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Research about Kansas

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Kansas.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
USGS1988

Relation of trihalomethane-formation potential to water-quality and physical characteristics of small water-supply lakes, eastern Kansas

The formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes during the treatment of public surface water supplies has become a potentially serious problem. The U. S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment , investigated the potential for trihalomethane formation in water from 15 small, public water supply lakes in eastern Kansas from April 1984 through April 1986 in order to define the principal factors that affect or control the potential for trihalomethane formation during the water treatment process. Relations of mean concentrations of trihalomethane-formation potential to selected water quality and lake and watershed physical characteristics were investigated using correlation and regression analysis. Statistically significant, direct relations were developed between trihalomethanes produced in unfiltered and filtered lake water and mean concentrations of total and dissolved organic carbon. Correlation coefficients for these relations ranged from 0.86 to 0.93. Mean values of maximum depth of lake were shown to have statistically significant inverse relations to mean concentrations of trihalomethane-formation potential and total and dissolved organic carbon. Correlation coefficients for these relations ranged from -0.76 to -0.81.

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USGS1987

Percentage change in saturated thickness of the High Plains aquifer, west-central Kansas, 1950 to average 1985-87

Continuing studies are being made in west-central Kansas to provide up-to-date information that will aid in the management of groundwater for irrigation. This report, prepared by the U.S> Geological Survey in cooperation with the Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1, presents the results of the seventh in a series of studies that uses a statistical technique, called kriging, to produce hydrologic maps. The kriging technique interpolates water-level altitudes at the center of each 1-square-mile section in the study area on the basis of water-level measurements from 164 observation wells. For this study, measurements made at each site during the winter months of 1985, 1986, and 1987 were averaged. These interpolated altitudes (1859 in all), along with bedrock-surface and base-year water-level altitudes were used to prepare a hydrologic map that illustrates percentage change in saturated thickness. Saturated thickness, as used in this report, is the thickness of the High Plains Aquifer between the groundwater surface, as indicated by water-level altitudes, and the bedrock surface. Because irrigation development in west-central Kansas was minimal prior to 1950, the saturated thickness during 1950 represented a nearly static condition in the aquifer. Thus, the decrease in saturated thickness of the aquifer since 1950 is related to the effects of irrigation withdrawals on the volume of water in storage.

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USGS1986

Percentage change in saturated thickness of the High Plains Aquifer, west-central Kansas, 1950 to average 1984-86

Continuing studies are being made in west-central Kansas to provide up-to-date information that will aid in the management of groundwater for irrigation. The results are presented of the sixth in a series of studies that used a statistical technique called kriging, to produce hydrologic maps. The kriging technique interpolates water level altitudes at the center of each 1 sq mi section in the study area on the basis of water level measurements from 169 observation wells. For this study, measurements made at each site during the winter months of 1984, 1985, and 1986 were averaged. These interpolated altitudes (1 ,859 in all), along with bedrock-surface and base yr water level altitudes, were used to prepare a hydrologic map that illustrates percentage change in saturated thickness. Saturated thickness, as used in this report, is the thickness of the High Plains aquifer between the groundwater surface, as indicated by water level altitudes, and the bedrock surface. Because irrigation development in west-central Kansas was minimal prior to 1950, the saturated thickness during 1950 represented a nearly static condition in the aquifer. Thus, the decrease in saturated thickness of the aquifer since 1950 is related to the effects of irrigation withdrawals on the volume of water in storage.

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USGS1985

Experimental studies in natural groundwater-recharge dynamics: The analysis of observed recharge events

The amounts and time distribution of groundwater recharge from precipitation over an approximately 19-month period were investigated at two instrumented sites in south-central Kansas. Precipitation and evapotranspiration sequences, soil-moisture profiles and storage changes, water fluxes in the unsaturated zone and hydraulic gradients in the saturated zone at various depths, soil temperatures, water-table hydrographs, and water-level changes in nearby wells clearly depict the recharge process. Antecedent moisture conditions and the thickness and nature of the unsaturated zone were found to be the major factors affecting recharge. Although the two instrumented sites are located in sand-dune environments in areas characterized by shallow water table and subhumid continental climate, a significant difference was observed in the estimated effective recharge. The estimates ranged from less than 2.5 to approximately 154 mm at the two sites from February to June 1983. The main reasons for this large difference in recharge estimates were the greater thickness of the unsaturated zone and the lower moisture content in that zone resulting from lower precipitation and higher potential evapotranspiration for one of the sites. Effective recharge took place only during late winter and spring. No summer or fall recharge was observed at either site during the observation period of this study.

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USGS1985

Apatitic connecting rings in moulds of Baculites sp. from the middle part of the Smoky Hill Member, Niobrara Chalk (Santonian), of western Kansas

Moulds of Baculites sp. are common in the Smoky Hill Member but only five known specimens contain connecting rings that have been preserved because of mineralisation by carbonate apatite. Analysis of four of these specimens suggests that the connecting rings were originally composed of organic material and were mineralised during early diagenesis. Thin sections and scanning electron microscopy demonstrate that the connecting rings had a two-layered structure consisting of a thick siphuncular wall and a thin pellicle.

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USGS1985

Altitude and configuration of the water table in the High Plains aquifer of Kansas, pre-1950

The High Plains aquifer in Kansas is a part of a regional system that extends from South Dakota to Texas. The aquifer in Kansas underlies an area of 31,000 square miles in the western and south-central part. The aquifer is a hydraulically connected assemblage of unconsolidated water-bearing deposits of Tertiary and Quaternary age. Maps at a scale of 1:500,000 show the altitude and configuration of the water table in Kansas prior to 1950. The water-table maps depict the water-level surface that was present prior to major development of the High Plains aquifer. Ground water moves from higher altitudes in the western part of the High Plains to lower altitudes in the eastern part at an average slope of 10 feet per mile. The upgradient flexure of water-table contours along some of the valleys indicates that ground water is discharged to the streams in those areas.

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USGS1985

Analysis of surface-water data network in Kansas for effectiveness in providing regional streamflow information

The surface water data network in Kansas was analyzed using generalized least squares regression for its effectiveness in providing regional streamflow information. The correlation and time-sampling error of the streamflow characteristic are considered in the generalized least squares method. Unregulated medium-flow, low-flow and high-flow characteristics were selected to be representative of the regional information that can be obtained from streamflow gaging station records for use in evaluating the effectiveness of continuing the present network stations, discontinuing some stations; and/or adding new stations. The analysis used streamflow records for all currently operated stations that were not affected by regulation and discontinued stations for which unregulated flow characteristics, as well as physical and climatic characteristics, were available. The state was divided into three network areas, western, northeastern, and southeastern Kansas, and analysis was made for three streamflow characteristics in each area, using three planning horizons. The analysis showed that the maximum reduction of sampling mean square error for each cost level could be obtained by adding new stations and discontinuing some of the present network stations. Large reductions in sampling mean square error for low-flow information could be accomplished in all three network areas, with western Kansas having the most dramatic reduction. The addition of new stations would be most beneficial for man-flow information in western Kansas, and to lesser degrees in the other two areas. The reduction of sampling mean square error for high-flow information would benefit most from the addition of new stations in western Kansas, and the effect diminishes to lesser degrees in the other two areas. Southeastern Kansas showed the smallest error reduction in high-flow information. A comparison among all three network areas indicated that funding resources could be most effectively used by discontinuing more stations in northeastern and southeastern Kansas and establishing more new stations in western Kansas. (Author's abstract)

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USGS1985

Transit losses and traveltimes for reservoir releases during drought conditions along the Neosho River from Council Grove Lake to Iola, east-central Kansas

Knowledge of the transit losses and water-wave traveltimes in the Neosho River for varying reservoir-release volumes and durations is necessary for proper management of water supply. Two reaches were studied along the Neosho River in east-central Kansas. The upper reach is from Council Grove Lake to John Redmond Reservoir, a distance of 83.0 river miles. The lower reach is from John Redmond Reservoir to Iola, Kansas, a distance of 56.3 river miles. Channel and aquifer characteristics were estimated from available data and used in a streamflow routing model. These estimated characteristics were verified using the model by comparing simulated reservoir releases to observed reservoir releases. The verified model then was used to simulate transit losses (or gains) and traveltimes for selected reservoir release volumes and durations from Council Grove Lake to Iola. Transit losses and traveltimes were investigated for the selected reservoir releases while under a severe drought antecedent streamflow condition (zero base flow) and a less severe drought antecedent streamflow condition (2% drought base flows). The largest total transit loss from Council Grove Lake to Iola occurred during the severe drought antecedent streamflow condition, small reservoir release rates, and long reservoir release durations. The total transit loss included water that was temporarily lost to bank storage. For a severe drought condition, transit losses ranged from 1,100 acre-ft for a release volume of 1,840 acre-ft for a duration of 50 days to 6 ,280 acre-ft for a release volume of 6,280 acre-ft for a duration of 365 days. For a less severe drought condition, transit losses ranged from 860 acre-ft to 3,234 acre-ft for the same release volumes and durations as for the severe drought condition. (Author 's abstract)

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USGS1985

Percentage change in saturated thickness of the High Plains aquifer, west-central Kansas, 1950 to average 1983-85

Continuing studies are being made in west-central Kansas to provide up-to-date information to aid in the management of groundwater for irrigation. This report, prepared in cooperation with the Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1, presents the fifth in a series of studies that uses a statistical technique, called kriging, to produce hydrologic maps that are used as management tools. Kriging is a statistical technique that was used to interpolate water level altitudes at the center of each 1-square-mile section in the study area based on measured water levels at 165 observation wells. These interpolation altitudes (1,859 in all), along with bedrock surface and base year water table altitudes, were used to prepare a geohydrologic map illustrating percentage change in saturated thickness. Saturated thickness, as used in this report, is the thickness of the High Plains aquifer between the groundwater surface indicated by water table altitudes and the bedrock surface. Because irrigation development in west-central Kansas was minimal prior to 1950, the saturated thickness during 1950 represented a nearly static condition in the aquifer. Thus, the effects of irrigation withdrawalson the volume of water in storage could be related to the decrease or percentage change in saturated thickness of the aquifer from 1950 to average saturated thickness during 1983-85.

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USGS1985

Transit losses and traveltimes for water-supply releases from Marion Lake during drought conditions, Cottonwood River, east-central Kansas

A streamflow routing model was used to calculate the transit losses and traveltimes. Channel and aquifer characteristics, and the model control parameters, were estimated from available data and then verified to the extent possible by comparing model simulated streamflow to observed streamflow at streamflow gaging stations. Transit losses and traveltimes for varying reservoir release rates and durations then were simulated for two different antecedent streamflow (drought) conditions. For the severe-drought antecedent-streamflow condition, it was assumed that only the downstream water use requirement would be released from the reservoir. For a less severe drought (LSD) antecedent streamflow condition, it was assumed than any releases from Marion Lake for water supply use downstream, would be in addition to a nominal dry weather release of 5 cu ft/sec. Water supply release rates of 10 and 25 cu ft/sec for the severe drought condition and 5, 10, and 25 cu ft/sec for the less severe drought condition were simulated for periods of 28 and 183 days commencing on July 1. Transit losses for the severe drought condition for all reservoir release rates and durations ranged from 12% to 78% of the maximum downstream flow rate and from 27% to 91% of the total volume of reservoir storage released. For the LSD condition, transit losses ranged from 7% to 29% of the maximum downstream flow rate and from 10% to 48% of the total volume of release. The 183-day releases had larger total transit losses, but losses on a percentage basis were less than the losses for the 28-day release period for both antecedent streamflow conditions. Traveltimes to full response (80% of the maximum downstream flow rate), however, showed considerable variation. For the release of 5 cu ft/sec during LSD conditions, base flow exceeded 80% of the maximum flow rate near the confluence; the traveltime to full response was undefined for those simulations. For the releases of 10 and 25 cu ft/sec during the same drought condition, traveltimes to full response ranged from 4.4 to 6.5 days. For releases of 10 and 25 cu ft/sec during severe drought conditions, traveltimes to full response near the confluence with the Neosho River ranged from 8.3 to 93 days.

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USGS1985

Geohydrology and model analysis of stream-aquifer system along the Arkansas River in Kearny and Finney Counties, southwestern Kansas

A study was made, in cooperation with the Division of Water Resources, Kansas State Board of Agriculture, to determine geohydrologic conditions in an area comprising nearly 850,000 acres along the Arkansas River valley in Kearny and Finney Counties, southwestern Kansas. The Arkansas River meanders atop and interacts hydraulically with the area's multilayered, unconsolidated aquifer system. Declines in static water levels in wells in the heavily pumped lower aquifer ranged from 20 to 80 feet during 1974-80. The river is dry in much of the area. A digital computer model was calibrated to simulate the trends of historic water levels. Simulated 1974-80 conditions depicted an average annual recharge to the unconsolidated aquifer system of 66,900 acre-feet from precipitation and 36,200 acre-feet from river and canal seepage and boundary inflow. Simulated average annual discharge consisted of 634,800 acre-feet from pumpage and boundary outflow. Simulated average annual recharge to the unconsolidated aquifer system was 531,700 acre-feet less than average annual discharge, indicating the ground-water resource is currently (1982) being mined in the study area. Simulation also indicated that there would be sufficient saturated thickness in 2005 for irrigation if 1980 hydrologic conditions continued. Seepage losses from the Arkansas River and irrigation canals are a major source of recharge to the unconsolidated aquifer system. Therefore, the amount of flow in the Arkansas River would be important in determining the rate of future water-level declines in the study area. Streamflow seepage losses could be decreased by (1) decreasing the number of wells pumping in the study area in order to reduce downward leakage from the valley aquifer, or (2) increasing streamflow discharge in order to recharge the valley aquifer. The rate and direction of flow between the river and the valley aquifer depend on the hydraulic conductivity of the streambed and the hydraulic gradient between the river stage and the water table. As long as river stage remains high, the water table in the valley aquifer continues to rise. Seepage from the river to the valley aquifer decreases as the altitude difference between the river stage and the valley aquifer decreases, becoming insignificant when the water level in the valley aquifer nearly equals river stage. However, a rise in the water table in the valley aquifer because of recharge from the river will correspond to increased downward leakage to the lower aquifer, impeding recharge to the valley aquifer.

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USGS1984

Experimental studies in natural groundwater recharge dynamics: Assessment of recent advances in instrumentation

To quantify and model the natural groundwater-recharge process, two sites in south-central Kansas, U.S.A., were instrumented with various modern sensors and data microloggers. The atmospheric-boundary layer and the unsaturated and saturated soil zones were monitored as a unified regime. Data from the various sensors were collected using microloggers in combination with magnetic-cassette tape, graphical and digital recorders, analog paper-tape recorders, and direct observations to evaluate and automate data collection and processing. Atmospheric sensors included an anemometer, a tipping-bucket raingage, an air-temperature thermistor, a relative-humidity probe, a net radiometer, and a barometric-pressure transducer. Sensors in the unsaturated zone consisted of soil-temperature thermocouples, tensiometers coupled with pressure transducers and dial gages, gypsum blocks, and a neutron moisture probe operated by an observer. The saturated-zone sensors consisted of a water-level pressure transducer, a conventional float gage connected to a variable potentiometer, soil thermocouples, and a number of multiple-depth piezometers. Evaluation of the operation of these sensors and recorders indicated that certain types of equipment such as pressure transducers are very sensitive to environmental conditions. Extraordinary steps had to be taken to protect some of the equipment, whereas other equipment seemed to be reliable under all conditions. Based on such experiences, a number of suggestions aimed at improving such investigations are outlined.

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USGS1984

Groundwater-flow parameter estimation and quality modeling of the Equus Beds aquifer in Kansas, U.S.A.

The salinity problems created in the Burrton area as a result of poor oil-field brine disposal practices of the past continue to be a major concern to the area depending on the Equus Beds aquifer for water, including the City of Wichita, Kansas. In this paper, an attempt is made to predict where and how fast the brine plume will move in this area, and what the average chloride concentrations in different parts of the aquifer are. In order to make such predictions, it was necessary to get a calibrated model of the groundwater-flow velocity field. Multiple regression analysis is used for parameter estimation of the steady-state groundwater-flow equation applied in the most critical area of the Equus Beds aquifer. Results of such an analysis produced a correlation coefficient of 0.992 between calculated and observed values of hydraulic head. A chloride transport modeling effort is then carried out despite some serious data deficiencies, the significance of which are evaluated through sensitivity analysis. Thus, starting with the quasi steady-state conditions of the early 1940's, it was possible to match the present chloride distribution satisfactorily. Chloride concentration predictions made for the year 2000 indicate that the quality of the Wichita well-field waters will not generally deteriorate from their present condition by that time.

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USGS1984

Magnitude and frequency of high flows of unregulated streams in Kansas

Information on high-flow magnitude and frequency is needed for hydro-logic evaluation of such factors as flood-control storage and dam safety. High-flow information given in this report is for streamflows unaffected by major regulation, such as by large reservoirs. High-flow magnitude and frequency data are given for 91 streamflow-gaging stations through-out Kansas. Results of frequency calculations are given for durations of high flow of 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 183 consecutive days. Accuracy of the magnitude-frequency values is influenced by the variability of flow, the number of years of flow record, and the recurrence interval calculated. High-flow magnitude and frequency for ungaged sites can be estimated from regression equations using significant drainage-basin characteristics of contributing-drainage area; 50-year, 24-hour rainfall; and free-water-surface evaporation. Standard errors of estimate for ungaged sites on ungaged streams range from 31 to 49 percent, generally increasing with recurrence interval. If an ungaged site is near a gaging station having 10 or more years of record on the same stream, the data for the gaging station may be used to improve the regression estimates.

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USGS1984

Natural ground-water-recharge data from three selected sites in Harvey County, south-central Kansas

The cities of Wichita, Newton, and several smaller towns pump large quantities of water from the 'Equus Beds' aquifer in south-central Kansas. The aquifer also supplies large quantities of water for irrigation at a steadily increasing rate. The Harvey County Planning and Zoning Commission entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey to collect information on natural recharge at three sites having different soils and unsaturated lithologies. Data summarized in tabular form include daily rainfall amounts, average soil moisture for selected layers, water-table levels, and neutron-measured soil moisture at 1-foot intervals. This information can be used in studying the possibility of protecting the aquifer from any development that might impede natural recharge. (USGS)

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USGS1984

Relation of urban land-use and dry-weather, storm, and snowmelt flow characteristics to stream-water quality, Shunganunga Creek basin, Topeka, Kansas

Overland runoff from urban areas can cause concentrations of some water-quality constituents in local receiving streams to increase. The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment investigated the water-quality characteristics of streams draining Topeka, Kansas, and adjacent parts of the Shunganunga Creek basin from October 1979 through November 1981. The purpose of this investigation was to provide the data and interpretation necessary to determine the effects of runoff from urban areas on the water-quality characteristics of receiving streams. Water-quality characteristics for three streamflow conditions were determined: (1) dry-weather streamflow--a combination of base flow and point-source contributions, (2) storm streamflow--mainly provided by overland runoff from storms, and (3) snowmelt streamflow- mainly provided by overland runoff from snowmelt. Median concentrations of trace metals and nutrients were larger in storm streamflow than in dry-weather streamflow. Median concentrations of total lead and zinc were largest in storm streamflow from the more urban basins. Regression equations were developed to estimate median concentrations of total lead and zinc in storm streamflow from the percentage of drainage area in residential plus commercial land-use areas (correlation coefficients were 0.98 for total lead and 0.88 for total zinc); and from street density in lane miles per square mile (correlation coefficients were 0.89 for total lead and 0.84 for total zinc). Median concentrations of dissolved nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus averaged, respectively, 76-percent and 70-percent larger during storm streamflow than during dry-weather streamflow and were largest in storm streamflow from the more agricultural basins. Median concentrations of dissolved sodium, chloride, and solids in snowmelt streamflow at all study sites averaged 218-percent larger for dissolved sodium, 296-percent larger for dissolved chloride, and 71-percent larger for dissolved solids relative to median concentrations in dry-weather streamflow. Regression equations also were developed to estimate median concentrations of dissolved sodium, chloride, and solids in snowmelt streamflow from the summation of percentages of the drainage area in residential, commercial, and industrial land-use areas (correlation coefficients were 0.97 for each of the three relationships) and from street density in lane miles per square mile (correlation coefficients were 0.93 for dissolved sodium and 0.94 for both dissolved chloride and dissolved solids). Multiple-correlation and regression analysis relating storm-runoff volumes and average constituent concentrations to land-use and storm characteristics produced significant relations (0.05 level of significance) for storm-runoff volume (0.81 coefficient of determination), total lead (0.71 coefficient of determination), total zinc (0.50 coefficient of determination), and suspended sediment (0.58 coefficient of determination).

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USGS1984

Water resources data, Kansas, water year 1983

Water resources data for the 1983 water year consist of records of stage, dis-charge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. This report contains discharge records for 141 gaging stations; stage and contents for 24 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 52 gaging stations; and water levels for 471 obser-vation wells and water quality for 212 wells. Also included are data for 91 crest-stage partial-record stations. All data in this report represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Kansas.

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