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At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources

Digital surfaces and hydrogeologic data for the Floridan aquifer system in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina

A digital dataset for the Floridan aquifer system in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina was developed from selected reports published as part of the Regional Aquifer-System Analysis (RASA) Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in the 1980s. These reports contain maps and data depicting the extent and elevation of both time-stratigraphic and hydrogeologic units of which the aquifer system is composed, as well as data on hydrology, meteorology, and aquifer properties. The three primary reports used for this dataset compilation were USGS Professional Paper 1403-B (Miller, 1986), Professional Paper 1403-C (Bush and Johnston, 1988), and USGS Open-File Report 88-86 (Miller, 1988). Paper maps from Professional Papers 1403-B and 1403-C were scanned and georeferenced to the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) using the Lambert Conformal Conic projection (standard parallels 33 and 45 degrees, central longitude -96 degrees, central latitude 39 degrees). Once georeferenced, tracing of pertinent line features contained in each image (for example, contours and faults) was facilitated by specialized software using algorithms that automated much of the process. Resulting digital line features were then processed using standard geographic information system (GIS) software to remove artifacts from the digitization process and to verify and update attribute tables. The digitization process for polygonal features (for example, outcrop areas and unit extents) was completed by hand using GIS software.

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina↗

Approximate changes in water levels in wells completed in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, 1990-93 and 1992-93, in Fort Bend County and adjacent areas, Texas

This report was prepared in cooperation with the Fort Bend Subsidence District and presents data on water-level changes in wells during 1990-93 and 1992-93 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers (figs. 1-4) in Fort Bend County. Water-level changes maps were prepared previously by Locke (1990), and Locke and Santos (1992) for both aquifers, and by Wesselman (1972) for the Chicot aquifers.

Open-File Report↗

Characteristics of streamflow at gaging stations in the Loup River basin, Nebraska

Nearly 80 years of streamflow records have been collected in Nebraska. Such records are of immeasurable value and are essential if water resources are to be planned wisely and managed efficiently. Their value for planning and management can be greatly enhanced if the records are analyzed statistically. This report presents statistics on the flow of streams in the Loup River basin. As major irrigation projects have been constructed in the basin since gaging of streamflow was begun, the complete record of water discharge at some gaging stations includes periods before and after streamflow was first affected by diversions to an upstream project. Streamflow records presented in this report have been computed from data that represent current conditions of development and water use.

Nebraska↗

Climate, streamflow, and lake-level trends in the Great Lakes Basin of the United States and Canada, water years 1960–2015

Water levels in the Great Lakes fluctuate substantially because of complex interactions among inputs (precipitation and streamflow), outputs (evaporation and outflow), and other factors. This report by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was completed to describe trends in climate, streamflow, lake levels, and major water-budget components within the Great Lakes Basin for water years (WYs) 1960–2015 (study period). Resulting trends are applicable only to the study period and should not be considered indicative of longer-term trends. Analyses of climate trends used monthly data from the Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model, which are available only for the United States. Trend tests were completed for annual and seasonal time series of monthly means for total precipitation, daily minimum air temperature ( T min ), and daily maximum air temperature ( T max ). Statistical significance for all time-trend tests (climate, streamflow, and lake levels) was determined using the Mann‑Kendall test for probability values less than or equal to 0.10. Trend analyses were completed without adjustments for serial correlation; however, a modified Mann-Kendall test was subsequently used to examine potential effects of short-term persistence in time-series data. Effects of short-term persistence were considered inconsequential for climate data and minor for streamflow data; however, the presence of short-term persistence in water-budget components had more substantial effects on trend analyses. Spatial distributions of trends in climatic data for WYs 1960–2015 for the U.S. part of the Great Lakes Basin (land only) indicate (1) generally ubiquitous upward trends in T min and (2) a sharp transition from neutral or downward trends in precipitation northwest of Lake Michigan to generally upward trends east of Lake Michigan. Trends in T max were not statistically significant. Analyses of annual climatic data aggregated for the U.S. land part of the Great Lakes Basin indicated statistically significant upward trends for precipitation and T min , and similar statistically significant trends existed for all the individual lake subbasins except Lake Superior. Of 103 U.S. Geological Survey streamgages analyzed for streamflow trends, 71 had significant annual trends (54 upward and 17 downward). Downward trends in annual streamflow are concentrated northwest of Lake Michigan (16 streamgages), and upward trends are concentrated east of Lake Michigan (53 streamgages). Of the 71 streamgages with significant annual trends, 70 had at least one season with a significant trend that matched the annual trend direction. Of 35 Environment and Climate Change Canada streamgages analyzed, 22 had significant upward trends in annual streamflow, and all but 1 of these 22 had at least one season with a significant upward trend. None of the Environment and Climate Change Canada streamgages had significant downward annual trends, and only one had a significant downward seasonal trend. Trends in lake levels and several major water-budget components affecting lake levels were analyzed for the study period. Significant downward trends in lake level and outflow for Lake Superior are driven primarily by low lake levels and outflows during WYs 1998–2014. A significant downward trend in runoff from the contributing drainage area also is indicated, which is consistent with numerous streamgages northwest of Lake Michigan with significant downward trends in annual streamflow. A significant upward trend in annual overlake evaporation also is indicated, which is consistent with the spatially distributed upward trends in annual T min . The sum of overlake precipitation and runoff from the contributing drainage area for each of the Great Lakes, less overlake evaporation, composes a variable called net basin supply (NBS). A significant downward trend in NBS is indicated for Lake Superior, which is consistent with significant trends for individual components of runoff (downward) and evaporation (upward) that contributed to a significant downward trend for lake outflow. Statistically significant upward trends in NBS for Lake Saint Clair and Lake Ontario offset the downward trend for Lake Superior and combine with nonsignificant upward trends in NBS for Lakes Michigan and Huron and Lake Erie to produce a neutral trend in NBS for the basin. A predictable pattern in monthly mean lake levels is noted for Lake Superior, with the minimum for each year usually during or near March and the maximum commonly during or near September or October. When an October lake level is in a period of substantial decline, potential for an ensuing short-term period of below-mean lake levels is enhanced. Downstream from Lake Superior, monthly lake levels have sawtooth patterns that somewhat resemble those for Lake Superior but with decreased predictability in timing. Similar to Lake Superior, Lakes Michigan and Huron, Lake Saint Clair, and Lake Erie all have a prolonged period of low lake levels around WYs 1998–2014; however, a significant downward trend is indicated only for Lakes Michigan and Huron. All these lakes also have a period of low lake levels before about WY 1968, when minimum lake levels were lower than during WYs 1998–2014. The significant downward trend of outflow from Lake Superior is carried downstream into Lakes Michigan and Huron; however, trends in outflow from the next three lakes downstream (Lakes Saint Clair, Erie, and Ontario) are offset by increased precipitation and runoff and are not significant.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

Inventory and analysis of groundwater resources: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Industrial and commercial developments in western North Dakota potentially could affect the sources of water that contribute to wells, spring flow, and seeps within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Without basic water resources data, accurately predicting the effects of water withdrawals and water quality concerns related to industrial and commercial developments near the park would be challenging. Water resources in the park include surface water and groundwater. The Little Missouri River and its tributaries cross all three Theodore Roosevelt National Park units and are the primary surface-water features in the park. Groundwater resources include well discharges, springs, and seeps. The geology and hydrogeology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are defined by the surrounding Williston Basin. Four aquifers are sources of groundwater to the park: unconsolidated aquifers including alluvial systems, the upper Fort Union aquifer, the lower Fort Union aquifer, and the Fox Hills-lower Hell Creek aquifer. Data used for wells, springs, seeps, and water quality in this report were compiled from the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System or from the North Dakota State Water Commission. An inventory of 16 wells was completed for sites within the boundaries of the park. In addition to well data, an inventory of 11 springs and seeps was completed. The groundwater-quality analysis had two objectives: (1) to characterize the groundwater chemistry in aquifers underlying the park and (2) to spatially map selected physical properties and chemical constituents of interest. Groundwater-quality data from the North Dakota State Water Commission were summarized, mapped, and used to characterize groundwater for each aquifer in the study area. Spatial concentration distribution maps were constructed for selected physical properties and chemical constituents using summary statistics and exceedances. Piper diagrams were used to classify and characterize groundwater for each aquifer. Future research to help fill data gaps in water resources information for Theodore Roosevelt National Park, including recommendations from previous studies, consists of the following: (1) evaluating the variability in discharge from springs and seeps in comparison to changes in precipitation or other recharge sources, (2) evaluating flow control measures for flowing artesian wells, (3) completing a water rights review, and (4) performing routine water-quality monitoring for wells and springs.

North Dakota↗

Geologic Map of the Santa Barbara Coastal Plain Area, Santa Barbara County, California

This report presents a newly revised and expanded digital geologic map of the Santa Barbara coastal plain area at a compilation scale of 1:24,000 (one inch on the map to 2,000 feet on the ground)1 and with a horizontal positional accuracy of at least 20 m. The map depicts the distribution of bedrock units and surficial deposits and associated deformation underlying and adjacent to the coastal plain within the contiguous Dos Pueblos Canyon, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria 7.5' quadrangles. The new map supersedes an earlier preliminary geologic map of the central part of the coastal plain (Minor and others, 2002; revised 2006) that provided coastal coverage only within the Goleta and Santa Barbara quadrangles. In addition to new mapping to the west and east, geologic mapping in parts of the central map area has been significantly revised from the preliminary map compilation - especially north of downtown Santa Barbara in the Mission Ridge area - based on new structural interpretations supplemented by new biostratigraphic data. All surficial and bedrock map units, including several new units recognized in the areas of expanded mapping, are described in detail in the accompanying pamphlet. Abundant new biostratigraphic and biochronologic data based on microfossil identifications are presented in expanded unit descriptions of the marine Neogene Monterey and Sisquoc Formations. Site-specific fault kinematic observations embedded in the digital map database are more complete owing to the addition of slip-sense determinations. Finally, the pamphlet accompanying the present report includes an expanded and refined summary of stratigraphic and structural observations and interpretations that are based on the composite geologic data contained in the new map compilation. The Santa Barbara coastal plain is located in the western Transverse Ranges physiographic province along an east-west-trending segment of the southern California coastline about 100 km (62 mi) northwest of Los Angeles. The coastal plain surface includes several mesas and hills that are geomorphic expressions of potentially active folds and partly buried oblique and reverse faults of the Santa Barbara fold and fault belt (SBFFB) that transects the coastal plain. Strong earthquakes have occurred offshore within 10 km of the Santa Barbara coastal plain in 1925 (6.3 magnitude), 1941 (5.5 magnitude), and 1978 (5.1 magnitude). These and numerous smaller seismic events located beneath and offshore of the coastal plain, likely occurred on reverse-oblique-slip faults that are similar to, or continuous with, Quaternary reverse faults crossing the coastal plain. Thus, faults of the SBFFB pose a significant earthquake hazard to the approximately 200,000 people living within the major coastal population centers of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria. In addition, numerous Quaternary landslide deposits along the steep southern flank of the Santa Ynez Mountains indicate the potential for continued slope failures and mass movements in developed areas. Folded, faulted, and fractured sedimentary rocks in the subsurface of the coastal plain and adjacent Santa Barbara Channel are sources and form reservoirs for economic deposits of oil and gas, some of which are currently being extracted offshore. Shallow, localized sedimentary aquifers underlying the coastal plain provide limited amounts of water for the urban areas, but the quality of some of this groundwater is compromised by coastal salt-water contamination. The present map compilation provides a set of uniform geologic digital coverages that can be used for analysis and interpretation of these and other geologic hazards and resources in the coastal plain region.

Scientific Investigations Map↗

Gravity survey of the Nevada Test Site and vicinity, Nye, Lincoln, and Clark Counties, Nevada--interim report

The gravity survey of the Nevada Test Site and contiguous areas of southern Nevada and southeastern California (fig. 1) has been made by the U.S. Geological Survey on behalf of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. The objective of this study is to delineate and interpret gravity anomalies and regional trends so that the configuration and depth of the buried erosional surface of the Paleozoic rocks may be determined. This buried surface is of utmost importance in understanding the geologic history of the Nevada Test Site region, the thickness and distribution of the overlying volcanic rocks and alluvium, and the movement of ground water. The Paleozoic rocks cause positive gravity anomalies where they outcrop or occur near the surface and negative anomalies where they are buried in valleys or capped by low-density Tertiary volcanic rocks. Gravity trends which extend over the entire area provide a basis for computing the regional gravity gradient. The regional gravity gradient must be removed from the data for geologic interpretation of the paleotopographic surface in any limited area. Knowledge of the thickness of low-density material overlying the paleotopographic surface is useful in several ways. Proposed underground test sites, such as drill holes and tunnels, may be evaluated in terms of rock unit thickness and alluvial cover requirements. Recent work by the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey has demonstrated ground-water movement through the Paleozoic rocks in the vicinity of the Nevada Test Site. Therefore, knowledge of the position of buried Paleozoic rocks is important in evaluating (a) the rate and direction of flow of the ground water, (b) ground-water supplies for domestic and industrial uses, and (c) the possibility of radioactive contamination of ground water. Finally, regional gravity trends and paleotopography are useful in working out the structural history of the area in connection with geologic studies now in progress. The purpose of this interim report is to present the major part of the gravity data obtained as of December 31, 1961. The data are presented as a complete Bouguer gravity anomaly map. Although the gravity contours are somewhat generalized because the map has a scale of 1:250,000 and a contour interval of 5 milligals, the largest anomalies are adequately delineated. Preliminary results of this gravity survey have been reported by Wilmarth and others, 1960, and by Diment and others, 1959 and 1960.

Nevada↗

Wind assistance: A requirement for migration of shorebirds?

We investigated the importance of wind-assisted flight for northward (spring) migration by Western Sandpipers ( Calidris mauri ) along the Pacific Coast of North America. Using current models of energy costs of flight and recent data on the phenology of migration, we estimated the energy (fat) requirements for migration in calm winds and with wind-assisted flight for different rates of fat deposition: (1) a variable rate, assuming that birds deposit the minimum amount of fat required to reach the next stopover site; (2) a constant maximum rate of 1.0 g/day; and (3) a lower constant rate of 0.4 g/day. We tested these models by comparing conservative estimates of predicted body mass along the migration route with empirical data on body mass of Western Sandpipers at different stopover sites and upon arrival at the breeding grounds. In calm conditions, birds would have to deposit unrealistically high amounts of fat (up to 330% of observed values) to maintain body mass above absolute lean mass values. Fat-deposition rates of 1.0 g/day and 0.4 g/day, in calm conditions, resulted in a steady decline in body mass along the migration route, with predicted body masses on arrival in Alaska of only 60% (13.6 g) and 26% (5.9 g) of average lean mass (22.7 g). Conversely, birds migrating with wind assistance would be able to complete migration with fat-deposition rates as low as 0.4 g/day, similar to values reported for this size bird from field studies. Our results extend the conclusion of the importance of winds for large, long-distance migrants to a small, short-distance migrant. We suggest that the migratory decisions of birds are more strongly influenced by the frequency and duration of winds aloft, i.e. by events during the flight phase, than by events during the stopover phase of migration, such as fat-deposition rate, that have been the focus of much recent migration theory.

The Auk↗

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↗

The history of Antarctic Peninsula glaciation

As Co-Chief Scientist on DSDP Leg 35 in 1974, Cam Craddock (1930-2006) produced the first useful information on Cenozoic Antarctic Peninsula glaciation - an early middle Miocene (15-17 Ma) apparent glacial onset. Subsequent work, onshore and offshore, has greatly extended our knowledge but that early conclusion stands today. Cenozoic Antarctic Peninsula palaeoclimate as presently known is broadly consistent with global palaeoclimate proxies. Initial glacial onset was within the Eocene-Oligocene boundary interval (although earlier, short-lived glaciations have been proposed, from indirect measurements) and the peninsula probably became deglaciated in the earliest Miocene (ca. 24 Ma). The renewed middle Miocene glaciation probably continued to the present and, for the last 9 Myr at least, has persisted through glacial (orbital) cycles, with grounded ice advance to the shelf edge during maxima. Although orbital cyclicity affected earlier AP palaeoclimate also, the level of glaciation through a complete cycle is uncertain.

Open-File Report↗

Bathymetric surveys of selected lakes in Missouri--2000-2008

Years of sediment accumulation and abnormally dry conditions in the Midwest in 1999 and 2000 led to the water level decline of many water-supply lakes in Missouri, and caused renewed interest in modernizing outdated area/volume tables for these lakes. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, surveyed the bathymetry of 51 lakes in Missouri from July 2000 to May 2008. The data were used to provide water managers with area/volume tables and bathymetric maps of the lakes at the time of the surveys. In 50 of the lakes, bathymetric surveys were made using a boat-mounted single-beam survey-grade fathometer. In Clearwater Lake, bathymetric data were collected primarily using a boat-mounted survey-grade multibeam fathometer, and some bathymetric data were collected using a single-beam fathometer in areas of the lake that were inaccessible to the multibeam fathometer. Data processing, area/volume table computation, and bathymetric map production were completed for each lake.

Missouri↗

Geomorphic mapping to support river restoration on the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011

Historic land use, dam construction, water storage, and flow diversions in the Trinity River watershed have resulted in downstream geomorphic change, loss of salmonid habitat, and declines in salmonid populations. The USGS in cooperation with the Trinity River Restoration Program, a multi-agency partnership tasked with implementing federally mandated restoration, completed a geomorphic change assessment to inform the planning process for future restoration work. This report documents an ARCMAP geodatabase (v.10.0) containing geomorphic features digitized from a series of rectified orthophotographs ( http://dx.doi.org/10.5066/F7TT4P04 ). Upland, riparian, and channel features were digitized from six available base images (1980, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2009, and 2011). This report describes the structure of the geodatabase and the methods used to delineate individual geomorphic features.

California↗

An automatic suspended-sediment sampler

The automatic suspended-sediment sampler was originally designed to obtain a suspended-sediment sample from a single point in a stream or reservoir during a rise in stage. The sampler was intended to be used during periods when manually-operated standard samplers could not be used. If the sampling site is remote from the field office or is inaccessible during storm periods or if no notification can be obtained concerning a stream rise, an adequate sampling program may be difficult to maintain. Having full knowledge of the many limitations and inadequacies of this automatic sampler, personnel of several of the Quality of Water Branch offices believe that, for many types of sediment transport and for specific sampling sites, samples obtained with the automatic sampler are preferable to a complete lack of samples.

Open-File Report↗

Interpretation of geologic and hydrologic data from the Ray-1 Well, City of Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico

The Ray-1 well was to be the third production well completed in the city of Gallup Yah-ta-hey well field located about 7 miles (11 km) north of the city. The first string of casing collapsed during completion, however, and the well was abandoned before it could be tested. The lithology of the Upper Cretaceous Dalton Sandstone and Dilco Coal Members of the Crevasse Canyon Formation and the Gallup Sandstone was interpreted from geophysical logs and examination of the drill cuttings. These units appear to be similar to correlative strata encountered in the first two wells. A yield of approximately 700 gallons per minute (44 l/s), similar to the other wells in the Yah-ta-hey well field, is anticipated from the same aquifers when the Ray-1 replacement well is completed.

Open-File Report↗

Lead isotope data bank; 2,624 samples and analyses cited

The Lead Isotope Data Bank (LIDB) was initiated to facilitate plotting data. Therefore, the Bank reflects data most often used in plotting rather than comprises a comprehensive tabulation of lead isotope data. Up until now, plotting was done using card decks processed by computer with tapes plotted by a Gerber plotter and more recently a CRT using a batch mode. Lack of a uniform format for sample identification was not a great impediment. With increase in the size of the bank, hand sorting is becoming prohibitive and ·plans are underway to put the bank into a uniform format on DISK with a card backup so that it may be accessed by use of IRIS on the DECK 10 computer at the U.S.G.S. facility in Denver. Plots will be constructed on a CRT. Entry of the bank into the IRIS accessing program is scheduled for completion in FY 1976

Open-File Report↗

Plant and miscellaneous microfossils of the Pierre Shale

This preliminary report summarizes part of a Survey program to study, in detail, the stratigraphy and paleontology of a nearly complete sequence of Pierre Shale near Redbird, Wyoming. The physical stratigraphy and correlations are being analyzed by James Gill and W. A. Cobban. Various groups of invertebrate fossils are under study by Mr. Cobban, N. F. Sohl, and James Mello. Plant microfossils are the responsibility of Estella Leopold, assisted by Bernadine Tschudy.

Open-File Report↗