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Research about Minnesota

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Minnesota.

At least 775 records · Page 43Linked to original sources
USGS1977

Productivity, mortality, and population trends of wolves in northeastern Minnesota

Population parameters, mortality causes, and mechanisms of a population decline were studied in wolves ( Canis lupus lycaon ) from 1968 to 1976 in the Superior National Forest. The main method was aerial radio-tracking of 129 wolves and their packmates. Due to a decline in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ), the wolf population decreased during most of the study. Average annual productivity varied from 1.5 to 3.3 pups per litter, and annual mortality rates from 7 to 65 percent. Malnutrition and intraspecific strife accounted equally for 58 percent of the mortality; human causes accounted for the remainder. As wolf numbers began to decline, pup starvation became apparent, followed by lower pup production, and then by increased intraspecific strife. At higher densities, adult pack wolves were the most secure members of the population, but as the population declined, they became the least secure because of intraspecific strife.

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USGS1977

Small-stream flood investigations in Minnesota: October 1958 to September 1975

An investigation of flood flows from small drainage basins in Minnesota was initiated to aid in the design of bridges, culverts and other highway drainage structures. The program provides peak flow data on streams having drainage areas generally less than 50 square miles, placing particular emphasis on those less than 10 square miles. Basin parameters being investigated are drainage area, length of main stream, slope of main channel, basin altitude, forest cover, and storage area. Each of the 138 gaging stations are equipped with crest-stage gages, and 10 stations have continuous recorded records of stage and precipitation. The relative magnitude of flood flows for different hydrologic regions are shown in graphs which relate maximum discharge to drainage area. Each station record contains location, drainage area, records available, type of gage, on-site structure elevations, bankfill stage, and annual maximum stage and discharge data.

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USGS1977

Baseline water quality of Long Meadow Lake, Ponds AP-9 and AP-10, and Black Dog Creek, Hennepin and Dakota counties, Minnesota

Long Meadow Lake, Black Dog Creek, and Ponds AP-9 and AP-10 which lie in an area designated for a trunk highway bridge crossing the Minnesota River, were sampled for baseline water quality prior to construction of the bridge. Data collected show that dissolved solids fluctuate seasonally. Dissolved oxygen:/ranged from less than 1 milligram per liter under an ice cover to 13-9 milligrams per liter in the September sample at site 4 in Long Meadow Lake. The phytoplankton analyses showed pulses in algae populations, blue-green algae being the dominant type in at least one sample from each of the water courses.

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USGS1977

Ground-water appraisal of the Pineland Sands area, central Minnesota

The Pineland Sands area consists of 770 square miles of surficial glacial outwash, which is undergoing increasing ground-water development for irrigation. The aquifer material is commonly very fine sand to fine gravel, and grain size generally increases from south to north. Thickness, transmissivity, and theoretical well yields are highest in the northern part. In places, saturated thickness exceeds 100 feet, transmissivity exceeds 20,000 feet squared per day, and expected well yields exceed 2,000 gallons per minute. Water in the aquifer is chemically suitable for irrigation. It is calcium bicarbonate water generally containing dissolvedsolids concentrations of 100-300 milligrams per liter. An estimated long-term water budget for the aquifer involves inflow and outflow of 295 cubic feet per second. Over 80 percent of recharge to the aquifer is directly from snowmelt and spring rain; the remainder is from underflow across the northern boundary of the aquifer and locally from streams and lakes. Over 90 percent of discharge from the aquifer is flow to streams and lakes; the remainder is through evapotranspiration. A mathematical model of the surficial aquifer was made to facilitate analysis of the hydrologic system. The model was calibrated through simulation of the natural ground-water flow system. Subsequent applications of the model to estimate effects of future ground-water development indicate that much of the system can safely support long-term, large-scale withdrawals. Results of model analysis show that present development (withdrawals totaling 3.3 cubic feet per second) has no significant effect on the aquifer system. Simulations of hypothetical withdrawals of 60 to 120 cubic feet per second resulted in computed water-table declines as great as 12 feet in places. Most pumpage is derived from intercepted base flow to streams, thus reducing streamflow. Similarly, some lake levels can be expected to decline in response to nearby intensive development.

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USGS1977

Techniques for estimating magnitude and frequency of floods in Minnesota

Estimating relations have been developed to provide engineers and designers with improved techniques for defining flow-frequency characteristics to satisfy hydraulic planning and design requirements. The magnitude and frequency of floods up to the 100-year recurrence interval can be determined for most streams in Minnesota by methods presented. By multiple regression analysis, equations have been developed for estimating flood-frequency relations at ungaged sites on natural flow streams. Eight distinct hydrologic regions are delineated within the State with boundaries defined generally by river basin divides. Regression equations are provided for each region which relate selected frequency floods to significant basin parameters. For main-stem streams, graphs are presented showing floods for selected recurrence intervals plotted against contributing drainage area. Flow-frequency estimates for intervening sites along the Minnesota River, Mississippi River, and the Red River of the North can be derived from these graphs. Flood-frequency characteristics are tabulated for 201 paging stations having 10 or more years of record.

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USGS1977

Low-flow characteristics of Minnesota streams

Low-flow frequency data for 161 continuous-record gaging stations having eight or more complete years of record are presented for 1-, 7-, 14-, 30-, 60-, 90-, 120-, 183-, and 365-day low flows for frequencies ranging from once in 2 years to once in 100 years. In addition, 8,146 low-flow measurements at 1,515 sites are given. Included are measurements at 623 partial-record stations where correlations with nearby continuous-record gaging stations eventually will be completed, and at 892 miscellaneous-measurement sites where only a few measurements were made. Examples are given for determining low-flow characteristics at partial-record stations and miscellaneous-measurement sites. Where the number of measurements are adequate to develop a relation line, they alone are related to concurrent daily flows at a continuous-record gaging station. Where the number of measurements are too few to define a relation with flows at nearby gaging stations, an equal-yield line can be helpful for estimating a relation line. The relation line may be used to transfer low-flow characteristics from a continuous-record gaging station to a site where only discharge measurements are available . Specific conductance of streams, where available, is listed with the discharge measurements at partial-record stations and miscellaneous-measurement sites. Observed conductivity values range from less than 50 micromhos per centimeter at 25° Celsius in the northeast to greater than 1,000 for parts of west-central Minnesota.

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USGS1977

Geology and water-supply potential of the Anoka Sand Plain aquifer, Minnesota

Intensified land development on the Anoka sand plain necessitates a better understanding of the hydrogeology of the surficial outwash deposits of the area. The Anoka sand-plain aquifer consists of outwash attributable to two different ice lobes. Predominant grain size of the upper outwash decreases and sorting coefficient increases from west to east. Till or lake deposits underlie most of the surficial outwash. In some areas, these deposits are absent and the aquifer is directly underlain by bedrock, mainly sandstone. Preliminary study indicates that parts of the aquifer may yield several hundred to more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute to properly developed large-diameter wells. Storage in the aquifer is estimated to be 2,000 billion gallons and annual withdrawals approaching 250 billion gallons may be sustained. More detailed analysis is essential for proper management and optimum use of the resource.

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USGS1976

Water resources of the Big Fork River watershed, north-central Minnesota

The Big Fork River watershed is one of 39 watershed units designated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for evaluation of the State 's water resources. Included is an appraisal of the occurrence, quantity, quality, and availability of ground and surface waters. Water resources are not intensively developed anywhere in the watershed. Most development is in the southern half, as much of the northern half is peat-covered wetlands. Essentially all water used is withdrawn from ground-water sources, mainly glacial drift, which ranges from 0 to 250 feet in thickness. Most ground water is of the calcium or sodium bicarbonated type. The degree of mineralization increases down-gradient in the flow system. Groundwater is typically very hard and high in iron and manganese. Lakes and large areas of wetlands have a natural regulating effect on streamflow. Water in streams is of the calcium bicarbonate type. The amount of mineralization at a given time reflects surficial geology, being greatest in streams draining till areas and least in streams draining peatlands. Water drained from peatlands is commonly higher in color and iron and lower in pH than water from areas of mineral soil.

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USGS1976

Water resources of the Little Fork River watershed, northeastern Minnesota

The Little Fork River watershed is one of 39 watershed units designated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for evaluation of the State 's water resources. Included is an appraisal of the occurrence, quantity, quality, and availability of ground and surface waters. Water resources are not intensively developed anywhere in the watershed. Essentially all water used is withdrawn from ground-water sources, mainly glacial drift, which ranges from 0 to over 200 feet (61 meters) in thickness. Buried sand and gravel in the drift is the most favorable source for development. Most ground water is of the calcium or calcium magnesium bicarbonate type. The degree of mineralization generally increases downgradient in the flow system. Ground water is commonly very hard and high in iron and manganese. Lakes and wetlands have a natural regulating effect on streamflow. Water in streams is of the calcium bicarbonate type. The amount of mineralization reflects surficial geology, being greatest in streams draining glacial-lake sediments and least in streams draining areas of sand lakes. Color and iron concentration in stream waters generally exceed recommended domestic consumption limits.

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USGS1976

Water resources of the Des Moines River Watershed, southwestern Minnesota

The Des Moines River drains about 1,350 square miles (3,496 km 2 ) of the north, west, and central parts of the watershed, and the East Fork Des Moines River along with several small creeks drain about 200 square miles (518 km 2 ) in the east part. These tributaries join the Des Moines river in Iowa. The watershed is on the Coteau des Prairies, the most prominent upland in southern Minnesota. the Coteau rises to altitudes of more than 1,900 feet (579 m) within the watershed. The west boundary is along the crest of the Coteau and was formed by a terminal moraine during late Wisconsin Glaciation. This moraine forms part of the divide between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The north and east boundaries are also formed by morainic highs which represent recessions of the Des Moines lobe during late Wisconsin Glaciation. Surficial materials consist mostly of clayey drift with a few surficial outwash (sand and gravel) areas near the streams. Topographic quadrangle maps published by the U.S. Geological Survey are available for the entire watershed.

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USGS1976

Water resources of the Rock River watershed, southwestern Minnesota

This Hydrologic Atlas is one of series describing the 39 watershed units in Minnesota. The 1,750 sq mi in the Rock River watershed are glaciated upland plain including all of Rock County and parts of Pipestone, Murray, Lincoln, Nobles and Jackson Counties. The average annual water budget shows 25.8 inches precipitation, 3.1 inches surface runoff and 22.7 inches evapotranspiration. Water use in million gallons for 1970 was 3 ,333 ground water and 274 surface water. Domestic supplies accounted for 37 percent livestock 37 percent, and industrial 26 percent of total use. All 18 municipalities use ground water, mostly from glacial drift, seven use water from Precambrian aquifers. Precipitation recharges ground water through glacial deposits. Water-table and potentiometric maps and section show ground-water movement. Highest streamflow results from snowmelt and spring rains followed by recession in flow through summer, fall, and winter. Surface water and ground water are both very hard. Surface water and water from surficial and shallow drift aquifers generally range from 450 to 1,000 mg/liter dissolved-solids concentrations. Water from deep drift and from bedrock generally exceeds 1,000 mg/liter dissolved-solids concentration except where Precambiian quartzite aquifers underlie pre-Wisconsin drift. (Woodard-USGS)

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USGS1976

Water resources of the Rainy Lake watershed, northeastern Minnesota

The watershed includes 1,481 lakes that are 10 acres (4 square hectometers) or larger (Minnesota Division of Waters, Soils, and Minerals, 1968). The area of these lakes total about 435,000 acres (176,000 hm 2 ) or 15 percent of the watershed. Most of the lakes are smaller than 250 acres (101 hm 2 ) (graph); data pertaining to selected large lakes are given in the table below. More than 60 percent of the lakes larger than 10 acres (4 hm 2 ) are in the BWCA. The primitive character of the BWCA is maintained in accordance with the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964. Most lakes not in the BWCA were assigned a Public Waters Classification by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, based upon the suitability of the lake for future shoreland development (unpublished data from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources). “Natural environment” is most restrictive and “general development” least restrictive with respect to development standards. About 80 percent of lakes classified in the watershed have been designated “natural environment.”

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USGS1976

Remote sensing as an aid in water-resource studies in Minnesota

Remote-sensing data were evaluated as to their usefulness in Minnesota water-resource studies. Data are available from several private as well as governmental agencies, the chief supplier being the EROS Data Center. Landsat-1 multispectral imagery was selected as the standard against which other types of imagery were compared. Landsat-1 imagery is available from July 1972, and Landsat-2 from January 1975. The kinds of remote-sensing data available for Minnesota are tabulated and the coverage of each is mapped. Direct-visual analyses and image-enhancement techniques were used on Landsat-1, SKYLAB, and aerial photographic transparencies. Examples of remote-sensing applications in both surface and ground-water studies are presented. Applications in surface-water studies are largely direct and are documented by examples: surface-water extent (flooded versus nonflooded), autographic theme extraction of surface-water features, open-water areas in winter, and remote-sensing data as indicators of water quality. Applications in ground-water studies are thus far only. indirect. Remote-sensing data are helpful in defining the geology, which controls the occurrence of ground water. Most successful was the use of late spring Landsat-1 imagery to map surficial outwash, a readily available source of large quantities of ground water. A single color-composite scene was used to map nearly 3,900 Square kilometres (1,500 square miles) of surficial outwash in less than 1 hour with an accuracy close to that achieved by methods usually used in regional studies. It was concluded that remote sensing would be valuable in the planning phase of nearly every water-resource study, so that maximum benefits might be obtained from its use. Essential ground truth would have to be collected in support of the remotely sensed data.

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USGS1976

Ground water in Minnesota

Ground water is the major source of water supply in Minnesota. The quantity, quality, and availability vary greatly throughout the State. This study describes the State's ground-water resources as found in each of seven major drainage basins. Water is obtained from Quaternary glacial deposits and bedrock aquifers. Most supplies are from the drift except in the southeastern and extreme northeastern parts of the State. In the southeastern part, large quantities of water are withdrawn from sedimentary bedrock aquifers. In the northeastern part, Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks underlie the drift and ground-water availability is poor. Large quantities of water are available from surficial outwash, particularly in the central part of the State. Buried outwash aquifers are difficult to locate, delineate, and evaluate. Accordingly, few have been mapped. Water quality in much of the State is suitable for most uses. Ground water is typically hard and high in iron, Water from deep drift and bedrock in the western part of the State is highly mineralized. It may contain excessive amounts of some constituents, such as sodium, chloride, sulfate, boron, and iron. Most ground-water use is centered around cities, the largest amounts being withdrawn in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Increasing amounts are being used for irrigation, most being obtained from shallow wells in the surficial outwash deposits. Although Minnesota is generally rich in ground-water resources, it is not without associated problems. In the western part of the State, ground-water quality is often a problem, especially in deep aquifers. Throughout the State, few buried outwash aquifers have been delineated or evaluated as to their water-yielding capabilities. Some aquifers are highly susceptible to pollution. Planned development and monitoring of water levels and water quality would be beneficial.

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