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At least 1,261 records · Page 70Linked to original sources

Materials and energy flows in the earth science century : summary of a workshop held by the USGS [in Reston] in November 1998

For the 21st century, the USGS and many others throughout government, academia, and the private sector carry a hopeful vision of better solutions to the problems of depleting natural resources and creating excessive wastes. For this effort, investigators are engaging in whole system views of the human condition using the tools of materials and energy flow accounting and industrial ecology.

Circular↗

U.S. Geological Survey World Wide Web Information

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites you to explore an earth science virtual library of digital information, publications, and data. The USGS World Wide Web sites offer an array of information that reflects scientific research and monitoring programs conducted in the areas of natural hazards, environmental resources, and cartog-raphy. This list provides gateways to access a cross section of the digital information on the USGS World Wide Web sites.

Fact Sheet↗

Kentucky and Landsat

From its rolling pastures to its forested Appalachian peaks, Kentucky’s scenery offers beauty along with contrast. Rivers, including the Mississippi and the Ohio, border much of the State, and more rivers and hundreds of lakes are inside its borders. Kentucky is also home to the world’s longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park, and its residents maintain long-held traditions of coal mining, farming, horse racing, and bourbon making. Although residents and visitors have a lot to explore up close, viewing Kentucky through a long lens—one extending into space—can offer even more information about its environmental and natural resources. Landsat satellite data can help State and Federal governments monitor the quality and health of Kentucky’s lands and waters. Here is a closer look at some of the many ways that Landsat benefits Kentucky.

Kentucky↗

Map showing selected surface-water data for the Alton-Kolob coal-fields area, Utah

This is one of a series of maps that describe the geology and related natural resources of the Alton-Kolob coal-fields area, Utah. Streamflow records used to compile the map and the following table were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, and the Utah Department of Transportation. The principal runoff-producing areas were delineated form a work map (scale 1:250,000) compiled to estimate water yields in Utah (Bagley and others, 1964).

Utah↗

National Water-Quality Assessment Program - Red River of the North

In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began to implement a full-scale National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. The long-term goals of the NAWQA program are to describe the status and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources, and to provide a sound scientific understanding of the primary natural and human factors affecting the quality of these resources. The program will produce a wealth of water-quality information that will be useful to policy makers and managers at the national, State, and local levels.

Red River of the North↗

Hydrology of the Albemarle-Pamlico region, North Carolina : A preliminary report on the impact of agricultural developments

Extensive agricultural land clearing and drainage operations underway in a 650 square mile part of the Albemarle-Pamlico region--a 1,634 square mile peninsula in North Carolina lying between Albemarle Sound on the North and the Pamlico River on the south--are changing the hydrology of the area. The artificial drainage system being constructed in the region, although it will probably result in only a slight modification of the natural annual evapotranspiration, overland runoff, and ground-water discharge, will likely result in several important problems. First, changes in the water quality of the sounds and estuaries resulting from the rapid runoff of storm waters may prove harmful to the fishery resources. Second, lowering of the water table may cause relatively rapid subsidence of the land surface in an irregular pattern in the extensive areas underlain by thick peat deposits as a result of biochemical oxidation, peat fires, and wind.

North Carolina↗

U.S. Geological Survey input-data form and operational procedure for the assessment of conventional petroleum accumulations: Chapter 25 in Petroleum systems and geologic assessment of oil and gas in the San Joaquin Basin Province, California

The U.S. Geological Survey model for undiscovered conventional accumulations is designed to aid in the assessment of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (collectively called petroleum) resources. Conventional accumulations may be described in terms of discrete fields or pools localized in structural and stratigraphic traps by the buoyancy of oil or natural gas in water. Conventional accumulations are commonly bounded by a down-dip water contact. The assessment model requires estimates of the number and sizes of undiscovered conventional accumulations. Technically recoverable petroleum resources from undiscovered conventional accumulations are calculated by statistically combining probability distributions of the estimated number and sizes of undiscovered accumulations, along with associated risks and coproduct ratios. Probabilistic estimates of petroleum resources are given for oil in oil accumulations, gas (associated/dissolved) in oil accumulations, natural gas liquids in oil accumulations, gas (nonassociated) in gas accumulations, and total liquids (oil and natural gas liquids) in gas accumulations.

Professional Paper↗

Reconnaissance of water quality in the High Plains Aquifer beneath agricultural lands, south-central Kansas

The High Plains of western Kansas was one of 14 areas selected for preliminary groundwater quality reconnaissance by the U.S. Geological Survey 's Toxic Waste--Groundwater Contamination Program. The specific objective was to evaluate the effects of land used for agriculture (irrigated cropland and non-irrigated rangeland) on the water in the High Plains aquifer. Conceptual inferences, based on the information available, would lead one to expect groundwater beneath irrigated cropland to contain larger concentrations of sodium, sulfate, chloride, nitrite plus nitrate, and some water soluble pesticides than water beneath non-irrigated land (range-land) The central part of the Great Bend Prairie, an area of about 1,800 sq mi overlying the High Plains aquifer in south-central Kansas, was selected for the study of agricultural land use because it has sand soils, a shallow water table, relatively large annual precipitation, and includes large areas that are exclusively irrigated cropland or non-irrigated rangeland. As determined by a two-tailed Wilcoxon rank-sum test, concentrations of sodium and alkalinity were significantly larger at the 95% confidence level for water samples from beneath irrigated cropland than from beneath rangeland. No statistically significant difference in concentrations of sulfate, chloride, nitrite plus nitrate, and ammonia, was detected. Concentrations of 2,4-D found in water samples from beneath the rangeland were larger at the 99% confidence level as compared to concentrations of 2,4-D in samples from beneath irrigated cropland. Larger concentrations of sodium and alkalinity were found in water beneath irrigated cropland, and the largest concentration of the pesticide atrazine (triazines were found in three samples) was found in water from the only irrigation well sampled. The sodium and atrazine concentrations found in water from the irrigation well support the premise that water-level drawdown develops under irrigated fields. This diverts the natural groundwater flow patterns, so that pumpage may cause recycling and subsequent concentration of leachates from the land surface. (Author 's abstract)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

Geology and hydrogeology of Naval Air Station Chase Field and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Goliad, Bee and Goliad counties, Texas

The geologic formations that crop out near Naval Air Station Chase Field and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Goliad military bases consist of fluvial to fluvial-deltaic sediments of Tertiary and Quaternary age. These formations include the Fleming and Goliad Formations of Miocene age, Lissie Formation of Pleistocene age, fluvial terrace deposits of Pleistocene to Holocene age, and alluvium of Holocene age. The lithology of these formations consists of sand, sandstone, silt, and clay, with lesser amounts of gravel and caliche in the outcrops. The freshwater aquifers underlying the study area are the unconfined Evangeline (watertable) aquifer, comprising the upper sandy parts of the Fleming Formation and Goliad Formation, and confined Fleming aquifers, comprising the thick sandstone beds of the Fleming Formation. Both military bases withdraw potable water from one of the confined aquifers. At Naval Air Station Chase Field, the transmissivity and storativity of the confined aquifer where the base withdraws its public water supply are 1,060 feet squared per day and 1.2x10 -4 , respectively, as computed from the results of a 74-hour constant-discharge aquifer test. Selected water-quality field measurements of specific conductance, pH, and temperature indicate that each of the three aquifers at Naval Air Station Chase Field are somewhat insulated from one another by the intervening confining units. Large vertical hydraulic-head gradients are present between the unconfined Evangeline aquifer and confined Fleming aquifers at Naval Air Station Chase Field and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Goliad. These gradients, together with the results of the aquifer test at Naval Air Station Chase Field and assumed characteristics of the confining units, indicate that downward flow of ground water probably occurs from the water-table aquifer to the underlying aquifers. The rate of downward flow between the two confined Fleming aquifers (from A-sand to B-sand) can be approximated using an estimate of vertical hydraulic conductivity of the intervening confining unit obtained from assumed storage characteristics and data from the aquifer test. Under the relatively high vertical hydraulic-head gradient induced by the aquifer test, ground-water movement from the A-sand aquifer to the B-sand aquifer could require about 490 years; and about 730 years under the natural gradient. Future increases in ground-water withdrawals from the B-sand aquifer might increase downward flow in the aquifer system of the study area.

Texas↗

Hydrogeology, ground-water quality, and the possible effects of a hypothetical radioactive-water spill, Plainsboro Township, New Jersey

Princeton University, under contract to the Department of Energy , maintains a Tokamak fusion test reactor in New Jersey. The U.S. Geological Survey investigated groundwater flow and estimated the effects of a hypothetical spill of radioactive water at the site on the local groundwater system. The study included test drilling; aquifer testing; measurement of water levels, infiltration capacity, and stream discharge; and a simulation of the hypothetical spill. The Triassic Stockton Formation-a water supply aquifer composed primarily of jointed siltstone and sandstone-underlies the site. The aquifer is confined by overlying weathered bedrock and underlying unjointed rock. Weathered bedrock is overlain by unconsolidated, partially saturated material which ranges from 6 to 39 ft in thickness. Groundwater recharge is by lateral flow into the study area, stream leakage, and precipitation. Discharge is by pumpage, evapotranspiration, stream inflow, and lateral flow out of the study area. Transmissivity of the aquifer is about 1,740 sq ft/day, and the storage coefficient is about 0.0002. The average linear velocity of groundwater at the site ranges from 100 to 270 ft/yr depending on location and time of year. The velocity over a large part of the site is controlled by on-site pumpage. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for common ions, trace metals, and tritium. The analyses reported no concentrations of common ions or trace metals which exceeded the criteria for drinking water standards recommended by the EPA, except for some instances of moderately high concentrations of iron and manganese. Iron and manganese are common in groundwater and surface water in the area and are not indicative of an on-site source of contamination. Tritium concentrations in the collected samples were also considered representative of background levels and were well below the maximum concentration permitted by the EPA. The fate of spilled radioactive water after a hypothetical accident would depend on the nature of the accident and weather. If the on-site pumpage continued after a spill, groundwater leaving the site probably would have only minimal tritium concentrations, but stream water leaving the site could contain significant tritium concentrations.

New Jersey↗

Environmental baseline study of the Huron River Watershed, Baraga and Marquette Counties, Michigan

This report summarizes results of a study to establish water-quality and geochemical baseline conditions within a small watershed in the Lake Superior region. In 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a survey of water-quality parameters and soil and streambed sediment geochemistry of the 83 mi2 Huron River Watershed in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Streamflow was measured and water-quality samples collected at a range of flow conditions from six sites on the major tributaries of the Huron River. All water samples were analyzed for a suite of common ions, nutrients, and trace metals. In addition, water samples from each site were analyzed for unfiltered total and methylmercury once during summer low-flow conditions. Soil samples were collected from 31 sites, with up to 4 separate samples collected at each site, delineated by soil horizon. Streambed sediments were collected from 11 sites selected to cover most of the area drained by the Huron River system. USGS data were supplemented with ecological assessments completed in 2006 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality using a modified version of their Great Lakes Environmental Assessment Section procedure 51, and again during 2008 using volunteers under supervision of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Results from this study define a hydrological, geological, and environmental baseline for the Huron River Watershed prior to any significant mineral exploration or development. Results from the project also serve to refine the design of future regional environmental baseline studies in the Lake Superior Basin.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

Bibliography of geology and hydrology, southwestern New Mexico

The southwestern part of New Mexico is recognized as a source of abundant and varied natural resources. This bibliography of over 2,700 references concerned with geology, hydrology, chemistry, and geography has been compiled to assist physical science researchers in their study and development of this region.

New Mexico↗

Water resources data for Arizona, 1967: Part 1. Surface water records

The surface-water records for the 1967 water year for gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites in the State of Arizona are included in this report. Records for a few pertinent gaging stations in bordering States also are included for convenience. The records wer e collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of H. M. Babcock, district chief. Through September 30, 1960, the records of discharge and stage of streams and contents and stage of lakes or r eservoirs were published in the annual series of U.S. Geological Survey water-supply papers entitled "Surface Water Supply of the United States." From 1951 to 1960, 20volumes were published annually in the series; each volume covers an area whose boundaries coincide with those of certain natural drainage areas. The records for Arizona are contained in Part 9 of that series. Beginning with the 1961 water year, streamflow records and related data have been released by the Geological Survey in annual reports on a Stateboundary basis. Distribution of these basic-data reports is limited, and they are primarily for local needs. The records later will be published in Geological Survey water-supply papers at 5-year intervals.

Arizona↗

Nickel recycling in the United States in 2004

As one of a series of reports that describe the recycling of metal commodities in the United States, this report discusses the flow of nickel from production through distribution and use, with particular emphasis on the recycling of industrial scrap (new scrap) and used products (old scrap) in 2004. This materials flow study includes a description of nickel supply and demand for the United States to illustrate the extent of nickel recycling and to identify recycling trends. Understanding how materials flow from a source through disposition can aid in improving the management of natural resource delivery systems. In 2004, the old scrap recycling efficiency for nickel was estimated to be 56.2 percent. In 2004, nickel scrap consumption in the United States was as follows: new scrap containing 13,000 metric tons (t) of nickel (produced during the manufacture of products), 12 percent; and old scrap containing 95,000 t of nickel (articles discarded after serving a useful purpose), 88 percent. The recycling rate for nickel in 2004 was 40.9 percent, and the percentage of nickel in products attributed to nickel recovered from nickel-containing scrap was 51.6 percent. Furthermore, U.S. nickel scrap theoretically generated in 2004 had the following distribution: scrap to landfills, 24 percent; recovered and used scrap, 50 percent; and unaccounted for scrap, 26 percent. Of the 50 percent of old scrap generated in the United States that was recovered and then used in 2004, about one-third was exported and two-thirds was consumed in the domestic production of nickel-containing products.

Circular↗

Streamflow characteristics of the Yellowstone River Basin, Montana, through 1976

Statistical summaries of streamflow data for selected stream-gaging and crest-stage gage sites are presented in this report to aid in appraising the hydrology of the Yellowstone River basin, Montana. Streamflow records presented for 45 gaging stations and 45 crest-stage gages for the period of record. Streamflow record collection in the Yellowstone River basin began in 1889. For each gaging station selected for this report, a brief description is given for station location, drainage area , period of record, revisions of previously published records, type and history of gages, regulation and diversions, and extremes of discharge. These data are followed by tables of monthly and annual flow statistics, high-flow and low-flow frequency data, flood-frequency data, flow-duration information, and for natural-flow sites selected basin characteristics. For each crest-stage gage, the brief description consists of location, drainage area, period of record, and type and history of gage. This information is followed by tables of flood-frequency data and selected basin characteristics.

Montana↗

Water resources data for Arizona, 1968: Part 1. Surface water records

The surface-water records for the 1968 water year for gaging stations, partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites in the State of Arizona are included in this report. Records for a few pertinent gaging stations in bordering States also are included for convenience. The records were collected and computed by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey under the direction of H. M. Babcock, district chief. Through September 30, 1960, the records of discharge and stage of streams and contents and stage of lakes or reservoirs were published in the annual series of U.S. Geological Survey water-supply paper s entitled "Surface Water Supply of the United States!' From 1951 to 1960, 20 volumes were published annually in the series; each volume covers an area whose boundaries coincide with those of certain natural drainage areas. The records for Arizona are contained in Part 9 of that series. Beginning with the 1961 water year, streamflow records and related data have been released by the Geological Survey in annual reports on a State boundary basis. Distribution of these basic-data reports is limited, and they are primarily for local needs. The records later will be published in Geological Survey water-supply papers at 5-year intervals.

Arizona↗

An integral projection model for gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) utilizing density-dependent age-0 survival

Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) is a common freshwater fish species found throughout the central and eastern portions of North America. Within these regions, gizzard shad play several critical roles in the freshwater community such as serving as prey for other fish species and translocating nutrients from substrates into the water column. Because of this, it is important to understand gizzard shad population dynamics. Here, we introduce an integral projection model (IPM) for gizzard shad that incorporates empirical information from sources including Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) upper Mississippi River restoration data. IPMs are a generalization of stage-based, matrix population models that have been used to describe a wide range of organisms, and as such are a natural choice for gizzard shad because many aspects of their life cycle have been studied. We tested model outputs against empirical patterns reported for gizzard shad from a different location along the Illinois River (La Grange Reach). Results of our work indicate that our model could serve as an important tool for predicting patterns within gizzard shad populations.

Ecological Modelling↗