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At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
USGS2010

Numerical investigation of steady liquid water flow in a variably saturated fracture network

Numerical simulation was used to study steady liquid water movement in a 5-m by 5-m vertical section containing a hypothetical fracture network under conditions of variable saturation. The fracture network was assumed to be embedded within an impermeable rock matrix. Three variations of a network were considered. The “mixed” network consisted of two fracture sets, a subvertical set containing five 125 μm average aperture fractures and a subhorizontal set containing four 25 μm average aperture fractures. The other two networks had identical fracture orientation and contained either all 125 μm or all 25 μm average aperture fractures. The TOUGH simulator was used to calculate the total steady liquid water flux through the network, the flux through individual fracture segments, and the pressure head at each fracture segment. A unit hydraulic gradient was imposed on the network by applying fixed pressure head boundaries (ranging from −0.25 to 0.0 m of water) of equal value to the top and bottom. Saturation and permeability versus pressure head relations for the two sets of fractures were determined with the VSFRAC model, which assumed that aperture was variable within an individual fracture. Results showed that the spatial distributions of pressure head and flux within the network, as well as the location of the dominant pathways, depended strongly on the prescribed boundary pressure head. For the mixed network, both pressure head and flux tended to become more spatially uniform when the boundary pressure head approached the pressure head at which the permeability thickness products of the large- and small-aperture fractures are equal (the crossover pressure head). These results imply that for systems similar to the one considered here, interpretation of actual measurements of pressure head and flux may be quite complex, and that representation of variably saturated fracture networks as an equivalent continuum may be more valid for some ranges in pressure head than for others. Equivalent permeability as a function of pressure head was calculated for the fracture network, illustrating how information collected on individual fractures may be used to estimate the flow properties of rock at larger scales.

Water Resources Research↗
USGS2009

2008 Spawning Cisco Investigations in the Canadian Waters of Lake Superior

The Great Lakes Science Center of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) is working cooperatively with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) on a threeyear study to develop standard procedures for acoustic and midwater trawl (AC-MT) assessments of spawning cisco Coregonus artedi that the OMNR can carry forward as a management activity. In year two (2008), we conducted an AC-MT survey of the northern shore from Nipigon Bay to Thunder Bay. Spawning-cisco (> 250 mm total length) densities were lowest near Nipigon Bay (<10/ha), moderate in and around Black Bay (15- 30/ha), and highest in Thunder Bay (118/ha). Rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax densities were highest in Nipigon (2,179/ha) and Black (3,219/ha) bays, and lowest in Thunder Bay (961/ha). We combined our AC-MT survey results with commercial catch records to estimate exploitation fractions of female cisco in Thunder Bay during the 2008 fishery at 4% for ages 1-5, 8.7% for ages 6-12, and 4.4% for ages &ge; 13. Lake Superior fishery managers recently recommended that annual exploitation of adult female lake cisco be kept below 10-15%. Recruitment of cisco since 2003 has been low and there is a strong probability the Thunder Bay stock will decline into the future. Using a simple population dynamics approach we estimated that if the current total allowable catch (TAC) quota is held constant, exploitation fractions could exceed 10% by 2010 and 15% by 2011. Our 2008 collections suggested the survey of Black Bay was likely conducted before all spawners had returned there to spawn. Our data also suggested that cisco collected in Black Bay and east of this site in mid-November may be from the same stock. During November 2009 we will attempt to get better definition of the area occupied by cisco around Black Bay and also determine when surveys should be conducted at this location.

Report↗
USGS1996

National energy research seismic library; Powder River basin, Montana-Wyoming; surface reflection and vertical seismic profile data used in seismic-stratigraphic investigations for ground-water aquifers and hydrocarbon traps

This Digital Data Series publication contains both raw and processed seismic data recorded during the period 1975 through 1978 by several geophysical service companies under contract to the USGS in the following study areas of the Powder River Basin, Montana and Wyoming: 1. Powder River and Custer Counties, MT (T. 1 S., T. 1-2 N., R. 53-54 E.) 2. Carter County, MT (T. 57-58 N., R. 65 W.) and Crook County, WY (T. 9 S., R.57-58 E.) 3. Powder River and Carter Counties, MT (T. 8 S., R. 53-55 E.) 4. Niobrara County, WY (T. 36-38 N., R. 61-62 W.) and Weston County, WY (T. 45 N., R. 61 W.) Four multichannel Vibroseis seismic lines, six Vertical Seismic Profiles (VSP's), and associated support material (observer's notes, X-Y coordinates, elevations of source and receivers, for example) are included. The raw (unprocessed) field data and a processed version of each surface profile and VSP are contained in standard SEG-Y format files; support material are in ASCII format text files. The processed surface data are versions which were reprocessed by the USGS in 1995 using state-of-the-art seismic data processing software.

Data Series↗
USGS2007

Investigation of wind and water level for the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project, Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS), comprising unique elements of geological, biological, and historical interest, is located on the central California coast approximately 60 km northwest of San Francisco. The National Seashore contains nearly 130 km of exposed and protected shorelines, spectacular coastal cliffs and headlands, lagoons, open grasslands, bushy hillsides, and forested ridges. Approximately 30 km of the shoreline are coastal-dune habitat that supports 11 federally listed species, including the threatened western snowy plover and the endangered plants Tidestrom's lupine ( Lupinus tidestromii ) and beach layia ( Layia carnosa ). The San Andreas Fault, a right-lateral strike-slip fault, trends northwest along the northeastern side of the park. Tomales Bay, which is straight, long, narrow, and shallow, runs along the northeastern boundary of PRNS. The Bay, which fills the northwestern end of a rift valley at the intersection of the San Andreas Fault with the coastline, is approximately 20 km long, 2 km wide, and 6 m deep with mountainous terrain to the southwest and rolling hills to the northeast. Tomales Bay is one of the cleanest estuaries on the West Coast. In winter, approximately 17,000 to 20,000 shorebirds inhabit Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay, which lies directly to the north. At the head of Tomales Bay, the Giacomini Ranch comprises 563 acres of pastureland currently being used for grazing dairy cattle. After more than 50 years of operation as a dairy, the National Park Service acquired the Giacomini property with the intention to restore most of it and the nearby Olema Marsh to tidal wetland. Restoration will add approximately 4% to the existing coastal wetlands in California. The project will return the headwaters of Tomales Bay and two major stream intersections to an intertidal marsh environment, enhancing habitat for both wildlife and fish populations and contributing to the long-term health of Tomales Bay. Prior to the establishment of the ranch, the area was primarily salt marsh that formed as the delta of Lagunitas Creek expanded into Tomales Bay. In converting the salt marsh to dairy land, levees and tide gates were constructed to prevent tidal incursion and stream flooding. Those levees have significantly altered the patterns of estuarine circulation and sediment deposition. To restore natural hydrologic processes within the area and to promote the return of ecological functions and processes, the levees will have to be breached or removed. Developing a successful restoration strategy requires knowledge of elevations within the pastureland and the range of water depths that can be expected from tidal, river, and wind action. In support of the restoration program, the USGS provides technical assistance to PRNS in the form of a scientific study focusing on understanding the physical processes that could affect the Giacomini wetland restoration. The study will yield scientific products that NPS resource managers can use in designing and implementing the restoration project. Research elements include: - Develop a Geodetic Control Network (GCN) throughout PRNS that meets the standards specified National Geodetic Survey data base (the NGS "Bluebook"). The grid will allow this and future studies to be conducted to a precision commensurate with the expressed goals of PRNS. The survey will consist of three steps: (1) verify existing GPS control monuments in the area; (2) tie control monuments in the study areas to the GPS control monuments; and (3) establish NAVD88 elevations using a digital electronic level. - Conduct a detailed survey of the Giacomini site to produce an accurate topographic map of the property. The site survey can be coupled with on-site water-level measurements to produce an empirical flooding model. - Measure water level and wind regime at the Giacomini site. The water-level range is critical to determining the wetland types based on the elevation of the dairy land. Water level at Sacramento Landing, in central Tomales Bay, will also be measured for comparison. As of November 2005, we have created a GCN, produced a detailed topographic map of the Giacomini site, and collected approximately three years of water-level and wind data at the Giacomini site and over one year of usable water-level data at the Sacramento Landing pier.

California↗
USGS1957

Reconnaissance investigation of ground-water supply for Dora Belle Campground, Shaver Lake, California

At the request of the United States Forest Service, the Ground Water Branch of the United Stated Geological Survey made a reconnaissance of the geologic features and water resources of the Dora Belle Campground in Sierra National Forest on the shore of Shaver Lake, Fresno County, California. Basically, the water-supply problem at Dora Belle Campground is that the present supply obtained from a spring is not adequate to meet the present summer demand, and is of poor quality. Plans call for a considerable increase in camping facilities.. This, it is imperative that the present supply be augmented or, preferably, be replaced entirely. the Forest Service estimated the future peak demand to be about 25,00 gallons per day. On October 28, 1957, the writer examined the are in the company of C. H. Fankboner, Assistant Forest Engineer, Sierra National Forest, and Ben Dix, Construction and Maintenance Foreman, Pine Ridge District. Field work, done on October 28th and 29th, consisted of a brief geologic reconnaissance to determine the rock types and geologic structure, and a hydrologic reconnaissance consisting of a partial inventory of water walls and springs in the vicinity of the campground. A spring box near the western edge of Bell Diamond Meadow was pumped out with a Forest Service pump truck to determine its rate of recovery and potential production.

California↗
USGS1979

Records of selected wells, springs, and test holes, in the Royal, upper Presumpscot, and upper Saco River basins in Maine

The area discussed in this report includes about 1200 square miles in southwestern Maine. Location of the area is shown on the cover, and a sketch map identifying the topographic quadrangles for the study area is given in figure 1. The northern boundary of the area is the divide between the Androscoggin River drainage basin on the north and the Saco, Presumpscot, and Royal River drainage basins on the south. The western boundary is the Maine-New Hampshire State line, and the southwestern boundary is the Little Ossipee River. The southeastern boundary is the mid-latitude of the Gray and Freeport 15-minute topographic quadrangles. The greatest part of the area is in Cumberland and Oxford Counties, a smaller area is in York County, and a small fraction is in Androscoggin County. Included are parts or all of 15 towns in Cumberland County, 15 towns in Oxford County, 5 towns in York County, and 2 towns in Androscoggin County. The report contains geologic and hydrologic data collected as part of an investigation of the surficial geology and ground-water resources made by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. These data are made available for use in planning the development of natural resources. An interpretive report containing maps of surficial geology and ground-water availability and related geologic and hydrologic information will be published in the Survey's Water-Resources Investigations series.

Maine↗
USGS1986

Water resources activities in Kentucky, 1986

The U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, conducts three major types of activities in Kentucky in order to provide hydrologic information and understanding needed for the best management of Kentucky 's and the Nation 's water resources. These activities are: (1) Data collection and dissemination; (2) Water-resources appraisals (interpretive studies); and (3) Research. Activities described in some detail following: (1) collection of surface - and groundwater data; (2) operation of stations to collect data on water quality, atmospheric deposition, and sedimentation; (3) flood investigations; (4) water use; (5) small area flood hydrology; (6) feasibility of disposal of radioactive disposal in deep crystalline rocks; (7) development of a groundwater model for the Louisville area; (8) travel times for streams in the Kentucky River Basin; (9) the impact of sinkholes and streams on groundwater flow in a carbonate aquifer system; (10) sedimentation and erosion rates at the Maxey Flats Radioactive Waste Burial site; and (11) evaluation of techniques for evaluating the cumulative impacts of mining as applied to coal fields in Kentucky. (Lantz-PTT)

Open-File Report↗
USGS2008

Pre- and post-eruptive investigations of gas and water samples from Mount St. Helens, Washington, 2002 to 2005

Samples of gas and water from thermal springs in Loowit and Step canyons and creeks that drain the crater at Mount St. Helens have been collected since October 2004 to monitor the flux of dissolved magmatic volatiles in the hydrologic system. The changing composition of the waters highlights a trend that began as early as 1994 and includes decreasing SO 4 and Cl concentrations and large increases in HCO 3 . Geochemical models indicate that mineral sources and sinks are not the main controls on the changing water chemistry, and carbon and helium isotopes indicate that their sources in the gases and waters have remained unchanged during this time. The present-day molar ratios of C, S, and Cl in the springs approximate ratios measured in plume emissions in August 2005 and provide supporting evidence that changes in water chemistry most likely reflect changes in the release rates of sulfur gases, HCl, and CO 2 from the magma and a varying degree of efficiency of gas scrubbing by the overlying water. Results from coupled chemical analyses and discharge measurements on the creeks yield an estimate of the dissolved flux of magmatic HCl, SO 2 , and CO 2 of around 5.2, 4.7, and 22 metric tons per day, respectively.

Washington↗
USGS1970

Water Resources Data for California, 1966, 1967, 1968; Part 3: Ground Water Records

Ground-water records for wells in California in which periodic measurements of water level have been made during the years 1966-68 are given in this report. The records were collected and processed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, under the overall supervision of R. Stanley Lord, district chief in charge of water-resources investigations in California. Beginning with this report, water-level data will be released in the annual Geological Survey series "Water Resources Data for California." Prior records of water level and many additional well data are contained in the reports listed in the References section of this report. The observation-well program in California is carried on principally in cooperation with the several agencies listed on page III. In addition, several other agencies, also listed on page III, have provided data and their cooperation is gratefully acknowledged. Figure I shows, insofar as the map scale permits, the location of observation wells for which data are included in this report. The water-level records are arranged alphabetically by county, and for each county by valley or ground-water basin. Thus, each group of data pertains to a distinct ground-water area, as indicated by subheadings in the report. Under each subhead, the records are arranged numerically by well number.

California↗
USGS2001

U.S. Geological Survey programs and investigations related to soil and water conservation

The U.S. Geological Survey has a rich tradition of collecting hydrologic data, especially for fluxes of water and suspended sediment, that provide a foundation for studies of soil and water conservation. Applied and basic research has included investigations of the effects of land use on rangelands, croplands, and forests; hazards mapping; derivation of flood and drought frequency, and other statistics related to streamflow and reservoir storage; development and application of models of rainfall-runoff relations, chemical quality, and sediment movement; and studies of the interactive processes of overland and channel flow with vegetation. Networks of streamgaging stations and (or) sampling sites within numerous drainage basins are yielding information that extends databases and enhances the ability to use those data for interpretive studies.

International Journal of Sediment Research↗
USGS2010

2009 Spawning cisco investigations in the Canadian waters of Lake Superior

We sampled with acoustics (AC) and midwater trawls (MT) to determine cisco abundance in Lake Superior’s Thunder and Black bays during 8-14 November, 2009. Total abundance of spawning-size (≥ 250 mm total length) ciscoes was estimated at 6.25 million in Thunder Bay and 1.12 million in Black Bay. Exploitation fractions of market-size (≥ age 6) females from Thunder and Black bays for 2009 were estimated at 7.1% and 11.3%, respectively; below the recommended maximum annual harvest of 15% recently adopted by Lake Superior fisheries managers. Given Thunder Bay spawner densities are on a downward trajectory, and recruitment since the 2003 year-class has been low, it is likely the exploitation fractions will increase in the future. After 2010, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) will carry on the AC program as a management activity. It is likely suspended experimental gill net (GN) samples will be used to ground truth future AC samples. In 2009, we characterized the length and age structure of Thunder Bay ciscoes using both MT samples and GN samples. Females represented 49% of the MT catch, but only 39% in GN samples. Catching a smaller proportion of females in GN samples resulted in a lower female population estimate and a higher estimated exploitation fraction (10.4%) compared to MT samples (7.1%). Experimental gill net effort was limited to 10-11.8 m water column depths where midwater trawl samples also caught roughly 40% females. Ciscoes ≥ age 17 (≥ 1992 year class) were common in Black Bay, but rare in Thunder Bay suggesting: 1) the stocks may be distinct; and 2) total mortality of ciscoes returning to spawn in Black Bay in recent years has been lower than ciscoes returning to Thunder Bay. Our mid-November 2009 effort to assess the Black Bay stock by sampling outside of the 3 bay in the lake proper was deemed successful, but this should be confirmed by sampling the Black Bay region during both mid- and late-November 2010.

Lake Superior↗
USGS2001

Controls of stream chemistry and fish populations in the Neversink watershed, Catskill Mountains, New York

The Neversink Watershed Study was initiated in 1991 to develop an understanding of the key natural processes that control water quality within the forested, 166 km 2 (64 mi 2 ), Neversink River watershed; part of the New York City drinking water supply system, in the Catskill Mountain region of New York. The study entailed (1) hydrological investigations of water movement from the atmosphere to streams, (2) biogeochemical investigations of nitrogen and calcium, important nutrients in forest and aquatic ecosystems whose availability has been altered by acidic deposition, (3) an investigation of elevational patterns in atmospheric deposition, and (4) fisheries investigations to determine the relative importance of physical habitat and acidic deposition in controlling the abundance and diversity of fish species in the watershed. This report summarizes the results of these investigations, which have also been presented, in detail, in peer-reviewed technical articles and reports that are cited throughout the text.

New York↗