SEARCH · Geology Reports
Results for “Ground Water Report”
Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Ground-water levels in the United States, 1967-71, north-central States
Publication of ground-water level data for the United States in watersupply papers was begun by the Geological Survey in 1935. From 1935 through 1939, a single water-supply paper for each year covering the entire Nation was issued (Water-Supply Papers 777, 817, 840, 845, and 886). Since then water-supply papers have been issued covering 6 separate sections of the United States as shown in figure 1. See table on page 2 for the number of the water-supply paper containing records by year and section. Beginning in 1956, only water-level data from a basic network of observation wells has been published. This basic network contains observation wells so located that the most significant data are obtained from the fewest wells in the most important aquifers. In some States the basic network forms the skeletal index of a more comprehensive observation-well program. Publications that contain substantial additional water-level data are listed at the end of each State report in this volume. r.
Test holes drilled in support of ground-water investigations, Project Gnome, Eddy County, New Mexico
Project Gnome is a proposed underground nuclear shot to be detonated within a massive salt bed in Eddy County, N. Mex. Potable and neat potable ground water is present in rocks above the salt and is being studied in relation to this nuclear event. This report presents details of two test holes which were drilled to determine ground-water conditions in the near vicinity of the shot point. A well-defined aquifer is present at the site of USGS test hole 1, about 1,000 feet south of the access shaft to the underground shot point. Water with 75 feet of artesian pressure head is contained in the Culebra dolomite member of the Rustler formation. The dolomite aquifer is 32 feet thick and its top lies at a depth of 517 feet below land surface. The aquifer yielded 100 gpm (gallons per minute) with a drawdown of 40 feet during a pumping period of 24 hours. Water was not found in rocks above or below the Culebra dolomite. At the site of USGS test hole 2, about 2 miles southwest of the access shaft no distinctive aquifer exists. About one-half gpm was yielded to the well from the rocks between the Culebra dolomite and the top of the salt. Water could not be detected in the Culebra dolomite or overlying rocks. The report contains drawdown and recovery curves of yield tests, drilling-time charts, and electric logs. The data are given in tables; they include summaries of hole construction, sample description logs, water measurements, drilling-time logs, and water analyses.
Basic ground-water data for the Moscow Basin, Idaho
The Moscow basin encompasses an area of 65 square miles (170 square kilometres) in Latah County and borders the Idaho Washington State line (fig. 1). The basin is along the eastern edge of the "Palouse Country" where the rolling Palouse hills merge with the low mountains of northern Idaho. It is drained by the South Fork Palouse River, Paradise Creek, and Missouri Flat Creek, and their headwater tributaries. All water supplies for the basin are derived from wells and springs. Virtually all large-capacity wells are owned by the City of Moscow and the University of Idaho. These wells are open to the basalt of the Columbia River Group and the interbedded sands in the Latah Formation (Stevens, 1960, p. 335; Jones and Ross, 1972, p. 12-13, fig. 4). Many domestic and a few commercial wells are also open to these same formations. Most of the City and University wells tap thick sections of these water-bearing formations. However, only about 25 percent of the total basin area is underlain by basalt. The approximate subsurface extent of the area underlain by basalt, as determined by well logs and geophysical data, is shown in figure 2. The purpose of this report is to present basic geologic and hydrologic data that are available in the basin. Included are a table of well records, well logs, a table of annual ground-water withdrawals, water levels in observation wells, a contour map showing the approximate elevation of the water-level in the upper series of basalt flows and interbedded sediments in the southern part of the area (fig. 2), and a bibliography of the more important reports pertaining to ground water in the area. More than 90 percent of the wells tapping basalt were visited, but only a representative number of wells tapping other rocks were visited. Data that may have become available after December 1972 are not given except for water-level measurements made in March 1973.
Availability of ground-water data for California, water year 2002
The U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources, in cooperation with Federal, State, and local agencies, obtains a large amount of data pertaining to the ground-water resources of California each water year (October 1?September 30). These data constitute a valuable database for developing an improved understanding of the water resources of the State. This Fact Sheet serves as an index to ground-water data for water year 2002. The 2-page report contains a map of California showing the number of wells (by county) with available water-level and waterquality data for water year 2002 and instructions for obtaining this and other ground-water information contained in the databases of the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources, California District.
Shallow ground-water quality in the Coastal Plain of Columbia, South Carolina, 1996
As part of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) oversaw the installation of 30 shallow monitoring wells in the Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan area. The ground water sampled from these wells was used to study the recent effects of human activities on shallow ground water in an urban setting. Well locations were selected in residential and commercial areas constructed between 1960 and 1990 while all industrial and agricultural areas were avoided. Samples were collected and analyzed for major ions, nutrients, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) dunng 1996. This report describes the results of this investigation of shallow ground-water quality.
Ground-water data for the Riley and Andrews Resource Areas, southeastern Oregon
Appraisals of the resources of selected management areas in eastern Oregon are being made by the U.S. Bureau of Land Mangement. To provide needed hydrologic information, the Bureau of Land Management requested the U.S. Geological Survey to inventory ground-water data for the Riley and Andrews Resource Areas. The inventory included field location of selected wells and springs; measurement of ground-water levels, temperatures, specific conductance, and pH; and the collection of ground-water samples from selected sources to determine dissolved chemical constituents. Included in this report are well data, drillers ' lithologic logs, hydrographs of observation wells, a summary of observation-well data, and chemical analyses of ground water.
Contaminated-sediment database development and assessment in Boston Harbor
Bottom sediments have been regarded as memory banks for contaminant inputs to urban waterways. Bottom sediments accumulate by the addition of particles that enter the waterway from many sources (U.S. National Research Council, 1989). Sediments include solid contaminants, as well as contaminants from the water column that are adsorbed on organic matter or soil (rock) particles. Sediments from Boston Harbor and adjacent parts of Massachusetts Bay are now among the most intensively studied in the Nation in terms of chemical composition. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Woods Hole, Mass., undertook a pioneering effort to assemble a database from all available sources of information on chemicals in sediments of the Boston Harbor study area. The database was created to help understand the distribution of sediment contaminants and their sources, transport, and other processes and to support environmental management. The work involved collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and other organizations. More than 100,000 sediment measurements from more than 3,000 samples were gleaned from 1,500 references. New approaches were developed to scientifically edit and validate data from heterogeneous sources. The compiled data included inorganic and organic chemical information and physical parameters like sediment texture (grain size), as well as documentation to minimize a userđs need to track down hard-to-find reports.
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.
Hydrogeologic framework refinement, ground-water flow and storage, water-chemistry analyses, and water-budget components of the Yuma area, southwestern Arizona and southeastern California
The ground-water and surface-water system in the Yuma area in southwestern Arizona and southeastern California is managed intensely to meet water-delivery requirements of customers in the United States, to manage high ground-water levels in the valleys, and to maintain treaty-mandated water-quality and quantity requirements of Mexico. The following components in this report, which were identified to be useful in the development of a ground-water management model, are: (1) refinement of the hydrogeologic framework; (2) updated water-level maps, general ground-water flow patterns, and an estimate of the amount of ground water stored in the mound under Yuma Mesa; (3) review and documentation of the ground-water budget calculated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of the Interior (Reclamation); and (4) water-chemistry characterization to identify the spatial distribution of water quality, information on sources and ages of ground water, and information about the productive-interval depths of the aquifer. A refined three-dimensional digital hydrogeologic framework model includes the following hydrogeologic units from bottom to top: (1) the effective hydrologic basement of the basin aquifer, which includes the Pliocene Bouse Formation, Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary rocks, and pre-Tertiary metamorphic and plutonic rocks; (2) undifferentiated lower units to represent the Pliocene transition zone and wedge zone; (3) coarse-gravel unit; (4) lower, middle, and upper basin fill to represent the upper, fine-grained zone between the top of the coarse-gravel unit and the land surface; and (5) clay A and clay B. Data for the refined model includes digital elevation models, borehole lithology data, geophysical data, and structural data to represent the geometry of the hydrogeologic units. The top surface of the coarse-gravel unit, defined by using borehole and geophysical data, varies similarly to terraces resulting from the down cutting of the Colorado River. Clay A is nearly the same as the previous conceptual hydrogeologic model definition (Olmsted and others, 1973), except for a minor westward extension from the city of Yuma. Clay B is extended to the southerly international boundary and increased in areal extent by about two-thirds of the original extent (Olmsted and others, 1973). The other hydrogeologic units generally are the same as in the previous conceptual hydrogeologic model. Before development, the Colorado and Gila Rivers were the sources of nearly all the ground water in the Yuma area through direct infiltration of water from river channels and annual overbank flooding. After construction of upstream reservoirs and clearing and irrigation of the floodplains, the rivers now act as drains for the ground water. Ground-water levels in most of the Yuma area are higher now than they were in predevelopment time. A general gradient of ground-water flow toward the natural discharge area south of the Yuma area still exists, but many other changes in flow are evident. Ground water in Yuma Valley once flowed away from the Colorado River, but now has a component of flow towards the river and Mexicali Valley. A ground-water mound has formed under Yuma Mesa from long-term surface-water irrigation; about 600,000 to 800,000 acre-ft of water are stored in the mound. Ground-water withdrawals adjacent to the southerly international boundary have resulted in water-level declines in that area. The reviewed and documented water budget includes the following components: (1) recharge in irrigated areas, (2) evapotranspiration by irrigated crops and phreatophytes, (3) ground-water return flow to the Colorado River, and (4) ground-water withdrawals (including those in Mexicali Valley). Recharge components were calculated by subtracting the amount of water used by crops from the amount of water delivered. Evapotranspiration rates were calculated on the basis of established methods, thus were appropriate for input to the ground-water flow model developed by the Bureau of Reclamation (William Greer, hydrologist, Bureau of Reclamation, written commun., 2005). Evapotranspiration by crops and phreatophytes were calculated by using crop coefficient methods and meteorological data. Other methods of calculating evapotranspiration rates by using combinations of satellite imagery and ground-based data could be used for higher spatial and temporal resolution. Ground-water return flow during years of low flow on the Colorado River (1972–82, 1987–92, and 1994–96) averaged 79,000 acre-ft per year. Ground-water withdrawal data for 1970–99 were similar to other estimates made by the U.S. Geological Survey for the Yuma area. New water-chemistry data were collected in 12 wells and 8 canals/drains to characterize spatial patterns in chemical constituents, determine isotopic ages of water, infer possible sources of ground water, and locate the vertical intervals of the aquifer that contribute most water to wells. Depth-dependent samples were collected at one of the wells (YM-10). A large quantity of water-quality data were compiled from Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Geological Survey records and merged into the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System database. New samples were analyzed for major ions, nutrients, stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen, tritium ( 3 H), and carbon-14 ( 14 C) (along with C 13 /C 12 ratios). Light values of oxygen-18 ( 18 O) and deuterium ( 2 H, D) in well 242-2 indicate recharge from the Colorado River. Heavy water samples from wells 242-22, CADC, and Mesa del Sol indicate local recharge sources. Tritium data indicate there is young water in wells in the valleys and near the edge of Yuma Mesa, while older water is found far from the Colorado River. 14 C data indicate that water from wells near the southerly international boundary is at least several thousand years old.
Resistivity sections, upper Arkansas River basin, Colorado
A reconnaissance investigation of ground-water resources in the upper Arkansas River basin from Pueblo to Leadville is being made by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, and the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Colorado State Engineer. As part of the investigation, surface geophysical electrical resistivity surveys were made during the summer and fall of 1970 near Buena Vista and Westcliffe, Colo. (p1.1). The resistivity surveys were made to verify a previous gravity survey and to help locate areas where ground-water supplies might be developed. This report presents the results of the surveys in the form of two resistivity sections.
Ground-water data for selected coal areas in western North Dakota
Ground-water data are provided in this report for the Sand Creek-Hanks, New England-Mott, Dickinson, and Bowman-Gascoyne coal areas, western North Dakota. The report contains the following: (1) Maps showing the location of wells, springs, and test holes; the location of wells and test holes where drillers' logs are available; and the location of wells with chemical analyses; and (2) tables showing well, spring, and testhole records; logs; and chemical analyses of water. Descriptions of the location of data-collection sites and methods used to collect data are included.
Geophysical Interpretations of the Southern Espanola Basin, New Mexico, That Contribute to Understanding Its Hydrogeologic Framework
The southern Espanola basin consists of a westward- and northward-thickening wedge of rift fill, composed primarily of Santa Fe Group sediments, that serves as an important aquifer for the city of Santa Fe and surrounding areas. Detailed aeromagnetic surveys were flown to better understand ground-water resources in this aquifer. This report presents a synthesis of these data with gravity data and other constraints. The interpretations were accomplished using qualitative interpretation, state-of-art data analysis techniques, and two- and three-dimensional modeling. The results depict the presence of and depth to many geologic features that have hydrogeologic significance, including shallow faults, different types of igneous units, and basement rocks. The results are presented as map interpretations, geophysical profile models, and a digital surface that represents the base and thickness of Santa Fe Group sediments, as well as vector files of some volcanic features and faults.
Water resources data for Georgia, water year 1987
Water resources data for the 1987 water year for Georgia consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; ground-water levels; and precipitation quality. This report contains discharge records of 115 gaging stations; stage for 17 gaging stations; stage and contents for 18 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 111 continuing-record stations; water-quality for 1 miscellaneous station; peak stage and discharge only for 105 crest-stage partial-record stations and 30 miscellaneous sites; water levels of 26 observation wells and water quality for 1 precipitation-quality site. 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 Georgia.
Water resources data for Georgia, water year 1988
Water resources data for the 1988 water year for Georgia consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; ground-water levels; and precipitation quality. This report contains discharge records of 114 gaging stations; stage for 19 gaging stations; stage and contents for 18 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 107 continuing-record stations; water-quality for 4 miscellaneous station; peak stage and discharge only for 76 crest-stage partial-record stations and 8 miscellaneous sites; base-flow discharge measurements at 149 miscellaneous sites; water levels of 26 observation wells; and water quality for 1 precipitation-quality site. 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 Georgia.
Water resources data, Georgia, water year 1989
Water resources data for the 1989 water year for Georgia consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; ground-water levels; and precipitation quality. This report contains discharge records of 118 gaging stations; stage for 27 gaging stations; stage and contents for 18 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 105 continuing-record stations; peak stage and discharge only for 73 crest-stage partial-record stations and 8 miscellaneous sites water levels of 25 observation wells; and water quality for 1 precipitation-quality site. 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 Georgia.
Water resources data, Georgia, water year 1990
Water resources data for the 1990 water year for Georgia consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; ground-water levels; and precipitation quality. This report contains discharge records of 117 gaging stations; stage for 28 gaging stations; stage and contents for 18 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 128 continuing-record stations; peak stage and discharge only for 93 crest-stage partial-record stations and 8 miscellaneous sites; water levels of 25 observation wells; and water quality for 1 precipitation quality site. 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 Georgia.