Backwater at bridges and densely wooded flood plains, Okatoma Creek near Magee, Mississippi
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Mississippi↗
Geology topics
Research about Mississippi
Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Mississippi.
Analyses of water, core material, and elutriate samples collected near Yazoo City, Mississippi (Yazoo Headwater Project)
Five core-material-sampling sites were chosen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to represent areas of proposed dredging activity. Four receiving-water sites also were selected to represent the water that will contact the proposed dredged material. Chemical and physical analyses were performed upon core material and native-water samples from these sites as well as upon elutriate samples of specific sediment-receiving water systems. The results of these analyses are presented without interpretation.
Mississippi↗
Quality of water in Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers, Jackson County, Mississippi
The chemical and physical properties and the range of concentrations of most constituents in water in the Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers during the period May 17-19, 1977, varied rapidly between high and low tides, primarily as the result of interactions of freshwater inflow with highly mineralized Gulf waters. The water at a downstream site of the 11-mile study reach on the Pascagoula River was saline. On May 19, 1977, the dissolved-solids concentration at that site was 14,500 milligrams per liter. At the same time, the water at the mouth of Escatawpa River had a dissolved-solids concentration of 4,600 milligrams per liter. The specific conductance of the water at the downstream sites of both rivers increased with depth and progressively decreased upstream to sites where freshwater inflow was predominant. The specific conductance decreased upstream from a maximum of 40,000 micromhos per centimeter at 25°Celsius at site P1 to 60 micromhos at site P12 on Pascagoula River and from 30,000 micromhos at site E1 to 45 micromhos at site E9 on Escatawpa River. There was evidence of oxygen deficiency (less than 3.0 milligrams per liter) at many sites in deep pools where there is little circulation and mixing of the more dense saltwater. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations ranged from 2.1 to 8.2 milligrams per liter. Biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 0.1 to 3.5 milligrams per liter and was generally less than 2.0 milligrams per liter at most sites. A large part of the total organic carbon in the lower Pascagoula River was carried into the study area by freshwater inflow. Very little organic carbon was being discharged by the Escatawpa River into the Pascagoula River. Total nitrogen moved out of Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers at an extremely slow rate and in concentrations of less than 0.1 milligram per liter. The water temperature near the surface at downstream sites on Escatawpa River at low tide was elevated as much as 2.5°C (4.5°F), suggesting thermal loading. The fecal coliform and fecal streptococcal bacteria in Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers were in concentrations indicative of manmade pollution. The ratio of the concentrations in which these bacteria were present suggests that both rivers receive human enteric wastes.
Mississippi↗
Water resources data for Mississippi, water year 1977
Water resources data for the 1977 water year for Mississippi consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels of wells. This report contains discharge records for 85 gaging stations; stage records for 15 of these gaging stations; stage only for 3 gaging stations; contents for 4 lakes; water quality for 25 gaging stations, 2 partial-record stations, and 169 wells; and water levels for 186 observation wells. Also included are data for 138 crest-stage partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Mississippi.
Mississippi↗
The Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in Mississippi
The Mississippi River valley alluvial aquifer, of Quaternary age , contains freshwater in an area of 7,000 sq mi adjacent to the Mississippi River in northwestern Mississippi, and in a 500 sq mi irregular area in southwestern Mississippi. It is the highest yielding aquifer in Mississippi with individual well yields as high as 5,000 gal/min. Major wells producing from the aquifer range in depth from 60 to 260 ft and are commonly screened in the coarse gravel at the base of the aquifer. Water levels in wells are generally between 5 and 30 feet below land surface, except near points of heavy pumping. Water from the alluvial aquifer is a hard, calcium bicarbonate type containing excessive iron in most places. In 1975, 745 Mgal/d, mostly for irrigation, were withdrawn from the alluvial aquifer. In the 7,000 sq mi area in northwestern Mississippi, the alluvial aquifer has been estimated to be capable of yielding over 1,700 Mgal/d, not including the 500 sq mi area in southwestern Mississippi. (Woodard-USGS)
Mississippi↗
The Coffee Sand and Ripley aquifers in Mississippi
The Coffee Sand and Ripley aquifers, of Cretaceous age, are in the Selma Group in northern Mississippi. The aquifers contain freshwater in an area of about 4,400 square miles in northern Mississippi. Water produced from the aquifers by public water systems and numerous industries in 1975 averaged about 4 Mgal/d. Regional water-level declines have been very small and the aquifers have a moderate potential for future development. The aquifers are used in some areas where there are no other significant sources of ground water. The most common problems in developing water supplies are low yields to wells and hard water. (Kosco-USGS)
Mississippi↗
The Tuscaloosa Aquifer system in Mississippi
A three-sheet map report describes the Tuscaloosa aquifer system in Mississippi. The Tuscaloosa aquifer system, of Cretaceous age , is in the interconnected irregular sand and gravel beds in the Coker and Gordo Formations. The aquifer contains freshwater in an area of about 9,000 sq mi in northeastern Mississippi. Water produced from the aquifer by about 90 water systems and numerous industries in 1975 averaged about 47 Mgal/d. Regional water level declines have averaged less than two feet per year and the aquifer has a large potential for future development. The aquifer is used in some areas where the dissolved-solids concentration is more than 500 mg/L and where wells exceed 2,000 ft in depth. The most common problems in water supplies are excessive chloride and iron. (Woodard-USGS)
Mississippi↗
Water resources data for Mississippi, water year 1975
Water resources data for the 1975 water year for Mississippi consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels of wells. This report contains discharge records for 78 gaging stations; stage records for 15 of these gaging stations; stage only records for 4 gaging stations; contents for 4 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 13 gaging stations and 72 miscellaneous sites; and water levels for 47 observation wells. Also included are data for 136 crest-stage partial-record stations and stage records for 15 discharge stations for the period October 1971 to September 1974 and for 4 stage-only stations for the period January 1972 to September 1974. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Mississippi.
Mississippi↗
Water resources data for Mississippi, water year 1976
Water resources data for the 1976 water year for Mississippi consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels of wells. This report contains discharge records for 79 gaging stations; stage records for 15 of these gaging stations; stage only records for 4 gaging stations; contents for 4 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 20 gaging stations and 1 miscellaneous site; and water levels for 168 observation wells. Also included are data for 138 crest-stage partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Mississippi.
Mississippi↗
Computation of backwater and discharge at width constrictions of heavily vegetated flood plains
The U.S. Geological Survey, cooperated with the Federal Highway Administration and the State Highway Departments of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, to develop a proposed method for computing backwater and discharge at width constrictions of heavily vegetated flood plains. Data were collected at 20 single opening sites for 31 floods. Flood-plain width varied from 4 to 14 times the bridge opening width. The recurrence intervals of peak discharge ranged from a 2-year flood to greater than a 100-year flood, with a median interval of 6 years. Measured backwater ranged from 0.39 to 3.16 feet. Backwater computed by the present standard Geological Survey method averaged 29 percent less than the measured, and that computed by the currently used Federal Highway Administration method averaged 47 percent less than the measured. Discharge computed by the Survey method averaged 21 percent more then the measured. Analysis of data showed that the flood-plain widths and the Manning 's roughness coefficient are larger than those used to develop the standard methods. A method to more accurately compute backwater and discharge was developed. The difference between the contracted and natural water-surface profiles computed using standard step-backwater procedures is defined as backwater. The energy loss terms in the step-backwater procedure are computed as the product of the geometric mean of the energy slopes and the flow distance in the reach was derived from potential flow theory. The mean error was 1 percent when using the proposed method for computing backwater and 3 percent for computing discharge. (Woodard-USGS)
Mississippi↗
The Eutaw-McShan aquifer in Mississippi
This report, the fifth in a series of 'atlas-type' reports, summarizes the large amount of unpublished data available for the Eutlaw-McShan aquifer in Mississippi. The Eutaw-McShan aquifer, of Cretaceous age, consists of the interconnected irregular sand beds in the Eutaw and McShan Formations. The aquifer contains fresh water in an area of about 8,000 sq mi in northeastern Mississippi. Water produced from the aquifer by 59 water systems and several industries in 1975 averaged about 24 mgd. Water levels have declined about 200 feet below levels of the early 1900 's at Tupelo and West Point and it is estimated that the aquifer is developed to near its potential yield at those places. The aquifer is used extensively in areas where the dissolved-solids concentration of the water is more than 500 mg/liter and in some places where the concentration exceeds 1,000 mg/liter. The most common water-quality problems are excessive chloride and fluoride. (Woodard-USGS)
Mississippi↗
The Winona-Tallahatta Aquifer in Mississippi
This aquifer atlas describing the Winona-Tallahatta aquifer is the seventh in a series prepared in cooperation with the Mississippi Board of Water Commissioners. The atlas summarizes the large amount of unpublished data available in the files of the U.S. Geological Survey and it describes the extent, character, and present utilization of the aquifer and its potential for additional development. The Winona-Tallahatta aquifer, which contains freshwater having less than 1,000 mg/liter of dissolved solids in about 25 percent of the State occurs in northwestern and central Mississippi. The water-bearing zones extend into Tennessee and become part of the Memphis aquifer. In Arkansas and Louisiana the aquifer is in the Cane River Formation. The Tallahatta Formation which is the basal unit of the Claiborne Group includes, in ascending order, the Meridian Sand, Basic City Shale, and Neshoba Sand Members. The Winona-Tallahatta aquifer is the source of water for only a few large water users, but is the source of water for hundreds of small-yield domestic and stock wells less than 200 feet deep. Total water use in the State in 1977 from the Winona-Tallahatta is estimated to be about 3 mdg. (Woodard-USGS)
Mississippi↗
The Cockfield aquifer in Mississippi
The Cockfield Formation in the upper part of the Claiborne Group of Eocene age is a principal source of water supplies in Mississippi. The Cockfield Formation consists of beds of fine to medium sand, sandy carbonaceous clay, and thin beds of lignite. The largest withdrawal from the aquifer is in the Greenville-Leland area in Washington County where about 7.3 mgd was pumped in 1975. Long-term water-level trends indicate an average decline of about 1.5 ft per year. Specific capacity of wells in the Cockfield ranges from about 1.6 to 4.3 (gal/min)/ft. The dissolved-solids concentration in the water increases downdip to the west and the south. The Cockfield aquifer will continue to be major source of water supply in Mississippi and well fields producing 1 to 3 mgd can be developed in many places. (Woodard-USGS)
Mississippi↗
Simulation of flow from an aquifer to a partially penetrating trench
Construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in northeast Mississippi will involve dewatering as much as 46 m of an unconfined aquifer near the Tennessee Valley divide. Dewatering by trenching is one of the proposed methods. Methods of calculating effects of dewatering by trenching have been heretofore limited to situations where ideal conditions such as isotropic aquifers and fully penetrating trenches occur. In order to study the effects of trenching on the water table in the more complicated hydrologic system in northeast Mississippi, a two-dimensional cross-sectional digital model was developed from an existing two-dimensional digital model. To make the solutions obtained from the model applicable to any aquifer thickness or other hydrologic condition, a technique for nondimensional simulation was developed. With these techniques, nondimensional water-surface profiles were generated for given stages of trench penetration of the aquifer and for different ratios of anisotropy.
Mississippi↗
Flood frequency of Mississippi streams
Techniques have been developed for estimating future flood magnitudes having recurrence intervals as great as 100 years. Estimates for gaged sites were obtained by application of the log-Pearson Type III frequency distribution. Estimates for ungaged sites are defined by mathematical relations which may be solved using data from topographic maps. Nomographs were designed for making rapid estimates for floodfrequency values. Snythetic records generated by a digital computer Model of the rainfall-runoff process for drainage areas ranging from 0.04 to 4.35 square miles (0.1 to 11.3 square kilometres) were combined with long-term observed records to define the relation of basic characteristics to flood frequency on drainage areas as great as 6,630 square miles (17,200 square kilometres). Multiple-regression techniques indicated that drainage area, slope, and length were the most significant variables affecting flood frequency.
Mississippi↗
Floodflow characteristics of Tuscolameta Creek at State Highway 21 near Sebastopol, Scott County, Mississippi
This report has been prepared as part of the cooperative program with the Mississippi State Highway Department and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), dated July 1, 1975. The Highway Department plans to rebuild the present State Highway 21 crossing of Tuscolameta Creek at approximately the same location within about 3 years because the present bridges, supported on timber piles, are in poor condition. A large catfish pond was constructed on the flood plain upstream from this crossing in the early 1960's, and plans are being made to increase the size of the pond in 1976. The purpose of this report is to analyze the effect of both the existing pond and the proposed pond on the distribution of flow through the highway bridges. The Highway Department furnished valley cross sections just upstream and downstream from State Highway 21 and furnished cross-sectional areas of the bridges. All elevations herein are referred to mean sea level datum of 1929 which is the datum used by the Highway Department.
Mississippi↗