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At least 1,531 records · Page 85Linked to original sources
USGS2009

Estimation of Unsaturated Zone Traveltimes for Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nevada, Using a Source-Responsive Preferential-Flow Model

Traveltimes for contaminant transport by water from a point in the unsaturated zone to the saturated zone are a concern at Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain in the Nevada Test Site, Nevada. Where nuclear tests were conducted in the unsaturated zone, contaminants must traverse hundreds of meters of variably saturated rock before they enter the saturated zone in the carbonate rock, where the regional groundwater system has the potential to carry them substantial distances to a location of concern. The unsaturated-zone portion of the contaminant transport path may cause a significant delay, in addition to the time required to travel within the saturated zone, and thus may be important in the overall evaluation of the potential hazard from contamination. Downward contaminant transport through the unsaturated zone occurs through various processes and pathways; this can lead to a broad distribution of contaminant traveltimes, including exceedingly slow and unexpectedly fast extremes. Though the bulk of mobile contaminant arrives between the time-scale end members, the fastest contaminant transport speed, in other words the speed determined by the combination of possible processes and pathways that would bring a measureable quantity of contaminant to the aquifer in the shortest time, carries particular regulatory significance because of its relevance in formulating the most conservative hazard-prevention scenarios. Unsaturated-zone flow is usually modeled as a diffusive process responding to gravity and pressure gradients as mediated by the unsaturated hydraulic properties of the materials traversed. The mathematical formulation of the diffuse-flow concept is known as Richards' equation, which when coupled to a solute transport equation, such as the advection-dispersion equation, provides a framework to simulate contaminant migration in the unsaturated zone. In recent decades awareness has increased that much fluid flow and contaminant transport within the unsaturated zone takes place as preferential flow, faster than would be predicted by the coupled Richards' and advection-dispersion equations with hydraulic properties estimated by traditional means. At present the hydrologic community has not achieved consensus as to whether a modification of Richards' equation, or a fundamentally different formulation, would best quantify preferential flow. Where the fastest contaminant transport speed is what needs to be estimated, there is the possibility of simplification of the evaluation process. One way of doing so is by a two-step process in which the first step is to evaluate whether significant preferential flow and solute transport is possible for the media and conditions of concern. The second step is to carry out (a) a basic Richards' and advection-dispersion equation analysis if it is concluded that preferential flow is not possible or (b) an analysis that considers only the fastest possible preferential-flow processes, if preferential flow is possible. For the preferential-flow situation, a recently published model describable as a Source-Responsive Preferential-Flow (SRPF) model is an easily applied option. This report documents the application of this two-step process to flow through the thick unsaturated zones of Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain in the Nevada Test Site. Application of the SRPF model involves distinguishing between continuous and intermittent water supply to preferential flow paths. At Rainier Mesa and Shoshone Mountain this issue is complicated by the fact that contaminant travel begins at a location deep in the subsurface, where there may be perched water that may or may not act like a continuous supply, depending on such features as the connectedness of fractures and the nature of impeding layers. We have treated this situation by hypothesizing both continuous and intermittent scenarios for contaminant transport to the carbonate aquifer and reporting estimation of the fastest speed for both of th

Open-File Report↗
USGS2011

Discharge and sediment concentration in the Bill Williams River and turbidity in Lake Havasu during and following high releases from Alamo Dam, Arizona, in March and April 2010

Discharges higher than are typically released from Alamo Dam in west-central Arizona were planned and released in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 to study the effects of these releases on the Bill Williams River. The Bill Williams River Wildlife Refuge is located above the mouth of the Bill Williams River on Lake Havasu, and the river is the subject of ongoing ecological studies. Sediment concentrations and water discharges were measured in the Bill Williams River and turbidity, water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and Secchi depth were measured in Lake Havasu during and after experimental releases in 2005 and 2006 from Alamo Dam. Additional measurements of the same parameters in the Bill Williams River and Lake Havasu were made during releases in 2010, and these are the subject of this report.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2015

Field observations of artificial sand and oil agglomerates

Oil that comes into the surf zone following spills, such as occurred during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon ( DWH ) blowout, can mix with local sediment to form heavier-than-water sand and oil agglomerates ( SOAs ), at times in the form of mats a few centimeters thick and tens of meters long. Smaller agglomerates that form in situ or pieces that break off of larger mats, sometimes referred to as surface residual balls ( SRBs ), range in size from sand-sized grains to patty-shaped pieces several centimeters ( cm ) in diameter. These mobile SOAs can cause beach oiling for extended periods following the spill, on the scale of years as in the case of DWH . Limited research, including a prior effort by the U.S. Geological Survey ( USGS ) investigating SOA mobility, alongshore transport, and seafloor interaction using numerical model output, focused on the physical dynamics of SOAs . To address this data gap, we constructed artificial sand and oil agglomerates ( aSOAs ) with sand and paraffin wax to mimic the size and density of genuine SOAs . These aSOAs were deployed in the nearshore off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida, during a field experiment to investigate their movement and seafloor interaction. This report presents the methodology for constructing aSOAs and describes the field experiment. Data acquired during the field campaign, including videos and images of aSOA movement in the nearshore (1.5-meter and 0.5-meter water depth) and in the swash zone, are also presented in this report.

Florida↗
USGS2016

Groundwater quality from private domestic water-supply wells in the vicinity of petroleum production in southwestern Indiana

The U.S. Geological Survey provided technical support to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for site selection and sample collection and analysis in a 2012 investigation of groundwater quality from 29 private domestic water-supply wells in the vicinity of petroleum production in southwestern Indiana. Petroleum hydrocarbons, oil and grease, aromatic volatile organic compounds, methane concentrations greater than 8,800 micrograms per liter, chloride concentrations greater than 250 milligrams per liter, and gross alpha radioactivity greater than 15 picocuries per liter were reported in the analysis of groundwater samples from 11 wells.

Indiana↗
USGS2016

A satellite model of Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus ) breeding habitat and a simulation of potential effects of tamarisk leaf beetles ( Diorhabda spp.), southwestern United States

Executive Summary The study described in this report represents the first time that a satellite model has been used to identify potential Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus ) (hereinafter referred to as “flycatcher”) breeding habitat rangewide for 2013–15. Fifty-seven Landsat scenes were required to map the entire range of the flycatcher, encompassing parts of six States and more than 1 billion 30-meter pixels. Predicted flycatcher habitat was summarized in a hierarchical fashion from largest to smallest: regionwide, State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) management unit, 7.5-minute quadrangle, and critical-habitat reach. The term “predicted habitat” is used throughout this report to distinguish areas the satellite model predicts as suitable flycatcher habitat from what may actually exist on the ground. A rangewide accuracy assessment was done with 758 territories collected in 2014, and change detection was done with yearly habitat maps to identify how and where habitat changed over time. Additionally, effects of tamarisk leaf beetles ( Diorhabda spp.) on flycatcher habitat were summarized for the lower Virgin River from 2010 to 2015, and simulations of how tamarisk leaf beetles may affect flycatcher habitat in the lower Colorado and upper Gila Rivers were done for 2015. Model results indicated that the largest areas of predicted flycatcher habitat at elevations below 1,524 meters were in New Mexico and Arizona, areas followed in descending order by California, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. By FWS management unit, the largest area of flycatcher habitat during all 3 years were the Middle Rio Grande (New Mexico), followed by the Upper Gila (Arizona and New Mexico) and Middle Gila/San Pedro (Arizona) management units. The area of predicted flycatcher habitat varied considerably in 7.5-minute quadrangles, ranging from 0 to1,398 hectares (ha). Averaged across 3 years, the top three producing quadrangles were Paraje Well (New Mexico), San Marcial (New Mexico), and San Carlos Reservoir (Arizona). The top three FWS critical-habitat reaches in 2015 were Rio Grande-middle (9,544 ha), San Pedro River (1,779 ha), and Gila River-mid San Carlos (1,356 ha); this ranking did not change in 2013 or 2014. Change detection among years showed a large shift in predicted flycatcher habitat influenced by drought patterns, with California habitat decreasing and New Mexico habitat increasing. An accuracy assessment indicated that 88 percent of territories were correctly classified at a 40 percent probability threshold, with an exponential relationship between territory densities and five probability classes. A spatially explicit analysis indicated that beetles decreased predicted flycatcher habitat 94.2 percent from 2010 to 2015 along the lower Virgin River, with only 5.8 percent persisting. In contrast, beetle simulations indicated that 64.1 percent of habitat will persist along the lower Colorado River and 45 percent will persist along the upper Gila River. This project shows that the satellite model adequately predicts flycatcher habitat rangewide, but it lacks the ability to predict which patches will be occupied in a given year. The next logical step is the development of an occupancy model that ties the habitat predictions of the satellite model to patch occupancy so managers can better allocate their resources for survey and restoration activities. Finally, the methods presented in this report seem well suited for automated mapping applications and cloud-based resources.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1954

The investigation of chemical quality of water in tidal rivers

This report has been prepared for the guidance of personnel of the Water Resources Division who are engaged in water-quality investigations of tidal rivers. The study of tidal rivers is beset with many complexities not present in the investigation of non-tidal rivers. The periodic rise and fall of the tide may result in a corresponding periodic change in salinity at a sampling location on the tidal river. When the fresh water discharge is low, saline water may intrude up-river, and any factor changing the relative elevations of the ocean and the mean river level has an effect on the extent of salt-water intrusion. Variations in water composition between samples taken at several locations up or down river, at different depths, or at several locations across the stream are likely to be more pronounced than for similar sets of samples from a non-tidal stream. The nature of these variations and factors responsible for them are discussed, and the need for consideration of them in planning a sampling routine is stressed. The nature and mechanism of ocean-water intrusion in tidal rivers is discussed and sampling procedures for its detection are described. lllustrative examples - mostly from the work of the United States Geological Survey or State agencies - show various methods for correlating and presenting data from quality-of-water surveys of tidal rivers. Each tidal river presents an individual problem which can best be understood from a study of the factors involved. To that end the report is supplemented by an annotated bibliography of selected publications in the field.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1975

Flood of April 1975 at East Lansing, Michigan

On April 18 between 5 p.m. and 12 p.m. the city of East Lansing experienced an intense rainstorm that caused the Red Cedar River to overflow its banks, resulting in the most devastating flood since 1904. During the period of flooding the U.S. Geological Survey obtained aerial photography of the East Lansing area to document the disaster. The photography has been used to show the extent of flooding on a photomosaic base map. Data on streamflow, collected at the station on the Michigan State University campus, are given. Suspended sediment data collected at the gaging station have been used to estimate sediment transport during the period of the flood. Information on the magnitude of the flood is useful in make decisions regarding the use of flood plains in the area. The report is one of a series of reports on the April 1975 flood in the Lansing metropolitan area.

Michigan↗
USGS1975

Flood of April 1975 at Meridian Township, Michigan

On April 18 between 5 p.m. and 12 p.m. Meridian Township experienced an intense rain storm that caused the Red Cedar River to overflow its banks resulting in extensive flooding. The Federal Disaster Assistance Administration report that five homes were destroyed, and 332 homes and 10 businesses damaged. Early estimates indicated that damages may be as high as $6.25 million. During the flood the U.S. Geological Survey obtained aerial photography and streamflow data to document the disaster. This report shows, on photomosaic base maps, the extent of flooding along the Red Cedar River and the lower reach of Pine Lake Outlet. Streamflow data obtained at the gaging station on the Red Cedar River at East Lansing, about 3/4 mile (1.2 km) downstream from the western margin of the report area, are given. Information provided within the report is useful in making decisions regarding use of flood plains in the area. It is one of a series of reports on the April 1975 flood in the Lansing metropolitan area.

Michigan↗
USGS1980

Water-quality characteristics of selected lakes and reservoirs in Colorado

During the summers and autumns of 1973, 1974, and 1975, water-quality data were collected and compiled for 56 lakes and reservoirs in Colorado. The lakes and reservoirs sampled range from large reservoirs in the eastern part of the State to smaller natural lakes in the higher western parts of the Colorado Plateaus. The smallest body of water sampled was Anderson Reservoir No. 1 with a surface area of 47 acres in Mesa County, and the largest was Najajo Reservoir with a surface area of 15,600 acres in Archuleta County. The report includes physical, chemical, and biological water-quality data collected as a part of each lake or reservoir reconnaissance. Also included are data on drainage area, water-surface altitude, surface area,depth, storage capacity, and principal uses, obtained from various governmental agencies or the owner or regulating agency of each lake or reservoir. A subjective evaluation of the trophic (enrichment) state is presented based on nutrient and phytoplankton concentrations and the dissolved-oxygen distribution. In addition, a numerical trophic-state index, based on Secchi-disk transparency (a measure of light penetration) is reported, to show trophic comparisons between lakes and reservoirs. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1982

Publications related to the National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX); 1971-81

The National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX), formally established in January 1976, is a national confederation of water-oriented organizations working together to improve access to water data. Its primary objective is to assist users of water data in the identification, location, and acquisition of needed water data or water-related data. NAWDEX is coordinated by a central Program Office, located within the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, which provides data-exchange policy and guidelines to all participants in the program. In addition to the Program Office, there is a network of Assistance Centers located in 45 States and Puerto Rico which provides direct access to NAWDEX. Membership in NAWDEX is voluntary and open to any water-oriented organization that wishes to participate. This publication contains an alphabetical listing, by author, of the reports that have been produced by the NAWDEX Program Office since 1975, as well as reports from other sources that relate to the development of the NAWDEX program.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1983

Water-resources investigations in North Dakota; fiscal year 1983

All ongoing water resources projects in North Dakota in fiscal year 1983, are listed. The report was prepared to inform interested federal, State, and local agencies and private individuals of the activities of the Water Resources Division in the State. Information on each project includes objectives, approach, progress in 1982, plans for 1983, completed and planned report products, and the name of the project chief. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1985

Hydrologic data for urban studies in the Austin, Texas, metropolitan area, 1983

Hydrologic investigations of urban watersheds in Texas were begun by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1954. Studies are now in progress in Austin, and Houston. Studies have been completed in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio areas. The Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Water Reources, began hydrologic studies in the Austin urban area in 1954. In cooperation with the city of Austin, the program was expanded in 1975 to include additional streamflow and rainfall gaging stations, and the collection of surface water-quality data. In 1978, the program was expanded to include a ground-water resources study of the South Austin metropolitan area in the Balcones Fault Zone. The objectives of the Austin urban hydrology study are as follows: To determine, on the basis of historical data and hydrologic analyses, the magnitude and frequency of flood peaks and flood volume. To determine the effect of urban development on flood peaks and volume. To determine the variations in water quality during different seasons and flow conditions in representative watersheds under various types of urban development. To quantitatively appraise the ground-water resources along the Balcones Fault Zone, the effect of urbanization on the quality and quantity of recharge and discharge, and the extent of contamination in the Edwards aquifer that is in hydrologic circulation with Barton Springs. This report presents the basic hydrologic data collected in the Austin urban area for the 1983 water year (Oct. 1, 1982 to Sept. 30, 1983). Additional explanations of terms related to streamflow, water quality, and other hydrologic data used in this report are defined in the U.S. Geological Survey annual report Water Resources Data for Texas, TX-83-3, 1983.

Texas↗
USGS1986

Hydrologic data for urban studies in the Austin metropolitan area, Texas, 1984

Hydrologic investigations of urban watersheds in Texas were begun by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1954. Studies are now in progress in Austin, and Houston. Studies have been completed in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio areas. The Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Water Reources, began hydrologic studies in the Austin urban area in 1954. In cooperation with the city of Austin, the program was expanded in 1975 to include additional streamflow and rainfall gaging stations, and the collection of surface water-quality data. In 1978, the program was expanded to include a ground-water resources study of the South Austin metropolitan area in the Balcones Fault Zone. The objectives of the Austin urban hydrology study are as follows: To determine, on the basis of historical data and hydrologic analyses, the magnitude and frequency of flood peaks and flood volume. To determine the effect of urban development on flood peaks and volume. To determine the variations in water quality during different seasons and flow conditions in representative watersheds with various types of urban development. To quantitatively appraise the ground-water resources of the Edwards aquifer in hydraulic circulation with Barton Springs, the effect of urbanization on the quality and quantity of recharge and discharge, and the extent of contamination in the aquifer. This report presents the basic hydrologic data collected in the Austin urban area for the 1984 water year (Oct. 1, 1983 to Sept. 30, 1984). Additional explanations of terms related to streamflow, water quality, and other hydrologic data used in this report are defined in the U.S. Geological Survey annual report Water Resources Data for Texas, TX-84-3, 1984.

Texas↗
USGS1987

Hydrologic data for urban studies in the Austin metropolitan area, Texas, 1985

Hydrologic investigations of urban watersheds in Texas were begun by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1954. Studies are now in progress in Austin, and Houston. Studies have been completed in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio areas. The Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Water Reources, began hydrologic studies in the Austin urban area in 1954. In cooperation with the city of Austin, the program was expanded in 1975 to include additional streamflow and rainfall gaging stations, and the collection of surface water-quality data. In 1978, the program was expanded to include a ground-water resources study of the South Austin metropolitan area in the Balcones Fault Zone. The objectives of the Austin urban hydrology study are as follows: To determine, on the basis of historical data and hydrologic analyses, the magnitude and frequency of flood peaks and flood volume. To determine the effect of urban development on flood peaks and volume. To determine the variations in water quality during different seasons and flow conditions in representative watersheds with various types of urban development. To quantitatively appraise the ground-water resources of the Edwards aquifer in hydraulic circulation with Barton Springs, the effect of urbanization on the quality and quantity of recharge and discharge, and the extent of contamination in the aquifer. This report presents the basic hydrologic data collected in the Austin urban area for the 1985 water year (Oct. 1, 1984 to Sept. 30, 1985). Additional explanations of terms related to streamflow, water quality, and other hydrologic data used in this report are defined in the U.S. Geological Survey annual report Water Resources Data for Texas, TX-85-3, 1985.

Texas↗
USGS1989

Water-resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in Wyoming, fiscal years 1988 and 1989

There are two types of water-resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in Wyoming: collection of hydrologic data, and water-resources-appraisal projects. During Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989, the work was done in cooperation with 10 State agencies, 5 counties, 3 cities, 2 towns, 1 irrigation district, 2 Indian Tribes, and 8 Federal agencies. Lists and location maps are included for 180 streamflow stations, 16 reservoir stations, 120 surface-water-quality stations, 15 sediment stations, 88 groundwater-level observation wells, and 73 groundwater quality sites, which were in operation during Fiscal Year 1988 and (or) Fiscal Year 1989. During Fiscal Years 1987 and 1988, 17 streamflow stations, 13 surface-water-quality stations, 14 sediment stations, and 7 groundwater level observation wells were discontinued. During Fiscal year 1988 and through the first quarter of Fiscal Year 1989, 21 streamflow stations, 15 surface-water-quality stations, and 3 sediment stations were established or reactivated. Descriptions, location maps, and progress statements are given for 4 data collection projects and 27 water resources-appraisal projects that were active during Fiscal Year 1988 and (or) Fiscal Year 1989. Eleven projects were completed during Fiscal Year 1988 or 1989 and 10 projects that were completed except for the project reports. Also included is a bibliography of reports by U.S. Geological Survey authors about the water resources of Wyoming. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1989

Hydrogeochemical survey of groundwater for selected areas in the Arabian Shield and in cover rocks, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In the spring of 1984, a hydrogeochemical survey was conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to test ground water as a sampling medium in exploration for mineral deposits. Eighty-one water samples (mostly from wells) were collected. The samples were analysed for the presence and concentration of major cations and anions, as well as a suite of trace elements. Most of the water samples contained high concentrations of dissolved salts. The majority of the samples showed no significant amounts of the trace elements. A few well-water samples contained moderately anomalous concentrations of zinc, molybdenum, and uranium. These anomalies could be due to salinity effects, contamination, or the proximity of mineral sources. This survey has established some baseline water-chemistry data, especially for the trace metals, which to date have not been reported in ground water in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1993

Modifications to the modular three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water flow model used for the Columbia Plateau Regional Aquifer-System Analysis, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho

The report documents modifications to the U.S. Geological Survey's modular three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water flow model used for a regional aquifer-system analysis of the Columbia Plateau. The report, which describes the concepts and mathematical basis for the modifications, is intended for potential users who are familiar with the original modular model. The modifications permit flow from a layer to any adjacent layer, allow the model to retain a cell of a layer that has been cut completely through by a canyon, and allow placing ground-water flow barriers on only specified branch conductances; a special version of the modified model uses a convergent grid. The report describes the data-input items that this modified model must read.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1993

Dissolved nutrient and suspended particulate matter data for the San Francisco Bay estuary, California, October 1988 through September 1991

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted hydrologic investigations in San Francisco Bay during Water Years 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991. Dissolved inorganic plant nutrients, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, silica, and reactive phosphorus were measured in surface and in near-bottom waters at previously established locations in both northern and southern reaches of the bay. Salinity, turbidity, and concentrations of suspended particulate matter also were measured. Additionally, in Water Year 1991, concentrations of dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus were measured. From November 1990 through April 1991, surface waters were sampled near the end of the old Dumbarton Bridge (east span). Salinity, dissolved inorganic nutrients, and alkalinity were measured for these samples. This report presents the sampling and analytical methods, and the data for these studies.

California↗