Geology topics

J. A. Robinson

Publications and source records attributed to J. A. Robinson.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2000

Sources, instream transport, and trends of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in the lower Tennessee River basin, 1980-96

In 1997, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began an assessment of the lower Tennessee River Basin as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Existing nutrient and sediment data from 1980 to 1996 were compiled, screened, and interpreted to estimate watershed inputs from nutrient sources, provide a general description of the distribution and transport of nutrients and sediments in surface water, and evaluate trends in nutrient and sediment concentrations in the lower Tennessee (LTEN) River Basin. Nitrogen inputs from major sources varied widely among tributary basins in the LTEN River Basin. Point source wastewater discharges contributed between 0 and 0.61 tons per square mile per year [(tons/mi 2 )/yr]. Of the nonpoint sources of nitrogen for which inputs were estimated (atmospheric deposition, nitrogen fixation, fertilizer application, and livestock waste) livestock waste contributed the largest input in about two-thirds (7 out of 11) of the tributary basins, and fertilizer application contributed the largest input in the remaining 4 basins. Nitrogen input from fertilizer application was the most variable spatially among the nonpoint sources of nitrogen, ranging from 1.5 to 23 (tons/mi 2 )/yr. Atmospheric deposition estimates varied the least from basin to basin, ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 (tons/mi 2 )/yr. Estimates of nitrogen input from livestock waste ranged between 2.0 to 13 (tons/mi 2 )/yr. The percentage of the input from each of these nonpoint sources that entered the surface-water system is not known. Wastewater discharge contributed between 0 and 0.14 (ton/mi 2 )/yr of phosphorus to tributary basins. Livestock waste contributed most of the input in 8 out of the 11 basins, and fertilizer application contributed the most in the remaining 3 basins. Estimates of phosphorus input for fertilizer application ranged from 0.35 to 5.1 (tons/mi 2 )/yr and from 0.62 to 4.3 (tons/mi 2 )/yr from livestock waste. Reservoirs on the main stem of the Tennessee River and on the Duck and Elk Rivers affect nutrient transport because hydrodynamic conditions in the reservoirs promote assimilation by aquatic plants and deposition of particulate matter. Observed decreases in total nitrite plus nitrate and dissolved-orthophosphorus concentrations in reservoirs or at sites downstream of reservoirs during summer months were probably related to seasonality of plant growth. Nutrient and sediment data used to estimate annual instream loads and yields were compiled from various water-quality monitoring programs and represent the best available data in the LTEN River Basin, but these data have several characteristics that limit accuracy of load estimates. Many of the monitoring programs were not designed with the objective of annual load estimation, and data representing storm transport are, therefore, sparse; sampling and analytical methods varied through time and among the monitoring programs, hampering spatial and temporal comparisons. The load estimates computed from these data are useful for evaluating broad spatial patterns of instream load, and comparisons of instream load to inputs, but may not be sufficiently accurate for local-scale evaluations of water quality. Estimates of the mean annual instream load of total nitrogen entering (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and leaving (Paducah, Ky.) the LTEN River Basin were 29,000 and 60,000 tons per year (tons/yr), respectively. These estimates represent a gain of 31,000 tons/yr, on average, across the area (18,930 mi 2 ) between these inlet and outlet sites. The sum of the mean annual instream load from gaged tributaries to the main stem within the study unit was 14,000 tons/yr; however, this number cannot be directly compared with the gain between the inlet and outlet sites because (1) the gaged area represents only 30 percent of the total area and (2) the period of record at many tributary sites did not correspond with the period of record at the inlet or outlet sites. Estimates of mean annual instream load of total phosphorus at the inlet and outlet sites of the LTEN River Basin were 1,300 and 5,000 tons/yr, respectively, representing a gain of 3,700 tons/yr, on average, across the study unit. The sum of the gaged tributary load, representing only 28 percent of the area contributing to the main stem, was 4,300 tons/yr. Although this number cannot be closely compared with the gain throughout the study unit, for the same reasons given for total nitrogen, a general comparison suggests that the main stem of the Tennessee River and the tributary embayments along the main stem function as a sink for total phosphorus, removing a substantial amount from the water column through deposition or assimilation. The estimates of inputs can be compared and correlated with yields (area-normalized instream loads); significant correlations between estimates of inputs and yields might be useful as predictive tools for instream water quality where monitoring data are not available. Yields of nitrogen correlated moderately well with inputs from nonpoint sources, based on 1992 estimates. Nitrogen yield was highest [3.5 (tons/mi 2 )/yr] for Town Creek, for which the balance of nonpoint-source inputs to agricultural lands (fertilizer application plus nitrogen fixation plus livestock waste minus harvest) was also the highest [15 (tons/mi 2 )/yr]. Nitrogen yield was low [1.0 (tons/mi 2 )/yr] for the Buffalo River, for which the balance of agricultural nonpoint-source input was correspondingly low [3.2 (tons/mi 2 )/yr, the second lowest]. Correlation of wastewater discharge with yield was poor, and contrasted with the significant correlation between wastewater discharge and median nitrogen concentration during low streamflow. The poor correlation between wastewater discharge and annual yield was expected, however, as wastewater discharge is a small fraction compared with annual yield. In contrast with nitrogen, phosphorus yield did not correlate well with any estimated inputs or land-use types for the tributary basins. Phosphorus yield was highest [1.1 and 0.93 (tons/mi 2 )/yr] at two sites along the Duck River and at Elk River near Prospect [0.89 (ton/mi 2 )/yr]; however, estimates of inputs at these sites were in the middle of their respective ranges. The influence of the outcrop of phosphatic limestone formations of the brown-phosphate districts in the lower Duck and lower Elk River Basins might be responsible for the poor correlation between estimated inputs and yields of phosphorus. The outcrop pattern of these phosphatic limestones are an important factor to consider as regional boundaries are established for attainable, region-specific water-quality criteria for total phosphorus. Estimates of sediment input from cropland soil erosion in 1992 ranged from 51 to 540 (tons/mi 2 )/yr among the major hydrologic units in the LTEN River Basin. Information was not available to estimate this input for individual tributaries. Sediment yield estimates ranged from 65 to 263 (tons/mi 2 )/yr for the three tributary monitoring basins for which instream data were available, and from 17 to 26 (tons/mi 2 )/yr for the Tennessee River at South Pittsburg and at Pickwick Landing Dam, respectively. Lower sediment yields for the main stem sites compared with the tributary sites is probably due to sediment deposition in the main stem of the Tennessee River and tributary embayments along the main stem. Most of the significant trends in nutrient concentrations from about 1985 to about 1995 were decreasing trends, except for total nitrite plus nitrate, which increased at one site on the Elk River. The spatial distribution of decreasing trends of total nitrogen and total ammonia corresponds with the spatial variation among basins in wastewater loading rate. The time period of observed trends corresponds to the period of improvements in municipal treatment, thus decreases in wastewater effluent concentrations of nitrogen might be responsible for the decreasing trend in instream concentrations at these sites. Concentrations of total phosphorus did not decrease during this period at these sites, as might have been expected considering the reductions in wastewater input of phosphorus during this period.

Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee↗

USGS1996

Results of a seepage investigation at Bear Creek Valley, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, January through September 1994

A seepage investigation was conducted of 4,600 acres of Bear Creek Valley southwest of the Y-12 Plant, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the period of January through September 1994. The data were collected to help the Y-12 Environmental Restoration Program develop a better understanding of ground-water and surface-water interactions, recharge and discharge relations, and ground-water flow patterns. The project was divided into three phases: a reconnaissance and mapping of seeps, springs, and stream-measurment sites; a high base flow seepage investigation; and a low base flow seepage investigation. The reconnaissance was conducted from January 6 to March 1, 1994, to identify and map the locations of seeps, springs, and stream-measurement sites. A total of 701 sites were identified. They consisted of 382 stream- measurement sites, 265 seeps, 48 springs, and 6 wetlands. A global positioning system was used to locate 680 sites to within 3- to 5-meter accuracy. The high base flow seepage investigation was conducted from March 14 through March 19, 1994. Measurements were made at 579 of the 701 sites identified in the reconnaissance that still had flowing water. Flow rates ranged from less than 0.005 to 6.89 cubic feet per second for the streams, from less than 0.005 to 0.13 cubic foot per second for the seeps, and from less than 0.005 to 1 cubic foot per second for the springs. pH ranged from 5.0 to 8.4 for the streams, from 5.1 to 8.2 for the seeps, from 5.3 to 8.0 for the springs, and from 6.7 to 6.8 for the wetland sites. Specific conductance ranged from 16 to 1,670 microsiemens per centimeter for the streams, from 17 to 1,710 microsiemens per centimeter for the seeps, from 14 to 1,150 microsiemens per centimeter for the springs, and from 102 to 160 microsiemens per centimeter for the wetland sites. Temperature ranged from 4.5 to 16.0 degrees Celsius for the streams, from 5.0 to 21.0 degrees Celsius for the seeps, from 6.0 to 13.5 degrees Celsius for the springs, and from 13.0 to 19.5 degrees Celsius for the wetland sites. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.8 to 11.2 milligrams per liter for the streams, 1.2 to 11.3 milligrams per liter for the seeps, and from 0.6 to 11.0 milligrams per liter for the springs. Dissolved oxygen at a wetland site measured 3.8 milligrams per liter. The low base flow investigation was conducted from September 9 through September 29, 1994. The stream sites, seeps, and springs that had flow during the high base flow seepage investigation were revisited. One-hundred seventy-six of the stream sites visited still had flow. Discharge ranged from less than 0.005 to 0.76 cubic foot per second; pH, from 4.8 to 8.3; specific conductance, from 47 to 2,030 microsiemens per centimeter; temperature, from 13.5 to 22.5 degrees Celsius; and dissolved oxygen, from 3.6 to 8.7 milligrams per liter. Twenty-five of the seeps visited were flowing and had discharge ranging from less than 0.005 to 0.01 cubic foot per second; pH, from 6.0 to 7.7; specific conductance, from 36 to 395 microsiemens per centimeter; temperature, from 16.0 to 21.0 degrees Celsius; and dissolved oxygen, from 2.2 to 9.0 milligrams per liter. Thirty springs visited were flowing and had discharge ranging from less than 0.005 to 0.37 cubic foot per second; pH, from 6.5 to 7.7; specific conductance, from 26 to 1,220 microsiemens per centimeter; temperature, from 14.0 to 20.0 degrees Celsius; and dissolved oxygen, from 1.0 to 9.2 milligrams per liter. All of the wetland sites visited were dry.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1996

Hydrologic data at a wetland site, Millington, Shelby County, Tennessee, June 1993 through June 1994

Hydrologic data at a wetland site near Millington, Shelby County, Tennessee, were collected from June 1993 through June 1994. The data were collected to support the efforts of the Tennessee Department of Transportation to better understand hydrologic properties at the site prior to wetland restoration. Water levels were monitored in thirteen 8-inch- diameter wells, approximately 2 feet deep. The casing in each well was slotted and screened from land surface to a depth of about 2 feet. Water-level recorders provided continuous records of stage during periods of wetland inundation, and depth to water table during periods of noninundation. A continuous-stage recorder was installed in a pond. Precipitation data were obtained from the Naval Air Station-Memphis, Millington, Tennessee. Land surface at the wells was inundated from 0 to 56 percent of the study period. Additionally, water levels in the wells were not more than 1.5 feet below land surface for 16 to 68 percent of the study period.

Tennessee↗

USGS1996

Hydrologic data for wetland sites at Millington, Shelby County, and Huntingdon, Carroll County, Tennessee, May 1994 through September 1995

Hydrologic data at two wetland sites near Millington and Huntingdon in West Tennessee were collected to assist efforts by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to determine hydrologic conditions at the sites prior to wetland restoration. The Millington site is located along the Big Creek Drainage Canal east of State Route 240. Water levels were monitored in thirteen 8-inch-diameter wells from July 1994 through September 1995. Water-level recorders provided continuous measurement of water level during periods of wetland inundation and depth to water table during periods of noninundation. A crest-stage indicator and a continuous-stage recorder were installed to monitor surface-water fluctuation. Precipitation data were recorded to determine timing and duration of rainfall events. Land surface at the wells was inundated from 0 to 48 percent of the study period. Additionally, water levels at the wells were within 1.5 feet of the land surface from 0 to 56 percent of the study period. The Huntingdon study site is located along the Crooked Creek Drainage Canal at State Route 22. Ground-water levels were monitored in two wells (wells W-1 and W-2) with continuous water- level recorders from May 1994 through September 1995. Water levels did not rise above land surface at either well during the study. Water levels at wells W-1 and W-2 were within 1.5 feet of the land surface 46 and 50 percent of the study period, respectively. Surface-water stage was monitored at a pond on the mitigation site.

Tennessee↗

USGS1996

Gaining, losing, and dry stream reaches at Bear Creek Valley, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, March and September 1994

A study was conducted to delineate stream reaches that were gaining flow, losing flow, or that were dry in the upper reaches of Bear Creek Valley near the Y-12 Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The study included a review of maps and discharge data from a seepage investigation conducted at Bear Creek Valley; preparation of tables showing site identification and discharge and stream reaches that were gaining flow, losing flow, or that were dry; and preparation of maps showing measurement site locations and discharge measurements, and gaining, losing, and dry stream reaches. This report will aid in developing a better understanding of ground-water and surface-water interactions in the upper reaches of Bear Creek.

Tennessee↗

USGS1992

Well-construction, water-level, geophysical, and water-quality data for ground-water monitoring wells for Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee

Sixty-five wells were installed at 39 sites in the Arnold Air Force Base area in Coffee and Franklin Counties, Tennessee. The wells were installed to provide information on subsurface lithology, aquifer characteristics, ground-water levels, and ground-water quality. Well depths ranged from 11 to 384 feet. Water-quality samples were collected from 60 wells and analyzed for common inorganic ions, trace metals, and volatile organic compounds. The median dissolved-solids concentrations were 60 milligrams per liter in the shallow aquifer, 48 million gallons per liter in the Manchester aquifer, 1,235 milligrams per liter in the Fort Payne aquifer, and 1,712 milligrams per liter in the upper Central Basin aquifer. Caliper, temperature, natural gamma, electric, neutron porosity, gamma-gamma density, and acoustic velocity borehole-geophysical logs were obtained for the six deep wells completed below the Chattanooga Shale. Petrographic and modal analysis were performed on rock samples from each deep well. These six deep wells provide the first information in the study area on hydraulic head and water quality from below the Chattanooga Shale.

Tennessee↗