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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
USGS1991

Petrogenesis and geological history of a uranium source rock: a case study in northeastern Washington, U.S.A.

A small (4 km 2 ) drainage basin in northeastern Washington contains highly uraniferous groundwater and highly uraniferous peaty sediments of Holocene age. The U is derived from granitic bedrock that underlies the entire drainage basin and that contains 9–16 ppm U. This local bedrock was studied by petrographic, chemical and isotopic methods to determine conditions of its petrogenesis and post-emplacement history that may have contributed to its present high U content and source-rock capability. The original magma was derived by anatexis of Precambrian continental crust of probable mixed metaigneous and metasedimentary character. Mineral-melt partitioning controlled the enrichment of U in chemically evolved phases of the crystallizing melt. Following emplacement in the upper crust at ∼100Ma, the pluton interacted with meteoric-hydrothermal water at ambient temperatures 300°C. Locally intense fracturing promoted alteration, and fracturing and alteration probably continued during later regional uplift in the Eocene. Regional uplift was followed by low-temperature alteration and weathering in the middle to late Tertiary. The combined result of hydrothermal alteration and low-temperature alteration and weathering was the redistribution of U from primary mineral hosts such as allanite to new sites on fracture surfaces and in secondary minerals such as hematite. Zones of highly fractured and altered rock show the most obvious evidence of this process. A model is proposed in which high-angle fractures beneath the drainage basin were the sites of Tertiary supergene enrichments of U. Recent glacio-isostatic uplift has elevated these older enriched zones to shallow levels where they are now being leached by oxidizing groundwater. The chemistry, mineralogy, texture and geological history of this U source-rock suggest criteria for locating other granitic terrane that may contain uraniferous waters and associated young surficial U deposits. The details of U distribution and mobility at this site also apply to the general topic of U mobility in granitic rocks.

Washington↗
USGS1947

Part 3: Volcano investigations on Umnak Island, 1946

Umnak Island is a dumbbell-shaped island in the eastern part of the Aleutian Islands. The island is 70 miles long and trends northeast-southwest. During 1946 volcano investigations were begun on the island and geologic mapping of most of northeastern Umnak Island was completed. Okmok Volcano, a large, broad volcanic mountain rising to altitudes of 3,000 to 3,500 feet, occupies the central portion of northeastern Umnak Island. Fort Glenn, and Army airbase, is situated on the eastern end of the island, approximately 9 miles east of Okmok Volcano. The central part of Okmok Volcano is indented by Okmok caldera, a large cliff-rimmed volcanic depression, 7%, miles in maximum diameter. The floor of the caldera is 1,500 to 2,500 feet below the caldera rim. Nine large cinder cones and many small ones lie on the caldera floor, chiefly along two arcuate zones. The caldera is drained by Crater Creek, which flows through a deep gorge cut in the northeastern wall of the caldera, and into Bering Sea. Mount Tulik (4,111 feet altitude) and Mount Idak (1,918 feet altitude) arc important centers of ancient volcanism on the flanks of Okmok Volcano. The geologic history of Okmok Volcano falls into three stages: The first includes the upbuilding of an ancient cone—Mount Okmok—to an altitude of at least 6;500 feet on the site of the present caldera; the second encompasses the destruction in a castastrophic eruption of the summit cone and the formation of the caldera; the third comprises events since the great eruption. The earliest activity at Mount Okmok probably dates hack to the late Tertiary period. A composite cone, concave-sided in profile, was built by the alternate eruption of ash, coarse pyroclastics, and basalt flows. During the late Pleistocene, volcanic activity at Mount Okmok was greatly reduced and a topography of late youth was carved on the lower slopes by streams and valley glaciers. The summit of Mount Okmok was upwarped and dikes and necks were injected into the resulting fractures. A large volcano at the site of Mount Idak was active during part of the period of upbuilding at Mount Okmok but became extinct during the middle Pleistocene. A parasitic vent, Mount Tulik, became active during the late Pleistocene and built a steep-sided cone before it became extinct, shortly before the formation of Okmok caldera. A cataclysmic eruption terminated the period of dissection at Mount Okmok, 10,000 or more years ago. Part of the summit was blown away by the explosive violence of this eruption. Nuees ardentes (glowing clouds) and mudflows deposited tuff-breccia and agglomerate in the glacial valleys; later phases of the eruption blanketed the landscape with ash. Near the end of the eruption, the remaining upper part of the volcano collapsed along arcuate fractures: large blocks subsided several thousand feet and are now concealed in the caldera Poor beneath later deposits. A large arcuate fault block which subsided less than other blocks stands above the floor in the northeastern part of the caldera. After the eruption, water collected in the caldera, forming a lake. Small but frequently active cones built islands in the lake and covered its bottom with pyroclastic debris. The lake eventually overflowed the lowest point in the rim of the caldera, and Crater Creek Gorge was carved, draining the lake and dissecting its deposits. Renewed movement along faults at the head of Crater Creek Gorge later raised a harrier which temporarily dammed the drainage and formed a second caldera lake. Readjustments among subsided blocks in the caldera floor resulted in the folding of postcaldera deposits at several localities. Much of the caldera floor has been covered by lava flows extruded from several cones since the draining of the first caldera lake. In general, however, volcanic activity seems to have declined since the great caldera-forming eruption. Seven eruptions from cones on the caldera floor have been recorded since 1817; the latest occurred in 1945. As part of the geochemical program for the study of Okmok Volcano, temperatures of fumaroles were measured and samples of the products of the volcanic activity were analyzed. Average temperatures of fumaroles at one source of the 1945 lava low dropped from 320° C. on July 19 to 90° C. on September 5. The temperatures of fumaroles associated with the crater vents on both Cones A and C ranged from 95° C. to 97" C., which is slightly below the condensation point of steam, indicating the presence of minor quantities of gases other than steam. The magmatic gases of fumaroles on Cone A consisted of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide in about equal amounts. The lack of halogen acid gases in the fumaroles and the steadily dropping temperatures arc interpreted as indicating that the present quiescence of Cone A will continue for many months. Solid reaction products from areas of fumarolic activity on Cone A are sulfates of sodium, calcium, and iron. The presence of hydrogen sulfide as the dominant sulfur gas at Cone C is interpreted as indicating the dying stages of the present cycle of activity of Cone C. Thermal springs along the north base of Cone D have a total discharge of 115 cubic feet per second. Their average temperature is approximately 7° C. above the annual mean. From these figures it is calculated that about 21,000 kilogram calories per second are being given off by Cone D. The spring waters contain minute quantities of boron which is indicative of a magmatic source for a small part of the water. Hence, Cone D though quiescent is not extinct. Evidence is presented to show that most of the spring water from Cone D is meteoric in origin. Thermal waters in the southwestern part of Umnak Island at Hot Springs Cove and south of Geyser Bight contain lithium, boron, arsenic, and antimony in solution. These elements are regarded as derived from underlying magmas that are in an advanced state of crystallization and hence not likely to give rise in the near future to large-scale volcanic activity. Three portable seismographs were placed on the flanks of Okmok Volcano and were in operation during most of the period from June 1 to October 1. During this period several slight tremors and one moderate tremor, all of distant origin, were registered, but no tremors attributable to Okmok Volcano were recorded. The lack of tremor records, however, may have been due more to the insensitivity of the instruments than to the absence of tremors. Earth-current investigations were carried on during August and September by comparison of records obtained from a base station at Fort Glenn with those from a station 1 V2 miles southwest of Mount Tulik. The records obtained indicate that no difference in magnitude or direction of earth currents existed between the Fort Glenn and Mount Tulik areas. The similarity of record obtained is indicative of the absence of a disturbing factor such as a large body of live magma beneath Okmok Volcano. Future eruptions of Okmok Volcano are expected to he of mild to moderate intensity, and will he chiefly in the form of ash falls from vents inside the caldera. There would be a great menace—in the form of lava flows, nuees ardentes, and mudflows—to installations at Fort Glenn if a new center of volcanism came into existence on the east slope of Okmok Volcano. Small postcaldera cones now exposed there indicate that extra-caldera eruptions have occurred in the recent past and can be expected in the future. The possibility of another catastrophic eruption of the caldera-forming type, however, is remote. Okmok Volcano should be kept under close observation, partly because of its possible threat to Fort Glenn and partly because it is a readily accessible locale for accumulating information on details of volcanic processes, applicable to other volcanoes in the Aleutian arc and elsewhere.

Alaska↗
USGS2016

Baseline assessment of groundwater quality in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, 2014

The Devonian-age Marcellus Shale and the Ordovician-age Utica Shale, geologic formations which have potential for natural gas development, underlie Wayne County and neighboring counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2014, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Wayne Conservation District, conducted a study to assess baseline shallow groundwater quality in bedrock aquifers in Wayne County prior to potential extensive shale-gas development. The 2014 study expanded on previous, more limited studies that included sampling of groundwater from 2 wells in 2011 and 32 wells in 2013 in Wayne County. Eighty-nine water wells were sampled in summer 2014 to provide data on the presence of methane and other aspects of existing groundwater quality throughout the county, including concentrations of inorganic constituents commonly present at low levels in shallow, fresh groundwater but elevated in brines associated with fluids extracted from geologic formations during shale-gas development. Depths of sampled wells ranged from 85 to 1,300 feet (ft) with a median of 291 ft. All of the groundwater samples collected in 2014 were analyzed for bacteria, major ions, nutrients, selected inorganic trace constituents (including metals and other elements), radon-222, gross alpha- and gross beta-particle activity, selected man-made organic compounds (including volatile organic compounds and glycols), dissolved gases (methane, ethane, and propane), and, if sufficient methane was present, the isotopic composition of methane. Results of the 2014 study show that groundwater quality generally met most drinking-water standards, but some well-water samples had one or more constituents or properties, including arsenic, iron, pH, bacteria, and radon-222, that exceeded primary or secondary maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Arsenic concentrations were higher than the MCL of 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L) in 4 of 89 samples (4.5 percent) with concentrations as high as 20 µg/L; arsenic concentrations were higher than the Health Advisory level of 2 µg/L in 27 of 89 samples (30 percent). Total iron concentrations exceeded the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 300 µg/L in 9 of 89 samples (10 percent). The pH ranged from 5.4 to 9.3 and did not meet the SMCL range of greater than 6.5 to less than 8.5 in 27 samples (30 percent); 22 samples had pH values less than 6.5, and 5 samples had pH values greater than 8.5. Total coliform bacteria were detected in 22 of 89 samples (25 percent); Escherichia coli were detected in only 2 of those 22 samples. Radon-222 activities ranged from 25 to 7,400 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), with a median of 2,120 pCi/L, and exceeded the proposed drinking-water standard of 300 pCi/L in 86 of 89 samples (97 percent); radon-222 activities were higher than the alternative proposed standard of 4,000 pCi/L in 12 of 89 samples (13.5 percent). Water from 8 of the 89 wells (9 percent) had concentrations of methane greater than the reporting level of 0.24 milligrams per liter (mg/L) with the detectable methane concentrations ranging from 0.74 to 9.6 mg/L. Of 16 replicate samples submitted to another laboratory with a lower reporting level of 0.0002 mg/L, 15 samples had detectable methane concentrations that ranged from 0.0011 to 9.7 mg/L. Of these 15 samples, low levels of ethane (0.00032 to 0.0017 mg/L) were detected in 6 of 7 samples with methane concentrations greater than 0.75 mg/L. The isotopic composition of methane in 6 of 8 samples with sufficient dissolved methane (about 1 mg/L) for isotopic analysis is consistent with a predominantly thermogenic methane source (sample carbon isotopic ratio δ13C CH4 values ranging from -56.36 to -45.97 parts per thousand (‰) and hydrogen isotopic ratio δD CH4 values ranging from -233.1 to -141.1 ‰). However, the low levels of ethane relative to methane indicate that the methane may be of microbial origin and subsequently underwent oxidation. Isotopic compositions indicated a possibly mixed thermogenic and microbial source (carbon dioxide reduction process) for the methane in 1 of the 8 samples (δ 13 C CH4 of -63.72 and δD CH4 of -192.3 ‰) and potential oxidation of microbial and (or) thermogenic methane in the remaining sample (δ 13 C CH4 of -46.56 and δD CH4 of -79.7 ‰). Groundwater samples with relatively elevated methane concentrations (near or greater than 1 mg/L) had a chemical composition that differed in some respects (pH, selected major ions, and inorganic trace constituents) from groundwater with relatively low methane concentrations (less than 0.75 mg/L). The seven well-water samples with the highest methane concentrations (from about 1 to 9.6 mg/L) also had among the highest pH values (8.1 to 9.3, respectively) and the highest concentrations of sodium, lithium, boron, fluoride, arsenic, and bromide. Relatively elevated concentrations of some other constituents, such as barium, strontium, and chloride, commonly were present in, but not limited to, those well-water samples with elevated methane. Groundwater samples with the highest methane concentrations had chloride/bromide ratios that indicate mixing with a small amount of brine (0.02 percent or less, by volume) similar in composition to that reported for gas and oil well brines in Pennsylvania. Most other samples with low methane concentrations (less than about 1 mg/L) had chloride/bromide ratios that indicate predominantly man-made sources of chloride, such as road salt, septic systems, and (or) animal waste. Although naturally occurring brines may originate from deeper parts of the aquifer system, the man-made sources are likely to affect shallow groundwater. Geochemical modeling showed that the water chemistry of samples with elevated pH, sodium, lithium, bromide, and alkalinity could result from dissolution of calcite (calcium carbonate) combined with cation exchange and mixing with a small amount of brine. Through cation exchange reactions (which are equivalent to processes in a water softener) calcium ions released by calcite dissolution are exchanged for sodium ions on clay minerals. The spatial distribution of groundwater compositions generally shows that (1) relatively dilute, slightly acidic, oxygenated, calcium-carbonate type waters tend to occur in the uplands along the western border of Wayne County; (2) waters of near neutral pH with the highest amounts of hardness (calcium and magnesium) generally occur in areas of intermediate altitudes; and (3) waters with pH values greater than 8, low oxygen concentrations, and the highest arsenic, sodium, lithium, bromide, and methane concentrations can occur in deep wells in uplands but most frequently occur in stream valleys, especially at low elevations (less than about 1,200 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988) where groundwater may be discharging regionally, such as to the Delaware River. Thus, the baseline assessment of groundwater quality in Wayne County prior to gas-well development shows that shallow (less than about 1,000 ft deep) groundwater is generally of good quality, but methane and some constituents present in high concentrations in brine (and produced waters from gas and oil wells) may be present at low to moderate concentrations in some parts of Wayne County.

Pennsylvania↗
USGS1990

Source parameters and effects of bandwidth and local geology on high- frequency ground motions observed for aftershocks of the northeastern Ohio earthquake of 31 January 1986

A 10-station array (GEOS) yielded recordings of exceptional bandwidth (400 sps) and resolution (up to 96 dB) for the aftershocks of the moderate ( m b ≈ 4.9) earthquake that occurred on 31 January 1986 near Painesville, Ohio. Nine aftershocks were recorded with seismic moments ranging between 9 × 10 16 and 3 × 10 19 dyne-cm ( M w : 0.6 to 2.3). The two largest aftershocks (depth 5.3, 5.6 km; oblique right slip, rake ≈30°, strike ≈N25°E) yielded seismic signals above background noise at frequencies as high as 130 Hz at epicentral distances up to 17 km. The aftershock recordings at a site underlain by ≈8 m of lakeshore sediments show significant levels of high-frequency soil amplification of vertical motion at frequencies near 8, 20, and 70 Hz. Viscoelastic models for P and SV waves incident at the base of the sediments yield estimates of vertical P -wave response consistent with the observed high-frequency site resonances, but suggest additional detailed shear-wave logs are needed to account for observed S -wave response. Peak acceleration values obtained from the broadband recordings are about two and four times as large as those that would be recorded on strong-motion recorders or short-period networks with upper bandwidth limits of 30 and 15 Hz, respectively. Attenuation-corrected acceleration spectra are used to reduce the influence of high-frequency (up to 100 Hz) local site effects on corner frequency estimates. The moment versus source radius trend inferred for events with moments as small as 9 × 10 16 dyne-cm, based on the Brune source model, extends previous relations inferred for the central United States, shows little evidence for a minimum source radius, and suggests that stress drops for the smaller events ( M 0 < 10 19 dyne-cm) decrease with decreasing moment.

Ohio↗
USGS1988

Geologic structure and altitude of the top of the Minnelusa Formation, northeastern Black Hills, South Dakota

This map shows the altitude of the top of the Permian--and Pennsylvanian age Minnelusa Formation, the deepest aquifer in the northeastern Black Hills for which there is sufficient data available to construct a structural map. The Minnelusa Formation outcrops in the western part of the map area and is more than 3 ,600 ft below land surface in the northeastern corner of the area. The formation consists of interbedded sandstone, sandy dolomite and limestone, shale, siltstone, gypsum, and anhydrite. The upper beds are an aquifer and the lower beds are a confining or semi-confining unit. Small anticlines and synclines parallel the Minnelusa outcrop. Domal structures and peaks in the study area are the result of Tertiary-age intrusions. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2026

Reconstructing the Quaternary depositional history using geologic mapping and three-dimensional modeling of the subsurface near Fort Morgan, northeastern Colorado

Centered on Fort Morgan, Colorado, this study is intended to build from previous work by adding a three-dimensional (3D) view of the subsurface to better understand the depositional history of Quaternary deposits. A 1:100,000 scale geologic map was made by combining previous geologic maps, regional soil maps, and recent field investigations. In addition to the geologic mapping, drill hole lithologic data from water wells and oil and gas exploration were compiled and lithologic units simplified to best represent the stratigraphy of the Quaternary deposits. From these subsurface data, a 3D subsurface model was constructed, trimmed at the surface by a digital elevation model, and a bedrock surface foundation gridded from drill hole data was added. The surface of the 3D model was then compared visually to the surficial geologic map. Cross sections were constructed from the 3D model and compared to site-specific drilling that was done as part of this project. Finally, the model was examined in detail to reconstruct the depositional history of the subsurface alluvial and eolian units. Alluvial and fluvial drainage basins exposed in the subsurface have a greater areal extent than the present-day narrow drainages. Older eolian sand in the subsurface tends to be interbedded with loess indicating coeval deposition. Holocene sand, both eroded from bedrock exposed at the surface north of the study area and reworked from the South Platte River, buries most of the interbedded older sand and loess.

Colorado↗
USGS2025

Hydrogeologic mapping and three-dimensional geologic modeling of glacial deposits in a multicounty area of southeastern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio

The glacial deposits underlying southeastern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio are a substantial source of water to communities, agriculture, and industry in the region. Previous efforts to characterize aquifer materials in the area cited a need for additional information about the underlying hydrogeologic characteristics and related groundwater availability as well as improved mapping of the extent and properties of the glacial deposits. Recent U.S. Geological Survey multi-State compilations of water-well drilling records have greatly increased access to high-resolution geologic data, particularly in glacial depositional environments. This study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, uses processed data from the State-managed collections of well records to characterize the glacial deposits in the study area using two methods. The first method creates two-dimensional maps of basic hydrogeologic information commonly required for assessments of groundwater availability, including (1) total thickness of glacial deposits, (2) total thickness of coarse-grained deposits, (3) specific-capacity-based transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity, and (4) texture-based estimated equivalent horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The second method builds a hydrogeologic framework of the complex glacial aquifer through construction of a volumetric geologic model by using three-dimensional kriging. Results of the volumetric model indicate that aquifer materials are primarily concentrated in the western parts of the study area near the Indiana-Ohio border. Coarse-grained sediments are also present as surficial deposits in the north of the study area where intermixing glacial advances created complex distributions of unconsolidated deposits. Two-dimensional maps of hydrogeologic properties support the volumetric model, showing thicknesses of coarse-grained deposits that reach up to 250 feet in the western sections of the study area and progressively thin to near absence in the east. Visualization of the aquifer materials with a volumetric model generally shows a highly discontinuous distribution of coarse- and fine-grained materials, with no clearly defined boundaries to delineate the extent of the aquifer. Comparisons of cross sections derived from the volumetric model with existing published maps support previous near-surface hydrogeologic interpretations while filling gaps where data are sparse, particularly in deeper parts of the aquifer. Both the two-dimensional maps and the volumetric model provide data that can directly inform assessments of groundwater availability, in addition to having future applications to studies of groundwater flow and transport.

Indiana, Michigan, Ohio↗
USGS1994

Occurrence of herbicides, nitrite plus nitrate, and selected trace elements in ground water from northwestern and northeastern Missouri, July 1991 and 1992

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Missouri Department of Health collected water samples for analysis of nitrite plus nitrate and herbicides from rural domestic wells in northwestern and northeastern Missouri in 1991 and 1992. In July 1991, samples were collected from 130 wells in Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, Gentry, and Nodaway Counties in northwestern Missouri. Nitrite plus nitrate concentrations as nitrogen ranged from less than 0.05 to 63 milligrams per liter. Nitrite plus nitrate concentrations exceeded the State drinking-water standard of 10 milligrams per liter in water samples from 28 wells. One or more of the herbicides--alachlor, atrazine, cyanazine; metribuzin, metolachlor, and trifluralin--were detected at concentrations greater than or equal to 0.05 micrograms per liter in 19 samples. Atrazine was detected in water samples from 16 wells. In July 1992, water samples were collected from 147 wells in Audrain, Clark, Lewis, Monroe, Scotland, and Shelby Counties in northeastern Missouri. Nitrite plus nitrate as nitrogen concentrations in samples ranged from less than 0.05 to 60 milligrams per liter and exceeded 10 milligrams per liter in samples from 28 wells. One or more of the herbicides-alachlor, atrazine, cyanazine, metribuzin, and metolachlor-were detected at concentrations greater than 0.10 microgram per liter in water samples from 19 of the wells sampled. Atrazine was detected in water from 18 wells.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1984

Recent studies indicate that major structures in northeastern Nevada and the Golconda thrust in north-central Nevada are of Jurassic or Cretaceous age

Geologic mapping recently completed in four areas of northeastern Nevada indicates that major folds and thrusts are of post-Early Triassic age and probably are Jurassic or Cretaceous. Previously published data for northeastern Nevada lead to, or permit, the same conclusion. Basinal deposits of Early Triassic age in the northern Adobe Range are easterly derived clay and carbonate. The apparent lack of westerly derived siliceous orogenic sediments of Sonoma age (Late Permian to Early Triassic) suggests that the Sonoma orogeny took place at some unknown location far from northeastern Nevada and that rocks deformed then, the Golconda allochthon, were emplaced in northern Nevada at a later date.

Nevada↗
USGS2005

Effects of nonpoint and selected point contaminant sources on stream-water quality and relation to land use in Johnson County, northeastern Kansas, October 2002 through June 2004

Water and sediment samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in 12 watersheds in Johnson County, northeastern Kansas, to determine the effects of nonpoint and selected point contaminant sources on stream-water quality and their relation to varying land use. The streams studied were located in urban areas of the county (Brush, Dykes Branch, Indian, Tomahawk, and Turkey Creeks), developing areas of the county (Blue River and Mill Creek), and in more rural areas of the county (Big Bull, Captain, Cedar, Kill, and Little Bull Creeks). Two base-flow synoptic surveys (73 total samples) were conducted in 11 watersheds, a minimum of three stormflow samples were collected in each of six watersheds, and 15 streambed-sediment sites were sampled in nine watersheds from October 2002 through June 2004. Discharge from seven wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) were sampled during base-flow synoptic surveys. Discharge from these facilities comprised greater than 50 percent of streamflow at the farthest downstream sampling site in six of the seven watersheds during base-flow conditions. Nutrients, organic wastewater-indicator compounds, and prescription and nonprescription pharmaceutical compounds generally were found in the largest concentrations during base-flow conditions at sites at, or immediately downstream from, point-source discharges from WWTFs. Downstream from WWTF discharges streamflow conditions were generally stable, whereas nutrient and wastewater-indicator compound concentrations decreased in samples from sites farther downstream. During base-flow conditions, sites upstream from WWTF discharges had significantly larger fecal coliform and Escherichia coli densities than downstream sites. Stormflow samples had the largest suspended-sediment concentrations and indicator bacteria densities. Other than in samples from sites in proximity to WWTF discharges, stormflow samples generally had the largest nutrient concentrations in Johnson County streams. Discharge from WWTFs with trickling-filter secondary treatment processes had the largest concentrations of many potential contaminants during base-flow conditions. Samples from two of three trickling-filter WWTFs exceeded Kansas Department of Health and Environment pH- and temperature-dependent chronic aquatic-life criteria for ammonia when early-life stages of fish are present. Discharge from trickling-filter facilities generally had the most detections and largest concentrations of many organic wastewater-indicator compounds in Johnson County stream-water samples. Caffeine (stimulant), nonylphenol-diethoxylate (detergent surfactant), and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (floor polish, flame retardant, and plasticizer) were found at concentrations larger than maximum concentrations in comparable studies. Land use and seasonality affected the occurrence and magnitude of many potential water-quality contaminants originating from nonpoint sources. Base-flow samples from urban sites located upstream from WWTF discharges had larger indicator bacteria densities and wastewater-indicator compound concentrations than did base-flow samples from sites in nonurban areas. Dissolved-solids concentrations were the largest in winter stormflow samples from urban sites and likely were due to runoff from road-salt application. One sample from an urban watershed had a chloride concentration of 1,000 milligrams per liter, which exceeded the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's acute aquatic-life use criterion (860 milligrams per liter) likely due to effects from road-salt application. Pesticide concentrations were the largest in spring stormflow samples collected in nonurban watersheds. Although most wastewater-indicator compounds were found at the largest concentrations in samples from WWTF discharges, the compounds 9-10, anthraquinone (bird repellent), caffeine (stimulant), carbazole (component of coal tar, petroleum products), nonylphenol-diethoxylate (detergent surfactant),

Scientific Investigations Report↗
USGS1956

Regional gravity survey in northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas

In 1948 the U. S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, made a regional gravity survey in northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas in connection with the studies of the deflection of the vertical. About 550 gravity stations were occupied with spacings of 5 to 10 miles in parts of 54 counties, and a Bouguer anomaly map, contoured at intervals of 5 milligals, was drawn. In southeastern Kansas there is a lack of correlation of regional gravity with known regional structural geology. The observed gravity anomalies are apparently caused principally by variations of density in the Precambrian basement and indicate a basement of complex nature, made up of rocks of contrasting properties, with a regional grain striking predominantly west or west-northwest. In northeastern Oklahoma the several observed regional gravity anomalies indicate different degrees of correlation of regional gravity with regional structural geology. In the Precambrian highland area in Osage, Pawnee, and Creek Counties, there is a lack of correlation, as the gravity anomaly is probably caused chiefly by density contrasts within the basement complex. The anomaly associated with the Hunton arch is probably caused partly by structural relief of the rocks of pre-Pennsylvanian age and partly by density contrasts within the basement, and thus indicates some correlation. The steep gravity gradients along the outer flanks of the Ozark uplift indicate good correlation with the subsurface geology. The great anomaly over the Arkansas basin, which indicates a close correlation, is probably caused largely--but perhaps not entirely--by downwarping of the basement and pre-Pennsylvanian rocks.

Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma↗
USGS2008

Sidescan-sonar imagery and surficial geologic interpretations of the sea floor in central Rhode Island Sound

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to interpret the surficial geology of areas along the northeastern coast of the United States. During 2004, the NOAA Ship RUDE conducted Hydrographic Survey H11321 in Rhode Island Sound. This sidescan-sonar and bathymetry survey covers an area of 93 km? located 12 km southeast of Brenton Point, RI in water depths of 28-39 m (fig. 1). The purpose of this report is to delineate sea floor features and sedimentary environments of this area in central Rhode Island Sound using sidescan-sonar and bathymetric data from NOAA Survey H11321 and seismic-reflection data from a previous USGS field study (Needell and others, 1983a). This is important for the study of benthic habitats and provides a framework for future research. Prior work in this area includes the mapping of surface sediments and surficial geology. McMaster (1960) collected sediment samples from Rhode Island Sound and Narragansett Bay and mapped our study area as having a sandy sea floor. In addition, one sample of sand from the National Ocean Service (NOS) Hydrographic Database came from a location in the northeast part of our study area in 1939 (fig. 2; Poppe and others, 2003). McMaster and others (1968) used seismic-reflection profiles to map the locations of a cuesta of Cretaceous sediments crossing Rhode Island Sound and post-Cretaceous drainage channels. Knebel and others (1982) identified sedimentary environments in Rhode Island Sound using sidescan sonographs. Needell and others (1983b) studied the Quaternary geology and mapped the structure, sedimentary environments, and geologic hazards in Rhode Island Sound using sidescan-sonar and seismic-reflection data. Sidescan-sonar and bathymetric data from NOAA Survey H11320, which overlaps the far eastern edge of our study area, was interpreted to consist of basins surrounded by a moraine and bathymetric highs composed of till with areas of rocks, sand waves, hummocks, glaciolacustrine erosional outliers, small scarps and elongate hills (fig. 1; McMullen and others, 2007). Some of those features extend into this study area.

Rhode Island↗
USGS2016

Quaternary geologic map of the Wolf Point 1° × 2° quadrangle, Montana and North Dakota

The Wolf Point quadrangle encompasses approximately 16,084 km 2 (6,210 mi 2 ). The northern boundary is the Montana/Saskatchewan (U.S.-Canada) boundary. The quadrangle is in the Northern Plains physiographic province and it includes the Peerless Plateau and Flaxville Plain. The primary river is the Missouri River. The map units are surficial deposits and materials, not landforms. Deposits that comprise some constructional landforms (for example, ground-moraine deposits, end-moraine deposits, and stagnation-moraine deposits, all composed of till) are distinguished for purposes of reconstruction of glacial history. Surficial deposits and materials are assigned to 23 map units on the basis of genesis, age, lithology or composition, texture or particle size, and other physical, chemical, and engineering characteristics. It is not a map of soils that are recognized in pedology or agronomy. Rather, it is a generalized map of soils recognized in engineering geology, or of substrata or parent materials in which pedologic or agronomic soils are formed. Glaciotectonic (ice-thrust) structures and deposits are mapped separately, represented by a symbol. The surficial deposits are glacial, ice-contact, glaciofluvial, alluvial, lacustrine, eolian, colluvial, and mass-movement deposits. Till of late Wisconsin age is represented by three map units. Till of Illinoian age also is mapped. Till deposited during pre-Illinoian glaciations is not mapped, but is widespread in the subsurface. Linear ice-molded landforms (primarily drumlins), shown by symbol, indicate directions of ice flow during late Wisconsin and Illinoian glaciations. The Quaternary geologic map of the Wolf Point quadrangle, northeastern Montana and North Dakota, was prepared to provide a database for compilation of a Quaternary geologic map of the Regina 4° × 6° quadrangle, United States and Canada, at scale 1:1,000,000, for the U.S. Geological Survey Quaternary Geologic Atlas of the United States map series. This map was compiled from data from many sources, at several different map scales. That information was generalized and simplified, and then transferred to a base map at 1:250,000 scale to serve as the base for final reduction to 1:1,000,000, the nominal reading scale of maps in the Quaternary Geologic Atlas of the United States map series. This map is the generalized and simplified 1:250,000 scale compilation. Letter symbols for the map units are those used for the same units in the Quaternary Geologic Atlas of the United States map series. The map summarizes new, and selected published and unpublished, geologic information for public use and for use by Federal, State, and local governmental agencies for land use planning, including assessment of natural resources, natural hazards, recreation potential, and land use management. It also is a base from which a variety of maps relating to earth surface processes and Quaternary geologic history can be derived.

Montana, North Dakota↗
USGS2012

Flood of September 13-16, 2008, in northeastern Illinois

Major flooding occurred in northeastern Illinois during September 13–16, 2008, following extended storm activity. Rainfall recorded at select Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), National Weather Service (NWS), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) rain gages in northeastern Illinois, ranged from 2.39 to 10.51 inches throughout a 51-hour period during September 12–14, 2008. The rainfall resulted in extensive urban drainage and riverine flooding, causing the evacuation of thousands of residents, millions of dollars in damages, hundreds of road closings, and two water-related fatalities in the greater Chicago area. Nine counties in northeastern Illinois (16 counties throughout the State) were declared Federal disaster areas. USGS streamgages recorded new record-peak streamflows at 13 locations as a result of the heavy rainfall. Four streamgages had a calculated annual exceedance probability (AEP) ranging from 0.2 to 1 percent, and one streamgage had a calculated AEP of less than 0.2 percent. During this flood event, USGS crews made 48 streamflow measurements at 45 streamgages. After the high-water had subsided, USGS crews set 230 high-water marks in over 40 communities along 131 miles of streams. The elevations for 117 high-water marks along approximately 100 miles of streams were measured by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources–Office of Water Resources (IDNR–OWR). Flood peak water-surface profiles for select streams are plotted from the high-water mark data.

Illinois↗