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USGS2008

Management and research applications of long-range surveillance radar data for birds, bats, and flying insects

There is renewed interest in using long-range surveillance radar as a biological research tool due to substantial improvements in the network of radars within the United States. Technical improvements, the digital nature of the radar data, and the availability of computing power and geographic information systems, enable a broad range of biological applications. This publication provides a summary of long-range surveillance radar technology and applications of these data to questions about movement patterns of birds and other flying wildlife. The intended audience is potential radar-data end users, including natural-resource management and regulatory agencies, conservation organizations, and industry. This summary includes a definition of long-range surveillance radar, descriptions of its strengths and weaknesses, information on applications of the data, cost, methods of calibration, and what end users need to do, and some key references and resources.

Texas↗

USGS2015

Simulation of daily streamflow for nine river basins in eastern Iowa using the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, constructed Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System models to estimate daily streamflow for nine river basins in eastern Iowa that drain into the Mississippi River. The models are part of a suite of methods for estimating daily streamflow at ungaged sites. The Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System is a deterministic, distributed- parameter, physical-process-based modeling system developed to evaluate the response of streamflow and general drainage basin hydrology to various combinations of climate and land use. Calibration and validation periods used in each basin mostly were October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2012, but differed depending on the period of record available for daily mean streamflow measurements at U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations. A geographic information system tool was used to delineate each basin and estimate values for model parameters based on basin physical and geographical features. A U.S. Geological Survey auto-calibration tool that uses a shuffled complex evolution algorithm was used for initial calibration, and then manual modifications were made to parameter values to complete the calibration of each basin model. The main objective of the calibration was to match daily discharge values of simulated streamflow to measured daily discharge values. The accuracy of Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System model streamflow estimates of nine river basins in eastern Iowa as compared to measured values at U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations varied. The Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System models of nine river basins in eastern Iowa were satisfactory at estimating daily streamflow at 57 of the 79 calibration sites and 13 of the 14 validation sites based on statistical results. Unsatisfactory performance can be contributed to several factors: (1) low flow, no flow, and flashy flow conditions in headwater subbasins having a small drainage area; (2) poor representation of the groundwater and storage components of flow within a basin; (3) lack of accounting for basin withdrawals and water use; and (4) the availability and accuracy of meteorological input data. The Precipitation- Runoff Modeling System models of nine river basins in eastern Iowa will provide water-resource managers with a consistent and documented method for estimating streamflow at ungaged sites and aid in environmental studies, hydraulic design, water management, and water-quality projects.

Iowa↗

USGS2020

Stormwater quality of infrastructure elements in Rapid City, South Dakota, 2016–18

As runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building roofs), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment, and other contaminants that can adversely affect water quality if the runoff discharge remains untreated. Pathogens, commonly measured using fecal indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli , enterococci, or fecal coliform, are the most-frequent cause of water-quality impairment in rivers and streams in the United States. Rapid Creek originates in the western Black Hills area and flows east through Rapid City, South Dakota, to its mouth at the Cheyenne River. The water quality of Rapid Creek is important because the reach that flows through Rapid City is a valuable spawning area for a self-sustaining trout fishery, is actively used for recreation, and is a seasonal municipal water supply for the City of Rapid City. These uses (fishery, recreation, and water supply) are considered beneficial uses by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Numerical criteria have been established for total suspended solids and Escherichia coli concentrations, among other water-quality constituents, for these beneficial uses. The objectives of this study were to improve the method by which fecal indicator bacteria and total suspended solids are quantified in the urban drainages within Rapid City and to provide information that helps identify origins of fecal indicator bacteria and total suspended solids. This information can be used in hydrologic models to estimate fecal indicator bacteria and total suspended solid loading from certain infrastructure elements in urban environments. Stormwater samples analyzed for Escherichia coli , total suspended solids, specific conductance, and pH were collected in three drainage basin flowpaths within Rapid City: Jackson, Wildwood, and the Eco Prayer Park. Data-collection activities for this study focused on upgradient urban flowpath elements during rainfall events. This approach builds upon previous stormwater assessments that characterized the water quality in urban basin outlets near the downstream end of the stormwater flowpaths. Within each flowpath group, 4–6 sites were selected to represent the various infrastructure elements of the runoff process. These elements included roof downspouts, parking lots, street curbs and gutters, open channels, underground storm sewers, and stormwater ponds or best-management practice facilities. In general, the concentrations of Escherichia coli and total suspended solids increased in the downstream direction for all flowpath sites. The wash-off process after the first flush is evident for total suspended solids and specific conductance; however, Escherichia coli concentrations did not necessarily follow the same pattern. Escherichia coli concentrations in the latter part of the runoff period were similar to or greater than the initial concentrations of the first set of samples. Stormwater-quality data were summarized by infrastructure type (roof downspout, parking lot, street curb, and channel/storm sewer) to provide information about approximate water-quality concentrations originating at the upper end of urban flowpaths. Escherichia coli and total suspended solid concentrations were lowest in samples collected from locations most isolated from human influence (roof downspouts); the median concentrations at these sites were 4 most probable number per 100 milliliters and 15 milligrams per liter, respectively. The delivery potential of fecal indicator bacteria and sediment from parking lots and street curbs was similar; median concentrations of Escherichia coli and total suspended solids were around 150–220 most probable number per 100 milliliters and 56–86 milligrams per liter, respectively. The downstream receiving channels and storm sewers where stormwater was aggregated typically contained the highest Escherichia coli concentrations (median was 1,800 most probable number per 100 milliliters), but the total suspended solid concentrations were similar to upstream elements in the flowpath (median was 69 milligrams per liter). The data collected from this study demonstrate that stormwater is contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria upon initial contact with impervious surfaces and highlight the importance of controlling the volume of stormwater discharges into receiving waterbodies via storage structures and pervious elements. Diluting stormwater with high concentrations of Escherichia coli with the receiving water’s (Rapid Creek) lower concentration of Escherichia coli is likely the primary mechanism for meeting the beneficial-use criterion threshold of 235 most probable number per 100 milliliters. Although total suspended solid concentrations in the upper parts of the basin (parking lots and street curbs) also begin at concentrations (56 to 86 milligrams per liter) above the beneficial-use criterion for Rapid Creek (53 milligrams per liter), current stormwater-control practices (storage ponds, swales, and wetlands) may be able to reduce suspended-sediment concentrations to meet this threshold.

South Dakota↗

USGS2020

Transmissivity estimated from brief aquifer tests of domestic wells and compared with bedrock lithofacies and position on hillsides in the Appalachian Plateau of New York

Procedures for undertaking and analyzing recovery from aquifer tests of 13 to 132 seconds (described in reports cited herein) were applied to 51 domestic drilled wells that penetrated bedrock outside major valleys in the part of the Appalachian Plateau of New York drained by the Susquehanna River. Transmissivities calculated from these tests ranged over three orders of magnitude in both the Catskill-Cattaraugus lithofacies (shales, mudstones, siltstones, medium to coarse sandstones, pebbly sandstones) and the Chemung-Hamilton lithofacies (shales, mudstones, siltstones, fine to medium sandstones). Median transmissivity values were 0.000425 foot squared per second (36.7 feet squared per day) in the Catskill-Cattaraugus lithofacies and 0.00055 foot squared per second (47.5 feet squared per day) in the Chemung-Hamilton lithofacies. The distributions of transmissivity values within the two lithofacies were likewise similar. The range and median values of transmissivity were also nearly the same on lower and midlevel hillsides and were only slightly greater on a few upper hillsides. Transmissivities estimated from such easily arranged and analyzed tests may be appropriate for estimating groundwater flux under the small gradients that prevail under natural conditions, but not under larger drawdowns and steeper gradients near clusters of domestic wells. Four of the 51 wells tested were also pumped for 10 to 32 minutes; analysis by the Theis recovery method yielded transmissivities consistent with the brief tests for 2 wells, but 7 to 9 times smaller for 2 wells. Transmissivity values estimated by the PICKINGmodel were not significantly different from values estimated by an automated application of the Picking method (PPC-Recovery) at a probability of 95 percent. Transmissivities calculated by either method from data for time intervals of 120 seconds or less may be of limited practical value because they apply only to a small volume of bedrock close to the pumped well.

New York↗

USGS2021

Surface flow velocities from space: Particle image velocimetry of satellite video of a large, sediment-laden river

Conventional, field-based streamflow monitoring in remote, inaccessible locations such as Alaska poses logistical challenges. Safety concerns, financial considerations, and a desire to expand water-observing networks make remote sensing an appealing alternative means of collecting hydrologic data. In an ongoing effort to develop non-contact methods for measuring river discharge, we evaluated the potential to estimate surface flow velocities from satellite video of a large, sediment-laden river in Alaska via particle image velocimetry (PIV). In this setting, naturally occurring sediment boil vortices produced distinct water surface features that could be tracked from frame to frame as they were advected by the flow, obviating the need to introduce artificial tracer particles. In this study, we refined an end-to-end workflow that involved stabilization and geo-referencing, image preprocessing, PIV analysis with an ensemble correlation algorithm, and post-processing of PIV output to filter outliers and scale and geo-reference velocity vectors. Applying these procedures to image sequences extracted from satellite video allowed us to produce high resolution surface velocity fields; field measurements of depth-averaged flow velocity were used to assess accuracy. Our results confirmed the importance of preprocessing images to enhance contrast and indicated that lower frame rates (e.g., 0.25 Hz) lead to more reliable velocity estimates because longer capture intervals allow more time for water surface features to translate several pixels between frames, given the relatively coarse spatial resolution of the satellite data. Although agreement between PIV-derived velocity estimates and field measurements was weak ( R 2 = 0.39) on a point-by-point basis, correspondence improved when the PIV output was aggregated to the cross-sectional scale. For example, the correspondence between cross-sectional maximum velocities inferred via remote sensing and measured in the field was much stronger ( R 2 = 0.76), suggesting that satellite video could play a role in measuring river discharge. Examining correlation matrices produced as an intermediate output of the PIV algorithm yielded insight on the interactions between image frame rate and sensor spatial resolution, which must be considered in tandem. Although further research and technological development are needed, measuring surface flow velocities from satellite video could become a viable tool for streamflow monitoring in certain fluvial environments.

Alaska↗

USGS2025

Analyzing multi-year nitrate concentration evolution in Alabama aquatic systems using a machine learning model

Rising nitrate contamination in water systems poses significant risks to public health and ecosystem stability, necessitating advanced modeling to understand nitrate dynamics more accurately. This study applies the long short-term memory (LSTM) modeling to investigate the hydrologic and environmental factors influencing nitrate concentration dynamics in rivers and aquifers across the state of Alabama in the southeast of the United States. By integrating dynamic data such as streamflow and groundwater levels with static catchment attributes, the machine learning model identifies primary drivers of nitrate fluctuations, offering detailed insights into the complex interactions affecting multi-year nitrate concentrations in natural aquatic systems. In addition, a novel LSTM-based approach utilizes synthetic surface water nitrate data to predict groundwater nitrate levels, helping to address monitoring gaps in aquifers connected to these rivers. This method reveals potential correlations between surface water and groundwater nitrate dynamics, which is particularly meaningful given the lack of water quality observations in many aquifers. Field applications further show that, while the LSTM model effectively captures seasonal trends, limitations in representing extreme nitrate events suggest areas for further refinement. These findings contribute to data-driven water quality management, enhancing understanding of nitrate behavior in interconnected water systems.

Alabama↗

USGS2009

SToRM: A numerical model for environmental surface flows

SToRM (System for Transport and River Modeling) is a numerical model developed to simulate free surface flows in complex environmental domains. It is based on the depth-averaged St. Venant equations, which are discretized using unstructured upwind finite volume methods, and contains both steady and unsteady solution techniques. This article provides a brief description of the numerical approach selected to discretize the governing equations in space and time, including important aspects of solving natural environmental flows, such as the wetting and drying algorithm. The presentation is illustrated with several application examples, covering both laboratory and natural river flow cases, which show the model’s ability to solve complex flow phenomena.

Conference Paper↗

USGS2016

Conservation planning for the Colorado River in Utah

Strategic planning is increasingly recognized as necessary for providing the greatest possible conservation benefits for restoration efforts. Rigorous, science-based resource assessment, combined with acknowledgement of broader basin trends, provides a solid foundation for determining effective projects. It is equally important that methods used to prioritize conservation investments are simple and practical enough that they can be implemented in a timely manner and by a variety of resource managers. With the help of local and regional natural resource professionals, we have developed a broad-scale, spatially-explicit assessment of 146 miles (~20,000 acres) of the Colorado River mainstem in Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah that will function as the basis for a systematic, practical approach to conservation planning and riparian restoration prioritization. For the assessment we have: 1) acquired, modified or created spatial datasets of Colorado River bottomland conditions; 2) synthesized those datasets into habitat suitability models and estimates of natural recovery potential, fire risk and relative cost; 3) investigated and described dominant ecosystem trends and human uses, and; 4) suggested site selection and prioritization approaches. Partner organizations (The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands) are using the assessment and datasets to identify and prioritize a suite of restoration actions to increase ecosystem resilience and improve habitat for bottomland species. Primary datasets include maps of bottomland cover types, bottomland extent, maps of areas inundated during high and low flow events, as well as locations of campgrounds, roads, fires, invasive vegetation treatment areas and other features. Assessment of conditions and trends in the project area entailed: 1) assemblage of existing data on geology, changes in stream flow, and predictions of future conditions; 2) identification of fish and wildlife species present and grouping species into Conservation Elements (CEs) based on habitat needs, and: 3) acquisition, review and creation of spatial datasets characterizing vegetation, fluvial geomorphic and human features within the bottomland. Interpretation of aerial imagery and assimilation of pre-existing spatial data were central to our efforts in characterizing resources conditions. Detailed maps of vegetation and channel habitat features in the project area were generated from true color, high resolution (0.3m) imagery flown September 16, 2010. We also mapped channel habitat features at high flow on 1.0-m resolution, publicly available, true color imagery. We obtained additional layers such as land ownership, roads, fire history, non-native vegetation treatment areas, and recreational use features from public sources and project partners. Habitat suitability models were created for groups of terrestrial species by combining spatial datasets with the habitat needs of conservation elements, guided by literature, where available, and extensive use of expert knowledge. Conservation elements for endangered fish species life stages were identified but not modeled. Terrestrial CE’s included: • Riparian Overstory -yellow-billed cuckoo, Bullock’s oriole, black-headed grosbeak, blue grosbeak, warbling vireo, Cooper's hawk, screech owl, saw-whet owl, and bald eagle, (best: tall trees, dense canopy, diverse shrub understory, no tamarisk); • Riparian Understory - southwestern willow flycatcher, common yellowthroat, yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, beaver, northern river otter, black-necked garter snake, (best: dense mesic shrubs near still water, no tamarisk); • Bat Feeding - Allen's big-eared bat, Townsend's big-eared bat, fringed myotis, Yuma myotis, big free-tailed bat, spotted bat (best: diverse vegetation, close to still water); • Bat Watering - big free-tailed and spotted bats (best: still water with no tall vegetation); •

Utah↗

USGS1981

Strains of infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) virus may be identified by structural protein differences

The development of an effective vaccine to infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in fish requires a knowledge of the virus serotypes in nature. At least two serotypes were found among three IHNV strains (12). Attempts in our laboratory to extend this study with additional virus strains by classical immunological techniques were unsatisfactory. Thus, we sought another method for comparing IHNV strains. We report here that different strains of IHNV can be distinguished by the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of the viron polypeptides. Major strain differences were noted in the molecular weights of the envelope glycoprotein, G, and the nucleocapsid protein, N. The strains of IHNV were established from samples taken at several locations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. These strains were also characterized by growth rate at 15° and 18°C and average plaque size. Distinct differences in growth rate at the two temperatures were found for the California strains. The California strains were distinguished from the other strains by the production of minute plaques.

Developments in Biological Standardization↗

USGS2016

Natural inactivation of Escherichia coli in anoxic and reduced groundwater

Aims Inactivation rates of E. coli in groundwater have most often been determined in aerobic and oxidized systems. This study examined E. coli inactivation rates in anaerobic and extremely reduced groundwater systems that have been identified as recharge zones. Methods and Results Groundwater from six artesian wells was diverted to above ground, flow through mesocosms that contained laboratory grown E. coli in diffusion chambers. All groundwater was anaerobic and extremely reduced (ORP < - 300 mV). Cells were plated onto mTEC agar during 21 day incubation periods. All data fit a bi-phasic inactivation model, with > 95% of the E. coli population being inactivated < 11.0 hrs (mean k = 0.488± 0.188 h −1 ). Conclusions The groundwater geochemical conditions enhanced the inactivation of E. coli to rates approximately 21-fold greater than previously published inactivation rate in groundwater (mean k = 0.023 ± 0.030 h −1 ). Also, mTEC agar inhibits E. coli growth following exposure to anaerobic and reduced groundwater. Significance and Impact of the Study Aquifer recharge zones with geochemical characteristics observed in this study complement above ground engineered processes (e.g., filtration, disinfection), while increasing the overall indicator microorganism log-reduction rate of a facility.

Journal of Applied Microbiology↗

USGS2024

Survey and monitoring methods for furbearers

There is a continuing need to assess the state (distribution and abundance) of furbearer populations throughout North America for state and provincial agencies to properly manage furbearers. With an expanding human population and continued changes in land-use practices, habitat loss and fragmentation, declines in natural prey, increases in disease transmission from domestic species, and increased competition with other species, many wildlife agencies have placed the management and conservation of some furbearer species as a top priority. Paramount to making informed decisions regarding management of furbearer populations is accurate information on their current distribution and population status.

Book chapter↗

USGS2005

Use of discrete-zone monitoring systems for hydraulic characterization of a fractured-rock aquifer at the University of Connecticut Landfill, Storrs, Connecticut, 1999 to 2002

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the University of Connecticut, used a suite of hydraulic methods to characterize the hydrogeology of a fractured-rock aquifer near the former landfill and chemical-waste disposal pits at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut. Multiple methods were used to determine head, driving potential, and transmissivity, including manual open-hole water-level and discretezone water-level measurements from 11 boreholes; continuous discrete-zone water-level measurements from 6 of the boreholes; estimated head and transmissivity for 11 boreholes using heat-pulse flowmeter profiles and pumping records; and differential head testing using a straddle-packer apparatus from 4 boreholes. These data were analyzed to identify and characterize relations between long-term water-level patterns and precipitation, topographic setting, contaminant distribution at the site, and a conceptual ground-water flow model. Data collected using the heat-pulse flowmeter, the straddle-packer apparatus, and discrete-zone monitoring (DZM) systems helped to establish, refine, and verify a conceptual model of ground-water flow in the study area. Monitoring of DZM systems installed in 11 boreholes provided a method for longterm monitoring of hydraulic head and water quality of the aquifer at fracture zones of different depths. These data were used to help define the conceptual site model for ground-water flow and to determine and explain the distribution of contamination. Hydrographs constructed for discretely isolated zones in the boreholes showed the magnitude of seasonal changes of water levels and driving potential in response to precipitation and drought. Heads in discrete zones and in different boreholes varied both in magnitude of response and in timing of response to precipitation. Water levels in open boreholes and in DZM systems showed a semi-diurnal pattern that coincides with gravimetric tidal plots generated for this area. No fluctuations that might indicate pumping were identified in the continuous water-level records. Lack of hydraulic response between boreholes during cross-hole testing in the area of the former chemical-waste disposal pits indicates poor hydraulic connection between the boreholes that were tested. In general, data indicated the presence of downward driving potentials in the recharge areas and in the area of the ground-water divide, and upward driving potentials in discharge areas north and south of the landfill. The results of this study illustrate the importance of discrete-zone isolation and monitoring in fractured-rock aquifers to prevent cross contamination while permitting head measurements and water-quality sampling that can be used to identify and characterize contamination or pathways for contaminant migration in a fractured-rock aquifer. Without DZM systems installed in the boreholes, only open-hole heads can be measured. The open-hole heads may be misleading when determining potential flow directions at contamination sites, because they are a composite of the heads associated with each of the fractures intersecting the borehole. The flowmeter tool and straddle-packer apparatus are effective screening tools for generating a snapshot of the hydraulic conditions, including vertical flow, transmissivity, and heads; however, they cannot prevent flow and potential cross-contamination and cannot easily be used to monitor long-term conditions. This work was conducted as part of a larger multidisciplinary investigation to characterize the nature and extent of contamination in the soil, surface water, and ground water in the overburden and fractured bedrock in the area of the landfill and former chemical-waste disposal pits near the University of Connecticut. The methods and hydraulic data presented in this report were used along with surface- and borehole-geophysical data and geochemical data to understand and characterize the ground-water flow in overburden and fractured bedrock; to assess possible chemical migration; to develop a site conceptual ground-water flow model; and to assess remediation alternatives.

Connecticut↗

USGS2009

Continuous Turbidity Monitoring in the Indian Creek Watershed, Tazewell County, Virginia, 2006-08

Thousands of miles of natural gas pipelines are installed annually in the United States. These pipelines commonly cross streams, rivers, and other water bodies during pipeline construction. A major concern associated with pipelines crossing water bodies is increased sediment loading and the subsequent impact to the ecology of the aquatic system. Several studies have investigated the techniques used to install pipelines across surface-water bodies and their effect on downstream suspended-sediment concentrations. These studies frequently employ the evaluation of suspended-sediment or turbidity data that were collected using discrete sample-collection methods. No studies, however, have evaluated the utility of continuous turbidity monitoring for identifying real-time sediment input and providing a robust dataset for the evaluation of long-term changes in suspended-sediment concentration as it relates to a pipeline crossing. In 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with East Tennessee Natural Gas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, began a study to monitor the effects of construction of the Jewell Ridge Lateral natural gas pipeline on turbidity conditions below pipeline crossings of Indian Creek and an unnamed tributary to Indian Creek, in Tazewell County, Virginia. The potential for increased sediment loading to Indian Creek is of major concern for watershed managers because Indian Creek is listed as one of Virginia's Threatened and Endangered Species Waters and contains critical habitat for two freshwater mussel species, purple bean (Villosa perpurpurea) and rough rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrical strigillata). Additionally, Indian Creek contains the last known reproducing population of the tan riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri). Therefore, the objectives of the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring effort were to (1) develop a continuous turbidity monitoring network that attempted to measure real-time changes in suspended sediment (using turbidity as a surrogate) downstream from the pipeline crossings, and (2) provide continuous turbidity data that enable the development of a real-time turbidity-input warning system and assessment of long-term changes in turbidity conditions. Water-quality conditions were assessed using continuous water-quality monitors deployed upstream and downstream from the pipeline crossings in Indian Creek and the unnamed tributary. These paired upstream and downstream monitors were outfitted with turbidity, pH (for Indian Creek only), specific-conductance, and water-temperature sensors. Water-quality data were collected continuously (every 15 minutes) during three phases of the pipeline construction: pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction. Continuous turbidity data were evaluated at various time steps to determine whether the construction of the pipeline crossings had an effect on downstream suspended-sediment conditions in Indian Creek and the unnamed tributary. These continuous turbidity data were analyzed in real time with the aid of a turbidity-input warning system. A warning occurred when turbidity values downstream from the pipeline were 6 Formazin Nephelometric Units or 15 percent (depending on the observed range) greater than turbidity upstream from the pipeline crossing. Statistical analyses also were performed on monthly and phase-of-construction turbidity data to determine if the pipeline crossing served as a long-term source of sediment. Results of this intensive water-quality monitoring effort indicate that values of turbidity in Indian Creek increased significantly between the upstream and downstream water-quality monitors during the construction of the Jewell Ridge pipeline. The magnitude of the significant turbidity increase, however, was small (less than 2 Formazin Nephelometric Units). Patterns in the continuous turbidity data indicate that the actual pipeline crossing of Indian Creek had little influence of downstream water quality; co

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2024

Status of water quality in groundwater resources used for drinking-water supply in the southeastern San Joaquin Valley, 2013–15—California GAMA Priority Basin Project

The California Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment Program Priority Basin Project (GAMA-PBP) investigated water quality of groundwater resources used for drinking-water supplies in the Madera-Chowchilla, Kings, Kaweah, Tule, and Tulare Lake groundwater subbasins of the southeastern San Joaquin Valley during 2013–15. The study focused primarily on groundwater resources used for domestic-supply wells in the southeastern San Joaquin Valley (SESJV-D), which correspond mostly to shallower parts of aquifer systems, compared to the groundwater resources used for public-supply wells in the southeastern San Joaquin Valley (SESJV-P). The investigation had three components: (1) characterization of the status of water quality in the SESJV-D, (2) comparison between water quality in the SESJV-D and SESJV-P, and (3) identification of natural and anthropogenic factors that potentially could affect water quality in these resources. The characterization of water quality in the SESJV-D was based on data collected from 198 domestic wells sampled during 2013–15 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); characterization of water quality in the SESJV-P was based on data collected from 124 wells sampled by the USGS during 2005–18 and an additional 1,577 wells with publicly available data reported to the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (SWRCB-DDW). Measured concentrations were compared to regulatory and non-regulatory drinking-water quality benchmarks. A grid-based method was used to estimate the areal proportions of each study area and the whole southeastern San Joaquin Valley with high (greater than benchmark concentration), moderate (greater than half of the benchmark for inorganic and one-tenth of the benchmark for organic), and low concentrations relative to those benchmarks. Natural and anthropogenic factors that could affect groundwater quality for the SESJV-D were identified in the context of the hydrogeologic setting of the southeastern San Joaquin Valley. The considered factors represented hydrologic conditions and position in the groundwater flow system (well depth, lateral position, presence of hydric soils, percentage of coarse-grained sediment, and aridity index), land-use characteristics (percentages of agricultural, urban, and natural land use, percentage of orchard or vineyard land use, and densities of septic tanks and underground storage tanks near the wells), and geochemical conditions (groundwater age class, oxidation-reduction class, pH, and dissolved oxygen and bicarbonate concentrations). Factors are compared between SESJV-D and SESJV-P at the scale of the five study areas. One or more inorganic constituents with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or California maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) were detected at high concentrations in 47 percent of the SESJV-D and in 32 percent of the SESJV-P. The inorganic constituents most commonly present at high concentrations in the SESJV-D were nitrate, uranium, and arsenic. Within the SESJV-D, the proportion of the study area with high concentrations of inorganic constituents ranged from 19 percent in Madera-Chowchilla to 60 percent in Kings and Tulare Lake. One or more inorganic constituents with California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCL-CAs) were detected at high concentrations in 14 percent of the SESJV-D and in 19 percent of the SESJV-P. The constituents most commonly present at high concentrations were manganese, iron, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Although the proportion of SESJV-D and SESJV-P with high concentrations of TDS greater than the upper SMCL were similar at 4 percent, the proportion of the SESJV-D with moderate concentrations (between the recommended and upper SMCL-CA), 30 percent, was greater than the proportion of the SESJV-P with moderate concentrations, 12 percent. One or more organic constituents with MCLs were present at high concentrations in 19 percent of the SESJV-D and in 12 percent of the SESJV-P. All the constituents detected at high concentrations in the SESJV-D were fumigants, primarily 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP). Fumigants also were the constituents most commonly detected at high concentrations in the SESJV-P, although high concentrations of solvents also were detected. The SESJV-D dataset included analysis of many organic constituents without MCL benchmarks and with detection levels far below drinking water benchmark concentrations; detections at these low concentrations can be used as tracers of anthropogenic influence on groundwater. Pesticides and degradates of pesticides were detected in 60 percent of the SESJV-D; the most frequently detected pesticides were the herbicides simazine, didealkylatrazine (CAAT, a degradate of simazine and atrazine), diuron, and bromacil.

California↗

USGS2016

Resource management and operations in central North Dakota: Climate change scenario planning workshop summary November 12-13, 2015, Bismarck, ND

The Scaling Climate Change Adaptation in the Northern Great Plains through Regional Climate Summaries and Local Qualitative-Quantitative Scenario Planning Workshops project synthesizes climate data into 3-5 distinct but plausible climate summaries for the northern Great Plains region; crafts quantitative summaries of these climate futures for two focal areas; and applies these local summaries by developing climate-resource-management scenarios through participatory workshops and, where possible, simulation models. The two focal areas are central North Dakota and southwest South Dakota (Figure 1). The primary objective of this project is to help resource managers and scientists in a focal area use scenario planning to make management and planning decisions based on assessments of critical future uncertainties. This report summarizes project work for public and tribal lands in the central North Dakota focal area, with an emphasis on Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. The report explains scenario planning as an adaptation tool in general, then describes how it was applied to the central North Dakota focal area in three phases. Priority resource management and climate uncertainties were identified in the orientation phase. Local climate summaries for relevant, divergent, and challenging climate scenarios were developed in the second phase. In the final phase, a two-day scenario planning workshop held November 12-13, 2015 in Bismarck, ND, featured scenario development and implications, testing management decisions, and methods for operationalizing scenario planning outcomes.

Natural Resource Report↗

USGS2016

Resource management and operations in southwest South Dakota: Climate change scenario planning workshop summary January 20-21, 2016, Rapid City, SD

The Scaling Climate Change Adaptation in the Northern Great Plains through Regional Climate Summaries and Local Qualitative-Quantitative Scenario Planning Workshops project synthesizes climate data into 3-5 distinct but plausible climate summaries for the northern Great Plains region; crafts quantitative summaries of these climate futures for two focal areas; and applies these local summaries by developing climate-resource-management scenarios through participatory workshops and, where possible, simulation models. The two focal areas are central North Dakota and southwest South Dakota (Figure 1). The primary objective of this project is to help resource managers and scientists in a focal area use scenario planning to make management and planning decisions based on assessments of critical future uncertainties. This report summarizes project work for public and tribal lands in the southwest South Dakota grasslands focal area, with an emphasis on Badlands National Park and Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The report explains scenario planning as an adaptation tool in general, then describes how it was applied to the focal area in three phases. Priority resource management and climate uncertainties were identified in the orientation phase. Local climate summaries for relevant, divergent, and challenging climate scenarios were developed in the second phase. In the final phase, a two-day scenario planning workshop held January 20-21, 2016 in Rapid City, South Dakota, featured scenario development and implications, testing management decisions, and methods for operationalizing scenario planning outcomes.

Natural Resource Report↗

USGS2007

Mammal inventories for eight National Parks in the Southern Colorado Plateau Network

Historically, the Colorado Plateau has been the subject of many geological and biological explorations. J. W. Powell explored and mapped the canyon country of the Colorado River in 1869 (Powell 1961). C. H. Merriam, V. Bailey, M. Cary, and other employees of the Bureau of Biological Survey conducted biological explorations of the area in the late 1800s. In recent times, researchers such as S. D. Durrant (1952), Durrant and Robinson (1962), D. M. Armstrong (1972), J. S. Findley et al. (1975), D. F. Hoff meister (1986), and J. Fitzgerald et al. (1994) have made considerable contributions to our understanding of the fauna of the Colorado Plateau. Despite earlier efforts, biological details on many regions of the plateau have remained insufficiently explored. In an effort to gather valuable biological information, the National Park Service (NPS) initiated a nationwide program to inventory vascular plants and vertebrates on NPS lands (Stuart 2000). The U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Arid Lands Field Station became a cooperator on this effort in 2001, when we began mammalian inventories on five parks within the NPS Southern Colorado Plateau Network (SCPN): Aztec Ruins National Monument (AZRU), El Morro National Monument (ELMO), Petroglyph National Monument (PETR), Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (SAPU), and Yucca House National Monument (YUHO). Existing baseline data on mammalian occurrences in these parks varied from very sparse to moderate, with little information available for most parks. In most cases, information was insufficient to assess the status of species of local concern. A final report on inventory efforts on these five parks was submitted in February 2004 (Bogan et al. 2004). In 2003, biologists from the Arid Lands Field Station began work on three additional parks in the SCPN: Bandelier National Monument (BAND), Chaco Culture National Historical Park (CHCU), and El Malpaís National Monument (ELMA). The primary emphasis at these three parks was on nonvolant mammals, as personnel from the Field Station had worked earlier on bats at all three parks (Bogan et al. 1998, Valdez et al. 2002a, 2002b). A final report on inventories at these three parks was submitted in April 2005. This publication details fieldwork conducted in all eight parks from 2001–2004. The information that appears here was originally contained in two separate reports that have been combined in order to make it easier for readers to find information on SCPN mammal inventories. To remain faithful to the original reports, and because of slightly differing objectives, personnel, and emphases at the two sets of parks, we have generally presented the methods, results, and recommendations separately for the 5-park and 3-park inventories.

Natural Resource Technical Report↗

USGS2012

Surface seismic and electrical methods to detect fluids related to faulting

In the absence of drilling, surface-based geophysical methods are necessary to observe fault zones and fault zone physical properties at seismogenic depths. These in situ physical properties can then be used to infer the presence and distribution of fluids along faults, although such observations are by nature indirect and become less exact with greater depth. Multiple observations of a range of such geophysical properties as compressional and shear seismic velocity ( V p and V s ), V p /V5 ratio (related to Poisson's ratio), resistivity and attenuation in and adjacent to fault zones offer the greatest hope of making inferences of the fault zone geometry, fluids in the fault zone, and fluid reservoirs in the surrounding crust. For simple geometries, fault zone guided waves can provide information on fault zone width and velocities for faults of the order of 200 m wide. To address the question of whether a narrow fault zone can be imaged well enough at depths of seismic rupture to infer the presence of anomalously high fluid/rock ratios, we present synthetic seismic tomography and magnetotelluric examples for an ideal case of a narrow fault zone with a simple geometry, large changes in material properties, and numerous earthquakes within the fault zone. A synthetic 0.5-km wide fault zone with 20% velocity reduction is well imaged using local earthquake tomography. When sequential velocity inversions are done, the true fault width is found, even to 9 km depth, although the calculated amplitude of the velocity reduction is lower than the actual amplitude. V p / V s is as well determined as V p . Magnetotelluric imaging of a synthetic fault zone shows that a conductive fault zone can be well imaged within the upper 10 km. Further, a narrow (1 km) very low resistivity (3 ohm m) fault core can be imaged within a broad (5 km) low resistivity (10 ohm m) fault zone, illustrating that regions of a fault containing large quantities of interconnected fluids within a broader, conductive fault zone should be detectable. Thus variations in fluid content and fluid pressure can be inferred from electrical and seismic methods but there will always be uncertainty in these inferences due to the trade-off with other factors, such as intrinsic variations in porosity, mineralogy, and pore geometry. The best approach is combined modeling of varied seismic and electrical data.

Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth↗