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Preliminary surficial geologic map of the Newberry Springs 30' x 60' quadrangle, California

The Newberry Springs 30' x 60' quadrangle is located in the central Mojave Desert of southern California. It is split approximately into northern and southern halves by I-40, with the city of Barstow at its western edge and the town of Ludlow near its eastern edge. The map area spans lat 34°30 to 35° N. to long -116 °to -117° W. and covers over 1,000 km 2 . We integrate the results of surficial geologic mapping conducted during 2002-2005 with compilations of previous surficial mapping and bedrock geologic mapping. Quaternary units are subdivided in detail on the map to distinguish variations in age, process of formation, pedogenesis, lithology, and spatial interdependency, whereas pre-Quaternary bedrock units are grouped into generalized assemblages that emphasize their attributes as hillslope-forming materials and sources of parent material for the Quaternary units. The spatial information in this publication is presented in two forms: a spatial database and a geologic map. The geologic map is a view (the display of an extracted subset of the database at a given time) of the spatial database; it highlights key aspects of the database and necessarily does not show all of the data contained therein. The database contains detailed information about Quaternary geologic unit composition, authorship, and notes regarding geologic units, faults, contacts, and local vegetation. The amount of information contained in the database is too large to show on a single map, so a restricted subset of the information was chosen to summarize the overall nature of the geology. Refer to the database for additional information. Accompanying the spatial data are the map documentation and spatial metadata. The map documentation (this document) describes the geologic setting and history of the Newberry Springs map sheet, summarizes the age and physical character of each map unit, and describes principal faults and folds. The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata provides detailed information about the digital files and file structure of the spatial data.

California↗

Selected test-well data from the MX-missile siting study, Tooele, Juab, Millard, Beaver, and Iron Counties, Utah

This report contains well data collected from 1979 to 1983 in a part of the Great Basin in western Utah (fig. 1). The area is characterized by a series of generally north-trending mountain ranges separated by alluviumfilled basins that are partially filled with sedimentary deposits eroded from the adjacent mountains and lacustrine sediments deposited by Lake Bonneville. Most of the intermountain basins are elongated in the northward direction, but some are almost equidimensional. This report was prepared as part of the Great Basin Regional AquiferSystem Analysis (RASA) program. The report is intended to make well data from the MX-missile siting study readily available to water-resource managers and the general public. It includes well data obtained in areas for which little or no such data have been published previously. Well-drilling and well-completion data were compiled by Ertec, Inc. (formerly Fugro National, Inc.) under contract with the U. S. Air Force. Those data along with aquifer test data, geophysical logs, and drillers1 or geologists1 logs were obtained from Ertec, Inc. under an agreement with the U.S. Air Force. The authors thank the officials of both Ertec, Inc. and the U.S. Air Force for their helpful cooperation. The U.S. Geological Survey obtained accurate locations of the test wells (pi. 1) and accurate water-level measurements in those wells (table 1). Chemical analyses of water samples collected from several of the test wells drilled in the Sevier Desert have been published in a report by Enright and Holmes (1982, table 5). Test drilling for the MX-missile siting study consisted of two parts, the verification phase and the water-resources phase. The verification jhase was designed to obtain information necessary for the design and construction of the MX-basing system. Numerous small diameter wells were bored with depths ranging from 92 to 205 feet. Two-inch diameter JVC casing with the bottom 20 feet perforated was installed in each borehole. The water-resources phase was designed to determine ground-water availibility and to estimate the effects of ground-water withdrawals required for the construction of the MX-basing system. Six large-diameter production test wells were drilled along with associated small-diameter observation wells. Depths ranged from 310 to 1,399 feet. Lithologic logs for selected production test wells or associated observation wells are listed in table 2. Geophysical logs and aquifer test data are available in the files of the U. S. Geological Survey, as indicated in table 1.

Utah↗

Analytically-derived sensitivities in one-dimensional models of solute transport in porous media

Analytically-derived sensitivities are presented for parameters in one-dimensional models of solute transport in porous media. Sensitivities were derived by direct differentiation of closed form solutions for each of the odel, and by a time integral method for two of the models. Models are based on the advection-dispersion equation and include adsorption and first-order chemical decay. Boundary conditions considered are: a constant step input of solute, constant flux input of solute, and exponentially decaying input of solute at the upstream boundary. A zero flux is assumed at the downstream boundary. Initial conditions include a constant and spatially varying distribution of solute. One model simulates the mixing of solute in an observation well from individual layers in a multilayer aquifer system. Computer programs produce output files compatible with graphics software in which sensitivities are plotted as a function of either time or space. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Whole-rock and glass major-element geochemistry of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, near-vent eruptive products: September 1994 through September 2001

This report presents major-element geochemical data for glasses and whole-rock aliquots among 523 lava samples collected near the vent on Kilauea's east rift zone between September 1994 and October 2001. Information on sample collection, analysis techniques and analytical standard reproducibility are presented as a PDF file, which also includes a detailed explantion of the categories of sample information presented in the database spreadsheet. The sample database is downloadable as a separate Microsoft Excel file.

Hawai'i↗

MODFLOW-2000 ground-water model-user guide to the Subsidence and Aquifer-System Compaction (SUB) Package

This report documents a computer program, the Subsidence and Aquifer-System Compaction (SUB) Package, to simulate aquifer-system compaction and land subsidence using the U.S. Geological Survey modular finite-difference ground-water flow model, MODFLOW-2000. The SUB Package simulates elastic (recoverable) compaction and expansion, and inelastic (permanent) compaction of compressible fine-grained beds (interbeds) within the aquifers. The deformation of the interbeds is caused by head or pore-pressure changes, and thus by changes in effective stress, within the interbeds. If the stress is less than the preconsolidation stress of the sediments, the deformation is elastic; if the stress is greater than the preconsolidation stress, the deformation is inelastic. The propagation of head changes within the interbeds is defined by a transient, one-dimensional (vertical) diffusion equation. This equation accounts for delayed release of water from storage or uptake of water into storage in the interbeds. Properties that control the timing of the storage changes are vertical hydraulic diffusivity and interbed thickness. The SUB Package supersedes the Interbed Storage Package (IBS1) for MODFLOW, which assumes that water is released from or taken into storage with changes in head in the aquifer within a single model time step and, therefore, can be reasonably used to simulate only thin interbeds. The SUB Package relaxes this assumption and can be used to simulate time-dependent drainage and compaction of thick interbeds and confining units. The time-dependent drainage can be turned off, in which case the SUB Package gives results identical to those from IBS1. Three sample problems illustrate the usefulness of the SUB Package. One sample problem verifies that the package works correctly. This sample problem simulates the drainage of a thick interbed in response to a step change in head in the adjacent aquifer and closely matches the analytical solution. A second sample problem illustrates the effects of seasonally varying discharge and recharge to an aquifer system with a thick interbed. A third sample problem simulates a multilayered regional ground-water basin. Model input files for the third sample problem are included in the appendix.

Open-File Report↗

Modeling of depth to base of Last Glacial Maximum and seafloor sediment thickness for the California State Waters Map Series, eastern Santa Barbara Channel, California

Models of the depth to the base of Last Glacial Maximum and sediment thickness over the base of Last Glacial Maximum for the eastern Santa Barbara Channel are a key part of the maps of shallow subsurface geology and structure for offshore Refugio to Hueneme Canyon, California, in the California State Waters Map Series. A satisfactory interpolation of the two datasets that accounted for regional geologic structure was developed using geographic information systems modeling and graphics software tools. Regional sediment volumes were determined from the model. Source data files suitable for geographic information systems mapping applications are provided.

California↗

Measured sections of Ordovician strata in northeast Kentucky

The sections described in this report are part of the data used in studies of the Upper Ordovician rocks of Kentucky. The studies were part of a geologic mapping program by the U. S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Kentucky Geological Survey. Formations of Late Ordovician age described in this report are the Drakes, Bull Fork, Grant Lake, Fairview, and Kope. Most sections were measured in the field with Jacob staff and tape. Color names with numbers are based on comparison with the rock chart by Goddard and others (1948). The core described is on file at the core library of the Kentucky Geological Survey in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky↗

Users guide for the Water Resources Division bibliographic retrieval and report generation system

The WRDBIB Retrieval and Report-generation system has been developed by applying Multitrieve (CSD 1980, Reston) software to bibliographic data files. The WRDBIB data base includes some 9 ,000 records containing bibliographic citations and descriptors of WRD reports released for publication during 1968-1982. The data base is resident in the Reston Multics computer and may be accessed by registered Multics users in the field. The WRDBIB Users Guide provides detailed procedures on how to run retrieval programs using WRDBIB library files, and how to prepare custom bibliographic reports and author indexes. Users may search the WRDBIB data base on the following variable fields as described in the Data Dictionary: Authors, organizational source, title, citation, publication year, descriptors, and the WRSIC (accession) number. The Users Guide provides ample examples of program runs illustrating various retrieval and report generation aspects. Appendices include Multics access and file manipulation procedures; a ' Glossary of Selected Terms'; and a complete ' Retrieval Session ' with step-by-step outlines. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Geosoft eXecutables (GX's) Developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Version 2.0, with Notes on GX Development from Fortran Code

Introduction Geosoft executables (GX's) are custom software modules for use with the Geosoft Oasis montaj geophysical data processing system, which currently runs under the Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP operating systems. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) uses Oasis montaj primarily for the processing and display of airborne geophysical data. The ability to add custom software modules to the Oasis montaj system is a feature employed by the USGS in order to take advantage of the large number of geophysical algorithms developed by the USGS during the past half century. This main part of this report, along with Appendix 1, describes Version 2.0 GX's developed by the USGS or specifically for the USGS by contractors. These GX's perform both basic and advanced operations. Version 1.0 GX's developed by the USGS were described by Phillips and others (2003), and are included in Version 2.0. Appendix 1 contains the help files for the individual GX's. Appendix 2 describes the new method that was used to create the compiled GX files, starting from legacy Fortran source code. Although the new method shares many steps with the approach presented in the Geosoft GX Developer manual, it differs from that approach in that it uses free, open-source Fortran and C compilers and avoids all Fortran-to-C conversion.

Open-File Report↗

Chemical-Help Application for Classification and Identification of Stormwater Constituents

A computer application called Chemical Help was developed to facilitate review of reports for the National Highway Runoff Water-Quality Data and Methodology Synthesis (NDAMS). The application provides a tool to quickly find a proper classification for any constituent in the NDAMS review sheets. Chemical Help contents include the name of each water-quality property, constituent, or parameter, the section number within the NDAMS review sheet, the organizational levels within a classification hierarchy, the database number, and where appropriate, the chemical formula, the Chemical Abstract Service number, and a list of synonyms (for the organic chemicals). Therefore, Chemical Help provides information necessary to research available reference data for the water-quality properties and constituents of potential interest in stormwater studies. Chemical Help is implemented in the Microsoft help-system interface. (Computer files for the use and documentation of Chemical Help are included on an accompanying diskette.)

Open-File Report↗

The Limit of Inundation of the September 29, 2009, Tsunami on Tutuila, American Samoa

U.S. Geological Survey scientists investigated the coastal impacts of the September 29, 2009, South Pacific tsunami in Tutuila, American Samoa in October and November 2009, including mapping the alongshore variation in the limit of inundation. Knowing the inundation limit is useful for planning safer coastal development and evacuation routes for future tsunamis and for improving models of tsunami hazards. This report presents field data documenting the limit of inundation at 18 sites around Tutuila collected in the weeks following the tsunami using Differential GPS (DGPS). In total, 15,703 points along inundation lines were mapped. Estimates of DGPS error and uncertainty in interpretation of the inundation line are provided as electronic files that accompany this report.

Open-File Report↗

High-resolution seismic-reflection data offshore of Dana Point, southern California borderland

The U.S. Geological Survey collected high-resolution shallow seismic-reflection profiles in September 2006 in the offshore area between Dana Point and San Mateo Point in southern Orange and northern San Diego Counties, California. Reflection profiles were located to image folds and reverse faults associated with the San Mateo fault zone and high-angle strike-slip faults near the shelf break (the Newport-Inglewood fault zone) and at the base of the slope. Interpretations of these data were used to update the USGS Quaternary fault database and in shaking hazard models for the State of California developed by the Working Group for California Earthquake Probabilities. This cruise was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Catastrophic Hazards project. Seismic-reflection data were acquired aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, which is operated by the Ocean Institute at Dana Point. A SIG ELC820 minisparker seismic source and a SIG single-channel streamer were used. More than 420 km of seismic-reflection data were collected. This report includes maps of the seismic-survey sections, linked to Google Earth? software, and digital data files showing images of each transect in SEG-Y, JPEG, and TIFF formats.

Open-File Report↗

Hydrodynamic assessment data associated with the July 2010 line 6B spill into the Kalamazoo River, Michigan, 2012–14

Hydrodynamic-assessment data for the Kalamazoo River were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) during 2012–14 to augment other hydrodynamic data-collection efforts by Enbridge Energy L.P. and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency associated with the 2010 Enbridge Line 6B oil spill. Specifically, the USGS data-collection efforts were focused on additional background data needed for 2013–14 updates to Enbridge’s 2012 hydrodynamic and sediment-transport models for simulating resuspension and deposition of submerged oil. The main data-collection activities consisted of the following along the Kalamazoo River: (1) a survey done by use of a Real-Time Network Global Navigation Satellite System, (2) water-level measurements in impounded sections, (3) velocity, discharge, and bathymetry measurements at transects and stationary points along the oil-affected reach of the river and in Morrow Delta and Lake, (4) estimates of tributary inflows, and (5) suspended-sediment concentrations and particle-size data at USGS streamgages along the Kalamazoo River. The method used to estimate bed shear stress from stationary velocity data is described. Averaged transect-based velocity data that were processed to match model grids also are included. In addition to model inputs and checks, these hydrodynamic-related data were used in submerged oil containment and recovery operations focused in impoundments and designated sediment traps. This report contains a description of the scope and methods associated with the hydrodynamic data collection and supplementary files of the USGS data that were used in modeling activities.

Michigan↗

User’s manual for the Automated Data Assurance and Management application developed for quality control of Everglades Depth Estimation Network water-level data

The generation of Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) daily water-level and water-depth maps is dependent on high quality real-time data from over 240 water-level stations. To increase the accuracy of the daily water-surface maps, the Automated Data Assurance and Management (ADAM) tool was created by the U.S. Geological Survey as part of Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystems Science. The ADAM tool is used to provide accurate quality-assurance review of the real-time data from the EDEN network and allows estimation or replacement of missing or erroneous data. This user’s manual describes how to install and operate the ADAM software. File structure and operation of the ADAM software is explained using examples.

Open-File Report↗

Processing of next generation weather radar-multisensor precipitation estimates and quantitative precipitation forecast data for the DuPage County streamflow simulation system

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with DuPage County Stormwater Management Department, is testing a near real-time streamflow simulation system that assists in the management and operation of reservoirs and other flood-control structures in the Salt Creek and West Branch DuPage River drainage basins in DuPage County, Illinois. As part of this effort, the U.S. Geological Survey maintains a database of hourly meteorological and hydrologic data for use in this near real-time streamflow simulation system. Among these data are next generation weather radar-multisensor precipitation estimates and quantitative precipitation forecast data, which are retrieved from the North Central River Forecasting Center of the National Weather Service. The DuPage County streamflow simulation system uses these quantitative precipitation forecast data to create streamflow predictions for the two simulated drainage basins. This report discusses in detail how these data are processed for inclusion in the Watershed Data Management files used in the streamflow simulation system for the Salt Creek and West Branch DuPage River drainage basins.

Illinois↗

Preliminary geologic framework developed for a proposed environmental monitoring study of a deep, unconventional Marcellus Shale drill site, Washington County, Pennsylvania

Background In the fall of 2011, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was afforded an opportunity to participate in an environmental monitoring study of the potential impacts of a deep, unconventional Marcellus Shale hydraulic fracturing site. The drill site of the prospective case study is the “Range Resources MCC Partners L.P. Units 1-5H” location (also referred to as the “RR–MCC” drill site), located in Washington County, southwestern Pennsylvania. Specifically, the USGS was approached to provide a geologic framework that would (1) provide geologic parameters for the proposed area of a localized groundwater circulation model, and (2) provide potential information for the siting of both shallow and deep groundwater monitoring wells located near the drill pad and the deviated drill legs. The lead organization of the prospective case study of the RR–MCC drill site was the Groundwater and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Aside from the USGS, additional partners/participants were to include the Department of Energy, the Pennsylvania Geological Survey, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the developer Range Resources LLC. During the initial cooperative phase, GWERD, with input from the participating agencies, drafted a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) that proposed much of the objectives, tasks, sampling and analytical procedures, and documentation of results. Later in 2012, the proposed cooperative agreement between the aforementioned partners and the associated land owners for a monitoring program at the drill site was not executed. Therefore, the prospective case study of the RR–MCC site was terminated and no installation of groundwater monitoring wells nor the collection of nearby soil, stream sediment, and surface-water samples were made. Prior to the completion of the QAPP and termination of the perspective case study the geologic framework was rapidly conducted and nearly completed. This was done for three principal reasons. First, there was an immediate need to know the distribution of the relatively undisturbed surface to near-surface bedrock geology and unconsolidated materials for the collection of baseline surface data prior to drill site development (drill pad access road, drill pad leveling) and later during monitoring associated with well drilling, well development, and well production. Second, it was necessary to know the bedrock geology to support the siting of: (1) multiple shallow groundwater monitoring wells (possibly as many as four) surrounding and located immediately adjacent to the drill pad, and (2) deep groundwater monitoring wells (possibly two) located at distance from the drill pad with one possibly being sited along one of the deviated production drill legs. Lastly, the framework geology would provide the lateral extent, thickness, lithology, and expected discontinuities of geologic units (to be parsed or grouped as hydrostratigraphic units) and regional structure trends as inputs into the groundwater model. This report provides the methodology of geologic data accumulation and aggregation, and its integration into a geographic information system (GIS) based program. The GIS program will allow multiple data to be exported in various formats (shapefiles [.shp], database files [.dbf], and Keyhole Markup Language files [.KML]) for use in surface and subsurface geologic site characterization, for sampling strategies, and for inputs for groundwater modeling.

Pennsylvania↗

Spectrographic and chemical analyses of whole-rock and insoluble-residue samples, Rolla 1 degree x 2 degrees quadrangle, Missouri: Drill hole no. 5

Geochemical studies of the Rolla, Mo., 1° x 2° quadrangle were begun in 1977 as part of a joint multidisciplinary study of the quadrangle by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Division of Geology and Land Survey, Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The study is to access the mineral resource potential of the area by integrated geologic, geochemical, and geophysical studies. The geochemical work to date has been directed at the characterization of the sedimentary and igneous rocks in the quadrangle through spectrographic and chemical analyses of whole-rock samples and dilute-hydrochloric-acid insoluble-residue samples of whole rock from widely spaced drill holes. Sixty-two drill holes have been selected for study from the sample library of the Missouri Division of Geology and Land Survey. None of the holes are company-confidential, none intersect economically significant mineralized ground, and only a few are located in known ore-bearing trends. The analytical results for drill hole No. 5, Missouri log number 21245, are given in this report. The drill hole is located in sec. 4, T. 30 N., R. 1 E., in Reynolds County. Data for the whole-rock samples are listed in table 1, and data for the insoluble-residue samples are listed in table 2. Missouri log number, county, and location allow correlation with the stratigraphic logs on file at the Missouri Division of Geology and Land Survey in Rolla, Mo.

Missouri↗