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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
USGS2011

An evaluation of the science needs to inform decisions on Outer Continental Shelf energy development in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, Alaska

The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) was asked to conduct an initial, independent evaluation of the science needs that would inform the Administration's consideration of the right places and the right ways in which to develop oil and gas resources in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), particularly focused on the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Oil and gas potential is significant in Arctic Alaska. Beyond petroleum potential, this region supports unique fish and wildlife resources and ecosystems, and indigenous people who rely on these resources for subsistence. This report summarizes key existing scientific information and provides initial guidance of what new and (or) continued research could inform decision making. This report is presented in a series of topical chapters and various appendixes each written by a subset of the USGS OCS Team based on their areas of expertise. Three chapters (Chapters 2, 3, and 4) provide foundational information on geology; ecology and subsistence; and climate settings important to understanding the conditions pertinent to development in the Arctic OCS. These chapters are followed by three chapters that examine the scientific understanding, science gaps, and science sufficiency questions regarding oil-spill risk, response, and impact (Chapter 5), marine mammals and anthropogenic noise (Chapter 6), and cumulative impacts (Chapter 7). Lessons learned from the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill are included to identify valuable "pre-positioned" science and scientific approaches to improved response and reduced uncertainty in damage assessment and restoration efforts (appendix D). An appendix on Structured Decision Making (appendix C) is included to illustrate the value of such tools that go beyond, but incorporate, science in looking at what can/should be done about policy and implementation of Arctic development. The report provides a series of findings and recommendations for consideration developed during the independent examination of science gaps and sufficiency. These recommendations are important for understanding what the USGS discovered in the course of this study and to help inform and improve decision making.

Circular↗
USGS1980

Histograms and correlation table for selected elements in samples of the ash of black spruce needles from the Tanacross Quadrangle, Alaska

These histograms and correlation table show the distribution and abundance of, and correlations between, the populations of 21 elements in the ash of black spruce (Picea Mariana B.S.P.) needles collected throughout most of the Tanacross 1:250,000-scale quadrangle. The samples were collected during reconnaissance geochemical studies as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's Alaskan Mineral Resource Assessment Program. Related data for black spruce are presented in other reports (Day, Curtin, and Tripp, 1979 a,b,c) , and background information on the mineral resource assessment of the Tanacross quadrangle is presented in a U.S. Geological Survey Circular (Foster and others, 1976).

Alaska↗
USGS1899

Water resources of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan

This material is a portion of the outcome of Dr. Lane's studies in connection with the geological survey of the State of Michigan, supplemented by statements received in reply to circulars sent throughout the Lower Peninsula of Michigan to well drillers and others likely to be well informed and interested in the subject. The facts thus gathered have been collated with the result of two months' field work during the autumn of 1897. The complete report has assumed such bulk that it has been found necessary to divide it into several parts. The first of these, containing the general conclusions, is herewith presented. The remaining data fall naturally into two classes, the first consisting of analyses of waters and the second of detailed descriptions of the supply at various localities visited.

Michigan↗
USGS1953

Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria formation measured and sampled in 1952

A series of reports presenting detailed stratigraphic sections and analyses of samples of the Phosphoria formation in the western phosphate field is being prepared for publication as U. S. Geological Survey Circulars. To speed the availability of these data to industry and others having immediate need for such basic information, many of the tables already typed and photographed were reproduced without text and placed on open file in advance of publication. This includes six reports of data gathered during the 1947 and 1948 field seasons.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1954

U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements and related reports through 1953

This report combines and brings up-to-date the information previously given in Trace Elements Investigations Report 325, "Numerical list of U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements Reports to April 30, 1953," and Trace Elements Investigations Report 301, "Topical index and bibliography of U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements and related reports." Part I is a numerical list of U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements Investigations and Memorandum reports. It supersedes TEI-325. This part lists not only reports (followed by a date) that have been transmitted to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, but also reports in preparation (followed by an asterisk) for which tentative titles were available on December 31, 1953. Reports that have been published are indicated by the abbreviation of the medium of publication. (See also part II.) Part II is a reference guide to Trace Elements and related reports that are available to the public; this part supersedes Part 2 of the TEI-301 (published as Geological survey Circular 281). These reports are grouped according to the type of publication or release. Abstracts published in Nuclear Science Abstracts are not included in Part II, although certain TEI and TEM reports, the abstracts of which have been published in NSA, are so indicated in Part I. Publications in process on December 31, 1953, are designated by an asterisk. Part III is a finding list of states, areas, and subjects. It is based on information derived mostly from the titles of reports and, where titles are of a general nature, from a cursory review of the reports. This list is not a complete index of the information given in Trace Elements and related reports, but is designed to find subjects of major interest. Because of the numerous entries for Colorado and Utah, information has been listed by counties and, where possible, by subject under these states. Other states have county listings only if a county is included in the title of a report; otherwise, areas may be listed separately under the state. Major subjects are listed separately in the index and also where appropriate under states. Analytical methods and subjects related to analytical research are listed under Analytical Methods and Research, but not separately throughout the index. Most mineralogic studies are included under the heading Mineralogy, but are not necessarily listed according to location. Part IV is a finding list of authors. The words “with” and “and” are used to indicate seniority of authorship. For example, a listing of Jones and Brown indicates that Jones is the senior author. A listing of Jones with Brown indicates that Brown is the senior author. In both parts III and IV all Trace Elements reports are listed, as well as other related reports that have not been issued as Trace Elements reports. The following standard abbreviations have been used: TEI, Trace Elements Investigations report; TEM, Trace Elements Memorandum report; P, Professional Paper; B, Bulletin; C, Circular; J, Journal; OF, open file; TIS, Technical Information Service release; NSA, Nuclear Science Abstracts; QM, Quadrangle Map Series; and OM, Oil and Gas map or Mineral Investigations map or report.

Trace Elements Investigations↗
USGS2013

The quality of our Nation's waters: factors affecting public-supply-well vulnerability to contamination: understanding observed water quality and anticipating future water quality

As part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, a study was conducted from 2001 to 2011 to shed light on factors that affect the vulnerability of water from public-supply wells to contamination (referred to hereafter as “public-supply-well vulnerability”). The study was designed as a follow-up to earlier NAWQA studies that found mixtures of contaminants at low concentrations in groundwater near the water table in urban areas across the Nation and, less frequently, in deeper groundwater typically used for public supply. Beside the factors affecting public-supply-well vulnerability to contamination, this circular describes measures that can be used to determine which factor (or factors) plays a dominant role at an individual public-supply well. Case-study examples are used throughout to show how such information can be used to improve water quality. In general, the vulnerability of the water from public-supply wells to contamination is a function of contaminant input within the area that contributes water to a well, the mobility and persistence of a contaminant once released to the groundwater, and the ease of groundwater and contaminant movement from the point of recharge to the open interval of a well. The following measures described in this circular are particularly useful for indicating which contaminants in an aquifer might reach an individual public-supply well and when, how, and at what concentration they might arrive: * Sources of recharge—Information on the sources of recharge for a well provides insight into contaminants that might enter the aquifer with the recharge water and potentially reach the well. * Geochemical conditions—Information on the geochemical conditions encountered by groundwater traveling to a well provides insight into contaminants that might persist in the water all the way to the well. * Groundwater-age mixtures—Information on the ages of the different waters that mix in a well provides insight into the time lag between contaminant input at the water table and contaminant arrival at the well. It also provides insight into the potential for in-well dilution of contaminated water by unaffected groundwater of a different age that simultaneously enters the well. Preferential flow pathways—pathways that provide little resistance to flow—can influence how all other factors affect public-supply-well vulnerability to contamination. For example, preferential flow pathways can influence whether a contaminant source is physically linked to a well, whether contaminant concentrations are substantially altered before contaminated groundwater reaches a well, and whether contaminated groundwater can arrive at a well within a timeframe of concern to the well owner. Methods for recognizing the influence of preferential flow pathways on the quality of water from a public-supply well are presented in this circular and can provide opportunities to prevent or mitigate the deterioration of a water supply. Knowing what water-quality variables to measure, what spatial and temporal scales on which to measure them, and how to interpret the resulting data makes it possible for samples from public-supply wells to provide a broad window into a well’s past and present water quality—and possibly future water quality. Such insight can enable resource managers to prioritize actions for sustaining a high-quality groundwater source of drinking water.

Circular↗
USGS2024

Status of public-supply water sources in 2022 and the development of a geographic information system methodology for the Public Drinking Water Source Water Assessment Program in Tennessee

Introduction In 2021, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the U.S. Geological Survey worked in cooperation to develop a geographic information system (GIS)-based methodology that systematically assesses the vulnerability of public-supply drinking water to potential contaminants consistent with the standards set forth in the Tennessee Source Water Assessment Program ( SWAP ) . As of June 2022, public-supply water was provided by 643 active public water systems across Tennessee that withdrew water for public use from 1,378 individual water sources. With the newly developed methodology , referred to as “TN- SWAPyT , ” TDEC can consistently delineate source water assessment zones and evaluate source susceptibility on the basis of information such as the proximity of contaminant sources, land-use activities, geologic information, and additional environmental spatial data. A major benefit of the TN- SWAPyT methodology is to provide TDEC with consistent reports that can be used as a starting point for assessing public supplies. Communities and public water systems can then build upon these reports by using local knowledge and site-specific information.

Tennessee↗
USGS1982

Obtaining maps and data from the U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey produces a variety of resource information for the United States. This includes many data bases of particular interest to planners such as land use and terrain information prepared by the National Mapping Division, water quantity and quality data collected by Water Resources Division, and coal resource information gathered by the Geologic Division. These data are stored in various forms, and information on their availability can be obtained from appropriate offices in the U.S. Geological Survey as well as from USGS Circular 777. These data have been used for the management, development, and monitoring of our Nation's resources by Federal, State, and local agencies.

Computers, Environment and Urban Systems↗
USGS2007

Possible ancient giant basin and related water enrichment in the Arabia Terra province, Mars

A circular albedo feature in the Arabia Terra province was first hypothesized as an ancient impact basin using Viking-era information. To test this unpublished hypothesis, we have analyzed the Viking era-information together with layers of new data derived from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) and Mars Odyssey (MO) missions. Our analysis indicates that Arabia Terra is an ancient geologic province of Mars with many distinct characteristics, including predominantly Noachian materials, a unique part of the highland-lowland boundary, a prominent paleotectonic history, the largest region of fretted terrain on the planet, outflow channels with no obvious origins, extensive exposures of eroded layered sedimentary deposits, and notable structural, albedo, thermal inertia, gravity, magnetic, and elemental signatures. The province also is marked by special impact crater morphologies, which suggest a persistent volatile-rich substrate. No one characteristic provides definitive answers to the dominant event(s) that shaped this unique province. Collectively the characteristics reported here support the following hypothesized sequence of events in Arabia Terra: (1) an enormous basin, possibly of impact origin, formed early in martian history when the magnetic dynamo was active and the lithosphere was relatively thin, (2) sediments and other materials were deposited in the basin during high erosion rates while maintaining isostatic equilibrium, (3) sediments became water enriched during the Noachian Period, and (4) basin materials were uplifted in response to the growth of the Tharsis Bulge, resulting in differential erosion exposing ancient stratigraphic sequences. Parts of the ancient basin remain water-enriched to the present day. ?? 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Icarus↗
USGS1955

Records of wells drilled for oil and gas in Montana, June 1, 1951 through December 31, 1953

Data concerning about 1, 800 dry holes and selected producing wells drilled in Montana from June 1, 1951, through December 31, 1953, are contained in this circular, which supplements Circular 172 published in 1952. Also included is a table listing the oil and gas fields of Montana. WELLS DRILLED FOR OIL AND GAS IN MONTANA FROM JUNE 1, 1951, THOROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1953 This circular contains data on dry holes and selected producing wells drilled in Montana from June 1, 1951, through December 31, 1953, and supplements Circular 172 published in 1952 showing records of wells drilled prior to June 1, 1951. Table 1 lists the oil and gas fields of Montana (see map OM 130). The list of wells in table 2 has been compiled from information in Geological Survey files and includes most if not all the unsuccessful wildcat test wells and unsuccessful field extension wells drilled from June 1, 1951 to December 31, 1953. It also includes some older but successful field extension wells that had not been listed in Circular 172. Data are tabulated under location, county, field or geologic structure, operator, lease, and well number, elevation, geologic formation (at the surface and lowest formation reached), production or shows of oil or gas, total depth, and status and date. The wells are tabulated by township, range, quarter, and section in the order of townships north-ranges west, townships north-ranges east, townships south-ranges east, and townships south-ranges west. The names entered under 'Field or geologic structure' are those of the productive area or the geologic structure on or near which the wells have been drilled. Ground elevations have been given for wells for which the records indicated the reference point of the elevation. The surface formation and lowest formation reached in the wells are indicated by symbols which are identified on the accompanying explanation of formation symbols (fig. 1). Not all of the nomenclature is in accord with current Geological Survey usage. In the column 'Production or shows of oil and gas' the symbol GS is used for gas shows, OS for oil shows, GOS for shows of both gas and oil, GP for gas production, and OP for oil production. A number following the symbol for a show or production indicates the depth to the top of the zone in which the gas or oil was found. The letter symbol following the number or the hyphen indicates the geologic formation in which the gas or oil occurs. The status and depth of each well is indicated. The letters A, C, and D preceding the date indicate abandoned, completed, or drilling, respectively, in the specified year. Most if not all producing wells that have been abandoned are shown as completed wells. The date of abandonment is the year in which drilling ceased, except for a few wells in which the abandonment was preceded by one or more years of suspended operations. The diagrammatic representation of the succession of geologic formations in Montana (fig. 1) provides identification of the letter symbols used in the tabulation to indicate geologic formations.

Circular↗
USGS1989

Evolution of the western part of the Coast plutonic–metamorphic complex, South-Eastern Alaska, USA: A summary

The western Cordillera of North America extends for over 6000 km from the tip of Baja California to the Alaska Range. It includes a wide variety of metamorphic and plutonic terrains, but none is more spectacular scenically or geologically than the Coast plutonic-metamorphic complex (Brew & Ford 1984) of western Canada and south-eastern Alaska. This report briefly describes the evolution of the western part of the complex, integrating information from the deformational, plutonic and metamorphic events. Most of the original studies are reported by the authors in U.S. Geological Survey Circular numbers 733, 751, 823-B, 868, 939, 945, 967 and 978, and are not cited specifically here. This summary does not contain either a comprehensive bibliography or a comparison of the metamorphic histories of south-eastern Alaska with the adjacent parts of British Columbia. The Coast plutonic-metamorphic complex is here divided into three major elements: the western metamorphic, the central granitic and the eastern metamorphic zones (Fig. 1). The western metamorphic belt is extremely long (900 km), and narrow (7–25 km). It consists of regional dynamothermally and regional thermally metamorphosed rocks with mineral assemblages ranging from prehnite-pumpellyite to upper amphibolite facies, scattered mesozonal to epizonal granitic bodies, and a few concentrically zoned mafic-ultramafic masses. The metamorphic grade and the amount of deformation increase from south-west to north-east, culminating at, or slightly to the north-east of, the ‘great tonalite sill’: a remarkable 700-km-long, 3- to 25-km-wide vertical to northeast-dipping belt of mostly syntectonic plutons of approximately the same age, composition and structural

Alaska↗
USGS2008

The Landslide Handbook - A Guide to Understanding Landslides

This handbook is intended to be a resource for people affected by landslides to acquire further knowledge, especially about the conditions that are unique to their neighborhoods and communities. Considerable literature and research are available concerning landslides, but unfortunately little of it is synthesized and integrated to address the geographically unique geologic and climatic conditions around the globe. Landslides occur throughout the world, under all climatic conditions and terrains, cost billions in monetary losses, and are responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Often, they cause long-term economic disruption, population displacement, and negative effects on the natural environment. Outdated land-use policies may not always reflect the best planning for use of land that is vulnerable to landslides. The reasons for poor or nonexistent land-use policies that minimize the perceived or actual danger and damage potential from geologic hazards are many and encompass the political, cultural, and financial complexities and intricacies of communities. Landslides often are characterized as local problems, but their effects and costs frequently cross local jurisdictions and may become State or Provincial or national problems. Growing populations may be limited in their geographic expansion, except to occupy unstable, steep, or remote areas. Often, stabilizing landslide-scarred areas is too costly, and some inhabitants have no other places to relocate. Fortunately, simple, 'low-tech' precautions and actions can be adopted to at least ensure an individual's immediate safety, and this handbook gives a brief overview of many of these options. We strongly suggest that, where possible, the assistance of professional engineers/geologists or those experienced in the successful mitigation of unstable slopes be consulted before actions are taken. This handbook helps homeowners, community and emergency managers, and decisionmakers to take the positive step of encouraging awareness of available options and recourse in regard to landslide hazard. We provide a list of references, available in print or on the World Wide Web (Internet), that can be used for further knowledge about landslides. We recommend this handbook to managers and decisionmakers in communities in the hope that the information will be disseminated by such officials to other members of those communities. In response to the differing levels of literacy around the globe, we have emphasized visual information through the use of photographs and graphics. We plan to translate the handbook into additional languages as funding permits to further facilitate its use. We welcome comments and critiques and have provided our contact information and the names and addresses of our respective agencies.

Circular↗
USGS2016

Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—A case study in partnership development

The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) is a successful example of collaboration between science and natural resource management at the landscape scale. In southwestern Wyoming, expanding energy and mineral development, urban growth, and other changes in land use over recent decades, combined with landscape-scale drivers such as climate change and invasive species, have presented compelling challenges to resource managers and a diverse group of Federal, State, industry, and non-governmental organizations, as well as citizen stakeholders. To address these challenges, the WLCI was established as a collaborative forum and interagency partnership to develop and implement science-based conservation actions. About a decade after being established, this report documents the establishment and history of the WLCI, focusing on the path to success of the initiative and providing insights and details that may be useful in developing similar partnerships in other locations. Not merely retrospective, the elements of the WLCI that are presented herein are still in play, still evolving, and still contributing to the resolution of compelling conservation challenges in the Western United States. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed many successful longstanding partnerships, of which the WLCI is one example. “As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the U.S. Geological Survey collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems. The diversity of our scientific expertise enables us to carry out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers” (U.S. Geological Survey, 2016).

Wyoming↗
USGS2026

2026–2031 U.S. Geological Survey strategy for a hazard ready Nation—Actionable science for risk reduction

Executive Summary The USGS Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation provides an approach that U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers and staff can use to deliver actionable, user-focused science that supports risk-informed decision making aimed at reducing risk and losses across the Nation. The Strategy builds upon successful efforts within the USGS and seeks to promote and prioritize similar work in the future under an organized framework. Rooted in four priorities—(1) center end-user needs, (2) enhance research relevance, (3) support product and service development and implementation, and (4) improve communication—the USGS Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation is designed to focus and guide, not prescribe, activities. Strategic actions are proposed to achieve these four priorities in a timely fashion. The USGS plans to continually build upon the Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation to deliver actionable information for risk-informed decision making.

Circular↗
USGS1956

Index of surface-water records to September 30, 1955: Part 13. - Snake River basin

This index lists the streamflow and reservoir stations in the Snake River basin for which records have been or are to be published in reports of the Geological Survey for periods prior to September 30, 1955. Periods of record for the same station published by other agencies are listed only when they contain more detailed information or are for periods not reported in publications of the Geological Survey.

Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming↗