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Research about Indiana

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Indiana.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
USGS1996

Assessment of water quality at selected sites in the White River Basin, Indiana, 1993 and 1995 using biological indices

As part of the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, fish communities were sampled at 11 sites in the White River Basin, Indiana, in 1993 and 1995 to help determine water-quality conditions. Ninety-one species of fish with representatives from 18 families were collected in the basin. Total numbers of fish collected at every site increased between collection years. The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) were calculated for all 11 sites in 1995. The QHEI scores indicated six sites had excellent habitat to support fish communities. Only three sites were rated in the “good” to “excellent” IBI water-quality categories, indicating some type of nonhabitat environmental degradation to the fish communities. Eight of the sites were rated in the “fair,” “poor,” or “very poor” IBI water-quality categories.

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USGS1996

Water resources data, Indiana, water year 1995

Water resources data for the 1995 water year for Indiana consists of records of discharge, stage, and water quality of streams and wells; reservoir stage and contents; and water levels in lakes and wells. This report contains records of discharge for 166 stream-gaging stations, stage for 6 stream stations, stage and contents for 1 reservoir, water quality for 1 stream, and water levels for 80 lakes and 94 observation wells. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in Indiana in cooperation with State and Federal agencies.

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USGS1996

Hydrogeology and simulated ground-water flow through the unconsolidated aquifers of northeastern St. Joseph County, Indiana

The U.S. Geological Survey investigated ground-water resources of northeastern St. Joseph County, Indiana, during 1990-93. The investigation included field measurements of water levels and numerical models of ground-water flow. This report documents results of that work and includes descriptions of (1) hydrogeologic framework, (2) water levels, (3) model sensitivity to variations in hydrogeologic parameters, (4) simulated aquifer response to increased ground-water withdrawals, (5) recharge areas for significant water- withdrawal facilities, (6) flow paths and discharge points for ground-water solutes originating beneath known contamination sites. Water-level data indicated (1) regional ground- water flow towards the St. Joseph River, (2) depth to water is small in the St. Joseph aquifer system compared to that in the Hilltop and Nappanee aquifer systems, (3) water levels in deep and shallow parts of the aquifer system are not equal where a confining unit is present. Model results indicate increasing withdrawals by 50 percent at significant water-withdrawal facilities would cause drawdowns less than 6 feet in the 1/4-square-mile area surrounding pumping sites. The response of Juday Creek and the St. Joseph River to increased ground-water pumpage is reductions of ground-water contribution to streamflow of 23 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Particle-tracking analyses indicate flow paths for solutes originating beneath known contamination sites may pass near to, or be intercepted by, significant water-withdrawal facilities. Most particles are discharged to the St. Joseph River but some may be discharged to Juday Creek.

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USGS1996

Evaluation of scour at selected bridge sites in Indiana

Twenty bridge sites in Indiana were evaluated to determine: the extent of scour during floods, streambed stability, the maximum historical scour, and estimates of potential scour. Historical scour data were collected by means of geophysical methods and used to evaluate the scour-computation procedures recommended by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and 13 other published pier-scour equations. Hydraulic conditions for the peak historical discharges were estimated by use of WSPRO, a water-surface profile computation model. Depth soundings were made periodically at all of the sites and during flooding at some sites. These data indicate that scour may not totally be a function of discharge or depth but is influenced greatly by debris on piers.

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USGS1996

Low-flow characteristics of Indiana streams

Knowledge of low-flow characteristics of streams is essential for management of water resources. Low-flow characteristics are presented for 229 continuous-record, streamflow-gaging stations and 285 partial-record stations in Indiana. Low- flow-frequency characteristics were computed for 210 continuous-record stations that had at least 10 years of record, and flow-duration curves were computed for all continuous-record stations. Low-flow-frequency and flow-duration analyses are based on available streamflow records through September 1993. Selected low-flow-frequency curves were computed for annual low flows and seasonal low flows. The four seasons are represented by the 3-month groups of March-May, June-August, September-November, and December- February. The 7-day, 10-year and the 7-day, 2 year low flows were estimated for 285 partial-record stations, which are ungaged sites where streamflow measurements were made at base flow. The same low-flow characteristics were estimated for 19 continuous-record stations where less than 10 years of record were available. Precipitation and geology directly influence the streams in Indiana. Streams in the northern, glaciated part of the State tend to have higher sustained base flows than those in the nonglaciated southern part. Flow at several of the continuous-record gaging stations is affected by some form of regulation or diversion. Low-flow characteristics for continuous-record stations at which flow is affected by regulation are determined using the period of record affected by regulation; natural flows prior to regulation are not used.

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USGS1996

Water-quality assessment of the White River Basin, Indiana: Analysis of selected information on nutrients, 1980-92

Water-quality data from 23 surfacewater-quality monitoring sites operated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and streamflow data from 11 U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations in the White River Basin were analyzed to determine recent (1981 90 water years) water-quality conditions, trends, and river loads for ammonia, nitrate, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The White River Basin drains 11,349 square miles of central and south-central Indiana and is divided into two nearly equal subbasins the East Fork White River and the White River upstream from its confluence with the East Fork (called the "west fork" of the White River by the State's water-management agencies). Nutrient concentrations generally were higher in the more urbanized west fork than in the more rural east fork because of the much larger volumes of treated municipal sewage, combined-sewer overflows, and urban runoff discharged to the west fork. Concentrations of nutrients, especially ammonia and total phosphorus, were higher downstream from Muncie, Anderson, and Indianapolis than they were upstream from these cities. Nutrient concentrations decreased downstream from Indianapolis in the White River and in the downstream reach of the East Fork White River because of dilution, nitrification, adsorption to stream-bottom sediments, and uptake by aquatic vegetation. Seasonal variations in nutrient concentrations and the relations of nutrient concentrations to streamflow depended on the relative contributions of point and nonpoint sources of the nutrients. Total phosphorus increased with increasing streamflow at monitoring sites on the east fork but decreased with increasing streamflow at sites on the west fork. Increasing concentrations of phosphorus with increasing streamflow were consistent with nonpoint sources of phosphorus that wash off land surfaces, whereas decreasing concentrations of phosphorus with increasing streamflow were consistent with dilution of point sources of phosphorus. Median concentrations of total phosphorus were highest during summer and fall downstream from urban areas on the White River because streamflows that dilute point sources of phosphorus are lowest during summer and fall. Median concentrations of ammonia in the White River were highest in winter because of reduced biological uptake and nitrification of ammonia during cold temperatures.

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USGS1996

Hydraulic conductivity of the streambed, east branch Grand Calumet River, northern Lake County, Indiana

Horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity of the Streambed were estimated from results of hydraulic tests along four transects across the east branch Grand Calumet River in northern Lake County, Indiana. Tests were done in two types of temporary wells installed in the Streambed 2-inch-diameter wells that had a 1- or 2-foot length of wire-wrapped screen and 3-inch-diameter wells that were open at the ends. When possible, the hydraulic tests included monitoring both falling- and rising-water levels. A total of 47 tests for horizontal hydraulic conductivity and 20 tests for vertical hydraulic conductivity were done. Data collected during the tests were analyzed by use of methods developed by earlier investigators. Horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the streambed was varied and ranged from 1.Ox1O -2 to 1.2x1O +3 feet per day. Compared to the previously reported range of horizontal hydraulic conductivity for the Calumet aquifer, 6.5X10 -1 to 3.6x1O +2 feet per day, results of 24 hydraulic tests in the streambed of the east branch Grand Calumet River were within the reported range, 18 were less than the lowest reported value, and 5 were greater than the highest reported value. Vertical hydraulic conductivity of the streambed was less varied than horizontal hydraulic conductivity and ranged from 3.Ox1O -1 to 7.3x1O +1 feet per day. The ratio between horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity calculated for each transect ranged from 1:0.09 to 1:8.5. The hydraulic conductivity of the streambed generally was dependant on the type of sediments in the part of the streambed that was tested. Although most of the streambed contained soft, fine-grained sediments, parts of the streambed also contained fill materials including coal, cinders, and concrete and asphalt rubble. The highest values of horizontal hydraulic conductivity generally were calculated from data collected at locations where the streambed contained fill materials, particularly concrete and asphalt rubble. Horizontal hydraulic conductivities determined for 11 hydraulic tests in predominantly fill materials ranged from 1.2x1O +1 to 1.2x1O +3 feet per day and averaged 5.6x1O +2 feet per day. The lowest values of horizontal hydraulic conductivity were calculated from data collected at locations where the streambed contained fine-grained sediments. Horizontal hydraulic conductivities determined for 36 hydraulic tests in predominantly fine-grained sediments ranged from 1.Ox1O -2 to 2.4x1O +2 feet per day and averaged 1.5x1O +1 feet per day.

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USGS1996

Fishes of the White River basin, Indiana

Since 1875, researchers have reported 158 species of fish belonging to 25 families in the White River Basin. Of these species, 6 have not been reported since 1900 and 10 have not been reported since 1943. Since the 1820's, fish communities in the White River Basin have been affected by the alteration of stream habitat, overfishing, the introduction of non-native species, agriculture, and urbanization. Erosion resulting from conversion of forest land to cropland in the 1800's led to siltation of streambeds and resulted in the loss of some silt-sensitive species. In the early 1900's, the water quality of the White River was seriously degraded for 100 miles by untreated sewage from the City of Indianapolis. During the last 25 years, water quality in the basin has improved because of efforts to control water pollution. Fish communities in the basin have responded favorably to the improved water quality.

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USGS1996

Suspended-sediment characteristics of Indiana streams, 1952-84

Suspended-sediment concentration and discharge data were collected at 7 daily record stations and 70 partial-record stations during 1952- 84. Median suspended-sediment concentrations ranged from 24 to 61 milligrams per liter at daily record stations; concentrations ranged from 6 to 539 milligrams per liter at partial-record stations. Most suspended sediment transported in Indiana streams is silt and clay size (particles between 0.062 and 0.004 millimeter in diameter and particles less than 0.004 millimeter in diameter). Large suspended-sediment concentrations were associated with storm runoff but not always with peak streamflow. Some peak concentrations of suspended sediment preceded peak streamflow by as much as 18 to 30 hours during storms. Suspended-sediment concentrations frequently were largest during a storm that occurred after a period of low streamflow, when large amounts of sediment were eroded and transported into the stream and little base flow was available for dilution. For most of the streams studied, reliable predictive equations could not be developed to quantify the relation between suspended-sediment concentration and streamflow because of the extreme variability in the data. Annual suspended-sediment yields at four daily record stations ranged from 186 to 1,914 tons per square mile. Annual suspended-sediment yields for 70 partial-record stations, estimated by use of the suspended-sediment transport, flowduration-curve method, ranged from 11 to 2,310 tons per square mile. However, because of the poor correlation between suspended-sediment discharge and streamflow, these estimates are imprecise. Periods of record at 4 daily record and 32 partial-record stations were sufficient to test for trends. The trend in suspended-sediment concentration, adjusted for streamflow, was significant for only 9 of the 36 stations. At six of the nine stations, flow-adjusted suspended-sediment concentrations decreased with time.

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USGS1995

Paleoecology of the Springfield Coal Member (Desmoinesian, Illinois Basin) near the Leslie Cemetery paleochannel, southwestern Indiana

The Springfield Coal Member (Carbondale Group, Petersburg Formation of Indiana) is split locally in Warrick and Gibson Counties, Indiana, by clastic rocks of the Folsomville Member (Carbondale Group, Petersburg Formation) that represent the Leslie Cemetery paleochannel, part of a large, interconnected paleochannel system in the Springfield coal bed. This study incorporated analysis of miospore and megaspore assemblages, coal petrography, plant compression fossils and conodonts from the coal and clastic split to document changes in the swamp and its vegetation in response to the activity of the Leslie Cemetery paleochannel. Palynological and petrographic data indicate that environmental conditions and vegetation in the lower bench of coal near the Leslie Cemetery paleochannel were similar to those found in profiles through the coal bed at sites near the larger, more extensive Galatia paleochannel. Miospore floras of the high-vitrinite, lower bench of coal were dominated by tree-fern miospores, with those of lycopsids ranking second in abundance; megaspore assemblages were dominated by lycopsid megaspores. Near the contacy between the lower bench of coal and clastic split, medullosan prepollen increases in abundance and fusain bands are more common, which may indicate the occurrence of fire, either within or outside the swamp. Vegetation in the Folsomville Member and upper bench of coal differ markedly from that of the lower bench of coal. Plant megafossils from the Folsomville Member indicate dominance by pteridosperms and/or lycopsids and Folsomville Member miospore assemblages are dominated by lycopsid miospores most typically found in mudstones, including Lycospora torquifer and higher than normal abundances of Granasporites medius . In the transition from clastic rocks of the Folsomville Member to the upper bench of coal, miospores of ‘ecotonal’ lycopsids ( Paralycopodites ) reach their peak abundance, pteridosperms dominate megafossil assemblages and inertinite levels are relatively high. At higher levels of the upper bench of coal, vitrinite levels are higher and miospore assemblages are dominated by lycopsid miospores typical of coal swamps ( Lycospora granulata, L. pusilla ). The presence of conodonts in coalballs in the upper bench of coal and spirorbid worms in the split indicate that the paleoswamp may have received some marine or brackish water influence. Higher than normal salinity levels may explain the vegetational changes observed in the upper bench of coal near the Leslie Cemetery paleochannel.

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USGS1995

Occurrence of pesticides in the White River, Indiana, 1991-95

Pesticides (herbicides and insecticides) are used extensively in the White River Basin. Application of herbicides to corn and soybeans accounts for most of the use. The pesticides most frequently detected near the mouth of the White River during 1991-95 were the herbicides alachlor, atrazine, cyanazine, and metolachlor. The highest concentrations of herbicides in the river were typically found during late spring runoff following application. Generally, concentrations of alachlor have been decreasing while concentrations of acetochlor have been increasing in response to changes in the use of these herbicides in the basin. The total amount of the commonly used herbicides transported by the river is about 1 percent or less of the amount applied to cropland. Insecticides commonly used in urban and agricultural areas also were found but in much lower concentrations than commonly used herbicides.

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USGS1995

A computerized data base of nitrate concentrations in Indiana ground water

As part of a cooperative study with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. Geological Survey compiled a computerized data base of nitrate concentrations in Indiana ground water. The data included nitrate determinations from more than 29 studies by five Federal and State agencies during June 1973 through August 1991. The National Water Information System software of the U.S. Geological Survey was used to store the data at the U.S. Geological Survey office in Indianapolis, Indiana. Electronic data sets were converted to a standard format of well data, sample data, and analytical data. Data were screened by several error-checking procedures before they were retained in the data base; they were examined for potential duplicates of well location and name. The data base of nitrate concentrations in Indiana ground water contains records of 5,525 samples collected from 4,448 wells in 88 of 92 counties during 1973-91. Those wells included 3,832 drinking-water wells; 536 monitoring wells, 38 livestock-supply wells; and 42 irrigation wells. Nitrate concentrations greater than minimum reporting limits of 0.0 to 0.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) were determined in 2,453 samples (44 percent of the total). Nitrate in ground water at concentrations greater than 3 mg/L have been considered to be the result of human activities. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.005 to 380 mg/L with a median nitrate concentration of 0.3 mg/L. Nitrate concentrations were greater than or equal to 3 mg/L in 704 samples (13 percent of the total). Nitrate concentrations were greater than or equal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 mg/L in 188 samples (3.4 percent of the total). Of the 3,832 drinking- water wells in the data base, 147 had at least one sample in which a nitrate concentration was greater than the Maximum Contaminant Level. The percentage of samples with nitrate concentrations greater than or equal to 3 mg/L and greater than or equal to 10 mg/L generally increased during the period 1973 through 1991. The nitrate data base was compiled from numerous data sets that were readily accessible in electronic format. The uses of these data may be limited because they were neither comprehensive nor of a single statistical design. Nonetheless, the nitrate data can be used in several ways: (1) to identify geographic areas with and without nitrate data; (2) to evaluate assumptions, models, and maps of ground-water-contamination potential; and (3) to investigate the relation between environmental factors, land-use types, and the occurrence of nitrate.

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USGS1995

Water resources data, Indiana, water year 1994

Water resources data for the 1994 water year for Indiana consists of records of discharge, stage, and water quality of streams and wells; reservoir stage and contents; and water levels in lakes and wells. This report contains records of discharge for 167 stream-gaging stations, stage for 6 stream stations, 1 sediment station, stage and contents for 1 reservoir, water quality for 2 streams, and water levels for 80 lakes and 94 observation wells. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in Indiana in cooperation with State and Federal agencies.

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USGS1995

Water-quality assessment of the White River Basin, Indiana: Analysis of available information on pesticides, 1972-92

An analysis of historical pesticide data (1972-92) for the White River was conducted as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Data on the presence of pesticides in streams, bottom sediments, fish, and ground waters were examined. Results are interpreted with respect to spatial, seasonal, and streamflow effects. Concentrations of water-soluble pesticides reach a peak during the first storm following application and remain elevated for 1 to 2 months. The most herbicide loading to the White River occurs during this time, when about 1 percent of the applied herbicides are transported out of the White River Basin. Bottom sediments and fish were analyzed for lipophilic pesticides. Dieldrin, components of technical chlordane, and DDT-related compounds were the most frequently detected. In areas where pesticide concentrations in sediment were high, concentrations in fish were high, indicating that bottom sediments are probably the primary source of lipophilic pesticides in aquatic biota. Ground- water/surface-water interaction and the presence of pesticides in ground waters were examined. The bedrock karst region had the highest degree of ground-water/surface-water interaction, indicating that the shallow ground water is susceptible to contamination from surface sources. Atrazine was the most frequently detected pesticides in ground waters. All wells where pesticides were detected are in karst or alluvial outwash, indicating that these geomorphic units are highly susceptible to contamination.

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USGS1995

Effects of combined-sewer overflows and urban runoff on the water quality of Fall Creek, Indianapolis, Indiana

In 1986, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works began a study to evaluate the effects of combined-sewer overflows and urban runoff discharging to Fall Geek on the White River. This report describes the effects of combined-sewer overflows and urban runoff on the water quality of Fall Creek during summer 1987 by comparing the water quality during base flow with that during storm runoff and by comparing water quality in the urbanized area with that in the less urbanized area upstream from the combined-sewer overflows. Data were collected at three streamflow-gaging stations located upstream from, downstream from, and in the middle of 27 combined-sewer overflows on Fall Creek. The most downstream station also was immediately downstream from the discharge of filter backwash from a water-treatment plant for public supply. Specific conductance and concentrations of major ions and dissolved solids in base flow increased downstream in response to surface-water withdrawn for public supply, ground-water inflow, and the discharge of filter backwash. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen were least in the reach of Fall Creek in the middle of the combined- sewer overflows where black sludge deposits covered the stream bottom. Concentrations of nitrate plus nitrite and ammonia steadily increased downstream, whereas concentrations of organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and orthophosphate only increased at the most downstream station. Nearly all concentrations of chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc at the upstream and middle stations were less than the detection limit of 10 micrograms per liter. Detectable concentrations of these metals and high concentrations of suspended solids in base-flow samples at the most downstream station were caused by the discharges from the water-treatment plant. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen measured at the station in the middle of the combined-sewer overflows were less than the Indiana minimum ambient water-quality standard of 4.0 milligrams per liter during all storms. Concentrations of ammonia, oxygen demand, copper, lead, zinc, and fecal coliform bacteria at the stations downstream from the combined-sewer overflows were much higher in storm runoff than in base flow. Increased concentrations of oxygen demand in runoff probably were caused by combined-sewer overflows, urban runoff, and the resuspension of organic material deposited on the streambed. Some of the increased concentrations of lead, zinc, and probably copper can be attributed to the discharge and resuspension of filter backwash

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