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At least 1,171 records · Page 65Linked to original sources
USGS2018

Nutrient enrichment in wadeable urban streams in the piedmont ecoregion of the southeastern United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southeastern Stream Quality Assessment (SESQA) collected weekly samples for nitrogen and phosphorus in 76 wadeable streams in the urbanized Piedmont ecoregion of the Southeastern United States, during April–June 2014. Total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in excess of EPA guidelines and statistically greater than at reference locations indicated nitrogen-nutrient enrichment in streams draining poultry confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) or urban centers. Nitrate plus nitrite (NO3 + NO2) dominated TN species in urban/CAFO-influenced streams. Streams that drained poultry CAFO and Washington DC had statistically higher NO3 + NO2 concentrations than streams draining Atlanta, Charlotte, Greenville, or Raleigh. In contrast, total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in Atlanta and Washington DC streams statistically were comparable to and lower than, respectively, reference stream concentrations. Over 50% of TP concentrations in Greenville, Charlotte, Raleigh and CAFO-influenced streams exceeded the EPA guideline and reference location mean concentrations, indicating phosphorus-nutrient enrichment. Urban land use, permitted point sources, and soil infiltration metrics best predicted TN exceedances. Elevated TN and NO3 + NO2 concentrations in urban streams during low flow were consistent with reduced in-stream dilution of point-source or groundwater contributions. Urban land use, permitted point sources, and surface runoff metrics best predicted TP exceedances. Elevated TP in CAFO and urban streams during high flow were consistent with non-point sources and particulate transport.

Piedmont Ecoregion↗
USGS2015

Repeated count surveys help standardize multi-agency estimates of American Oystercatcher ( Haematopus palliatus ) abundance

The extensive breeding range of many shorebird species can make integration of survey data problematic at regional spatial scales. We evaluated the effectiveness of standardized repeated count surveys coordinated across 8 agencies to estimate the abundance of American Oystercatcher ( Haematopus palliatus ) breeding pairs in the southeastern United States. Breeding season surveys were conducted across coastal North Carolina (90 plots) and the Eastern Shore of Virginia (3 plots). Plots were visited on 1–5 occasions during April–June 2013. N -mixture models were used to estimate abundance and detection probability in relation to survey date, tide stage, plot size, and plot location (coastal bay vs. barrier island). The estimated abundance of oystercatchers in the surveyed area was 1,048 individuals (95% credible interval: 851–1,408) and 470 pairs (384–637), substantially higher than estimates that did not account for detection probability (maximum counts of 674 individuals and 316 pairs). Detection probability was influenced by a quadratic function of survey date, and increased from mid-April (~0.60) to mid-May (~0.80), then remained relatively constant through June. Detection probability was also higher during high tide than during low, rising, or falling tides. Abundance estimates from N -mixture models were validated at 13 plots by exhaustive productivity studies (2–5 surveys wk −1 ). Intensive productivity studies identified 78 breeding pairs across 13 productivity plots while the N -mixture model abundance estimate was 74 pairs (62–119) using only 1–5 replicated surveys season −1 . Our results indicate that standardized replicated count surveys coordinated across multiple agencies and conducted during a relatively short time window (closure assumption) provide tremendous potential to meet both agency-level (e.g., state) and regional-level (e.g., flyway) objectives in large-scale shorebird monitoring programs.

North Carolina, Virginia↗
USGS2008

Vegetation Types in Coastal Louisiana in 2007

During the summer and fall of 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Fur and Refuge Division jointly completed an aerial survey to collect data on 2007 vegetation types in coastal Louisiana. The current map presents the data collected in this effort. The 2007 aerial survey was conducted by using techniques developed over the last thirty years while conducting similar vegetation surveys. Transects flown were oriented in a north-south direction and spaced 1.87 mi (3 km) apart and covered coastal marshes from the Texas State line to the Mississippi State line and from the northern extent of fresh marshes to the southern end of saline (saltwater) marshes on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico or of coastal bays. Navigation along these transects and to each sampling site was accomplished by using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and geographic information system (GIS) software. As the surveyors reached each sampling station, observed areas of marsh were assigned as fresh, intermediate, brackish, or saline (saltwater) types, and dominant plant species were listed and ranked according to abundance. Delineations of marsh boundaries usually followed natural levees, bayous, or other features that impede or restrict water flow.

Louisiana↗
USGS2019

Integration of eDNA-based biological monitoring within the US Geological Survey’s national streamgage network

This study explores the feasibility and utility of integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) assessments of species occurrences into the United States (U.S.) Geological Survey’s national streamgage network. We used an existing network of five gages in southwest Idaho to explore the type of information that could be gained as well as the associated costs and limitations. Hydrologic technicians were trained in eDNA sampling protocols and they collected samples during routine monthly visits to streamgages over an entire water year (2016). We analyzed the eDNA in the filtered water samples to determine the presence of two fish species: bull trout and rainbow trout. We then modeled the spatiotemporal distribution of each species using discharge and temperature data. To assess the influence of the spatial distribution of the gages on the biological information obtained, we also collected eDNA samples from locations between the gages three times during the water year. We found eDNA monitoring at the five gages provided meaningful information about the distribution of both species, especially when detection probabilities accounted for variations in temperature and discharge. Sampling between the gages provided additional information about bull trout distribution — the rarer of the two species. Our study suggests the integration of eDNA sampling into a streamgage network is feasible and could provide a novel and powerful source of biological information for riverine ecosystems in the U.S.

Idaho, Nebraska↗
USGS2016

Science center capabilities to monitor and investigate Michigan’s water resources, 2016

Michigan faces many challenges related to water resources, including flooding, drought, water-quality degradation and impairment, varying water availability, watershed-management issues, stormwater management, aquatic-ecosystem impairment, and invasive species. Michigan’s water resources include approximately 36,000 miles of streams, over 11,000 inland lakes, 3,000 miles of shoreline along the Great Lakes (MDEQ, 2016), and groundwater aquifers throughout the State. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) works in cooperation with local, State, and other Federal agencies, as well as tribes and universities, to provide scientific information used to manage the water resources of Michigan. To effectively assess water resources, the USGS uses standardized methods to operate streamgages, water-quality stations, and groundwater stations. The USGS also monitors water quality in lakes and reservoirs, makes periodic measurements along rivers and streams, and maintains all monitoring data in a national, quality-assured, hydrologic database. The USGS in Michigan investigates the occurrence, distribution, quantity, movement, and chemical and biological quality of surface water and groundwater statewide. Water-resource monitoring and scientific investigations are conducted statewide by USGS hydrologists, hydrologic technicians, biologists, and microbiologists who have expertise in data collection as well as various scientific specialties. A support staff consisting of computer-operations and administrative personnel provides the USGS the functionality to move science forward. Funding for USGS activities in Michigan comes from local and State agencies, other Federal agencies, direct Federal appropriations, and through the USGS Cooperative Matching Funds, which allows the USGS to partially match funding provided by local and State partners. This fact sheet provides an overview of the USGS current (2016) capabilities to monitor and study Michigan’s vast water resources. More information regarding projects by the Michigan Water Science Center (MI WSC) is available at http://mi.water.usgs.gov/ .

Michigan↗
USGS2025

Enhanced geothermal systems electric-resource assessment for the Great Basin, southwestern United States

The U.S. Geological Survey recently (2025) completed a provisional assessment of the geothermal-electric resources associated with high-temperature, low-permeability rock formations of the Great Basin, Southwestern United States. If sufficient technological advances to commercialize enhanced geothermal systems occur, then a current best provisional estimate for electric-power generation capacity of 135 gigawatts electric are available from the upper 6 kilometers of the Earth’s crust. This estimate is a potential substantial increase of the installed geothermal electricity-generating capacity from <1 to 10 percent of current total U.S. power production capacity.

California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah↗
USGS1972

Water resources data for Maine, water year 1971

Water resources data for the 1971 water year for Maine including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, records of water-quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface- and ground-water, and records of ground-water levels in index wells are given in this report. Records for a few pertinent gaging stations in bordering States and Provinces are also included. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of G. S. Hayes, District Chief. These data represent that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Maine.

Maine↗
USGS1974

Water resources data for Maine, water year 1973

Water resources data for the 1973 water year for Maine including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, records of water-quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface- and ground-water, and records of ground-water levels in index wells are given in this report. Records for a few pertinent gaging stations in bordering States and Provinces are also included. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of G. S. Hayes, District Chief. These data represent that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Maine.

Maine↗
USGS1998

Retrospective study of the diagnostic criteria in a lead-poisoning survey of waterfowl

Between 1983 and 1986 the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) conducted a nationwide study of lead poisoning of waterfowl from federal and state refuges. This survey was done to assist in identifying zones with lead-poisoning problems. One thousand forty one moribund or dead waterfowl were collected and examined. The presence or absence of 13 gross lesions selected as indicators of lead poisoning and 3 lesions indicating body condition was recorded. Lead-poisoning diagnoses were based on the finding of at least 6 8 ppm (wet weight) lead in the liver and either lead shot in the gizzard content or at least one convincing gross lesion indicative of lead poisoning. Four hundred and twenty-one of these waterfowl were diagnosed as lead-poisoned. The NWHC survey provided a comprehensive basis for estimating the sensitivities, specificities, and likelihood ratios of the gross lesions of lead poisoning and the associated hepatic lead concentrations for several species of waterfowl. Some of the 13 defined gross lesions were more common than others; frequencies ranged from 3% to 80% in the 421 lead-poisoned waterfowl. The most reliable indicators of lead poisoning were impactions of the upper alimentary tract, submandibular edema, myocardial necrosis, and biliary discoloration of the liver. Each of the 13 lesions occurred more frequently in the lead-poisoned birds, but each of the lesions also occurred in waterfowl that died of other causes. The number of lead shot present in a bird?s gizzard was only weakly correlated with its hepatic lead concentration; however, this weak correlation may have been adequate to account for differences in hepatic lead concentrations among species, once the weights of the species were taken into account. Although lead-poisoned ducks tended to have higher hepatic mean lead concentrations than did lead-poisoned geese or swans, the differences were probably a result of a greater dose of shot per body weight than to kinetic differences between species. Hepatic lead concentrations were independent of age and sex. Ninety-five percent of waterfowl diagnosed as lead-poisoned had hepatic lead concentrations of at least 38 ppm, dry weight (10 ppm, wet weight). Fewer than 1% of the waterfowl that died of other causes had a concentration that high. This 5th percentile, of 38 ppm dry weight (10 ppm wet weight), is a defensible criterion for identifying lead-poisoned waterfowl when interpreting hepatic lead concentrations in the absence of pathological observations.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2013

Map of assessed shale gas in the United States, 2012

The U.S. Geological Survey has compiled a map of shale-gas assessments in the United States that were completed by 2012 as part of the National Assessment of Oil and Gas Project. Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey quantitatively estimated potential volumes of undiscovered gas within shale-gas assessment units. These shale-gas assessment units are mapped, and square-mile cells are shown to represent proprietary shale-gas wells. The square-mile cells include gas-producing wells from shale intervals. In some cases, shale-gas formations contain gas in deeper parts of a basin and oil at shallower depths (for example, the Woodford Shale and the Eagle Ford Shale). Because a discussion of shale oil is beyond the scope of this report, only shale-gas assessment units and cells are shown. The map can be printed as a hardcopy map or downloaded for interactive analysis in a Geographic Information System data package using the ArcGIS map document (file extension MXD) and published map file (file extension PMF). Also available is a publications access table with hyperlinks to current U.S. Geological Survey shale gas assessment publications and web pages. Assessment results and geologic reports are available as completed at the U.S. Geological Survey Energy Resources Program Web Site, http://energy.usgs.gov/OilGas/AssessmentsData/NationalOilGasAssessment.aspx. A historical perspective of shale gas activity in the United States is documented and presented in a video clip included as a PowerPoint slideshow.

Data Series↗
USGS1978

Water resources data for Colorado, water year 1977: Volume 3. Dolores River basin, Green River basin, San Juan River basin

Water-resources data for Colorado for the 1977 water year consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality of wells and springs. This report (Volumes 1, 2, and 3) contains discharge records for 424 gaging stations, stage and contents of 25 lakes and reservoirs, 5 partial-record flow stations, 79 crest-stage partial-record stations, and 193 miscellaneous sites; water quality for 134 gaging stations and 60 miscellaneous sites; and water levels for 55 observation wells. A few pertinent stations in bordering States are also included in this report. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of J. F. Blakey, district chief. These data represent. that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Colorado.

Colorado↗
USGS1973

Water resources data for Missouri, water year 1972

Water resources data for the 1972 water year for Missouri including records of streamflow or lake storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and selected springs, and records of water-quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface and ground water, are given in this report. In Part 1, records are included for 157 gaging stations of which 150 are streamflow discharge stations, and 7 are lake stations; also are included records for 104 crest-stage partial-record stations. Locations of gaging stations are shown in Figure 1. In Part 2, data on the quality of surface water (chemical, temperature, and sediment) were collected from designated sampling sites at predetermined intervals such as weekly, monthly, or less frequently, and at some sites data were recorded on punched paper tape at 30-, or 60-minute intervals. Records are given for 84 sampling stations of which 25 are partial-record stations and 5 are miscellaneous sites. Locations of water-quality stations are shown in Figure 2. A few pertinent stations (not included above) in bordering States are also included in this report. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of Anthony Homyk, district chief. These data represent that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Missouri.

Missouri↗
USGS1972

Water resources data for Mississippi, water year 1971

Water resources data for the 1971 water year for Mississippi including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, and records of water-quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface water, are given in this report. In Part 1, records are included for 71 gaging stations of which 67 are streamflow discharge stations, and 4 are reservoir or lake stations; also are included records for 27 low-flow partial-record stations, 143 crest-stage partial-record stations, and 91 miscellaneous sites. Locations of gaging stations are shown in Figure 1. In Part 2, data on the quality of surface water (chemical and temperature) were collected from designated sampling sites at pre-determined intervals such as monthly, or less frequently, and at one site data were recorded on punched paper tape at 60-minute intervals. Records are given for 55 sampling stations of which 5 are continuous record stations, 26 are partial-record stations, and 3 are miscellaneous sites. Locations of water-quality stations are shown in Figure 1. A few pertinent stations (not included above) in bordering States are also included in this report. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of L. E. Carroon, district chief. These data represent that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Mississippi.

Mississippi↗
USGS1974

Water resources data for Mississippi, water year 1973

Water resources data for the 1973 water year for Mississippi including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, and records of water-quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface water, are given in this report. In Part 1, records are included for 79 gaging stations of which 75 are streamflow discharge stations, and 4 are reservoir or lake stations; also are included records for 58 low-flow partial-record stations, 139 crest-stage partial-record stations, and 79 miscellaneous sites. Locations of gaging stations are shown in Figure 1. In Part 2, data on the quality of surface water (chemical and temperature) were collected from designated sampling sites at predetermined intervals such as monthly, or less frequently. Records are given for 70 sampling stations of which 32 are continuous record stations, 26 are partial-record stations, and 12 are miscellaneous sites. Locations of water-quality stations are shown in Figure 1. A few pertinent stations (not included above) furnished by bordering States are also included in this report. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of L. E. Carroon, district chief. These data represent that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Mississippi.

Mississippi↗
USGS2013

Geochemical and mineralogical data for soils of the conterminous United States

In 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a low-density (1 site per 1,600 square kilometers, 4,857 sites) geochemical and mineralogical survey of soils of the conterminous United States as part of the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project. Sampling and analytical protocols were developed at a workshop in 2003, and pilot studies were conducted from 2004 to 2007 to test and refine these recommended protocols. The final sampling protocol for the national-scale survey included, at each site, a sample from a depth of 0 to 5 centimeters, a composite of the soil A horizon, and a deeper sample from the soil C horizon or, if the top of the C horizon was at a depth greater than 1 meter, from a depth of approximately 80–100 centimeters. The <2-millimeter fraction of each sample was analyzed for a suite of 45 major and trace elements by methods that yield the total or near-total elemental content. The major mineralogical components in the samples from the soil A and C horizons were determined by a quantitative X-ray diffraction method using Rietveld refinement. Sampling in the conterminous United States was completed in 2010, with chemical and mineralogical analyses completed in May 2013. The resulting dataset provides an estimate of the abundance and spatial distribution of chemical elements and minerals in soils of the conterminous United States and represents a baseline for soil geochemistry and mineralogy against which future changes may be recognized and quantified. This report (1) describes the sampling, sample preparation, and analytical methods used; (2) gives details of the quality control protocols used to monitor the quality of chemical and mineralogical analyses over approximately six years; and (3) makes available the soil geochemical and mineralogical data in downloadable tables.

Data Series↗
USGS1972

Water resources data for West Virginia, water year 1971; Part 1. Surface water records; Part 2. Water quality records

Water resources data for the 1971 water year for West Virginia including records of streamflow or reservoir storage at gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites, and records of water-quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface water, are given in this report. In Part 1, records are included for 111 gaging stations of which 105 are streamflow discharge stations, 1 is stage only streamflow station, and 5 are reservoir or lake stations; also included are records for 5 low-flow partial-record stations, 44 crest-stage partial-record stations, and 6 miscellaneous sites. Locations of gaging stations are shown in Figure 1. In Part 2, data on the quality of surface water (chemical, temperature, and sediment) were collected from designated sampling sites at predetermined intervals such as once daily, weekly, monthly, or less frequently, and at some sites data were recorder on punched paper tape at 15-, 30-, or 60-minute intervals. Records are given for 23 sampling stations of which 10 are continuous record stations, 11 are partial-record stations, and 2 are miscellaneous sites. Locations of water-quality stations are shown in Figure 1. A few pertinent stations (not included above) in bordering States are also included in this report. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of Edwin E. Harris, district chief. These data represent that portion of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in West Virginia.

West Virginia↗
USGS1977

Water resources data for Alabama, water year 1976

Water resources data for the 1976 water year for Alabama consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels of ground water. This report contains discharge records for 88 gaging stations; stage only records for 25 gaging stations; stage and contents for 12 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 45 gaging stations, 68 partial-record stations, and water levels for 53 observation wells. Also included are 27 crest-stage partial-record stations, and 11 flood hydrograph partial-record stations, Discharge records for a few pertinent stations in bordering states are also included in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.

Alabama↗
USGS1979

Water resources data for Alabama, water year 1978

Water resources data for the 1978 water year for Alabama consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report contains records for water discharge at 95 gaging stations; stage only at 16 gaging stations; stage and contents of 12 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 64 gaging stations, 24 partial-record stations, and 2 wells; and water levels at 59 observation wells. Also included are data for 23 crest-stage and 11 flood hydrograph partial-record stations. Location of these sites are shown on figures 4-7. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not involved in the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. Discharge records for a few pertinent stations in bordering states are also included in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.

Alabama↗