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USGS2025

High frequency and region-scale simulations of large (Mw7+) earthquakes on the southern Whidbey Island fault, Washington, USA

We simulate ground shaking in western Washington State from hypothetical M w 7.0–7.5 earthquakes on the southern Whidbey Island fault (SWIF). Ground motions are modeled considering kinematic source distributions on a complex fault plane, a 3D seismic velocity model, and region‐specific soil velocity models. We run simulations with varying model resolutions, including regional‐scale simulations with a maximum‐modeled frequency of ∼1 Hz and local‐scale simulations with a maximum‐modeled frequency of ∼2.5 Hz. Additional local‐scale simulations are run considering high‐resolution surface topography. We explore how source parameters (i.e., magnitude, hypocenter location, and dip direction) and 3D velocity structure impact peak shaking intensity and its variability. In particular, we find that earthquakes on the SWIF would likely produce strong shaking throughout the populated Puget Lowland, including in the cities of Everett, Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, Washington. Simulated short‐period ( T ≤ 2 s) spectral accelerations are strong throughout the Puget Lowland, and long‐period shaking ( T ≥ 5 s) is strong in the deep regional sedimentary basins, especially the Everett and Seattle basins. Source parameters strongly influence intra‐ and interevent variability in response, primarily through changes in source and site geometry, as well as rupture directivity. We also note a potential coupling between rupture directivity and basin effects, wherein directivity pulses are seemingly guided through the region’s deep, interconnected sedimentary basins. Overall, this work highlights the impacts of 3D source, path, and site effects on seismic hazard in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and substantially expands the catalog of simulated ground motions for Puget Sound area crustal faults.

Washington↗
USGS2025

Summary of results from monitoring the Geysers with continuous passive seismic and repeat magnetotelluric measurements (2021-2023)

Understanding temporal variations in a geothermal field can support operators in decision making that pertains to optimizing production and mitigating hazards. Between 2021 and 2023, The Geysers geothermal field in northern California was monitored with an array of continuous passive seismic sensors and annual repeat magnetotelluric (MT) measurements. Each of these data sets were analyzed and modelled separately to understand the data, sensitivity, and any observable changes. Then, the data were inverted jointly using a crossgradient method to further constrain temporal changes in geophysical properties within the geothermal field. Multiple permutations of annual datasets were used as inputs to the joint inversion. Results demonstrate seismic data constrain smooth inversion of the MT data, and the MT data provide supplementary information about the location of temporal fluid changes. Estimating relative changes in steam saturation for various time intervals of the joint models shows compartmentalized changes in the field, and good spatial correlation with the location of injection wells. These results demonstrate that collecting both passive seismic and MT measurements then modeling them jointly provide complementary information and a relatively inexpensive method for monitoring temporal changes in an active geothermal field that provides results to support operators.

California↗
USGS2025

The impact of burial diagenesis on soil-formed minerals in paleosols using stable isotopes of phyllosilicates and carbonate clumped isotopes

To understand the effects of burial diagenesis on the stable isotope geochemistry of soil-formed clay and carbonate minerals in paleosols, samples were collected from seven cores, spanning middle- to upper-Pennsylvanian strata of the Illinois Basin, with varied maximum burial depths of 1–3 km. Mixed-layer illite-smectite and kaolinite mixtures give δ 2 H and δ 18 O values of −83 ‰ to −36 ‰ and 11.9 ‰ to 21.1 ‰ (VSMOW), respectively. After carbonates were screened petrographically for diagenetic textures using transmitted light and cathodoluminescence, measured clumped isotope Δ 47 values range from 0.504 to 0.563 ‰ (I-CDES). Resulting mineral formation temperatures for phyllosilicate mineral mixtures are 28 to 66 °C (mean = 47 °C), whereas T(Δ 47 ) estimates for calcites are 36 to 61 °C (mean = 45 °C). Calculated δ 18 O water values from which phyllosilicate minerals and calcites precipitated under isotopic equilibrium ranges from −7.1 to −1.2 ‰ and − 1.4 to +4.9 ‰, respectively. Closed and open-system phyllosilicate-fluid exchange modeling indicates that phyllosilicate alteration occurred in the presence of a low temperature brine or meteoric water and is interpreted to occur in a layer-by-layer illitization transformation. Due to the lack of diagenetic textures and positively correlated T(Δ 47 ) and δ 18 O water , calcites are interpreted to have undergone solid-state bond reordering. Despite low to moderate temperatures (<125 °C) and varying depths of shallow burial (1–3 km), solid-state transformation of phyllosilicates and calcites indicates paleosols had prolonged exposure to burial conditions which has implications for the use of paleosol minerals for paleoenvironmental reconstructions.

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky↗
USGS1998

Design, revisions, and considerations for continued use of a ground-water-flow model of the coastal plain aquifer system in Virginia

A digital numerical model of the ground-water-flow system in the Virginia Coastal Plain was constructed as part of the Regional Aquifer System Analysis program of the U.S. Geological Survey and subsequently revised based on reinterpretations of the hydrogeologic framework. The revised model has been incorporated by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality as a means to evaluate the effects of existing and proposed ground-water withdrawals. The revised model, which is documented here, includes many design features of the original model. Principal modifications are (1) reassignment of some model layers to represent different aquifers, (2) replacement of applied recharge and the uppermost surface-water layer by constant-head cells to represent the unconfined aquifer, and (3) revision of the lateral extents and transmissivity and vertical leakance values assigned to model layers. Ground-water levels simulated by the revised model under steady-state conditions, using withdrawal rates representing the period 1978-80, generally are similar to the water levels simulated by the original model under transient conditions using the same withdrawal rates. Differences probably result largely from changes in transmissivity and vertical leakance values. T he revised model enables the continued evaluation of development of the large and complex aquifer system. Improved information on parts of some aquifers has been incorporated. Only large, regional-scale trends in ground-water water levels, flow directions, and flow rates are simulated, however, and not local trends and (or) short-term changes in water level and flow. Changing hydraulic stresses, knowledge of hydrogeologic conditions, and resource-management needs require periodic revision of the model to maintain its usefulness for the management of ground-water resources in the Virginia Coastal Plain.

Virginia↗
USGS2026

Development of a hydrologic flow model of the Zuñi Salt Lake and surrounding areas, west-central New Mexico

The terminal Zuñi Salt Lake is in a maar in west-​central New Mexico and contains hypersaline water that has long been used by Native Americans for religious purposes and the collection of salt. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico, and Bureau of Reclamation, developed the Zuñi Salt Lake hydrologic flow model to simulate the steady-state conditions of the lake and surrounding groundwater-flow system. The model is a tool that can be used to analyze the potential hydrologic responses to resource development in the region under different water-use scenarios, which can support negotiations that could help protect future use of the lake. The USGS modular hydrologic model, MODFLOW 6, was used to simulate the hydrologic system of the lake and surrounding areas. To define the layering of the model, a three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework was constructed, which included seven informal hydrogeologic units and the locations of faults that truncate and offset the units. Calibration of the model was performed using the iterative ensemble smoother included in a parameter estimation software suite (PEST++). The iterative ensemble smoother approach resulted in a posterior parameter ensemble of model realizations with parameter and simulated values that show similar success in matching observations. Groundwater flux to the Zuñi Salt Lake simulated by using the posterior parameter distribution ranged from 26 to 730 acre-feet per year with a mean, median, and standard deviation of 530, 570, and 170 acre-feet per year, respectively. The relative contribution of groundwater discharge to the lake was simulated using a particle-tracking model for MODFLOW (MODPATH) to be from, in order of decreasing contribution, the Mesaverde, Cenozoic, Mancos, and Dakota hydrogeologic units. Simulations of future conditions using the ensemble of models can provide an empirical estimate of forecast uncertainty without substantial additional analysis.

New Mexico↗
USGS1998

Peak-discharge frequency and potential extreme peak discharge for natural streams in the Brazos River basin, Texas

The 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year peak discharges were estimated for 186 streamflow-gaging stations with at least 8 years of data for natural streams in and near the Brazos River Basin, Texas. Multiple regression equations were developed to estimate peak-discharge frequency for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year recurrence intervals for each of three hydrologic regions that compose the Brazos River Basin. The equations for each region are a function of significant basin characteristics (explanatory variables). The significant explanatory variables among six that were tested are the contributing drainage area and stream slope for regions 1 and 2 and the contributing drainage area for region 3. For the three sets of equations, the coefficient of determination ranges from 0.59 to 0.93, and the standard error ranges from 0.184 to 0.391 log units. A larger coefficient of determination and a lower standard error generally are associated with the equations for hydrologic regions 2 and 3. Statistics from the regression analysis allow computation of the prediction interval associated with a given significance level for a peak-discharge frequency estimate. The regression equations can be used to estimate peak discharges for sites at, near, or away from sites with streamflow-gaging stations. The potential extreme peak-discharge curves as related to contributing drainage area were estimated for each of the three hydrologic regions from measured extreme peaks of record at 186 sites with streamflow-gaging stations and from measured extreme peaks at 37 sites without streamflow-gaging stations in and near the Brazos River Basin. The potential extreme peak-discharge curves generally are similar for hydrologic regions 1 and 2, and the curve for region 3 consistently is below the curves for regions 1 and 2, which indicates smaller peak discharges.

Texas↗
USGS2025

Tracing mercury from land to river: Global sources, retention, and implications for sustainability

Mercury (Hg) pollution in river systems is a global sustainability challenge. Yet the transport, transformation, and retention of Hg within global rivers remain poorly quantified, particularly in regions with sparse observations such as Southeast Asia and Africa, hindering effective pollution mitigation and reinforcing geographic inequities in scientific knowledge and environmental governance. Here, we present the first global, high-resolution simulation of riverine Hg dynamics using a process-based model that traces Hg from land-based sources through river networks to the ocean. Under a realistic scenario, we estimate that ~1,900 megagrams per year (Mg/yr) of Hg enters global rivers, including 1,500 Mg/yr from human-induced sources and 400 Mg/yr from soil erosion. Nearly half of this flux (~1,000 Mg/yr) is retained in reservoirs and dams, which act as major sinks. While such retention limits downstream delivery to the oceans, it also heightens in-reservoir Hg methylation risks. By bridging the gap between Hg releases and observed riverine exports, our framework offers a scalable tool for data-limited regions, promotes data access, and supports global freshwater and pollution-management strategies.

EarthArXiv↗
USGS2026

Understanding the resource potential of natural hydrogen on Earth: Scientific gaps, uncertainties and recommendations

A comprehensive scientific research roadmap is essential to bridge knowledge gaps and deepen the understanding of key geological, geochemical, and geophysical aspects of natural hydrogen (H 2 ) as a potential new energy resource. This paper reviews major scientific uncertainties on natural H 2 , suggesting research priorities, as a guide for defining exploration strategies, techniques, and data interpretation. The uncertainties concern all phases of the natural H 2 cycle, from generation (source rocks) through migration (advection and diffusion) and accumulation (reservoir and cap rocks) to the application and interpretation of subsurface and surface geochemical and geophysical exploration techniques. Understanding H 2 sources and generation rates (the amount of H 2 generated by a given volume of rock over time) is crucial for determining whether a geological H 2 system operates as a short-term dynamic system with rapid H 2 production and release, or as a conventional gas system with long-term accumulations, analogous to petroleum reservoirs. Preliminary estimates for serpentinisation, radiolysis, and organic matter degradation suggest that H 2 generation is not inherently fast, especially for non-hydrothermal continental systems (crystalline basement of shields, ophiolites, peridotite massifs, sedimentary basins), and long-term accumulations, like those of fossil natural gas systems, represent the most likely scenario. The mechanisms of H 2 migration through geological formations require application of fundamental principles of fluid-flow physics, distinguishing advection and diffusion, as well as their forms (from gas-phase, bubble flows to aqueous solutions). Additional studies of H 2 accumulation and retention in subsurface reservoirs could improve understanding of mechanisms of H 2 migration by focusing on the rock fluid-bearing properties and the factors affecting H 2 preservation, such as the presence of cap rocks impermeable to H 2 , pressure conditions, residence times, and microbial or abiotic consumption. Advanced techniques, including reservoir modelling, flow simulations, 3D imaging (micro-CT) of H 2 -bearing rocks, and extraction and analysis of gas occluded in rocks, can provide insights into the stability and potential recoverability of H 2 accumulations. The interpretation of surface exploration techniques, including gas geochemistry, geophysics, and remote sensing, long employed in mineral and energy resource exploration, is now being adapted for natural H 2 studies, but challenges remain in the data interpretation. Distinguishing H 2 seepage due to geological degassing from H 2 produced near the surface by modern microbial processes or artificial sources, such as hammering or drilling for soil-gas sampling, drilling into aquifers, and corrosion in boreholes, is an essential step in exploration. The simple detection of H 2 in soils, even in morphological structures like sub-circular depressions or “fairy circles”, cannot be cursorily interpreted as a signal of natural H 2 seepage from a deep source. A holistic geochemical approach, including isotopic analyses of gases associated with H 2 , is recommended to distinguish among the variety of possible H 2 origins. Observations of H 2 in wells should be interrogated to rule out possible artifacts such as corrosion and drill bit metamorphism. The integration of multiple geophysical methods, including seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, and electro-magnetic surveys, is recommended to mitigate interpretation ambiguities regarding the structure of a subsurface H 2 system (source and reservoir rocks, including fluid and gas storage), due to the non-uniqueness of rock-specific physical properties.

Earth-Science Reviews↗
USGS2026

A deep dive into subduction zones and the Japan Trench

Deep beneath the ocean, giant slabs of rock slide beneath one another in areas called subduction zones. These powerful movements shape the planet by building mountains, creating fiery volcanoes, and even causing huge earthquakes. Scientists study subduction zones to understand why these natural events happen and where and how they might occur so we can be better prepared. One important subduction zone is the Japan Trench, where a big earthquake happened in 2011. To learn more about subduction zones, scientists go on ocean drilling expeditions. They sail on research ships, drill into the seafloor, and collect rock samples. These samples help scientists understand what happened in the past and how subduction zones work. In turn, this information helps communities better understand and prepare for future earthquakes.

Frontiers for Young Minds↗
USGS2026

Tracing mercury from land to river: Global sources, retention, and implications for sustainability

Mercury (Hg) pollution in river systems is a global sustainability challenge. Yet the transport, transformation, and retention of Hg within global rivers remain poorly quantified, particularly in regions with sparse observations such as Southeast Asia and Africa, hindering effective pollution mitigation and reinforcing geographic inequities in scientific knowledge and environmental governance. Here, we present the first global, high-resolution simulation of riverine Hg dynamics using a process-based model that traces Hg from land-based sources through river networks to the ocean. Under a realistic scenario, we estimate that ∼1900 megagrams per year (Mg/yr) of Hg enters global rivers, including 1500 Mg/yr from human-induced sources and 400 Mg/yr from soil erosion. Nearly half of this flux (∼1000 Mg/yr) is retained in reservoirs and dams, which act as major sinks. While such retention limits downstream delivery to the oceans, it also heightens in-reservoir Hg methylation risks. By bridging the gap between Hg releases and observed riverine exports, our framework offers a scalable tool for data-limited regions, promotes data access, and supports global freshwater and pollution-management strategies.

Environmental Science & Technology↗
USGS2025

Hydrogeology and groundwater quality in the Snake River alluvial aquifer at Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming, 2011–20

The Snake River alluvial aquifer underlying the Jackson Hole Airport (JHA) in northwest Wyoming is an important source of water used for domestic, commercial, and irrigation purposes by the airport and nearby residents. The U.S. Geological Survey, in response to previously identified water-quality concerns in the area, monitored and evaluated changes in hydrogeologic characteristics and groundwater-quality conditions of the alluvial aquifer during 2011–20. During that period, the Jackson Hole Airport made several changes that potentially improved water quality at and downgradient from the airport. Well, water level, and hydrogeologic data were collected from the alluvial aquifer to identify hydrogeologic characteristic and groundwater quality changes. Additionally, results of statistical tests were applied to water-quality results to evaluate trends in selected physical properties and constituent concentrations with time. The trends of those data show that water quality did improve overall during the study period compared to previously collected data. Presumably, these trends are in response to the changes in the aircraft deicing/anti-icing fluid (ADAF) formulation used by the JHA, the many JHA infrastructure improvements made during 2011–20, the degradation of existing ADAFs in subsurface soils and groundwater, or some combination of these possibilities.

Wyoming↗
USGS2025

Depth of magma crystallization and fluid exsolution beneath the porphyry-skarn Cu deposits at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, USA

The depth level at which porphyry Cu–forming magmas fractionated and exsolved mineralizing fluids is actively debated. In the classic model, extensive magma fractionation occurs in large, upper crustal magma chambers, and concomitant fluid exsolution leads to forceful expulsion of residual magmas in the form of porphyry dikes, stocks, and breccia pipes, which subsequently serve as pathways for the mineralizing fluids. In contrast, some recent studies highlighting the role of deep crustal magma fractionation in the production of fertile magmas essentially deny the existence of upper crustal magma chambers at the time of mineralization. To address this, we conducted a detailed thermobarometric investigation of 13 intermediate to felsic, porphyritic intrusive rocks related to porphyry-skarn Cu mineralization at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, United States, representing two premineralization magmas (61–60 Ma), seven synmineralization magmas (60–58 Ma), and four late- to postmineralization magmas (58–57 Ma). For each sample, the pressure of last magma crystallization before final magma ascent to the current exposure level was reconstructed based on Al-in-hornblende barometry of small hornblende inclusions trapped within quartz phenocrysts and through titanium-in-quartz (TitaniQ) thermobarometry of the host quartz phenocrysts themselves. Since quartz is one of the last crystallizing magmatic minerals, and no significant phenocryst growth could have occurred in small dikes and stocks after final magma emplacement, quartz phenocrysts and their contained hornblende inclusions record the depth of last magma crystallization before final magma ascent. When present, hornblende phenocrysts and hornblende inclusions within other major phenocrysts were also analyzed. Both quartz and hornblende barometers return consistent average pressures of 3.2 ± 0.4 kbar for the entire suite of pre- to postmineralization magmas, corresponding to depths of 11 to 14 km. The synmineralization magmas return even more consistent average pressures of 3.1 ± 0.2 kbar, corresponding to a depth of 12 ± 1 km. The volume of the mineralizing porphyry dikes and stocks at the emplacement level is far too small to have provided all the fluids and metals required to form the observed ore deposits. Therefore, the majority of the ore-forming fluids must have originated from the magmas that crystallized at 12 ± 1 km depth. The ore deposits, conversely, formed at ~5-km paleodepth. This implies that most of the mineralizing fluids traveled an average vertical distance of ~7 km from their magmatic source to the eventual site of ore precipitation. The relatively unaltered nature and low veining degree of deeper parts of mineralized porphyry dikes and stocks suggest that the fluid transport through these intrusive bodies occurred mostly at near-solidus conditions by means of fluid percolation along grain boundaries. In summary, our results suggest that (1) a large, upper crustal pluton exists ~7 km beneath the Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro deposits; (2) abundant phenocryst crystallization occurred at this depth level; and (3) this pluton was the main source for the exsolution of ore-forming fluids. However, the investigated rocks have elevated whole-rock Sr/Y ratios, indicating magma fractionation at deep crustal levels. As a result, our preferred model is a combination of the two end-member models introduced above, with most magma fractionation having occurred in the deep crust and with residual, intermediate to felsic melts having ascended and accumulated at 11 to 14 km paleodepth, where they continued to crystallize with comparatively little crystal-liquid separation, before some of these magmas ascended further to shallow levels and quenched to porphyries.

New Mexico↗
USGS2026

Groundwater drought in the United States: Spatial and temporal variability

Many communities and ecosystems in the United States that are dependent on groundwater are potentially adversely affected by groundwater drought. We computed yearly groundwater-drought metrics and mean groundwater levels at well locations across the conterminous United States (CONUS), using data from wells and remotely sensed and modeled Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Drought Monitor Data Assimilation (GRACE-DADM). We also modeled the probability of low or high human impact at each well location. The spatial distribution of groundwater-drought duration and severity from 2001 to 2020 for 1,510 wells shows longer maximum duration and higher maximum severity events in drier regions like the Southwest than in wetter regions like the Northeast. Based on 613 wells in CONUS from 1981 to 2020, there are many significant decreases in drought duration and severity in the Northeast and many significant increases in annual-mean groundwater levels. In contrast, there are many significant increases in drought metrics and decreases in mean water levels in parts of the Southeast. There are major differences in trends from 2001 to 2020 between well-based and GRACE-DADM-based groundwater metrics in some CONUS regions and a very low correlation between trends at individual locations across CONUS. A potential reason for this disparity is the low GRACE-DADM resolution (∼12 km) and the potential for a large amount of groundwater variation at the local scale. Also, GRACE-DADM represents shallow, unconfined aquifers which may not match the screened interval of the monitoring wells we evaluated. Large spatial gaps in long-term, high frequency, and quality-assured groundwater-well monitoring data present a challenge for understanding groundwater-drought variability across CONUS. Remote sensing tools such as GRACE can help but cannot fully replace well monitoring, as highlighted by our study results. Substantially more long-term monitoring wells would more accurately represent groundwater-drought trends and spatial variability across CONUS, particularly in western regions.

conterminous United States↗
USGS2025

Multi-lithofacies alluvial characterization via airborne electromagnetic-borehole fusion using ordinary interval kriging and geologic constraints

Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey provides extensive spatial coverage and detailed resolution at the near surface and can be used to develop hydrogeological models. However, utilization of AEM data is not straightforward because AEM resistivity is an indirect measurement for inferring sediment types. This study develops an ordinary interval kriging (OIK) algorithm and a resistivity-to-multi-lithofacies (R2ML) data fusion workflow for multi-lithofacies alluvial characterization. OIK utilizes irregular interval data to construct three-dimensional (3D) resistivity fields from one-dimensional inverted AEM resistivity models. The R2ML workflow maps the resistivity field generated from OIK into a multi-facies lithological model, incorporating geologic constraints derived from well logs and geological observations. The numerical and real-world cases demonstrate that OIK is computationally efficient, accounts for 3D anisotropy, and minimizes the smoothing effect, thereby preserving resistivity contrasts and reducing interpolation uncertainty. The methodology is applied to lithologic characterization of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA) in the Shellmound area, Mississippi, U.S. A frequency-domain AEM survey was conducted to support groundwater studies for the managed aquifer recharge (MAR) to the MRVA. The resulting lithological model, including four types of lithofacies—clay, very fine sand, fine-medium sands, and graveliferous sands, illustrates the geomorphological processes of the MRVA and implies potential MAR. The alignment between the lithological model and existing geological and hydrogeological investigations demonstrates that OIK and R2ML workflow effectively capture the subsurface architecture of the MRVA. The methods have broad applicability for characterizing alluvial aquifers through AEM-borehole data fusion, supporting sustainable groundwater management.

Mississippi↗
USGS1984

Techniques for estimating magnitude and frequency of floods on streams in Indiana

Equations are presented for estimating the magnitude and frequency of floods at ungaged sites on unregulated and nonurban streams in Indiana. The equations were developed by multiple-regression, analysis of basin characteristics and peak-flow statistical data from 242 gaged locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. The State of Indiana was divided into seven areas on the basis of the regression analysis. A set of equations for estimating peak discharges with recurrence intervals of 2, IO, 25, 50, and 100 years was developed for each area. Significant basin characteristics in the equations are drainage area, channel length, channel slope, mean annual precipitation, storage, precipitation intensity, and a runoff coefficient. Standard errors of estimate for the equations range from 24 to 45 percent. Methods are also presented for estimating flood magnitude and frequency at sites on gaged streams. Flood-frequency data based on observed peaks are given for 270 gaged locations. Twenty of these are on regulated streams, and six are on urban streams. Basin characteristics are also included car 245 of the gaged locations on unregulated and nonurban streams. No techniques are given for estimating flood magnitude and frequency at ungaged sites on regulated or urban streams. A rainfall-runoff model was tlsed to synthesize long-term peak data at 11 gaged locations on small streams. Flood-frequency curves developed from the long-term synthetic data were combined with curves based on short-term observed data to provide weighted estimates of flood magnitude and frequency at the rainfall-runoff stations.

Indiana↗
USGS2026

Flood-inundation maps of the Blue River and major tributaries in and near Kansas City, Missouri, 2023–25

Digital flood-inundation maps for 35.5 miles of the Blue River, in and near Kansas City, Missouri, were created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the City of Kansas City. Maps were also developed for a combined 7.3 miles of Brush Creek (4.4 miles) and Indian Creek (2.9 miles), two primary tributaries to the Blue River in the study reach. The flood-inundation maps, available through the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Program website at https://water.usgs.gov/osw/flood_inundation/ , depict estimates of the areal extent and depth of flooding, depth of water above first-floor elevations in selected buildings, water velocity, water-surface elevations, and time of travel corresponding to selected water levels or gage heights (hereafter referred to as “stages”) at nine reference USGS streamgages—five on the Blue River (USGS station numbers 06893590, 06893578, 06893500, 06893150, and 06893100), two on Brush Creek (USGS station numbers 06893562 and 06893557), one on Indian Creek (USGS station number 06893390), and one on the Missouri River (USGS station number 06893000). Near-real-time stages at these streamgages may be obtained from USGS Water Data for the Nation at https://doi.org/10.5066/F7P55KJN or the National Weather Service National Water Prediction Service at http://water.noaa.gov/ , which also forecasts flood hydrographs at seven of these sites (USGS station numbers 06893000, 06893590, 06893578, 06893500, 06893150, 06893557, and 06893390). Flood profiles were computed for eight map reaches by means of two-dimensional hydraulic models. The models were calibrated using the USGS-developed stage–streamflow relations at each reference streamgage. Two map reaches on the lower Blue River also include the effects of backwater from the Missouri River on flood inundation extent and hydraulic characteristics. The hydraulic models were used to compute water-surface profiles for flood stages at 1-foot intervals referenced to the streamgage datums. The profile stages ranged from the National Weather Service “Action Stage” or near bankfull to a stage exceeding the highest recorded water level at each streamgage. The simulated water-surface profiles were then combined with a digital elevation model (derived from light detection and ranging data having a nonvegetated vertical accuracy of a maximum 10-centimeter root-mean-square error) to delineate the area flooded at each water level and the associated hydraulic characteristics. The availability of these maps, along with information regarding current stage from the USGS streamgage and forecasted high-flow stages from the National Weather Service, will provide emergency management personnel, resource managers, and residents with information that could be critical for flood-response activities such as evacuations and road closures, as well as for postflood recovery efforts.

Kansas, Missouri↗
USGS2024

Characterization of groundwater resources near the southeastern part of Puget Sound, Washington

More than 1 million people live within the active model area (AMA) in the southeastern part of the lowlands surrounding Puget Sound, or Puget Lowland, Washington, and groundwater is the source for approximately one-half of their public, domestic, and irrigation water demands. The 887-square-mile AMA, located in King and Pierce Counties, represents the area of analysis for the conceptual hydrogeologic framework and numerical groundwater-flow models within the study area and includes the Puyallup River and Chambers-Clover Creek watersheds. To assess the potential hydrologic and anthropogenic impacts to groundwater and the connected surface-water resources, conceptual and numerical groundwater-flow models of groundwater flow were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center in close cooperation with 18 water-resource agencies and stakeholders. This multichapter volume documents the development of the conceptual and numerical groundwater-flow models of groundwater flow. Chapters A, B, and C provide an overall introduction to the multichapter volume (Chapter A), the conceptual hydrogeologic framework (Chapter B), and the groundwater budget (Chapter C). Chapters D and E describe numerical groundwater-flow model construction and calibration (Chapter D) and the numerical groundwater-flow model results (Chapter E). Collectively, these reports present a characterization and simulation tool for groundwater resources near the southeastern part of Puget Sound, Washington.

Scientific Investigations Report↗