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At least 775 records · Page 43Linked to original sources
USGS2021

HydroMet: A new code for automated objective optimization of hydrometeorological thresholds for landslide initiation

Landslide detection and warning systems are important tools for mitigation of potential hazards in landslide prone areas. Traditionally, warning systems for shallow landslides have been informed by rainfall intensity-duration thresholds. More recent advances have introduced the concept of hydrometeorological thresholds that are informed not only by rainfall, but also by subsurface hydrological measurements. Previously, hydrometeorological thresholds have been shown to improve capabilities for forecasting shallow landslides, and they may ultimately be adapted to more generalized landslide forecasting. We present HydroMet, a code developed in Python by the U.S. Geological Survey, which allows users to guide the automated estimation of hydrometeorological thresholds for a site or area of interest, with the flexibility to select preferred threshold variables for the antecedent hydrologic conditions and the triggering meteorological conditions. Users can import hydrologic time-series data, including rainfall, soil-water content, and pore-water pressure, along with the times of known landslide occurrences, and then conduct objective optimization of warning thresholds using receiver operating characteristics. HydroMet presents many additional options, including selecting the threshold formula, the timescale of possible threshold variables, and the skill statistics used for optimization. Users can develop dual-stage thresholds for watch and warning alerts, with a lower, risk-averse threshold to avoid missed alarms and a less conservative threshold to minimize false alarms. Users may also choose to split their inventory data into calibration and evaluation subsets to independently evaluate the performance of optimized thresholds. We present output and applications of HydroMet using monitoring data from landslide-prone areas in the U.S. to demonstrate its utility and ability to produce thresholds with limited missed and false alarms for informing the next generation of reliable landslide warning systems.

Water↗
USGS1969

Satellite imagery of the earth

Photography of the Earth from spacecraft has application to both atmospheric and Earth sciences. Gemini and Apollo photographs have furnished information on sea surface roughness, areas of potential upwelling and oceanic current systems. Regional geologic structures and geomorphologic features are also recorded in orbital photographs. Infrared satellite imagery provides meteorological and hydrological data and is potentially useful for locating fresh water springs along coastal areas, sources of geothermal power and volcanic activity. Ground and airborne surveys are being undertaken to create a basis for the interpretation of data obtained from future satellite systems.

Photogrammetric Engineering↗
USGS2024

Simulation of groundwater flow in the Long Island, New York regional aquifer system for pumping and recharge conditions from 1900 to 2019

The U.S. Geological Survey has developed a transient, groundwater-flow model that simulates hydrologic conditions in the Long Island aquifer system as part of an ongoing (since 2016) multiyear, cooperative investigation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The goals of this investigation are to assist stakeholders and resource managers to evaluate the response of the hydrologic system to changes in future hydraulic stresses. Responses in the hydrologic system include changes in water levels in the hydrogeologic units; discharge to streams, coastal waters, and subsurface infrastructure; and the extent of saline groundwater in the aquifers. Hydraulic stresses include future water-supply management and changes in land use and infrastructure. The numerical model synthesizes a diverse set of physiographic, geologic, climatic, land-use, and historical population, water use, and infrastructure data to physically represent the Long Island aquifer system from land surface to bedrock and to simulate annual hydrologic conditions between 1900 and 2019. A three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework was developed from existing and recently collected borehole geologic and geophysical data collected as part of a companion drilling program. Water-transmitting properties of the principal aquifer sediments were defined in three dimensions from new and existing lithologic logs. The distribution of recharge from precipitation was estimated from landscape characteristics and climate data. Anthropogenic recharge from wastewater, leaky infrastructure, and storm runoff were estimated from population, infrastructure, and pumping data. Water-use data, including well locations, depths, and pumping rates, were obtained from historical sources and records and used to estimate pumping stresses continuously in time and space, at an annual average time scale. The data were incorporated into a three-dimensional numerical model using the U.S. Geological Survey finite difference modeling code MODFLOW 6; the model encompassed all of Long Island and surrounding surface waters and simulated historical hydrologic conditions from 1900 to 2019. The calibration process involved trial and error adjustments using prior knowledge to improve general fit to observations followed by an inverse calibration to update and optimize input parameters, using an iterative ensemble smoother algorithm implemented in PEST++ version 5.0. This resulted in a model that generally was in good agreement with observed, dynamically varying hydrologic conditions from 1900 to 2019. The calibrated model was used to develop two base-case models for scenario testing of future, hypothetical conditions where one represented average-annual conditions, and one represented average-seasonal conditions from 2010 to 2019. The model representing average-annual conditions was modified further to represent an alternate sea-level position of 6 feet above the North American Vertical Datum of 1988, and the model representing average-seasonal conditions was modified to represent the average seasonal effects of a 5-year drought imposed upon current hydrologic conditions. Recharge is the sole source of water to the aquifer system; groundwater discharges to coastal water and streams and is withdrawn by pumped wells. Model-estimated annual recharge ranged from about 11 inches in 1965 to 41 inches in 1983. On average, from 2010 to 2019, about 23 percent of water was pumped from wells, and about 47 and 27 percent discharged to coastal waters and streams, respectively; the remaining 4 percent was water that moved into storage in the aquifer matrix. Water levels on Long Island vary naturally during time in response to changes in recharge; the amount of variation is largest in the interior of the island, in areas with highest water table altitudes near groundwater divides and lowest near streams and the coastal waters. The total range of water table altitudes on Long Island between 1900 and 2019 ranged from near 0 to more than 70 feet in western parts of Long Island. The largest range in altitudes is in New York City and is associated with areas of large historical withdrawals between the 1920s and the late 1980s. Water table altitudes generally varied by less than 10 feet in eastern Suffolk County, where the aquifer is under more natural conditions. Saltwater intrusion is of great concern on Long Island, particularly in western Long Island where both the unconfined and confined parts of the aquifer system have been intruded in response to large-scale groundwater withdrawals; however, the volume of freshwater in the islandwide aquifer system only has changed by about 5 percent between 1900 and 2019. The decadal change in the freshwater volume was largest during the early and mid-20th century, corresponding to the largest historical pumping, but that volume change did not exceed 1 percent. The negligible change in freshwater volume suggests that saltwater intrusion as of 2019 was limited at an islandwide scale but continues to occur in local areas of Queens and Nassau Counties, adversely affecting current water supplies and limiting future water supplies for affected communities. The regional groundwater model developed for this investigation is a tool that can be used to help determine the viability of current and future water supplies at a regional scale and can be used to support development of additional models at finer scale to support more focused assessments of groundwater sustainability.

New York↗
USGS2000

Statistical identification of hydrochemical response units for hydrologic monitoring and modeling in Maryland

In support of Maryland's efforts to develop statewide water-quality management plans, a statistical analysis was performed to identify a set of representative and relatively homogeneous areas referred to as Hydrochemical Response Units (HRUs). The State intends to select representative areas within each hydrochemical response unit for monitoring and model development, and then apply the model to the entire unit. To identify hydrochemical response units, cluster analysis was applied to 1,136 digitally defined watershed units. Basin characteristics including land cover, soil type, slope, and geology were determined for each watershed unit and a clustering algorithm was applied to the data sets. A total of 11 hydrochemical response units were identified by the analysis. Major features that were important in distinguishing different areas of the state include: 1) upland and lowland Coastal Plain settings, 2) igneous, shale, and carbonate geology; and 3) urban land cover. The hydrochemical response units described in this report are considered to be an initial classification of watersheds in Maryland that can be refined as geographic data sets are improved and additional hydrologic data are collected.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1998

Analytical methods, numerical modeling, and monitoring strategies for evaluating the effects of ground-water withdrawals on unconfined aquifers in the New Jersey Coastal Plain

Analytical and numerical solutions of ground-water withdrawals in the unconfined part of the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system of the Coastal Plain of New Jersey were evaluated for their usefulness in predicting the area of influence of a pumped well and in determining hydraulic characteristics of an aquifer. Additionally, simulations of ground-water withdrawal using a finite-difference model provided information on the ways in which prudent well-location strategies can disperse the local effects of withdrawal over a larger part of an aquifer system. The design of a monitoring network that is sensitive to the ground-water hydraulics of streams and wetlands of the Coastal Plain of New Jersey also was considered for its utility in providing hydrologic data necessary to establish the baseline hydrologic conditions near wetlands and streams and in signaling when ground-water levels are being adversely affected by withdrawals elsewhere in the system. The application of methods based on the Theis analytical solution to ground-water flow in unconfined aquifers can lead to erroneous estimates of the size of the area of influence generated by ground-water withdrawals. Analysis oftime-drawdown data from an unconfined aquifer system are best evaluated by means of the Neuman solution, which accounts for the effects of gravity drainage; however, the pumped well must be far enough from streams so that ground water is not drawn from nearby streams. Time-drawdown data from a test well in Winslow County, N.J., were analyzed by means of the Neuman solution. Results indicate that the aquifer has a relatively high vertical to horizontal anisotropy of 1:198, and a specific yield of 0.028, an indication that the area of influence of a pumped well at the test site would be relatively large. Results from a finite-difference ground-water-flow model of the northeastern part of the Mullica River Basin near Chesilhurst, N.J., show that the area influenced by a long-term withdrawal is best estimated from a steady state ground-water-flow analysis that includes the effects of average areal recharge. Withdrawal simulations indicate an order-of-magnitude difference between the size of the area of influence generated from a 3-day (72 hour) withdrawal and the size of the area produced under steady-state conditions. An aquifer characterized by a low specific yield will cause the area of influence to extend farther away from the pumped well. The contributing area of flow to the pumped well includes areas on the water table that would, under natural conditions, be incorporated into the contributing areas of flow to streams. Ground water that is drawn to a pumped well is diverted from nearby streams; the withdrawal decreases the size of the contributing areas of flow to streams by an amount equal to the contributing area of flow to the well. Withdrawals made from a well close to a stream divert ground water that would, under natural conditions, flow to the stream. The diverted ground water causes the area of influence of the well to be smaller than it would if the well were far from the stream. Water-table declines caused by withdrawals near streams are, to some degree, mitigated by ground-water diversion from streams. However, the withdrawals can significantly reduce ground-water seepage to nearby streams, especially along stream reaches and wetlands close to the well. Alternatively, these effects can be dispersed over a large part of the aquifer if wells are located on surface-water divides. Measurements of seasonal water-level fluctuations in the Mullica River Basin indicate that the greatest fluctuations in water levels are found in upland areas, where the average fluctuation is 3.4 feet. Fluctuations in hydraulic head in the wetland areas averages 1.3 feet. The bimodal average of ranges in water levels show that upland areas are more sensitive to recharge than lowland areas. The pattern of yearly mean water levels fluctuates irregularly about a long-term mean value. Abnormally low or high yearly average values that are brought on by periods of drought or excess recharge are short lived; over time, hydrologic conditions shift back to average levels under natural conditions. Wetland areas in the New Jersey Coastal Plain are characterized by ground-water seepage into wide, shallow depressions. Periods of inundation are longest in the deepest part of the depression, whereas inundation of areas near the fringes of wetlands due to ground-water seepage is only seasonal. The seepage face in the fringe areas expand and contract in response to seasonal variation in water-table elevation and in response to precipitation. Values of the aquifer storage coefficient and transmissivity can, in some cases, be determined by use of hydraulic head or streamflow recession analysis as an alternative to aquifer testing. The recession curves developed from hydro graphs of Middle Branch and McDonalds Branch in the New Jersey Coastal Plain indicate that the aquifer near McDonalds Branch has about 2.6 times the storage capacity of the aquifer adjacent to Middle Branch; this finding is consistent with the relatively small ranges of water-level changes measured in McDonalds Branch compared to those measured in Middle Branch.

New Jersey↗
USGS2015

U.S. Geological Survey groundwater toolbox, a graphical and mapping interface for analysis of hydrologic data (version 1.0): user guide for estimation of base flow, runoff, and groundwater recharge from streamflow data

This report is a user guide for the streamflow-hydrograph analysis methods provided with version 1.0 of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Groundwater Toolbox computer program. These include six hydrograph-separation methods to determine the groundwater-discharge (base-flow) and surface-runoff components of streamflow—the Base-Flow Index (BFI; Standard and Modified), HYSEP (Fixed Interval, Sliding Interval, and Local Minimum), and PART methods—and the RORA recession-curve displacement method and associated RECESS program to estimate groundwater recharge from streamflow data. The Groundwater Toolbox is a customized interface built on the nonproprietary, open source MapWindow geographic information system software. The program provides graphing, mapping, and analysis capabilities in a Microsoft Windows computing environment. In addition to the four hydrograph-analysis methods, the Groundwater Toolbox allows for the retrieval of hydrologic time-series data (streamflow, groundwater levels, and precipitation) from the USGS National Water Information System, downloading of a suite of preprocessed geographic information system coverages and meteorological data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Climatic Data Center, and analysis of data with several preprocessing and postprocessing utilities. With its data retrieval and analysis tools, the Groundwater Toolbox provides methods to estimate many of the components of the water budget for a hydrologic basin, including precipitation; streamflow; base flow; runoff; groundwater recharge; and total, groundwater, and near-surface evapotranspiration.

Techniques and Methods↗
USGS1991

Data standardization. The key to effective management

Effective management of the nation's water resources is dependent upon accurate and consistent hydrologic information. Before the emergence of environmental concerns in the 1960's, most hydrologic information was collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and other Federal agencies that used fairly consistent methods and equipment. In the past quarter century, however, increased environmental awareness has resulted in an expansion of hydrologic data collection not only by Federal agencies, but also by state and municipal governments, university investigators, and private consulting firms. The acceptance and use of standard methods of collecting and processing hydrologic data would contribute to cost savings and to greater credibility of flow information vital to responsible assessment and management of the nation's water resources. This paper traces the evolution of the requirements and uses of open-channel flow information in the U.S., and the sequence of efforts to standardize the methods used to obtain this information in the future. The variable nature of naturally flowing rivers results in continually changing hydraulic properties of their channels. Those persons responsible for measurement of water flowing in open channels (streamflow) must use a large amount of judgement in the selection of appropriate equipment and technique to obtain accurate flow information. Standardization of the methods used in the measurement of streamflow is essential to assure consistency of data, but must also allow considerable latitude for individual judgement to meet constantly changing field conditions.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1988

Selected hydrologic data for Pahvant Valley and adjacent areas, Millard County, Utah, 1987

This report contains hydrologic data collected in Pahvant Valley and adjacent areas from 1909 to 1987. The report area is mainly comprised of Pahvant Valley on the east and the southern part of the Sevier Desert on the west (plate 1). The area is in west-central Utah, within the Basin and Range physiographic province, and includes about 1,600 square miles. Most of the data in this report were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, from 1985 to 1987. Some of the earlier data were previously published by Enright and Holmes (1982), Meinzer (1911), Mower (1963 and 1967), and Mundorff (1970). The purpose of this report is to provide hydrologic data for use by the general public and by officials managing the area's water resources, and to supplement interpretive reports for the area. Tables 1 to 6 contain information about wells including well completions, drillers' logs, water levels, flowing-well discharges, and chemical quality. Spring and surfacewater site data are listed in tables 7 to 9. Hydrologic-data sites are shown on plate 1.

Utah↗
USGS2006

Rainfall, runoff, and water-quality data for the urban storm-water program in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, metropolitan area, water year 2004

Urbanization has dramatically increased precipitation runoff to the system of drainage channels and natural stream channels in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, metropolitan area. Rainfall and runoff data are important for planning and designing future storm-water conveyance channels in newly developing areas. Storm-water quality also is monitored in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority, the City of Albuquerque, and the U.S. Geological Survey began a cooperative program to collect hydrologic data to assist in assessing the quality and quantity of surface-water resources in the Albuquerque area. This report presents water-quality, streamflow, and rainfall data collected from October 1, 2003, to September 30, 2004 (water year 2004). Also provided is a station analysis for each of the 18 streamflow-gaging sites and 39 rainfall-gaging sites, which includes a description of monitoring equipment, problems associated with data collection during the year, and other information used to compute streamflow discharges or rainfall records. A hydrographic comparison shows the effects that the largest drainage channel in the metropolitan area, the North Floodway Channel, has on total flow in the Rio Grande.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1995

United States Geological Survey: Programs in Utah

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been collecting hydrologic data relating to the occurrence, quantity, and quality of water resources in Utah since 1889. The USGS maintains a network of about 200 gaging stations on rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs in Utah and parts of Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona and monitors about 1,100 wells throughout the State (fig. 1). Within this network, water-quality samples are collected at 15 surface-water sites and about 185 wells. Additional water-quality samples are collected throughout Utah as part of investigative studies in which the hydrology of specific areas is examined.

Utah↗
USGS2024

Opportunities and challenges for precipitation forcing data in post-wildfire hydrologic modeling applications

The frequency and extent of wildfires have increased in recent decades with immediate and cascading effects on water availability in many regions of the world. Precipitation is used as primary input to hydrologic models and is a critical driver of post-wildfire hydrologic hazards including debris flows, flash floods, water-quality effects, and reservoir sedimentation. These models are valuable tools for understanding the hydrologic response to wildfire but require accurate precipitation data at suitable spatial and temporal resolutions. Wildfires often occur in data-sparse, headwater catchments in complex terrain, and post-wildfire hydrologic effects are particularly sensitive to high-intensity, short-duration precipitation events, which are highly variable and difficult to measure or estimate. Therefore, the assessment and prediction of wildfire-induced changes to watershed hydrology, including the associated effects on ecosystems and communities, are complicated by uncertainty in precipitation data. When direct measurements of precipitation are not available, datasets of indirect measurements or estimates are often used. Choosing the most appropriate precipitation dataset can be difficult as different datasets have unique trade-offs in terms of spatial and temporal accuracy, resolution, and completeness. Here, we outline the challenges and opportunities associated with different precipitation datasets as they apply to post-wildfire hydrologic models and modeling objectives. We highlight the need for expanded precipitation gage deployment in wildfire-prone areas and discuss potential opportunities for future research and the integration of precipitation data from disparate sources into a common hydrologic modeling framework.

WIREs Water↗
USGS1978

Progress toward a ground-water-quality monitoring network for Idaho

A ground-water-quality monitoring network is being designed for Idaho. The primary objectives of the network are to (1) determine the present quality of the State's ground water, (2) provide continual monitoring of groundwater quality for water-management purposes, and (3) serve as a warning system of undesirable changes in ground-water quality. Data are compiled for geohydrologic conditions, groundwater quality, cultural elements, and pollution sources. A "Hydrologic Unit Priority Index" is calculated from these data to select priority areas for monitoring purposes. New ground-water-quality data were collected where existing data were lacking and at some sites that were previously sampled. Old and new data at common sites correlated well, indicating that the water quality has not changed significantly. Most ground water in Idaho is of good quality for common uses; however, water quality may pose problems in local areas. The problems result from both natural and human causes. The potential for pollution of the aquifers is expected to be greatest in areas of greatest development. In Idaho, population centers and industries tend to be in areas of privately owned irrigated and arable · land. Therefore, these areas are of primary concern for monitoring ground-water quality. Other areas requiring monitoring include those with second-home development, mining and its related processes, and radioactive-waste disposal.

Idaho↗
USGS2014

Compilation of hydrologic data for White Sands pupfish habitat and nonhabitat areas, northern Tularosa Basin, White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, 1911-2008

The White Sands pupfish ( Cyprinodon tularosa ), listed as threatened by the State of New Mexico and as a Federal species of concern, is endemic to the Tularosa Basin, New Mexico. Because water quality can affect pupfish and the environmental conditions of their habitat, a comprehensive compilation of hydrologic data for pupfish habitat and nonhabitat areas in the northern Tularosa Basin was undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with White Sands Missile Range. The four locations within the Tularosa Basin that are known pupfish habitat areas are the Salt Creek, Malpais Spring and Malpais Salt Marsh, Main Mound Spring, and Lost River habitat areas. Streamflow data from the Salt Creek near Tularosa streamflow-gaging station indicated that the average annual mean streamflow and average annual total streamflow for water years 1995–2008 were 1.35 cubic feet per second (ft 3 /s) and 983 acre-feet, respectively. Periods of no flow were observed in water years 2002 through 2006. Dissolved-solids concentrations in Salt Creek samples collected from 1911 through 2007 ranged from 2,290 to 66,700 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The average annual mean streamflow and average annual total streamflow at the Malpais Spring near Oscura streamflow-gaging station for water years 2003–8 were 6.81 ft 3 /s and 584 acre-feet, respectively. Dissolved-solids concentrations for 16 Malpais Spring samples ranged from 3,882 to 5,500 mg/L. Isotopic data for a Malpais Spring near Oscura water sample collected in 1982 indicated that the water was more than 27,900 years old. Streamflow from Main Mound Spring was estimated at 0.007 ft 3 /s in 1955 and 1957 and ranged from 0.02 to 0.07 ft 3 /s from 1996 to 2001. Dissolved-solids concentrations in samples collected between 1955 and 2007 ranged from an estimated 3,760 to 4,240 mg/L in the upper pond and 4,840 to 5,120 mg/L in the lower pond. Isotopic data for a Main Mound Spring water sample collected in 1982 indicated that the water was about 19,600 years old. Dissolved-solids concentrations of Lost River samples collected from 1984 to 1999 ranged from 8,930 to 118,000 (estimated) mg/L. Dissolved-solids concentrations in samples from nonhabitat area sites ranged from 1,740 to 54,200 (estimated) mg/L. In general, water collected from pupfish nonhabitat area sites tends to have larger proportions of calcium, magnesium, and sulfate than water from pupfish habitat area sites. Water from springs associated with mounds in pupfish nonhabitat areas was of a similar type (calcium-sulfate) to water associated with mounds in pupfish habitat areas. Alkali Spring had a sodium-chloride water type, but the proportions of sodium-chloride and magnesium-sulfate are unique as compared to samples from other sites.

New Mexico↗
USGS1976

Hydrologic evaluation of salinity control and reclamation projects in the Indus Plain, Pakistan--A summary

This report summarizes the observations and findings of a team of four specialists from the U.S. Geological Survey assigned to Pakistan under the auspices of the U.S. Agency for International Development during May to August 1972 for a hydrologic evaluation of Salinity Control and Reclamation Projects in the Indus Plain Individual members of the team undertook comprehensive studies related to climatology, surface-water hydrology, and the canal system; streamflow and sediment yields of the rivers; computer applications to hydrologic data; aquifer characteristics; hydrologic evaluation of Salinity Control and Reclamation Projects (SCARPs); tubewell performance; hydrology of shallow versus deep tubewells; well and well-screen design in the Indus Plain; evaluation of observed and anticipated trends in both private and public tubewell development; evaluation of water-quality programs, data analysis, and records, and computer coding of special water-quality data; and evaluation of water-level data, well discharge and specific-capacity tests and aquifer tests. The reclamation program, by pumping from tubewells, has been notably successful in lowering the water table, in providing supplemental water for irrigation and for leaching of salinized soils, and in improving crop production. Some changes in water quality have been observed in SCARP-I and the Mona Scheme of SCARP-II, but these have not as yet (1972) significantly affected the utility of the water for irrigation. Problems associated with reclamation include control of deterioration in performance of tubewells and their rehabilitation, local brackish or saline-water encroachment, and maintenance of a favorable salt balance in the ground-water system. Rapid and as yet (1972) unregulated growth of shallow private tubewell development in the past decade has introduced complicating factors to the reclamation planning of the early 1960's which had emphasized public tubewell development through the SCARP program. In comparing shallow (0-200 feet) with deep (200-400 feet} tubewell development, it is concluded that long-term response of the water table is the same, whether many shallow wells of small capacity or fewer deeper wells of large capacity pump the same total volume of water in the same area. Moreover, it is concluded that there is no definite advantage for either type of pumping regime with respect to water quality. Utilization of the Punjab aquifer could be greatly enhanced by recharge of high-quality water diverted from the Chenab and Jhelum Rivers to the Ravi and Sutlej Rivers by way of the link and irrigation canals during periods of surplus flow. Recharge to the aquifer could also be improved by diversion of high-quality water from the Chenab and the Jhelum to natural nalas and other surface drainageways during periods of surplus flow. Such recharge would be of much better quality than water leaching downward from irrigated fields. Continued monitoring of the hydrologic system and research on problems engendered by reclamation are essential to the viability of the SCARP program and related water-resources development in the Indus River Basin.

Water Supply Paper↗
USGS2006

Watershed characteristics and pre-restoration surface-water hydrology of Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland, water years 2002-04

Stream restoration efforts have been ongoing in Maryland since the early 1990s. Physical stream restoration often involves replacement of lost sediments to elevate degraded streambeds, re-establishment of riffle-pool sequences along the channel profile, planting vegetation in riparian zones, and re-constructing channel banks, point bars, flood plains, and stream-meanders. The primary goal of many restoration efforts is to re-establish geomorphic stability of the stream channel and reduce erosive energy from urban runoff. Monitoring streams prior to and after restoration could help quantify other possible benefits of stream restoration, such as improved water quality and biota. This report presents general watershed characteristics associated with the Minebank Run watershed; a small, urban watershed in the south-central section of Baltimore County, Maryland that was physically restored in phases during 1999, 2004, and 2005. The physiography, geology, hydrology, land use, soils, and pre-restoration geomorphic setting of the unrestored stream channel are discussed. The report describes a reach of Minebank Run that was selected for the purpose of collecting several types of environmental data prior to restoration, including continuous-record and partial-record stage and streamflow data, precipitation, and ground-water levels. Examples of surface-water data that were collected in and near the study reach during water years 2002 through 2004, including continuous-record streamflow, partial-record stage and discharge, and precipitation, are described. These data were used in analyses of several characteristics of surface-water hydrology in the watershed, including (1) rainfall totals, storm duration, and intensity, (2) instantaneous peak discharge and daily mean discharge, (3) stage-discharge ratings, (4) hydraulic-geometry relations, (5) water-surface slope, (6) time of concentration, (7) flood frequency, (8) flood volume, and (9) rainfall-runoff relations. Several hydrologic characteristics that are typical of urban environments were quantified by these analyses. These include (1) large ratios of peak discharge to daily mean discharge as an indicator of flashiness, (2) consistent shifting of the stage-discharge rating over short periods of time that indicates instability of the stream channel, (3) analyses of hydraulic-geometry relations that indicate mean velocities of 11 feet per second or more while the flow is contained in the stream channel, (4) discharges that are 4 to 5 times larger in Minebank Run for corresponding flood frequency recurrence intervals than in Slade Run, which is a Piedmont watershed of similar size with smaller percentages of urban development, and (5) flood waves that can travel through the stream channel at a velocity of 412 feet per minute, or 6.9 feet per second.

Maryland↗
USGS1989

Biannual water-resources review, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, 1986 and 1987

Hydrologic data were collected at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico in 1986 and 1987. The total groundwater withdrawal in 1986 was 565,462,500 gal and in 1987 it was 620,492,000 gal. The total groundwater withdrawal was 110,971,300 gal less in 1986 than in 1985, but 55,029,500 gal more in 1987 than in 1986. Water samples from five Post Headquarters water supply wells were collected for chemical analysis in 1986. In 1987, water samples were collected from four test wells in the Post Headquarters area for analysis of selected volatile organic compounds. Twenty-eight water samples from wells were collected for analysis of specific conductance in 1986 and 1987. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗