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Research about Indiana

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Indiana.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
USGS1990

Water resources data, Indiana, water year 1989

Water resources data for the 1989 water year for Indiana consist 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 17 stream-gaging stations, stage for 6 stream stations, stage and contents for 1 reservoir water quality for 3 streams and 5 observation wells, and water levels for 80 lakes and 91 observation wells. Also included are records of peak flows for 23 crest-stage partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, no part of the systematic data-collection program, and are shown as miscellaneous measurements. 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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USGS1990

Description of the physical environment and coal-mining history of west-central Indiana, with emphasis on six small watersheds

This report describes the physical and human environment and coal-mining history of west-central Indiana, with emphasis on six small watersheds selected for study of the hydrologic effects of surface coal mining. The report summarizes information on the geology, geomorphology, soils, climate, hydrology, water use, land use, population, and coal-mining history of Clay, Owen, Sullivan, and Vigo Counties in Indiana. Site-specific information is given on the morphology, geology, soils, land use, coal-mining history, and hydrologic instrumentation of the six watersheds, which are each less than 3 square miles in area. West-central Indiana is underlain by coal-bearing Pennsylvanian rocks. Nearly all of the area has been glaciated at least once and is characterized by wide flood plains and broad, flat uplands. Most of the soils have formed in loess or in loess overlying Illinoian till. The Wabash, White, and Eel Rivers are the major drainages in west-central Indiana. Average annual precipitation is about 39.5 inches per year, and average annual runoff is about 13 inches per year. The most productive aquifers are confined or unconfined outwash aquifers located along the major rivers. Bedrock aquifers are regionally insignificant but are the sole source of ground water for areas that lack outwash, alluvium, or sand and gravel lenses in till. Indiana has more than 17 billion short tons of recoverable coal reserves; about 11 percent can be mined by surface methods. Almost half of Indiana's surface reserves are in Clay, Owen, Sullivan, and Vigo Counties. More than 50,000 acres in west-central Indiana were disturbed by surface coal mining from 1941 through 1980. Big Slough and Hooker Creek are streams that drain unmined, agricultural watersheds. Row-crop corn and soybeans are the principal crops. Soils are moderately well-drained silt loams, and the watersheds have well-developed dendritic drainage systems. The unnamed tributary to Honey Creek and the unnamed tributary to Sulphur Creek are streams that drain mined and reclaimed watersheds. Ridges of mine spoil have been graded to a gently rolling topography. Soils are well drained and consist of 6 to 12 inches of silt-loam topsoil that was stockpiled and then replaced over shale and sandstone fragments of the graded mine spoil. Grasses and legumes form the vegetative cover in each watershed. Pond Creek and the unnamed tributary to Big Branch are streams that drain mined and unreclaimed watersheds. Approximately one-half of the Pond Creek watershed is unmined, agricultural land. Soils are very well-drained shaly silty loams that have formed or' steeply sloping spoil banks. Both watersheds contain numerous impoundments of water and have enclosed areas that do not contribute surface runoff to streamflow. The ridges of mine spoil are covered with pine trees, but much of the soil surface is devoid of vegetation.

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USGS1990

Effects of surface coal mining and reclamation on the geohydrology of six small watersheds in West-Central Indiana

Six small watersheds in west-central Indiana were selected for study of the hydrologic effects of surface coal mining and reclamation. The watersheds include mined and reclaimed, mined and unreclaimed, and unmined agricultural land uses and are each less than 3 square miles in area. Surface-water, ground-water, and meteorologic data for the 1981 and 1982 water years were used to describe and compare hydrologic systems of the six watersheds and to identify hydrologic effects of mining and reclamation. Discharge at the unreclaimed watersheds was continuous during the study period, whereas discharge at the other watersheds was intermittent and more variable. Peak discharges were greater at the agricultural watersheds than at the unreclaimed watersheds, primarily because of large final-cut lakes in the unreclaimed watersheds. Annual runoff was greatest at the unreclaimed watersheds, intermediate at the agricultural watersheds, and least at the reclaimed watersheds. Hydrologic effects of mining were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and unreclaimed watersheds with those at unmined agricultural watersheds. These comparisons indicate that surface coal mining without reclamation can increase base flow, annual runoff, and ground-water recharge to the bedrock; reduce peak flow rates and variation in flow; lower the water table in upland areas; change the relation between surface- and ground-water divides; and create numerous, local flow systems in the shallow ground water. Hydrologic effects of reclamation were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and reclaimed watersheds with those at mined and unreclaimed watersheds. Reclamation can decrease base flow, annual runoff, and recharge to the bedrock; increase peak flow rates, variation in flow, and the response to thunderstorms; reestablish the premining relation between surface- and ground-water divides; and create fewer local flow systems in the shallow ground water. Hydrologic effects of mining and reclamation were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and reclaimed watersheds with those at unmined agricultural watersheds. The presence or absence of a large final-cut lake in the reclaimed watershed greatly influences the hydrologic systems and the effects of mining and reclamation. Surface coal mining and reclamation can decrease base flow, annual runoff, and peak flow rates; increase the variability of flow and recharge to the bedrock; reestablish the premining relation between surface- and ground-water divides; and lower the water table in upland areas.

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USGS1989

Preliminary analysis of the shallow ground-water system in the vicinity of the Grand Calumet River/Indiana Harbor Canal, northwestern Indiana

The shallow groundwater system in the vicinity of the Grand Calumet River-Indiana Harbor Canal, Indiana was analyzed from June 1985 to May 1986. This analysis was done to obtain detailed information about the physical characteristics of the Calumet aquifer and the shallow groundwater flow system. 36 shallow wells were installed and sediment samples were collected at 26 sites. Water level measurements were made in 45 wells. Data indicate that the aquifer consists of fine-grained to medium-grained sand, locally overlain by slag fill. Aquifer thickness is 0 to 65 ft. This aquifer is underlain by about 100 ft of glacial till and lacustrine clay that overlies carbonate bedrock of Silurian age. Broad, low-relief water table mounds occur between the major surface water drains. The crests of these mounds form major east-west-trending water table divides. Northwest of the Indiana Harbor Canal (IHC), a narrow water table ridge parallels the Lake Michigan shoreline and connects to a somewhat circular, low mound northwest of the IHC. Shallow groundwater generally flows from these water table mounds to the major streams or to Lake Michigan. Groundwater also flows to small ditches, wetlands, and sewer lines. Stream/aquifer relations along the Grand Calumet River/IHC were quite complex. Digital model simulations of a conceptual north-south section near the middle of the study area indicate that discharge of groundwater to small ditches and leaky sewer lines has lowered the water table by several ft from predevelopment levels. Simulations also indicate that downward leakage to the bedrock may have contributed to the decline in the water table.

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USGS1989

Statistical summary of streamflow data for Indiana

Statistical analyses of daily mean discharge values collected at 229 Indiana streamflow-gaging stations are presented. For each station, data collected from the beginning of period of record through the 1985 water year were analyzed. Summaries include flow-duration, high-flow, and low-flow tables, and monthly and annual mean discharge. (USGS)

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USGS1989

Water resources data for Indiana, water year 1988

Water resources data for the 1988 water year for Indiana consist 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 176 stream-gaging stations, stage for 4 stream stations, stage and contents for 1 reservoir, water quality for 3 streams and 2 observation wells, and water levels for 79 lakes and 88 observation wells. Also included are records of peak flows for 23 crest-stage, partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data-collection program, and are shown as miscellaneous measurements. 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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USGS1989

Streamflow and stream quality in the coal-mining region, Patoka River basin, southwestern Indiana, 1983-85

Streamflow and stream-quality data were collected for surface water in the coal-mining region of the Patoka River basin. Data were collected primarily in Pike County. Data were collected 4 times at 29 surface-water sites during different seasons and conditions of Streamflow. Data were collected August 1983, July 1984, December 1984, and February through March 1985. Six sites were on the Patoka River. Although the percentage of drainage from coal-mined lands increases from the upstream to the downstream sites, the major land use for all sites on the Patoka River is agriculture. Ten sites were on 8 tributaries to the Patoka River (excluding the South Fork Patoka River), 3 sites were on the South Fork Patoka River (the largest tributary to the Patoka River), and 10 sites were on 10 tributaries to the South Fork Patoka River. The major land use for these sites is coal mining. Data obtained at the sites included instantaneous Streamflow, pH, specific conductance, dissolved-oxygen concentration, water temperature and concentrations of alkalinity and hot acidity. Water samples were collected and analyzed to determine the concentrations of dissolved sulfate; dissolved, suspended, and total recoverable iron and manganese; dissolved solids; suspended sediment; and suspended sediment finer than 0.0625-millimeter diameter. Streamflow in the Patoka River has been regulated since 1978 by Patoka Lake. Flow-duration analyses indicate that flow regulation by Patoka Lake generally has increased low streamflows and decreased high streamflows in the Patoka River. When compared to sites on the tributaries, sites on the Patoka River generally had smaller values for specific conductance and concentrations of chemical constituents. Sites on the tributaries to the Patoka River (including the South Fork Patoka and its tributaries) had larger values due to the physical and chemical weathering of coal-mined material in their basins. Generally, for sites on the Patoka River, values of specific conductance and concentrations of dissolved sulfate and dissolved, suspended, and total recoverable manganese increased from the upstream to the downstream sites. For the tributary sites, pH was near neutral at 11 sites (median pH value of 7.3 for all samplings), pH was low at 8 sites (median pH value of 3.7 for all samplings), and pH was variable at 3 sites depending on Streamflow. At sites where pH was near neutral, when compared with sites where pH was low, specific conductance and concentrations of alkalinity, dissolved sulfate, suspended iron, suspended manganese, dissolved solids, and suspended sediment generally were larger, and concentrations of acidity, dissolved iron, total recoverable iron, dissolved manganese, and total manganese generally were smaller. At those sites where pH varied with streamflow, concentrations of chemical constituents also varied. For sites on the Patoka River, loads of dissolved sulfate, total recoverable manganese, and dissolved solids generally increased from the upstream to the downstream sites; loads of total recoverable iron were variable. Generally, there was an inverse relation of streamflow to concentrations of chemical constituents the greater the streamflow, the smaller the concentrations. For sites on the tributaries, there was an inverse relation of streamflow to specific conductance and to concentrations of alkalinity, acidity, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids and a direct relation of streamflow to concentrations of dissolved, suspended, and total iron. Data collected from 1965 through 1968 and during May and October 1979 were compared with data collected during the time of the study (1983-85). Few historical data were available, and those that were available were only for selected sites. Data for pH, alkalinity, acidity, and dissolved sulfate indicate minimal or no change in these constituents.

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USGS1989

Evaluation of a watershed model to simulate sediment transport in a small agricultural watershed in Indiana

The streamflow and sediment components of the watershed model, ' Hydrologic Simulation Program-Fortran ', were evaluated using 2 years and 9 months of data from a 2.7-sq mi agricultural watershed in Indiana. Hydrographs of simulated sediment concentration generally have smaller peaks and longer recessions than do hydrographs of measured data. The attenuation of simulated peaks was partly caused by difficulties in designing a representative channel system. Simulated surface runoff during low-intensity rainfall was greater than measured surface runoff; this caused an overestimation of sediment concentration and discharge. Rainfalls of low intensity were mostly absorbed by the soil, but the model predicted that the amount of surface runoff from such storms would be large. The overly large volume of simulated surface runoff transported more sediment than actually occurred. The mean absolute error of mean sediment concentrations during storms is 45% of the measured average concentration. The error resulted from a combination of error in recording streamflow and rainfall, in simulating streamflows, and in simulating sedimentation processes. The largest percent errors are associated with simulated maximum streamflows and average sediment discharges. The root-mean-square errors are 93 and 102% of the measured maximum streamflow and average sediment discharges. (USGS)

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USGS1989

Geohydrology, simulation of ground-water flow, and ground-water quality at two landfills, Marion County, Indiana

Geologic, hydrologic, and water-quality data were collected at the Julietta and Tibbs-Banta landfills in Marion County. Both landfills were closed in the mid-1970's, and sewage sludge mixed with dirt was spread on the landfills in the mid-1980's as part of a revegetation project. The landfills were constructed in unconsolidated glacial sediments that consist of sand, gravel, silt, and clay. The maximum thickness of the sediments is 180 feet at Julietta and 100 feet at Tibbs-Banta. Both landfills are underlain by sand and gravel aquifers and are adjacent to gaining streams. Ground water flows toward and into the streams at each study area. Two sand and gravel aquifers were mapped at Julietta and four were mapped at TibbsBanta. The aquifers are separated in places by discontinuous clay layers. Ground-water-flow models, calibrated to simulate steady-state low-flow conditions, indicate that about 19,000 gallons of water per day move through the refuse at Julietta and 42,000 gallons per day move through the refuse at Tibbs-Banta. The Julietta model also indicates that recharge through the surface of the landfill is less than in the surrounding natural areas, probably because of the addition and compaction of the sludge/soil mixture. Concentrations of dissolved inorganic substances in ground-water samples indicate that leachate from both landfills is reaching the shallow aquifers. The effect on deeper aquifers is small because of the predominance of horizontal ground-water flow and discharge to the streams. Increases in almost all dissolved constituents were observed in shallow wells that are screened beneath and downgradient from the landfills. Several analyses, especially those for bromide, dissolved solids, and ammonia, were useful in delineating the plume of leachate at both landfills.

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USGS1988

Suspended-sediment characteristics of Indiana streams, 1952-84

Suspended sediment concentration and discharge data were collected at seven daily record stations and 70 partial record stations in Indiana during 1952-84. Median suspended sediment concentrations ranged from 24 to 61 mg/L at daily record stations; concentrations ranged from 6 to 539 mg/L at partial record stations. Most suspended sediment transported in Indiana streams is silt and clay size (particles between 0.062 and 0.004 and < 0.004 mm 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 hr 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/sq mi. Annual suspended sediment yields for 70 partial record stations, estimated by use of the suspended sediment transport, flow-duration-curve method, ranged from 11 to 2,310 tons/sq mi. However, because of the poor correlation between suspended sediment discharge and streamflow, these estimates are poor. Periods of record at four 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 nine of the 36 stations. At six of the nine stations, flow adjusted suspended sediment concentrations decreased with time. (Author's abstract)

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USGS1988

Annual maximum and minimum lake levels for Indiana, 1942-85

Indiana has many natural and manmade lakes. Lake-level data are available for 217 lakes. These data were collected during water years 1942-85 by use of staff gages and, more recently, continuous recorders. The period of record at each site ranges from 1 to 43 years. Data from the lake stations have been compiled, and maximum and minimum lake levels for each year of record are reported. In addition to annual maximum and minimum lake levels, each lake station is described by gage location, surface area, drainage area, period of record, datum of gage, gage type, established legal level, lake level control, inlets and outlets, and extremes for the period of record.

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USGS1988

Water resources data for Indiana, water year 1987

Water resources data for the 1987 water year for Indiana consist 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 187 stream-gaging stations, stage for 1 stream station, stage and contents for 1 reservoir, water quality for 3 streams and 3 observation wells, and water levels for 79 lakes and 87 observation wells. Also included are records of peak flows for 23 crest-stage, partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data-collection program, and are shown as miscellaneous measurements. 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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USGS1988

Effects of agricultural irrigation on water resources in the St. Joseph River basin, Indiana, and implications for aquifer yield

During the past decade, the acreage of irrigated agricultural land in Indiana has tripled, causing public concern about competition for water and resulting in several State laws for regulating water withdrawals. The St. Joseph River basin represents less than one-tenth of the area of the State, but it contains one-third of the State 's irrigated land. Irrigated land in the basin is composed of permeable soils that are underlain by productive glacial aquifers. A computer model was used to analyze the effects of maximum irrigation withdrawals on aquifer drawdown and streamflow in a 16.5 sq mi area of intensive irrigation. Simulation of maximum pumping resulted in predicted aquifer drawdowns of one-fourth of the total available drawdown. Flow in a nearby stream was decreased by 40%. Areas of most intensive irrigation in the basin also are areas that have productive aquifers and well-sustained streamflows. Aquifer yield is based on the concept of capture - the volume of increased recharge to the aquifer or decreased discharge from the aquifer that results from pumping. The high rates of capture for aquifers in the basin supply ample water for present (1982) irrigation and for substantial future development. (USGS)

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USGS1988

Ground-water flow and quality beneath sewage-sludge lagoons, and a comparison with the ground-water quality beneath a sludge-amended landfill, Marion County, Indiana

The groundwater beneath eight sewage sludge lagoons, was studied to characterize the flow regime and to determine whether leachate had infiltrated into the glacio-fluvial sediments. Groundwater quality beneath the lagoons was compared with the groundwater quality beneath a landfill where sludge had been applied. The lagoons and landfills overlie outwash sand and gravel deposits separated by discontinuous clay layers. Shallow groundwater flows away from the lagoons and discharges into the White River. Deep groundwater discharges to the White River and flows southwest beneath Eagle Creek. After an accumulation of at least 2 inches of precipitation during 1 week, groundwater flow is temporarily reversed in the shallow aquifer, and all deep flow is along a relatively steep hydraulic gradient to the southwest. The groundwater is predominantly a calcium bicarbonate type, although ammonium accounts for more than 30% of the total cations in water from three wells. Concentrations of sodium, chloride, sulfate, iron, arsenic, boron, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, and methylene-blue-active substances indicate the presence of leachate in the groundwater. Concentrations of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc were less than detection limits. The concentrations of 16 of 19 constituents or properties of groundwater beneath the lagoons are statistically different than groundwater beneath the landfill at the 0.05 level of significance. Only pH and concentrations of dissolved oxygen and bromide are higher in groundwater beneath the landfill than beneath the lagoons.

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USGS1987

Seismicity map of the state of Indiana

This map is one of a series of seismicity maps produced by the U. S. Geological Survey that show earthquake data of individual states or groups of states at the scale of 1:1,000,000. This map shows only those earthquakes with epicenters located within the boundaries of Indiana, even though earthquakes in nearby states may have been felt or may have caused damage in Indiana. The data in table 1 were used to compile the seismicity map; these data are a corrected, expanded, and updated (through 1983) version of the data used by Algermissen (1969) for a study of seismic risk in the United States. The locations and intensities of some earthquakes were revised and intensities were assigned where none had been before. Many earthquakes were added to the original list from new data sources as well as from some old data sources that had not been previously used. The data in table 1 represent best estimates of the location of the epicenter, magnitude, and intensity of each earthquake on the basis of historical and current information. Some of the aftershocks from large earthquakes are listed, but not all, especially for earthquakes that occurred before seismic instruments were universally used. The latitude and longitude coordinates of each epicenter were rounded to the nearest tenth of a degree and sorted so that all identical locations were grouped and counted. These locations are represented on the map by a triangle. The number of earthquakes at each location is shown on the map by the arabic number to the right of the triangle. A Roman numeral to the left of a triangle is the maximum Modified Mercalli intensity (Wood and Neumann, 1931) of all earthquakes at that geographic location. The absence of an intensity value indicates that no intensities have been assigned to earthquakes at that location. The year shown below each triangle is the latest year for which the maximum intensity was recorded.

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USGS1987

Effects of surface coal mining and reclamation on the geohydrology of six small watersheds in west-central Indiana

The watersheds studied include mined and reclaimed; mined and unreclaimed; and unmined, agricultural land uses, and are each < 3 sq mi in area. Surface water, groundwater, and meteorologic data for the 1981 and 1982 water years were used to describe and compare hydrologic systems of the six watersheds and to identify hydrologic effects of mining and reclamation. Peak discharges were greater at the agricultural watersheds than at the unreclaimed watersheds, primarily because of large final-cut lakes in the unreclaimed watersheds. Annual runoff was greatest at the unreclaimed watersheds, intermediate at the agricultural watersheds, and least at the reclaimed watersheds. Hydrologic effects of mining were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and unreclaimed watersheds with those at unmined, agricultural watersheds. Comparisons of the hydrologic systems of these watersheds indicate that surface coal mining without reclamation has the potential to increase annual runoff, base flow, and groundwater recharge to the bedrock; reduce peak flow rates and variation in flow; lower the water table in upland areas; change the relation between surface water and groundwater divides; and create numerous, local flow systems in the shallow groundwater. Hydrologic effects of reclamation were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and reclaimed watersheds with those at mined and unreclaimed watersheds. Reclamation has the potential to decrease annual runoff, base flow, and recharge to the bedrock; increase peak flow rates, variation in flow, and response to thunderstorms; reestablish the premining relation between surface and groundwater divides; and create fewer local flow systems in the shallow groundwater.

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USGS1987

Description of the physical environment and coal-mining history of west-central Indiana, with emphasis on six small watersheds

Information on the geology, geomorphology, soils, climate, hydrology, water use, land use, population, and coal mining history of Clay, Owen, Sullivan, and Vigo Counties in Indiana is summarized. Site-specific information is given on the morphology , geology, soils, land use, coal mining history, and hydrologic instrumentation of the six watersheds which are each less than 3 sq mi in area. The Wabash, White, and Eel Rivers are the major drainages in west-central Indiana. Average annual precipitation is about 39.5 in/yr and average annual runoff is about 13 in/yr. The most productive aquifers are confined or unconfined outwash aquifers located along the major rivers. Bedrock aquifers are regionally insignificant but are the sole source of groundwater for areas that lack outwash, alluvium, or sand and gravel lenses in till. Indiana has more than 17 billion short tons of recoverable coal reserves; about 11% can be mined by surface methods. Almost half of Indiana's surface reserves are in Clay, Owen, Sullivan, and Vigo Counties. More than 50,000 acres in west-central Indiana have been disturbed by surface coal mining from 1941 through 1980. Big Slough and Hooker Creek are streams that drain unmined, agricultural watersheds. Row-crop corn and soybeans are the principal crops. Soils are moderately well drained silt loams, and the watersheds well developed dendritic drainage systems. Unnamed tributaries drain mined and reclaimed watersheds. Ridges of mine spoil have been graded to a gently rolling topography. Soils are well drained and consist of 6 to 12 inches of silt-loam topsoil that was stockpiled and then replaced over shale and sandstone fragments of the graded mine spoil. Grasses and legumes form the vegetative cover in each watershed. Pond Creek and an unnamed tributary to Big Branch are streams that drain mined and unreclaimed watersheds. Soils are very well drained shaly silty loams that have formed on steeply sloping banks. Both watersheds contain numerous impoundments of water and have enclosed areas that do not contribute surface runoff to streamflow. The ridges of mine spoil are covered with pine trees, but much of the soil surface is devoid of vegetation. (Lantz-PTT)

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