USGS Science⌕ Search

SEARCH · USGS Science

Results for “Book chapter”

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 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources
USGS2004

Selenium, iron, and chromium stable isotope ratio measurements by the double isotope spike TIMS method

This chapter focuses on the double-spike calibrated thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) methods for measurement of mass dependent isotope fractionation in Se, Fe, and Cr. Current measurement precision is approximately ± 0.2 per mil on 80 Se / 76 Se, 56 Fe / 54 Fe, and 53 Cr / 52 Cr. Sample size requirements are 500ng, 1μg, and 250ng for Se, Fe, and Cr respectively. These measurements have been developed recently, and further improvements in precision and sample size are likely. The present purification procedures for these elements and the geochemical applications of the measurements are reviewed. TIMS instruments were usually limited to measurement of positive ions. One of the major recent developments in TIMS is the development of methods for measuring negative ions. An important future direction in mass spectrometry of Se, Fe, and Cr, is multi-collector inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). This recent technique has a number of advantages over TIMS techniques and may eventually dominate. Instrumental discrimination is very large with MC-ICP-MS and must be monitored and modeled correctly.

Book chapter↗
USGS2022

Invasive species control and management: The sea lamprey story

Control of invasive species is a critical component of conservation biology given the catastrophic damage that they can cause to the ecosystems they invade. This is particularly evident with sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Native to the Atlantic Ocean, the sea lamprey's ability to osmoregulate in fresh water, its wide thermal tolerance, generalist diet, and high fecundity allowed it to rapidly reach pest proportions in the prey-rich Great Lakes once it gained access through shipping canals. The invasion exacerbated declines in Great Lakes fisheries caused by overharvest, culminating in the crash of lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) and other fish populations. In the last 60 years, however, a highly successful sea lamprey control program has reduced sea lamprey to ∼10% of their peak abundance and has been instrumental in enabling the rehabilitation of the Great Lakes ecosystem. In this chapter, we: (1) discuss the likely vectors of the invasion and the physiological attributes of sea lamprey that enabled them to become established in the Great Lakes; (2) review the two cornerstones of the sea lamprey control program—which relies on a combination of pesticides to eradicate multiple generations of larval sea lamprey in their nursey streams, and in-stream barriers to restrict the upstream migration of spawning lamprey—both of which exploit unique physiological vulnerabilities of sea lamprey; (3) describe how sea lamprey control can adversely affect non-target species and how these can be mitigated; (4) show how physiology-based approaches are improving our understanding of the lethal and sublethal effects of sea lamprey on host fishes; and (5) discuss the future of conservation physiology in sea lamprey control. The prime challenge in the next several decades of the Anthropocene will be to further refine the specificity of control tools while maintaining their efficacy, and to adapt to a warming climate and other anthropogenic activities affecting the Great Lakes and their tributaries.

Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario↗
USGS1976

Textural variation within Great Salt Lake algal mounds

This chapter discusses textural variation within the Great Salt Lake algal mounds. Great Salt Lake algal mounds contain: (1) a framework of non-skeletal, algally induced aragonite precipitates; (2) internal sediment; and (3) inorganic cement. These three elements create a variety of laminated, poorly laminated, and unlaminated internal textures. Interior framework precipitates bear little resemblance to the present living film of the mound surface. Internal texture of the mounds is believed to be largely relict and to have resulted from precipitation by algae different than those presently living at the surface. The most probable cause of local extinction of the algal flora is change in brine salinity. Precipitated blue-green algal structures in ancient rocks may indicate other than normal marine salinity and near shore sedimentation. Extreme variation of internal texture reflects extreme environmental variability typical of closed basin lakes. Recognition of mounds similar to those in the Great Salt Lake can be a first step toward recognition of ancient hyper-saline lake deposits, if such an interpretation is substantiated by consideration of the entire depositional milieu of precipitated algal mounds.

Utah↗
USGS2019

Problems of Large Spatial Databases

Large spatial databases often labeled as geospatial big data exceed the capacity of commonly used computing systems as a result of data volume, variety, velocity, and veracity. Additional problems also labeled with V’s are cited, but the four primary ones are the most problematic and focus of this chapter (Li et al., 2016, Panimalar et al., 2017). Sources include satellites, aircraft and drone platforms, vehicles, geosocial networking services, mobile devices, and cameras. The problems in processing these data to extract useful information include query, analysis, and visualization. Data mining techniques and machine learning algorithms, such as deep convolutional neural networks, often are used with geospatial big data. The obvious problem is handling the large data volumes, particularly for input and output operations, requiring parallel read and write of the data, as well as high speed computers, disk services, and network transfer speeds. Additional problems of large spatial databases include the variety and heterogeneity of data requiring advanced algorithms to handle different data types and characteristics, and integration with other data. The velocity at which the data are acquired is a challenge, especially using today’s advanced sensors and the Internet of Things that includes millions of devices creating data on short temporal scales of micro seconds to minutes. Finally, the veracity, or truthfulness of large spatial databases is difficult to establish and validate, particularly for all data elements in the database.

Book chapter↗
USGS2009

Warmwater fish in small standing waters

This chapter describes standardized sampling techniques for routine monitoring and population assessment of warmwater sport and prey fishes in small standing water bodies. Although water temperature regulates growth, survival, and reproduction of fishes, there are no specific criteria that define a warmwater fish community. Dodds (2002) noted that warmwater fish communities tend to be dominated by sunfishes, temperate basses, and catfishes. Perches and pikes are common to coolwater fish communities, and trouts and salmons are characteristic of coldwater fish communities. For this chapter, we focus on species that prefer water temperatures greater than 15°C. Coolwater fishes that are important in small natural lakes or impoundments and not incorporated in other chapters are also included. As with warmwater fish, there is also no stringent definition of a small standing water body. Small standing waters generally contain less complex habitats and fish communities than large standing waters. For this chapter, an area of 200 ha was selected as the maximum surface area for small standing waters, but surface-area designations may vary regionally. Other than a strict definition based on surface area, the manageability of less complex fish communities in small water bodies along with differences in their physical and limnological characteristics, as described below, help separate them from larger water bodies. On a broad scale, there are four generic types of small standing water bodies: impoundments (ponds), natural lakes, excavated pits, and dugouts. An impoundment is created by damming a perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral stream in a watershed. A natural lake is a depression in the landscape that gathers water, either by seepage, runoff, direct precipitation, or a combination of sources. An excavated pit results from groundwater seepage into an excavated site that was mined for gravel, sand, rock, or fill for construction. A dugout (referred to as a tank in the Southwest) is created by collection of surface water or well water in an excavated site built for the purpose of watering livestock.

Book chapter↗
USGS2014

The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems

In this chapter we stress two important features of coasts and coastal ecosystems. First, these are dynamic systems which continually undergo adjustments, especially through erosion and re-deposition, in response to a range of processes. Many coastal ecosystems adjust naturally at a range of time scales and their potential for response is examined partly by reconstructing how such systems have coped with natural changes of climate and sea level in the geological past. Second, coasts have changed profoundly through the 20th Century due to the impacts of human development (such as urbanisation, port and industrial expansion, shore protection, and the draining and conversion of coastal wetlands), with these development-related drivers closely linked to a growing global population and economy. It remains a challenge to isolate the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise from either the natural trajectory of shoreline change, or the accelerated pathway resulting from other human-related stressors. There exists a danger of overstating the importance of climate change, or overlooking significant interactions of climate change with other drivers.

Book chapter↗
USGS2015

Delicate balance of magmatic-tectonic interaction at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i, revealed from slow slip events: Chapter 13

Eleven slow slip events (SSEs) have occurred on the southern flank of Kilauea Volcano, Hawai’i, since 1997 through 2014. We analyze this series of SSEs in the context of Kilauea’s magma system to assess whether or not there are interactions between these tectonic events and eruptive/intrusive activity. Over time, SSEs have increased in magnitude and become more regular, with interevent times averaging 2.44 ± 0.15 years since 2003. Two notable SSEs that impacted both the flank and the magmatic system occurred in 2007, when an intrusion and small eruption on the East Rift Zone were part of a feedback with a SSE and 2012, when slow slip induced 2.5 cm of East Rift Zone opening (but without any change in eruptive activity). A summit inflation event and surge in East Rift Zone lava effusion was associated with a SSE in 2005, but the inferred triggering relation is not clear due to a poorly constrained slip onset time. Our results demonstrate that slow slip along Kilauea’s décollement has the potential to trigger and be triggered by activity within the volcano’s magma system. Since only three of the SSEs have been associated with changes in magmatic activity within the summit and rift zones, both the décollement and magma system must be close to failure for triggering to occur.

Hawaii↗
USGS2022

Pollution and wildlife health

Pollution is a pervasive and growing threat to wildlife health. This chapter discusses two broad groups of pollution, those whose abatement could have immediate beneficial effects including light, air, and noise pollution, and those that will take relatively longer to address due to their environmental persistence or their continuing discharge. Whilst we are very good at detecting the presence of pollutants in tissues or the environment, making a convincing link between the presence of these compounds and mortality events in the field or population effects will remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. Creative new approaches are also being considered to mitigate the effects of pollution on wildlife and ecosystems. Depending on the source of pollution, the beneficial outcomes of mitigation measures, if properly implemented, could have immediate effects. Given the plethora of potential adverse pollution effects, frameworks to prioritize which threats are most likely to cause adverse effects and develop means to address or manage them are an imperative. In the interim, focusing on preserving existing habitats and reducing our footprint by adjusting human activities to minimize the release of pollutants into the environment will go a long way toward promoting healthy wildlife and ecosystems.

Book chapter↗
USGS2024

Numerical modeling of debris flows: A conceptual assessment

Real-world hazard evaluation poses many challenges for the development and application of numerical models of debris flows. In this chapter we provide a conceptual overview of physically based, depth-averaged models designed to simulate debris-flow motion across three-dimensional terrain. When judiciously formulated and applied, these models can provide useful information about anticipated depths, speeds, and extents of debris-flow inundation as well as debris interactions with structures such as levees and dams. Depth-averaged debris-flow models can differ significantly from one another, however. Some of the greatest differences result from simulation of one-phase versus two-phase flow, use of parsimonious versus information-intensive initial and boundary conditions, use of tuning coefficients versus physically measureable parameters, application of dissimilar numerical solution techniques, and variations in computational speed and model accessibility. This overview first addresses these and related attributes of depth-averaged debris-flow models. It then describes model testing and application to hazard evaluation, with a focus on our own model, D-Claw. The overview concludes with a discussion of outstanding challenges for development of improved debris-flow models and suggestions for prospective model users.

Book chapter↗
USGS1998

Local tsunamis and earthquake source parameters

This chapter establishes the relationship among earthquake source parameters and the generation, propagation, and run-up of local tsunamis. In general terms, displacement of the seafloor during the earthquake rupture is modeled using the elastic dislocation theory for which the displacement field is dependent on the slip distribution, fault geometry, and the elastic response and properties of the medium. Specifically, nonlinear long-wave theory governs the propagation and run-up of tsunamis. A parametric study is devised to examine the relative importance of individual earthquake source parameters on local tsunamis, because the physics that describes tsunamis from generation through run-up is complex. Analysis of the source parameters of various tsunamigenic earthquakes have indicated that the details of the earthquake source, namely, nonuniform distribution of slip along the fault plane, have a significant effect on the local tsunami run-up. Numerical methods have been developed to address the realistic bathymetric and shoreline conditions. The accuracy of determining the run-up on shore is directly dependent on the source parameters of the earthquake, which provide the initial conditions used for the hydrodynamic models.

Book chapter↗
USGS2012

Small-scale and reconnaissance surveys

This brief chapter addresses two related issues: how effort should be allocated to different parts of the sampling plan and, given optimal allocation, how large a sample will be required to achieve the PRISM accuracy target. Simulations based on data collected to date showed that 2 plots per cluster on rapid surveys, 2 intensive camps per field crew-year, 2-4 intensive plots per intensive camp, and 2-3 rapid surveys per intensive plot is the most efficient allocation of resources. Using this design, we investigated how crew-years should be allocated to each region in order to meet the PRISM accuracy target most efficiently. The analysis indicated that 40-50 crew-years would achieve the accuracy target for 18-24 of the 26 species breeding widely in the Arctic. This analysis was based on assuming that two rounds of surveys were conducted and that a 50% decline occurred between them. We discuss the complexity of making these estimates and why they should be viewed as first approximations.

Book chapter↗
USGS2013

Contributions of atmospheric nitrogen deposition to U.S. estuaries: Summary and conclusions: Chapter 8

A NOAA project was initiated in 1998, with support from the U.S. EPA, to develop state-of-the-art estimates of atmospheric N deposition to estuarine watersheds and water surfaces and its delivery to the estuaries. Work groups were formed to address N deposition rates, indirect (from the watershed) yields from atmospheric and other anthropogenic sources, and direct deposition on the estuarine waterbodies, and to evaluate the levels of uncertainty within the estimates. Watershed N yields were estimated using both a land-use based process approach and a national (SPARROW) model, compared to each other, and compared to estimates of N yield from the literature. The total N yields predicted by the national model were similar to values found in the literature and the land-use derived estimates were consistently higher. Atmospheric N yield estimates were within a similar range for the two approaches, but tended to be higher in the land-use based estimates and were not wellcorrelated. Median atmospheric N yields were around 15% of the total N yield for both groups, but ranged as high as 60% when both direct and indirect deposition were considered. Although not the dominant source of anthropogenic N, atmospheric N is, and will undoubtedly continue to be, an important factor in culturally eutrophied estuarine systems, warranting additional research and management attention.

Book chapter↗
USGS2009

The Evolution of analytical technology and its impact on water-quality studies for selected herbicides and their degradation products in water

This chapter aims to describe advances in analytical instrumentation and methods for the analyses of herbicides and their degradation products and to assess their impact on major findings of broad surveys of herbicides in water conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey(USGS) over the last two decades. Standards for water purity have been set and continually revised by governments as new contaminants that may impact human health are identified. These water-purity standards have brought continued improvement in water quality of existing water sources by reducing the amount of pollution in drinking water, treating wastewater, diverting wastewater discharge from drinking-water supplies, implementing new filtration practices, and other innovative techniques. It is vital that state-of-the-art instrumentation for analyzing organic contaminants continually be introduced into the marketplace the advancement of analytical instrumentation has given scientists the capability to continually broaden their studies of the fate of herbicides and their degradation products over the last two decades. Studies by many scientists have continually expanded the knowledge of the occurrence, persistence, and transport of herbicides and their degradation products in the hydrologic environment.

Book chapter↗
USGS2017

Assessing welfare of individual sirenians in the wild and in captivity

Assessing the welfare of wild populations of sirenians has required a “generalist” approach. The outcome has been a subjective decision as to whether what the observers are witnessing in an individual or group of animals is normal and whether that has positive or negative consequences. The understanding of sirenian welfare requirements, and a decision process for whether to support and maintain their natural habitats or to try to replicate it in a meaningful way in an artificial captive setting, is still in its early developmental stages and has dynamic qualities that are in need of urgent attention. In this chapter we use the knowledge and observations presented throughout the chapters on sirenians to outline a proposed standard approach for assessing welfare in individuals in wild populations, as well as guidelines for assessing captive groups of dugongs and manatees. In the wild, the suitability of the habitat and human impact on it, the limitations of carrying capacity, the dynamics of ecosystems, and the effects that the immediate environment will have on the known resident populations are examined. In captivity, we use the foundation of the Five Freedoms , based on experience derived from other captive species, and we combine this with experience from rehabilitating manatees in Europe and the United States and, more recently, dugongs in the Indo-Pacific, to identify requirements and to help us to assess the unique needs of these species when held in facilities. We present considerations and approaches to (1) holistically assess captive facilities and to assess the well-being of the individuals held in the facility, (2) derive a guideline for standard captive assessment, (3) determine if adequate welfare needs for the animals are being met, and (4) help to provide guidance on whether an animal is suitable for release after rehabilitation.

Book chapter↗
USGS2011

Estimation of demographic parameters in a tiger population from long-term camera trap data

Chapter 7 (Karanth et al.) illustrated the use of camera trapping in combination with closed population capture–recapture (CR) models to estimate densities of tigers Panthera tigris. Such estimates can be very useful for investigating variation across space for a particular species (e.g., Karanth et al. 2004) or variation among species at a specific location. In addition, estimates of density continued at the same site(s) over multiple years are very useful for understanding and managing populations of large carnivores. Such multi-year studies can yield estimates of rates of change in abundance. Additionally, because the fates of marked individuals are tracked through time, biologists can delve deeper into factors driving changes in abundance such as rates of survival, recruitment and movement (Williams et al. 2002). Fortunately, modern CR approaches permit the modeling of populations that change between sampling occasions as a result of births, deaths, immigration and emigration (Pollock et al. 1990; Nichols 1992). Some of these early “open population” models focused on estimation of survival rates and, to a lesser extent, abundance, but more recent models permit estimation of recruitment and movement rates as well.

Book chapter↗
USGS2025

History of terrestrial ecosystem development in southern Alexander Archipelago, Alaska since the onset of deglaciation

This chapter focuses on reconstructing the history of vegetation development in southern Alexander Archipelago (AA) of southeast Alaska during and after deglaciation up to the present day. It also summarizes key findings from recent paleoceanographic research in the Gulf of Alaska to provide a detailed, well-dated record of late Quaternary climate changes for the region. Understanding the regional climate history contributes to the reconstruction of late Quaternary glacial history and the timing of deglaciation, as it establishes minimum limiting dates for possible human occupation of southeast Alaska and northern coastal British Columbia (BC). This regional climate history is essential for recognizing relationships between the timing of climate changes and major ecological changes, and subsequent cultural development and adaptations. The reconstructed vegetation history of southern Alexander Archipelago since the onset of deglaciation provides important insights into the resources available to the earliest settlers and how these resources changed over time. The vegetation history presented here is based on dated pollen records from five unpublished sites and two previously published sites from the region. These records establish the timing and nature of changing terrestrial ecosystems in the southern AA.

Alaska↗
USGS2015

The influence of Tamarix ramosissima defoliation on population movements of the northern tamarisk beetle ( Diorhabda carinulata ) within the Colorado Plateau: Chapter 18

The northern tamarisk beetle ( Diorhabda carinulata ) was introduced to the Colorado Plateau within the Colorado River Basin in 2004, in an effort to control invasive/exotic tamarisk ( Tamarix ramosissima ) plants. Since release, there has been rapid beetle colonization and subsequent defoliation of tamarisk along the Colorado River corridor. We collected plant phenology and beetle abundance data from the Dolores and San Juan rivers, two major tributaries of the Colorado River, to document tamarisk defoliation and beetle movement patterns. We found D. carinulata population movement patterns to be highly influenced by the availability of food resources, with local beetle boom and bust events appearing common. Beetles were able to defoliate from 35-65 km of river corridor tamarisk habitat each year. Following intensive tamarisk defoliation of large riparian reaches, beetles displayed a pattern of temporary abandonment in the following year with recolonization of that habitat in the subsequent year. Larvae were found primarily in areas that had partial defoliation, while adults occurred throughout the river corridor but most often on the leading edge of defoliated habitats. Understanding this type of beetle behavior and movement patterns will be useful in the management of areas where D. carinulata has been established, and in areas where it has not yet colonized. This will also assist land managers to further understand how defoliation and the presence of D. carinulata influence tamarisk-dominated habitats within Colorado Plateau riparian ecosystems.

Dolores River, San Juan River↗
USGS2010

Modeling methods

Simulation models are widely used in all types of hydrologic studies, and many of these models can be used to estimate recharge. Models can provide important insight into the functioning of hydrologic systems by identifying factors that influence recharge. The predictive capability of models can be used to evaluate how changes in climate, water use, land use, and other factors may affect recharge rates. Most hydrological simulation models, including watershed models and groundwater-flow models, are based on some form of water-budget equation, so the material in this chapter is closely linked to that in Chapter 2. Empirical models that are not based on a water-budget equation have also been used for estimating recharge; these models generally take the form of simple estimation equations that define annual recharge as a function of precipitation and possibly other climatic data or watershed characteristics. Model complexity varies greatly. Some models are simple accounting models; others attempt to accurately represent the physics of water movement through each compartment of the hydrologic system. Some models provide estimates of recharge explicitly; for example, a model based on the Richards equation can simulate water movement from the soil surface through the unsaturated zone to the water table. Recharge estimates can be obtained indirectly from other models. For example, recharge is a parameter in groundwater-flow models that solve for hydraulic head (i.e. groundwater level). Recharge estimates can be obtained through a model calibration process in which recharge and other model parameter values are adjusted so that simulated water levels agree with measured water levels. The simulation that provides the closest agreement is called the best fit, and the recharge value used in that simulation is the model-generated estimate of recharge.

Book chapter↗