defined new plumes at two other sites. The Arrow Street purge system, installed in 1982 to remove contaminants from the Building 43 plume, has lowered concentrations of trichloroethylene in ground water in the central part of the most contaminated area from a range of 1,000 to 2,000 micrograms per liter to about 200 micrograms per liter. Trichloroethylene is not escaping off-Base from this area. In the southern part of the Base a plume containing principally trichloroethylene and dichloroethylene has been delineated along Mission Drive. Maximum concentrations observed were 5,290 micrograms per liter of trichloroethylene and 1,480 micrograms per liter of dichloroethylene. Hydrologically suitable sites for purge wells are identified in the southern part of the plume using a new ground-water flow model of the Base. A benzene plume near the bulk-fuel storage area, delineated in earlier work, lias shifted to a more northerly direction under influence of the Arrow Street purge system. Sites initially identified for purging the benzene plume have been repositioned because of the change in contaminant movement. JP-4 fuel was found to be accumulating in wells near the bulk-fuel storage area, largely in response to seasonal fluctuations in the water table. It is thought to originate from a spill that occurred several years ago. A more thorough definition of contaminants in the northern landfill area has permitted a determination of the most hydrologically suitable sites for purge wells. In general, Concentrations found in water do not differ greatly from those observed in 1981. Since 1981, concentrations of trichloroethylene have decreased significantly in the Alert Apron plume. Near the origin of the plume, the concentration of trichloroethylene has decreased from 1,000 micrograms per liter in 1980 to 50 micrograms per liter in 1984. Water from Van Etten Lake near the termination of the plume had only a trace of trichloroethylene at one site. Benzene detected in water from well AF2 seems to originate near the former site of buried fuel tanks west of the operational apron. During periods of normal purge pumping along Arrow Street, contaminants are drawn to the purge system. During periods when pumping is low, contaminants are drawn toward water-supply wells AF2, AF4, and AF5.

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USGS1985

Stream discharge in Michigan - Miscellaneous measurements

This report contains 17,607 miscellaneous stream discharge measurements made at 2,897 sites in Michigan. An average of 515 measurements were made each year from 1960 through 1984; most of these were made from April through October of each year. Miscellaneous measurements include periodic and occasional measurements of streamflow at sites where systematic records are unavailable.

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USGS1985

Water resources data, Michigan, water year 1984

Water resources data for the 1984 water year for Michigan consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water temperature of ground water. This report contains discharge records for 142 gaging stations; stage only records for 2 gaging stations; stage and contents for 5 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 27 continuous-record stations; and water levels for 53 observation wells. Also included are 56 crest-stage partial-record stations and 22 low-flow partial-record stations.A 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 Michigan.

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USGS1985

Geohydrology and ground-water flow at Verona Well Field, Battle Creek, Michigan

The city of Battle Creek has 30 wells in the Verona well field capable of yielding 300 to 1,000 gallons per minute each. During summer, total withdrawals are as little as 6,000 gallons per minute. In early 1984, only 9 to 12 of the wells were being used; the remaining wells were contaminated by volatile hydrocarbons. Ground water at and near Verona well field generally flows toward Battle Creek River except where directions are altered by pumping. During summer, especially during periods when withdrawals are as much as 12,000 gallons per minute, a large cone of depression develops and water is drawn to the well field from several thousand feet away. During winter, when withdrawals are as little as 6,000 gallons per minute, the cone is smaller. Ground-water flow is in three aquifers--a sand and gravel aquifer in deposits of Pleistocene age that overlies upper and lower sandstone aquifers of the Marshall Formation of Mississippian age. Model-simulated data that best matched measured data indicate horizontal hydraulic conductivities ranging from 15 to 110 feet per day for the sand and gravel aquifer, 150 feet per day for the upper sandstone aquifer, and 550 feet per day for the lower sandstone aquifer. Recharge was simulated at rates ranging from 8 to 13 inches per year. Model simulations to evaluate the feasibility of installing new supply wells immediately north of the present field indicate that pumping 3,750 gallons per minute from new wells at the site would produce about 7 feet of drawdown in the lower sandstone aquifer in the vicinity of the new wells. Because the new wells tap only the lower sandstone aquifer, the pumping would have little effect on the potentiometric surfaces for the two overlying aquifers.

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USGS1985

Ground-water contamination in East Bay Township, Michigan

Glacial deposits, as much as 360 feet thick, underlie the study area. The upper 29 to 118 feet, a sand and gravel unit, is the aquifer tapped for water by all wells in the area. This unit is underlain by impermeable clay that is at least 100 feet thick. Ground-water flow is northeastward at an estimated rate of 3 to 6 feet per day. Hydraulic conductivities in the aquifer range from 85 to 150 feet per day; 120 feet per day provided the best match of field data in a ground-water flow model. The depth to water ranged from 1 to 20 feet. Chemical anlayses indicate that ground water is contaminated with organic chemicals from near the Hangar/Administration building at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station to East Bay, about 4,300 feet northeast. The plume, which follows ground-water flow lines, ranges from 180 to 400 feet wide. In the upper reach of the plume, hydrocarbons less dense than water occur at the surface of the water table; they move downward in the aquifer as they move toward East Bay. Maximum concentrations of the major organic compounds include: benzene, 3,390 micrograms per liter; toluene, 55,500 micrograms per liter; xylene, 3,900 micrograms per liter; tetrachloroethylene, 3,410 micrograms per liter; and bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate, 2,100 micrograms per liter. Soils are generally free of these hydrocarbons; however, in the vicinity of past drum storage, aircraft maintenance operations, and fuel storage and dispensing, as much as 1,100 micrograms per kilogram of tetrachloroethylene and 1,500 micrograms per kilogram of bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate were detected. At a few locations higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, characteristic of petroleum distillates, were found.

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USGS1985

Water resources of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has abundant picturesque and useful water resources. These resources include 12 inland lakes that range in size from 6 to 765 acres, 10 small streams that flow to Lake Superior, 40 miles of Lake Superior lakeshore, and aquifers capable of yielding water to wells in most places. The Jacobsville Sandstone, Munising Sandstone, and glacial deposits are the sources for domestic water supplies. The Jacobsville Sandstone is the principal source of water from Miners Castle to Au Sable Point, the Munising Sandstone is the source of water in the vicinity of Grand Sable Lake, and glacial deposits provide water for Park Headquarters at Sand Point. Specific capacities range from 0.1 to 1 (gal/min)/ft (gallons per minute per foot) of drawdown for the Jacobsville Sandstone and from 1 to 14 (gal/min)/ft for the glacial deposits. Specific capacity for the Munising Sandstone is about 1 (gal/min)/ft of drawdown. Water from both surface- and ground-water sources generally is suitable for human consumption. Concentrations of dissolved solids range from 43 to 112 mg/L (milligrams per liter) in water from lakes, from 53 to 155 mg/L in water from streams, and from 68 to 313 mg/L in ground water. The amount of suspended-sediment particles in streams is generally less than 17 mg/L.

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USGS1985

Quality of ground water in Monitor and Williams Townships, Bay County, Michigan

Migration of mineralized water from abandoned subsurface coal mines in Monitor and Williams Townships was thought by many residents to have affected the quality of domestic ground-water supplies in the area. To investigate the possibility, wells were installed to obtain geologic data and water samples for chemical analysis; analysis also was made of concurrent related data collected by other agencies. The principal rock units are glacial deposits and the Saginaw Formation. Glacial deposits, 75 to 175 feet thick, are primarily clay underlain in places by sand and gravel. This sand and gravel is the primary source of ground water. Underlying the glacial deposits is the Saginaw Formation--a unit that is mostly shale and silty shale containing beds of siltstone, sandstone, and coal. Specific conductance of water from wells indicate that dissolved-solids concentration increases with depth. About 50 percent of specific conductance values of water from wells more than 100 feet deep were equal to or greater than 5,000 microsiemens, whereas only 13 percent of the values of water from wells less than 100 feet deep were equal to or greater than 5,000 microsiemens. Results of chemical analyses indicate no apparent correlation between concentration and source for most constituents. Plots of chloride/sulfate ratios versus specific conductances indicate that water from the Saginaw Formation is as likely to influence the quality of water in glacial deposits as is water from abandoned mines.

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