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At least 1,747 records · Page 97Linked to original sources
USGS1984

Comment on the International Atomic Energy Agency Report on the Advisory Group Meeting on Stable Isotope Reference Samples for Geochemical and Hydrological Investigation, Vienna, Austria, September 19-21, 1983

According to U.S. Geological Survey records, a report prepared by R. Gonfiantini summarizing the findings and recommendations of the 1983 Advisory Group Meeting on Stable Isotope Reference Samples for Geochemical and Hydrologic Investigations held in Vienna does not accurately represent the consultants ' consensus on three important points. The consultants (1) recommended no value for the C02-H20 oxygen isotope fractionation factor, not the cited value of 1.04115, (2) adopted a value of 1.0309 rather than 1.03086 to relate the PDB and SMOW scales, and (3) adopted a firm 180 value of -2.20% for NBS-19 on the PDB scale rather than agreeing that this would be a tentative value subject to modification when more measurements in selected laboratories are available. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1985

Hydrology of Lake Placid and adjacent area, Highlands County, Florida

The study conducted during 1982-83, documents hydrologic conditions in Lake Placid and surrounding areas of Florida. Lake-stage data indicate that the 2- to 50-year flood stage ranges from 93.9 to 96.2 ft. Lake stage is reflected by annual departure of precipitation of the previous year from long-term average. A bathymetric map at 5 ft intervals indicates sinks in the lake bottom. Maximum depth and volume were 54 ft and more than 85,000 acre-feet, respectively. Lake Placid is a surface expression of the water table surficial aquifer with normal flow direction from south to north. Above average amounts of precipitation during winter 1983 created a groundwater mound north of Mirror Lake that caused reversal of the groundwater gradient in the water table aquifer. Lake water is neutral to slightly acidic, with low alkalinity and salinity. Nutrient concentrations are low and remain constant since 1966. Water samples collected since 1966 show trends toward increasing ionic composition and dissolved solids. Organic, inorganic, and phytoplankton analyses show Lake Placid to be relatively clear and clean. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1984

Evaluation of the hydrologic system and potential effects of mining in the Dickinson lignite area, eastern slope and western Stark and Hettinger counties, North Dakota

The investigation of the water resources of the Dickinson lignite area, an area of about 500 square miles, was undertaken to define the hydrologic system of the area and to project probable effects of coal mining on the system. Aquifers occur in sandstone beds in: the Fox Hills Sandstone and the lower Hell Creek Formation of Cretaceous age, the upper Hell Creek Formation of Cretaceous age and the lower Ludlow Member of the Fort Union Formation of Tertiary age, and the upper Ludlow and lower Tongue River Members of the Fort Union Formation of Tertiary age. Aquifers also occur in the sandstone and lignite lenses in the upper Tongue River Member and the Sentinel Butte Member of the Fort Union Formation. Depths to the Fox Hills-lower Hell Creek aquifer system range from about 1,300 to 1,710 feet. Well yields range from 18 to 100 gallons per minute. The water is soft and is a sodium bicarbonate type. Dissolvedsolids concentrations in samples collected from the aquifer system ranged from 1,230 to 1,690 milligrams per liter. Depths to the upper Hell Creek-lower Ludlow aquifer system range from about 720 to 1,040 feet. Well yields generally are less than 30 gallons per minute but may be as much as 150 gallons per minute. The water is soft and a sodium bicarbonate type. Dissolved-solids concentrations in samples collected from the aquifer system ranged from 1,010 to 1,450 milligrams per liter. Depths to the upper Ludlow-lower Tongue River aquifer system range from about 440 to 713 feet. Well yields may range from about 1 to 100 gallons per minute. The water generally is soft and a sodium bicarbonate type but may be moderately hard and a sulfate type in the southwestern part of the area. Dissolved-solids concentrations in samples collected from the aquifer system ranged from 995 to 1,990 milligrams per liter. Depths to the upper Tongue River-Sentinel Butte aquifer system range from near land surface to about 530 feet below land surface. Well yields generally range from about 1 to 185 gallons per minute. Yields from the lignite parts of the system range from about 2 to 60 gallons per minute. The water generally is a sodium bicarbonate type, but locally sulfate is the dominant anion. Dissolved-solids concentrations in samples collected from the aquifer system generally ranged from 574 to 2,720 milligrams per liter.

North Dakota↗
USGS1986

Geologic, hydrologic, and cultural factors in the selection of sites for the land disposal of wastes in Washington

As part of a program to deal with the problems of waste disposal in Washington, the Department of Ecology (WDOE), in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, completed a study designed to provide the geologic, hydrologic, and cultural data needed to evaluate the suitability of State land areas for the disposal of wastes. Data portraying the distribution of factors that could affect the suitability of areas in Washington for waste disposal were presented in a series of 18 maps (overlays). The factors selected include major geologic units; natural hazards from earthquakes, faulting, and volcanoes; climate; locations of major surface-water and groundwater bodies; population density; and land and water uses. Within each factor (map) the data were grouped into class intervals and the intervals for most factors ranked according to their relative suitability/unsuitability for land disposal of wastes following criteria supplied by WDOE. Areas of the State considered completely unsuitable (as determined by WDOE personnel) for waste disposal because of current or proposed land uses were excluded from ranking. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1984

Gazetteer of hydrologic characteristics of streams in Massachusetts — Coastal river basins of the North Shore and Massachusetts Bay

The coastal river basins of the North Shore and Boston Bay include streams draining the Parker River (60.4 square miles), Rowley River (9.9 square miles), Ipswich River (156 miles), Mystic River (66.0 square miles), Charles River (311 square miles), Neponset River (117 square miles), Weymouth Fore and Weymouth Back Rivers (about 63 square miles) and Weir River (about 20 square miles) basins. The study area in eastern and northeastern Massachusetts also includes the minor river basins draining into Massachusetts Bay, Ipswich Bay, or the Atlantic Ocean. Drainage areas using the latest available 1:24,000 scale topographic maps were computed for the first time for streams draining more than 3 square miles and were recomputed for data-collection sites. Streamflow characteristics at 15 gaging stations were calculated using a new data base with daily flow records through 1981. These characteristics include annual and monthly flow statistics, duration of daily flow values, and the annual 7-day mean low flow at the 2-year and 10-year recurrence intervals. Seven-day low-flow statistics are presented for 95 partial-record sites and the procedures used to determine the hydrologic characteristics of a basin are summarized. Basin characteristics representing 14 commonly used indices to estimate various streamflows are presented for 15 gaged streams. This gazetteer will aid in the planning and siting of water-resources related activities and will provide a common data base for governmental agencies and the engineering and planning communities. (USGS)

Massachusetts↗
USGS1984

Gazetteer of hydrologic characteristics of streams in Massachusetts — Blackstone River basin

The Blackstone River basin encompasses 335 square miles in south-central Massachusetts, including parts of Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester Counties. Drainage areas, using the latest available 1:24,000 scale topographic maps, were computed for the first time for streams draining more than 3 square miles and were recomputed for data-collection sites. Streamflow characteristics, were calculated using a new data base with records through 1980. These characteristics include annual and monthly flow statistics, duration of daily flow values, and the annual 7-day mean low flow at the 2-year and 10-year recurrence intervals. The 7-day, 10-year low-flow values are presented for 31 partial-record sites and the procedures used to determine the hydrologic characteristics of the basin are summarized. Basin characteristics representing 14 commonly used indices to estimate various streamflows are presented for the six gaged streams in the Blackstone River basin. This gazetteer will aid in the planning and siting of water-resources-related activities and will provide a common data base for governmental agencies and the engineering and planning communities.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island↗
USGS1987

Hydrologic analysis of two headwater lake basins of differing lake pH in the west-central Adirondack Mountains of New York

Hydrologic analysis of two headwater lake basins in the Adirondack Mountains, New York, during 1980-81 indicates that the degree of neutralization of acid precipitation is controlled by the groundwater contribution to the lake. According to flow-duration analyses, daily mean outflow/unit area from the neutral lake (Panther Lake, pH 5-7) was more sustained and contained a higher percentage of groundwater than that of the acidic lake (Woods Lake, pH 4-5). Outflow recession rates and maximum base-flow rates, derived from individual recession curves, were 3.9 times and 1.5 times greater, respectively, in the neutral-lake basin than in the acidic-lake basin. Groundwater contribution to lake outflow was also calculated from a lake-water budget; the groundwater contribution to the neutral lake was about 10 times greater than that to the acidic lake. Thick sandy till forms the groundwater reservoir and the major recharge area in both basins but covers 8.5 times more area in the neutral-lake basin than in the acidic-lake basin. More groundwater storage within the neutral basin provides longer contact time with neutralizing minerals and more groundwater discharge. As a result, the neutral lake has relatively high pH and alkalinity, and more net cation transport. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1985

Summary of hydrologic information for the Denver coal region, Colorado

A literature review of available hydrologic information for the Denver coal region is presented. Where little information is available, data from the U.S. Geological Survey 's WATSTORE data base are summarized. The information is divided into three categories: surface water, surface water quality, and groundwater. Data generally are lacking on surface water and surface water quality. The effects of man 's activities on streamflow quantity and quality are not known. Considerable literature is available on the major aquifers in the area, but less is known about the shallow groundwater system. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1984

Conceptual hydrologic model of flow in the unsaturated zone, Yucca Mountain, Nevada

The unsaturated volcanic tuffs beneath Yucca Mountain, Nevada, are being evaluated as a host rock for a potential repository for high-level radioactive waste. A conceptual hydrologic model is proposed to describe the flow of fluids through these rocks. Thickness of the unsaturated zone is about 500 to 750 meters and consists of three welded units interlayered with two nonwelded units. Compared to nonwelded units, welded units have low matrix porosities and permeabilities, high fracture densities, and high bulk hydraulic conductivities. The principal repository area is bounded by normal fault zones. Of the average annual precipitation of 150 millimeters per year, 0.5 to 4.5 millimeters per year becomes net infiltration. Percolation through the matrix of the welded units is principally vertical and is less than 1 millimeter per year. Percolation through nonwelded units occurs both vertically and laterally and has variable rates (0.1 to 100 millimeters per year). Fracture flow is predominant in the uppermost welded unit during intense pulses of infiltration, but is insignificant in the welded unit that forms the potential host rock. Lateral flow in the upper nonwelded unit, enhanced by existence of a capillary barrier, probably is the factor controlling the low fluxes in the host rock and relatively high fluxes in the structural features. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Areal and temporal variability of selected water-quality characteristics in two hydrologic-benchmark basins in the northeastern United States

Two U.S. Geological Survey National Hydrologic Benchmark stations--Young Womans Creek near Renovo, Pennsylvania and Esopus Creek at Shandaken, New York--were studied to (1) define, both areally and temporally, variations of stream acidity and other water quality characteristics within the basins; (2) evaluate how well the data collected at the Benchmark station represent the water quality conditions upstream; (3) define relations between streamflow acidity or pH; and (4) provide a data base to detect trends in quality of headwater streams. Samples were collected at nine sites, including the Benchmark station, in each basin for three series of measurements over a range of streamflows. Along with streamflow, samples were analyzed for water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, acidity, alkalinity, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved nitrite plus nitrate. The results of the measurements indicated little water quality variation in the Young Womans Creek basin. Therefore, the data collected at the Benchmark station can be used to reflect upstream changes in water quality. The data collected at the Esopus Creek station did not reflect upstream conditions as well as the Young Womans Creek data because the water quality varied throughout the basin. Few strong relations were found between streamflow and the water quality characteristics examined in this study. The Esopus Creek data indicated the possibility of relationships between streamflow and alkalinity, dissolved nitrite plus nitrate, and specific conductance. No relations were found between streamflow and the Young Womans Creek water quality data. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1985

Evaluation of the Mission, Santee, and Tijuana hydrologic subareas for reclaimed-water use, San Diego County, California

A study was made to determine the suitability of three small hydrologic subareas in San Diego County, California, for reuse of treated municipal wastewater (reclaimed water). Groundwater quality has been impacted by agricultural water use, changes in natural recharge patterns, seawater intrusion, and groundwater movement from surrounding marine sediments. Groundwater levels near land surface may limit artificial recharge of reclaimed water or may require pumping of groundwater from the aquifer prior to recharge with reclaimed water. Reclaimed water may be used for irrigated water in upland areas. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1985

Summary of northern Atlantic Coastal Plain hydrology and its relation to disposal of high-level radioactive waste in buried crystalline rock – A preliminary appraisal

Interpretation of available hydrologic data suggests that some areas beneath the Coastal Plain in the States of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia might have some potential for the disposal of nuclear waste in crystalline rock that is buried beneath the Coastal Plain sediments. The areas of major interest occur where the top of the basement rock lies between 1,000 and 4,000 feet below sea level, the aquifer(s) immediately above the basement rock are saturated with saline water, confining material overlies the saline water bearing aquifer(s), and groundwater flow in the saline water aquifer(s) can be established. Preliminary data on (1) the distribution and thickness of the lowermost aquifers and confining beds, (2) the distribution of hydraulic conductivity in the lowermost aquifers, (3) estimated hydraulic heads and inferred direction of lateral groundwater flow for 1980, and (4) the distribution of saline water and brine, indicate eastern parts of the study area relatively best meet most of the criteria proposed for sediments that would overlie any potential buried crystalline-rock disposal site.

Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Vi↗
USGS1985

Hydrologic and geochemical monitoring in Long Valley caldera, Mono County, California, 1982-1984

The Long Valley caldera is a potentially active volcanic area on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in east-central California. Hydrologic and geochemical monitoring of surface and subsurface features began in July 1982 to determine if changes were occurring in response to processes causing earthquakes and crustal deformation. Differences since 1982 in fluid chemistry of springs has been minor except at Casa Diablo, where rapid fluctuations in chemistry result from near surface boiling and mixing. Ratios of 3 He/ 4 He and 13 C/ 12 C in hot springs and fumaroles are consistent with a magnetic source for some of the carbon and helium discharged in thermal areas, and observed changes in 3 He/ 4 He between 1978 and 1984 suggest changes in the magmatic component. Significant fluctuations in hot spring discharge recorded at several sites since 1982 closely followed earthquake activity. Water levels in wells have been used as strain meters to detect rock deformation associated with magmatic and tectonic activity and to construct a water table contour map. Coseismic water level fluctuations of as much as 0.6 ft have been observed but no clear evidence of deformation caused by magmatic intrusions can be seen in the well records through 1984. Temperature profiles in wells, which can be used to delineate regionally continuous zones of lateral flow of hot water across parts of the caldera, have remained constant at all but two sites.

California↗
USGS1985

Hydrology and water-quality monitoring considerations, Jackpile uranium mine, northwestern New Mexico

The Jackpile Uranium Mine, which is on the Pueblo of Laguna in northwestern New Mexico, was operated from 1953 to 1980. The mine and facilities have affected 3,141 acres of land, and about 2,656 acres were yet to be reclaimed by late 1980. The intended use of the restored land is stock grazing. Fractured Dakota Sandstone and Mancos Shale of Cretaceous age overlie the Jackpile sandstone and a 200-ft-thick tight mudstone unit of the Brushy Basin Member underlies the Jackpile. The hydraulic conductivity of the Jackpile sandstone probably is about 0.3 ft/day. The small storage coefficients determined from three aquifer tests indicate that the Jackpile sandstone is a confined hydrologic system throughout much of the mine area. Sediment from the Rio Paguate has nearly filled the Paguate Reservoir near Laguna since its construction in 1940. The mean concentrations of uranium, Ra-226, and other trace elements generally were less than permissible limits established in national drinking water regulations or New Mexico State groundwater regulations. No individual surface water samples collected upstream from the mine contained concentrations of Ra-226 in excess of the permissible limits. Ra-226 concentrations in many individual samples collected from the Rio Paguate from near the mouth of the Rio Moquino to the sampling sites along the downstream reach of the Rio Paguate, however, exceeded the recommended permissible concentration of Ra-226 for public drinking water supplies. Concentrations in surface water apparently are changed by groundwater inflow near the confluence of the two streams. The altitude of the water tables in the backfill of the pits will be controlled partly by the water level in the Rio Paguate. Other factors controlling the altitudes of the water tables are the recharge rate to the backfill and the hydraulic conductivities of the backfill, alluvium, Jackpile sandstone, and mudstone unit of the Brushy Basin Member. After reclamation, most of the shallow groundwater probably will discharge to the natural stream channels draining the mine area. Groundwater quality may be monitored as: (1) ' Limited monitoring, ' in which only the change in water quality is determined as the groundwater flows from the mine; or (2) ' thorough monitoring, ' in which specific sources of possible contaminants are described. (Author 's Abstract)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Areal and temporal variations in the quality of surface water in hydrologic accounting unit 120301, Upper Trinity River basin, Texas

Hydrologic Accounting Unit 120301 is located in north-central Texas and includes that part of the Trinity River basin upstream from the National Stream Quality Accounting Network station 08062700, Trinity River at Trinidad, Texas. Normal annual precipitation ranges from about 28 inches in the western part of the basin to almost 40 inches in the eastern part. The population of the upper Trinity River basin was nearly 3 million in 1980. Total water use in 1980 was approximately 826,000 acre-feet, of which 90 percent was obtained from surface-water resources. Mean discharges for most stations in the study area during the 1973-82 water years were significantly larger than mean discharges for the period of record. Mean discharges throughout most of the study area during the 1982 water year were more than 300 percent of the long-term mean flow. Water in the upper Trinity River basin upstream of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is generally a calcium bicarbonate type water. In the West Fork Trinity River downstream from Fort Worth and the main stem of the Trinity River from Dallas to Trinidad, the water is a mixed sodium calcium bicarbonate type water. Average dissolved-solids concentrations during the study period ranged from 174 milligrams per liter in the Elm Fork Trinity River near Lewisville to 682 milligrams per liter in Mountain Creek near Cedar Hill. Discharge-weighted average dissolved-solids concentrations during 1973-82 water years ranged from 165 milligrams per liter in the Elm Fork Trinity River near Lewisville to 416 milligrams per liter at Mountain Creek near Cedar Hill. Daily dissolved-solids loads increased from 225 tons at West Fork Trinity River at Beach Street, Fort Worth, to 2,410 tons in the Trinity River at Trinidad. In the 450 square miles of intervening drainage area between West Fork Trinity River at Beach Street, Fort Worth, and West Fork Trinity River at Grand Prairie, the average daily dissolved-solids load increased by 305 tons. Upstream of the municipal waste effluents in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, average dissolved-oxygen concentrations generally exceed 7.0 milligrams per liter, average dissolved-oxygen percent-saturation values generally exceed 70 percent, and average biochemical oxygen demand concentrations generally were less than 4.0 milligrams per liter. Downstream of the municipal waste effluents, average dissolved-oxygen concentrations generally did not exceed 5.0 milligrams per liter, average dissolved-oxygen percent-saturation values generally were less than 50 percent, and average biochemical oxygen demand concentrations generally were greater than 12.0 milligrams per liter.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Configuration and hydrology of the Pre-Cretaceous rocks underlying the southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system

An investigation was conduced to define the configuration and hydrology of the rock surface upon which the sand aquifers and confining beds of the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system were deposited. The base of the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system consists of crystalline rocks, saprolite, Paleozoic rocks, Triassic sedimentary rocks (some of which are intruded by basalt), and Jurassic sedimentary rocks. The permeability of these rocks is extremely low and little exchange of water occurs upward to the overlying Cretaceous aquifers. Porosity values are in the range of 10% or less in some of the rocks, indicating little water is stored in them. The transmissivity values are extremely low, indicating very slow movement of water in these rocks. The small volume of water moving at a very slow rate has a long residence time and is usually mineralized to a greater degree than water in the more permeable overlying sediments. (Peters-PTT)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Recharge zone of the Edwards aquifer hydrologically associated with Barton springs in the Austin area, Texas

The Edwards aquifer extends in a narrow belt from Bell County in the northeast to Kinney County in the southwest (index map) and provides water for at least nine counties in south-central Texas. Hydrologic boundaries divide the Edwards aquifer in the Austin area for which Barton Springs is the major discharge point. This part of the Edwards aquifer provides the municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural water supplies for about 30,000 people in the Austin area (southern Travis and northern Hays counties). Discharge from Barton Springs sustains streamflow at the mouth of Barton Creek and flows into Town Lake. Much of the land use within the outcrop area of the Edwards aquifer near Austin is rapidly changing from natural woodland and grassland to commercial and residential developments. Because urban development can result in a substantial degradation of the quality of water that recharges the aquifer, the extent of the recharge zone of the Edwards aquifer was delineated to provide information to the City of Austin for their use in formulating a plan for protecting and managing groundwater quality. The purpose of this report is to define and delineate the areal extent of the recharge zone of the Edwards aquifer in southern Travis and northern Hays Counties. The areal boundary of the recharge zone was determined by: (1) geologic mapping of the aquifer area; (2) interpretation of aerial photographs; (3) field verification of existing geologic maps; and (4) streamflow-loss studies.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

Hydrology and water quality of East Lake Tohopekaliga, Osceola County, Florida

East Lake Tohopekaliga, one of the major lakes in central Florida, is located in the upper Kissimmee River basin in north-east Osceola County. It is one of numerous lakes in the upper basin used for flood control, in addition to recreation and some irrigation of surrounding pasture. This report is the fourth in a series of lake reconnaissance studies in the Kissimmee River basin prepared in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District. The purpose of the report is to provide government agencies and the public with a brief summary of the lake 's hydrology and water quality. Site information is given and includes map number, site name, location, and type of data available (specific conductivity, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, color, dissolved oxygen, hardness, dissolved chlorides, dissolved sodium, dissolved calcium, dissolved magnesium, dissolved potassium, nitrogen, ammonia, nitrates, carbon and phosphorus). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maintained a lake stage gaging station on East Lake Tohopekaliga from 1942 to 1968. The South Florida Water Management District has recorded lake stage since 1963. Periodic water quality samples have been collected from the lake by the South Florida Water Management District and USGS. Water quality and discharge data have been collected for one major tributary to the lake, Boggy Creek. Although few groundwater data are available for the study area, results of previous studies of the groundwater resources of Osceola County are included in this report. To supplement the water quality data for East Lake Tohopekaliga, water samples were collected at selected sites in November 1982 (dry season) and in August 1983 (rainy season). Samples were taken at inflow points, and in the lake, and vertical profiles of dissolved oxygen and temperature were measured in the lake. A water budget from an EPA report on the lake is also included. (Lantz-PTT)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗