USGS Science⌕ Search

SEARCH · USGS Science

Results for “Circular”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

The Chesapeake Bay bolide: Modern consequences of an ancient cataclysm

During the late Eocene, the formerly quiescent geological regime of the Virginia Coastal Plain was dramatically transformed when a bolide struck in the vicinity of the Delmarva Peninsula, and produced the following principal consequences: The bolide carved a roughly circular crater twice the size of the state of Rhode Island (~6400 km 2) , and nearly as deep as the Grand Canyon (1.3 km deep). The excavation truncated all existing ground water aquifers in the impact area by gouging ~4300 km 3 of rock from the upper lithosphere, including Proterozoic and Paleozoic crystalline basement rocks and Middle Jurassic to upper Eocene sedimentary rocks. A structural and topographic low formed over the crater. The impact crater may have predetermined the present-day location of Chesapeake Bay. A porous breccia lens, 600-1200 m thick, replaced local aquifers, resulting in ground water ~1.5 times saltier than normal sea water. Long-term differential compaction and subsidence of the breccia lens spawned extensive fault systems in the area, which are potential hazards for local population centers in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Chesapeake Bay↗

Topographic instructions of the United States Geological Survey

This book is intended to replace the instructions relating to the topographic work of the United States Geological Survey, issued as a part of the general Survey, instructions of 1903, which are now in many respects obsolete, although revised portions of them have, from time to time, been issued as circular letters or printed leaflets. The several portions of this book were prepared by the members of the topographic branch best qualified for the task and were assembled and revised by the division chiefs and finally reviewed by the chief geographer. It is desired to make the instructions complete so far as the technical work of map making is concerned and to reduce to a minimum the necessity for personal instructions.

Monograph↗

Tables for computing oil royalties under the Leasing Act of February 25, 1920, as amended by the Act of August 21, 1935

REGULATIONS PRESCRIBING PERCENT OF ROYALTY Section 17 of General Land Office Circular 1386, dated May 7, 1936, states: 17. Royalties.--Royalties, as follows, shall be paid on the amount or value of all production from the leased lands (except that portion thereof used for production purposes on said lands or unavoidably lost): (1) When the price of oil used in computing royalty value is $1 or more per barrel, the per centum of royalty shall be as follows: When the average production for the calendar month in barrels per well per day is-- Not over 50, the royalty shall be 12.5 percent. Over 50 but not over 60, the royalty shall be 13 percent. Over 60 but not over 70, the royalty shall be 14 percent. Over 70 but not over 80, the royalty shall be 15 percent. Over 80 but not over 90, the royalty shall be 16 percent. Over 90 but not over 110, the royalty shall be 17 percent. Over 110 but not over 130, the royalty shall be 18 percent. Over 130 but not over 150, the royalty shall be 19 percent. Over 150 but not over 200, the royalty shall be 20 percent. Over 200 but not over 250, the royalty shall be 21 percent. Over 250 but not over 300, the royalty shall be 22 percent. Over 300 but not over 350, the royalty shall be 23 percent. Over 350 but not over 400, the royalty shall be 24 percent. Over 400 but not over 450, the royalty shall be 25 percent. Over 450 but not over 500, the royalty shall be 26 percent. Over 500 but not over 750, the royalty shall be 27 percent. Over 750 but not over 1,000, the royalty shall be 28 percent. Over 1,000 but not over 1,250, the royalty shall be 29 percent. Over 1,250 but not over 1,500, the royalty shall be 30 percent. Over 1,500 but not over 2,000, the royalty shall be 31 percent. Over 2,000 the royalty shall be 32 percent. (2) When the price of oil used in computing royalty value is less than $1 per barrel, the per centum of royalty shall be the foregoing multiplied by the ratio of said price to a price of $1 per barrel: Provided, however, That the per centum of royalty shall never be less than 12.5. (3) If the United States shall take its royalty in oil, the price received by the lessee, as well as that received by the lessor, shall be considered in determining the price to govern the per centum of royalty, unless both prices are $1 or more per barrel. The average production per well per day for oil and for gas shall be determined under rules and regulations approved by the Secretary of the Interior.

Report↗

Regulations of the United States Geological Survey

The following regulation have been prepared for the guidance of officers and employees of the United States Geological Survey. They are derived in large part from statute law, from decisions of the accounting officers of the Treasury Department, and from official circulars of the Department of the Interior. It is believed that close adherence to these directions will prove helpful to all members of the Geological Survey. This manual of "Regulations," approved by the Secretary, is intended to cover the more important matters relating to the general administrative work of the Survey. A separate series of "Instructions" is issued by the Director for the guidance of the various field assistants and party chiefs.

Report↗

Geology

This map shows the ages and types of rocks that lie at or near the land surface throughout the United States. It does not show surficial materials such as soil and glacial deposits, except where Quartenary sedimentary materials cover extensive areas and obscure underlying bedrock materials. The map is a generalization and simplification of the "Geologic Map of North America," published by the Geological Society of America in 2005. A more complete description of the map and discussion of major geologic features it portrays are available as U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1300 (in press).

National Atlas of the United States of America↗

Potash brines in the Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah

During and immediately after the war the brines of the Salduro Marsh, in the Great Salt Lake Desert, were a source of considerable potash for the domestic supply. Although no potash has been produced from these brines in the last few years, a continued interest in the area has been shown by a large number of filings, in different parts of the desert, under the potash law of October 2, 1917 (40 Stat. 297), and the regulations issued under that law by the Department of the Interior on March 21, 1918, in Circular 594 (46 L. D. 323). As the basis for appropriate action on these permit, lease, and patent filings the Department of the Interior required information concerning the mode of occurrence, distribution, and general characteristics of the potassium-bearing brines in this region. Field investigation was accordingly undertaken for the primary purpose of satisfying these requirements. The work was done by the Geological Survey and the General Land Office in cooperation with the Bureau of Mines. The Bureau of Mines furnished an autotruck and a mechanic, who also assisted in the field work, and, for a period of a month, a mine rescue car, which permitted the establishment of headquarters in parts of the desert far from sources of supplies and water. The General Land Office surveyed the boundaries of townships over the desert and located the drill holes from which samples of brine were taken. The writer directed the work for the Geological Survey, and the analyses of the samples of brine were made in the Survey's chemical laboratory. The greater part of the field work was done between April 17 and July 7, 1925, and the work was finished during the two periods August 17-26 and September 30 to October 2 . Adverse weather throughout the season hindered the work.

Utah↗

Digital surfaces and hydrogeologic data for the Mesozoic through early Tertiary rocks in the Southeastern Coastal Plain in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida

A digital dataset of hydrogeologic data for Mesozoic through early Tertiary rocks in the Southeastern Coastal Plain was developed using data from five U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports published between 1951 and 1996. These reports contain maps and data depicting the extent and elevation of the Southeast Coastal Plain stratigraphic and hydrogeologic units in Florida and parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The reports are: Professional Paper 1410-B (Renken, 1996), Professional Paper 1088 (Brown and others, 1979), Professional Paper 524-G (Applin and Applin, 1967), Professional Paper 447 (Applin and Applin, 1965), and Circular 91 (Applin, 1951). The digital dataset provides hydrogeologic data for the USGS Energy Resources Program assessment of potential reservoirs for carbon sequestration and for the USGS Groundwater Resource Program assessment of saline aquifers in the southeastern United States. A Geographic Information System (ArcGIS 9.3.1) was used to construct 33 digital (raster) surfaces representing the top or base of key stratigraphic and hydrogeologic units. In addition, the Geographic Information System was used to generate 102 geo-referenced scanned maps from the five reports and a geo-database containing structural and thickness contours, faults, extent polygons, and common features. The dataset also includes point data of well construction and stratigraphic elevations and scanned images of two geologic cross sections and a nomenclature chart.

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Caro↗

National assessment of geologic carbon dioxide storage resources: Data

In 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed the national assessment of geologic carbon dioxide storage resources. Its data and results are reported in three publications: the assessment data publication (this report), the assessment results publication (U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources Assessment Team, 2013a, USGS Circular 1386), and the assessment summary publication (U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources Assessment Team, 2013b, USGS Fact Sheet 2013–3020). This data publication supports the results publication and contains (1) individual storage assessment unit (SAU) input data forms with all input parameters and details on the allocation of the SAU surface land area by State and general land-ownership category; (2) figures representing the distribution of all storage classes for each SAU; (3) a table containing most input data and assessment result values for each SAU; and (4) a pairwise correlation matrix specifying geological and methodological dependencies between SAUs that are needed for aggregation of results.

Data Series↗

Quality of Ozark streams and ground water, 1992-95

This fact sheet summarizes a previous USGS publication, 'Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992' (Circular 1158). The fact sheet describes the effects of some of the major land uses and human activities upon water quality in the Ozarks. Nutrients, bacteria, pesticides, and other organic compounds generally are found in high concentrations or more frequently in agricultural or urban areas than in forested areas. Several metals are found in higher concentrations in water, bed sediment, or biological tissue downstream from mining areas. Nutrient concentrations generally do not make water unsafe for drinking. Bacteria concentrations may be high enough to cause concern in some areas at some times. Pesticides and other organic compounds generally are not of concern. Metal concentrations in some mining areas are of concern to humans and wildlife. Biological communities are being altered by habitat and water-quality changes.

Fact Sheet↗

Information Resources Management

The Information Resources Management (IRM) Team, in the Geographic Information Office (GIO) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), manages compliance with information mandates defined by Public Law, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (specifically Circular A- 130), the National Archives and Records Administration, the Department of the Interior (DOl), and other official sources. The team uses a variety of mechanisms to fulfill USGS IRM requirements from coordination through USGS-wide teams, to topical training sessions, to one-on-one communications with individual USGS programs. In addition, the team serves as a bureau contact for Federal Register notices and as the group contact for USGS Federal Advisory Committees. Currently, an IRM employee-awareness training course is being developed, in coordination with the DOl, that will provide an overview of IRM requirements. Below is a list of some of the Federal mandates for which the IRM team ensures USGS compliance.

Fact Sheet↗

Georgia Water-Use Program, 2006

The Georgia Water-Use Program was initiated during 1979, as a cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GaEPD). This ongoing program focuses on collecting, compiling, and disseminating water-use information for the State (Fanning, 2003). These data are stored in a central database, which is maintained by the USGS. Every 5 years, data are aggregated at the county, State, and national level and are published in State and national circulars.

Georgia↗

Nutrients in the nation's streams and groundwater: National findings and implications

A comprehensive national analysis of the distribution and trends of nutrient concentrations in streams and groundwater from 1992 through 2004 is provided by the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Findings describe the distribution and causes of varying nutrient concentrations in streams and groundwater throughout the Nation and examine the primary sources that contribute to elevated concentrations. Results show that excessive nutrient enrichment is a widespread cause of ecological degradation in streams and that nitrate contamination of groundwater used for drinking water, particularly shallow domestic wells in agricultural areas, is a continuing human-health concern. Finally, despite major Federal, State and local nonpoint-source nutrient control efforts for streams and watersheds across the Nation, USGS trend analyses for 1993?2003 suggest limited national progress to reduce the impacts of nonpoint sources of nutrients during this period. Instead, concentrations have remained the same or increased in many streams and aquifers across the Nation, and continue to pose risks to aquatic life and human health. This Fact Sheet highlights selected national findings and their implications, and serves as a companion product to the complete analysis reported in the USGS Circular titled ?The Quality of Our Nation?s Waters?Nutrients in the Nation?s Streams and Groundwater, 1992?2004.?

Fact Sheet↗

The 3D Elevation Program: summary for Colorado

Elevation data are essential to a broad range of applications, including forest resources management, wildlife and habitat management, national security, recreation, and many others. For the State of Colorado, elevation data are critical for natural resources conservation, agriculture and precision farming, infrastructure and construction management, flood risk management, geologic resource assessment and hazards mitigation, and other business uses. Today, high-density light detection and ranging (lidar) data are the primary sources for deriving elevation models and other datasets. Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies work in partnership to (1) replace data that are older and of lower quality and (2) provide coverage where publicly accessible data do not exist. A joint goal of State and Federal partners is to acquire consistent, statewide coverage to support existing and emerging applications enabled by lidar data. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment evaluated multiple elevation data acquisition options to determine the optimal data quality and data replacement cycle relative to cost to meet the identified requirements of the user community. The evaluation demonstrated that lidar acquisition at quality level 2 for the conterminous United States and quality level 5 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ifsar) data for Alaska with a 6- to 10-year acquisition cycle provided the highest benefit/cost ratios. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative selected an 8-year acquisition cycle for the respective quality levels. 3DEP, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Office of Management and Budget Circular A–16 lead agency for terrestrial elevation data, responds to the growing need for high-quality topographic data and a wide range of other 3D representations of the Nation’s natural and constructed features.

Colorado↗

The 3D Elevation Program: summary for Washington

Elevation data are essential to a broad range of applications, including forest resources management, wildlife and habitat management, national security, recreation, and many others. For the State of Washington, elevation data are critical for natural resources conservation, agriculture and precision farming, infrastructure and construction management, flood risk management, geologic resource assessment and hazards mitigation, and other business uses. Today, high-density light detection and ranging (lidar) data are the primary sources for deriving elevation models and other datasets. Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies work in partnership to (1) replace data that are older and of lower quality and (2) provide coverage where publicly accessible data do not exist. A joint goal of State and Federal partners is to acquire consistent, statewide coverage to support existing and emerging applications enabled by lidar data. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment evaluated multiple elevation data acquisition options to determine the optimal data quality and data replacement cycle relative to cost to meet the identified requirements of the user community. The evaluation demonstrated that lidar acquisition at quality level 2 for the conterminous United States and quality level 5 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ifsar) data for Alaska with a 6- to 10-year acquisition cycle provided the highest benefit/cost ratios. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative selected an 8-year acquisition cycle for the respective quality levels. 3DEP, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Office of Management and Budget Circular A–16 lead agency for terrestrial elevation data, responds to the growing need for high-quality topographic data and a wide range of other 3D representations of the Nation’s natural and constructed features.

Washington↗

The 3D Elevation Program: summary for Florida

Elevation data are essential to a broad range of applications, including forest resources management, wildlife and habitat management, national security, recreation, and many others. For the State of Florida, elevation data are critical for natural resources conservation; flood risk management; infrastructure and construction management; coastal zone management; sea level rise and subsidence; wildfire management, planning, and response; and other business uses. Today, high-density light detection and ranging (lidar) data are the primary sources for deriving elevation models and other datasets. Federal, State, and local agencies work in partnership to (1) replace data that are older and of lower quality and (2) provide coverage where publicly accessible data do not exist. A joint goal of State and Federal partners is to acquire consistent, statewide coverage to support existing and emerging applications enabled by lidar data. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment evaluated multiple elevation data acquisition options to determine the optimal data quality and data replacement cycle relative to cost to meet the identified requirements of the user community. The evaluation demonstrated that lidar acquisition at quality level 2 for the conterminous United States and quality level 5 ifsar data for Alaska with a 6- to 10-year acquisition cycle provided the highest benefit/cost ratios.The new 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative selected an 8-year acquisition cycle for the respective quality levels. 3DEP, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, the OMB Circular A–16 lead agency for terrestrial elevation data, responds to the growing need for high-quality topographic data and a wide range of other 3D representations of the Nation’s natural and constructed features.

Florida↗

The 3D Elevation Program: Summary for South Dakota

Elevation data are essential to a broad range of applications, including forest resources management, wildlife and habitat management, national security, recreation, and many others. For the State of South Dakota, elevation data are critical for agriculture and precision farming, natural resources conservation, water supply and quality, infrastructure and construction management, flood risk management, geologic resource assessment and hazard mitigation, and other business uses. Today, high-density light detection and ranging (lidar) data are the primary sources for deriving elevation models and other datasets. Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies work in partnership to (1) replace data that are older and of lower quality and (2) provide coverage where publicly accessible data do not exist. A joint goal of State and Federal partners is to acquire consistent, statewide coverage to support existing and emerging applications enabled by lidar data. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA; Dewberry, 2011) evaluated multiple elevation data acquisition options to determine the optimal data quality and data replacement cycle relative to cost to meet the identified requirements of the user community. The evaluation demonstrated that lidar acquisition at quality level 2 for the conterminous United States and quality level 5 ifsar data for Alaska with a 6- to 10-year acquisition cycle provided the highest benefit/cost ratios.The new 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative selected an 8-year acquisition cycle for the respective quality levels. 3DEP, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Office of Management and Budget Circular A–16 lead agency for terrestrial elevation data, responds to the growing need for high-quality topographic data and a wide range of other 3D representations of the Nation’s natural and constructed features.

South Dakota↗

The 3D Elevation Program: summary for Alabama

Elevation data are essential to a broad range of applications, including forest resources management, wildlife and habitat management, national security, recreation, and many others. For the State of Alabama, elevation data are critical for flood risk management; infrastructure and construction management; wildfire management, planning, and response; natural resources conservation; geologic resource assessment and hazards mitigation; and other business uses. Today, high-density light detection and ranging (lidar) data are the primary sources for deriving elevation models and other datasets. Federal, State, and local agencies work in partnership to (1) replace data that are older and of lower quality and (2) provide coverage where publicly accessible data do not exist. A joint goal of State and Federal partners is to acquire consistent, statewide coverage to support existing and emerging applications enabled by lidar data. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment evaluated multiple elevation data acquisition options to determine the optimal data quality and data replacement cycle relative to cost to meet the identified requirements of the user community. The evaluation demonstrated that lidar acquisition at quality level 2 for the conterminous United States and quality level 5 ifsar data for Alaska with a 6- to 10-year acquisition cycle provided the highest benefit/cost ratios. The new 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative selected an 8-year acquisition cycle for the respective quality levels. 3DEP, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-16 lead agency for terrestrial elevation data, responds to the growing need for high-quality topographic data and a wide range of other 3D representations of the Nation’s natural and constructed features.

Alabama↗

The 3D Elevation Program: summary for Maryland

Elevation data are essential to a broad range of applications, including forest resources management, wildlife and habitat management, national security, recreation, and many others. For the State of Maryland, elevation data are critical for agriculture and precision farming, natural resources conservation such as the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, flood risk management, urban and regional planning, infrastructure and construction management, water supply and quality, coastal zone management, and other business uses. Today, high-density light detection and ranging (lidar) data are the primary sources for deriving elevation models and other datasets. Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies work in partnership to (1) replace data that are older and of lower quality and (2) provide coverage where publicly accessible data do not exist. A joint goal of State and Federal partners is to acquire consistent, statewide coverage to support existing and emerging applications enabled by lidar data. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment evaluated multiple elevation data acquisition options to determine the optimal data quality and data replacement cycle relative to cost to meet the identified requirements of the user community. The evaluation demonstrated that lidar acquisition at quality level 2 for the conterminous United States and quality level 5 ifsar data for Alaska with a 6- to 10-year acquisition cycle provided the highest benefit/cost ratios. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative selected an 8-year acquisition cycle for the respective quality levels. 3DEP, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Office of Management and Budget Circular A–16 lead agency for terrestrial elevation data, responds to the growing need for high-quality topographic data and a wide range of other 3D representations of the Nation’s natural and constructed features.

Maryland↗