Geology topics
Research about Texas
Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Texas.
Map showing structure of the continental terrace in the Corpus Christi 1° x 2° quadrangle, Texas
No abstract available.
Map showing structure of the continental terrace in the Beeville 1° x 2° quadrangle, Texas
No abstract available.
Maps showing textural characteristics of benthic sediments in the Corpus Christi Bay estuarine system, south Texas
Corpus Christi Bay is a heavily used estuary on the south Texas coast in the northwest Gulf of Mexico (fig. 1). The Bay is stressed by diverse activities which could substantially affect its ecosystem. Such activities include shipping, resource production (oil, gas, and construction aggregate), commercial and sport fishing, and recreation. Shipping activities alone have had a substantial impact on the bay. For example, the past maintenance of navigation channels has required extensive dredging and spoil disposal within the estuarine system. Numerous subaqueous spoil disposal sites and subaerial spoil banks are present throughout the bay (fig. 1), and the selection of future spoil disposal sites is becoming a critical local problem. As activities in the bay increase, the need for effective environmental management becomes increasingly important, and effective management necessitates a good understanding of the bay's physical characteristics. The objective of this study is to provide detailed information about the textural composition of bottom sediments within the estuarine system, information which could be used in making environmental-management decisions. Visual descriptions of bottom sediments in Corpus Christi Bay and adjacent areas have been presented by McGowen and Morton (1979). Additionally, a study of the textures of sediments on the Inner Continental Shelf adjacent to the bay has been presented by Shideler and Berryhill (1977).
Preliminary data from a series of artificial recharge experiments at Stanton, Texas
A series of artificial recharge experiments was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey at an experimental site located in Stanton, Texas. Five tests were performed from March 1977 through December 1978 to: (1) Evaluate the hydraulic properties of the aquifer; (2) test sampling and monitoring equipment; (3) compare tracers for future use in hydrologic investigations; and (4) determine the radial and vertical distribution of hydraulic properties at the site. Suites of inorganic, and both volatile and nonvolatile organic tracers were used in the tests, and comparative data were obtained from sampling points at several radial distances and depths from the injection well. Hydraulic data from aquifer tests and geologic data from core material also were obtained during the investigation.
Infaunal and neoichnological characteristics of the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf
The zonation of macrobenthic infauna on the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf is related to water depth and sediment facies. Five zones can be defined by species distribution and density, diversity, equitability, and biogenic sedimentary structures. The numbers of species and individuals per unit area correlate locally with substrate characteristics (particularly sand-to-mud ratios). Sandier substrates have more species and individuals than muddier ones. In the study area, sand-to-mud ratios generally decrease as water depth increases. Consequently, the numbers of species and individuals decrease away from land. Diversity (H") is higher in sandier substrates than in muddier substrates. Overall diversity decreases in a seaward direction. Equitability increases as sand-to-mud ratios decrease and thus tends to increase as water depth increases. Biogenic sedimentary structures on the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf result from the interaction of biologic and geologic processes. The zonation of the structures is useful in overall environmental interpretations of Holocene events and processes. The zonation can be defined in terms of diversity, density, and distribution. Zonation of biogenic sedimentary structures parallel macrobenthic infaunal zonation. Substrates with diverse and dense biogenic sedimentary structures are associated with diverse, dense macrobenthic infaunal assemblages. The distribution of biogenic sedimentary structures is similar to the distribution of sediment types. Diversity and density of biogenic sedimentary structures decrease away from land. Locally, individual biogenic sedimentary structures become more obvious and distinct in finer sediments and deeper water.
Water-resources investigations of the USGS in Texas, fiscal year 1981
Water-resources investigations in Texas consist of the collection of basic records through the hydrologic-data network, interpretive studies, and research projects. The hydrologic records and the results of investigations are published by the Geological Survey or by cooperating agencies. This report describes the water-resources projects and activities of the Geological Survey in Texas for the 1981 fiscal year (October 1, 1980 to September 30, 1981). The Geological Survey's investigations of the water resources of Texas are under the general direction of Jack Rawson, Acting District Chief. The Texas District office is in the Federal Building, 300 East Eighth Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
Hydrologic data for urban studies in the Dallas, Texas, metropolitan area, 1979
Hydrologic investigations of urban watersheds in Texas were begun by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1954. These studies are now in progress in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. The study for the Fort Worth metropolitan area was completed at the end of the 1978 water year, and this report is the last annual report for the Dallas metropolitan area. Hydrologic data contained in this report and all previous reports of both the Dallas and Fort Worth metropolitan areas are being used to prepare an interpretive report entitled "Techniques for estimating the magnitude and frequency of floods in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metropolitan areas," which will be released in 1981.
Hydrologic data for urban studies in the Austin, Texas, metropolitan area, 1979
Hydrologic investigations of urban watersheds in Texas were begun by theU.S. Geological Survey in 1954. Studies are now in progress in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Studies have been completed in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. The Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Water Resources, began hydrologic studies in the Austin urban area in 1954. In cooperation with the city of Austin, the program was expanded in 1975 to include additional streamflow and rainfall gaging stations, and the collection of surface water-quality data. In 1978, the program was expanded to include a ground-water resources study of the South Austin metropolitan area in the Balcones fault zone.
Approximate altitude of water levels in wells in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers in the Houston area, Texas, spring 1981
The purpose of this report, which was prepared in cooperation with the City of Houston, the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District, and the Texas Department of Water Resources, is to show the altitudes of water levels in wells in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers in the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area. The maps are based on water-level measurements in 1981 in about 500 wells.