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At least 1,117 records · Page 62Linked to original sources

USGS2000

U.S. Geological Survey world petroleum assessment 2000: Description and results

The set of 4 CD-ROM discs, documents the U.S. Geological Survey World Petroleum Assessment 2000 and includes estimates of the quantities of conventional oil, gas, and natural gas liquids outside the United States that have the potential to be added to reserves in the next 30 years (1995 to 2025). Two components, undiscovered resources and reserve growth, are estimated. One hundred and forty nine total petroleum systems and two hundred and forty six assessment units (subdivisions of total petroleum systems) were assessed. The supporting maps, data, text and tables produced by the World Energy Assessment Team during this five-year project (1995-2000) are included in the set.

Data Series↗

USGS1979

In situ determination of heat flow in unconsolidated sediments

Subsurface thermal measurements are the most effective, least ambiguous tools for identifying and delineating possible geothernml resources. Measurements of thermal gradient in the upper few tens of meters generally are sufficient to outline the major anomalies, but it is always desirable to combine these gradients with reliable estimates of thermal conductivity to provide data on the energy flux and to constrain models for the heat sources responsible for the observed, near-surface thermal anomalies. The major problems associated with heat-flow measurements in the geothermal exploration mode are concerned with the economics of casing and/or grouting holes, the repeated site visits necessary to obtain equilibrium temperature values, the possible legal liability associated with the disturbance of underground aquifers, the surface hazards presented by pipes protruding from the ground, and the security problems associated with leaving cased holes open for periods of weeks to months. We have developed a technique which provides reliable 'real-time' determinations of temperature, thermal conductivity, and hence, of heat flow during the drilling operation in unconsolidated sediments. A combined temperature, gradient, and thermal conductivity experiment can be carried out, by driving a thin probe through the bit about 1.5 meters into the formation in the time that would otherwise be required for a coring trip. Two or three such experiments over the depth range of, say, 50 to 150 meters provide a high-quality heat-flow determination at costs comparable to those associated with a standard cased 'gradient hole' to comparable depths. The hole can be backfilled and abandoned upon cessation of drilling, thereby eliminating the need for casing, grouting, or repeated site visits.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1993

Trends in offstream water use in Indiana, 1960-90

Water-use data for Indiana from 1960 to 1990 were analyzed to determine general trends of offstream water use. Since 1960, total withdrawals have increased, although there have been periods of increases and decreases. The largest amount of water use (14,300 Mgal/d) occurred in 1980, which was almost 2.5 times more than in 1960. There has been a general increase in withdrawals by public water suppliers, with a trend toward an increasing percentage of population relying on public supplies as their source of water for domestic use. There was an increase in water use by industries during the 1960's, a leveling off during the 1970's, and a general decrease in the 1980's. Industries and powerplants rely heavily on surface water, in Indiana, more water is used for energy production than all other water-use categories combined. Reliability of the data improved significantly in 1985 when facilities capable of withdrawing 100,000 gal/d were required to report their monthly withdrawals annually to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). IDNR maintains these data and makes these data available to the U.S. Geological Survey and other interested parties. In addition, IDNR publishes these data by county for the entire State annually.

Indiana↗

USGS2025

Scoping decision-maker needs and science availability to support regional natural capital accounting in the U.S. Colorado River Basin

Natural capital accounting has the potential to yield important policy insights at multiple scales, but there remains a disconnect between regional-scale natural capital accounts and their use for informing policy. In this paper, we propose a roadmap that could lead to the creation of policy-relevant regional accounts, with steps split across an initial scoping phase and a subsequent development phase. We demonstrate the scoping steps in action with an application to the Colorado River Basin (“Basin”), a large watershed in the southwestern United States (U.S.) that has faced aridification and substantial high-profile tradeoffs around the use of its water and other natural resources. Drawing on prior U.S. Geological Survey science co-production efforts, we conducted a series of eight discussion sessions with 41 scientists and science representatives whose work is relevant to Basin water, riparian and riverine ecosystems, upland ecosystems and energy and minerals. We summarise participants' thoughts on key topics and economic linkages, their insights and questions of interest and their recommendations on existing scientific data sources and gaps. We evaluate the suitability of the available data for construction of System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Central Framework and SEEA Ecosystem Accounting accounts, including those for land, water, forests, energy and minerals and ecosystems (covering extent, condition and ecosystem services). We present a series of lessons learned during the scoping phase, as well as lessons that could be relevant for future practitioners engaging in the development phase. The information can help guide the development of timely and relevant regional-scale environmental-economic accounts in the U.S. and beyond.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico,↗

USGS2004

Sagebrush ecosystems: current status and trends.

The sagebrush ( Artemisia spp .) biome has changed since settlement by Europeans. The current distribution, composition and dynamics, and disturbance regimes of sagebrush ecosystems have been altered by interactions among disturbance, land use, and invasion of exotic plants. In this chapter, we present the dominant factors that have influenced habitats across the sagebrush biome. Using a large-scale analysis, we identified regional changes and patterns in “natural disturbance”, invasive exotic species, and influences of land use in sagebrush systems. Number of fires and total area burned has increased since 1980 across much of the sagebrush biome. Juniper ( Juniperus spp. ) and pinyon (Pinus spp.) woodlands have expanded into sagebrush habitats at higher elevations. Cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum ), an exotic annual grass, has invaded much of lower elevation, more xeric sagebrush landscapes across the western portion of the biome. Consequently, synergistic feedbacks between habitats and disturbance (natural and human-caused) have altered disturbance regimes, plant community dynamics and contributed to loss of sagebrush habitats and change in plant communities. Habitat conversion to agriculture has occurred in the highly productive regions of the sagebrush biome and influenced up to 56% of the Conservation Assessment area. Similarly, urban areas, and road, railroad, and powerline networks fragment habitats, facilitate predator movements, and provide corridors for spread of exotic species across the entire sagebrush biome. Livestock grazing has altered sagebrush habitats; the effects of overgrazing combined with drought on plant communities in the late 1880s and early 1900s still influences current habitats. Management of livestock grazing has influenced sagebrush ecosystems by habitat treatments to increase forage and reduce sagebrush and other plant species unpalatable to livestock. Fences, roads, and water developments to manage livestock movements have further influenced the landscape and increased access into sagebrush habitats. Energy development also influenced sagebrush landscapes by construction of wells, access roads, and pipelines. Treatments to restore sagebrush are becoming a major emphasis of land management agencies. However, revegetation and rehabilitation treatments are limited by the financial, biological, and technological resources needed to restore sagebrush landscapes that function at the spatial and temporal scales used by sage-grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus )

Book chapter↗

USGS2011

Undiscovered hydrocarbon resources in the U.S. Gulf Coast Jurassic Norphlet and Smackover Formations

The U.S. Geological Survey has completed assessments of undiscovered technically recoverable oil and gas resources in the Jurassic Norphlet and Smackover formations of the onshore coastal plain and State waters of the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Norphlet Formation consists of sandstones and interbedded shales and siltstones deposited during a marine transgression. Along its northeast margin, deposition of the Norphlet was in alluvial fans, fluvial systems, and dune and clastic sabkha environments. Mudstones of the underlying Smackover Formation act as source rocks for Norphlet reservoirs. The Norphlet was divided into the following three assessment units (AUs): the Norphlet Salt Basins and Updip AU, the Norphlet Mobile Bay Deep Gas AU, and the Norphlet South Texas Gas AU. The lower part of the Smackover consists primarily of dark carbonate mudstone and argillaceous limestone deposited in low-energy environments, and is one of the Gulf of Mexico Basin’s major source rocks. The upper part of the Smackover is comprised primarily of grain-supported carbonates deposited in high-energy environments. The Smackover was divided into the following four AUs: the Smackover Updip and Peripheral Fault Zone AU, the Smackover Salt Basin AU, the Smackover South Texas AU, and the Smackover Downdip Continuous Gas AU. Although the Norphlet and Smackover formations have been the focus of extensive exploration and production, they probably still contain significant undiscovered oil and gas resources.

Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas↗

USGS2007

Evapotranspiration and canopy resistance at an undeveloped prairie in a humid subtropical climate

Reliable estimates of evapotranspiration from areas of wildland vegetation are needed for many types of water-resource investigations. However, little is known about surface fluxes from many areally important vegetation types, and relatively few comparisons have been made to examine how well evapotranspiration models can predict evapotranspiration for soil-, climate-, or vegetation-types that differ from those under which the models have been calibrated. In this investigation at a prairie site in west-central Florida, latent heat flux (λ E ) computed from the energy balance and alternatively by eddy covariance during a 15-month period differed by 4 percent and 7 percent on hourly and daily time scales, respectively. Annual evapotranspiration computed from the energy balance and by eddy covariance were 978 and 944 mm, respectively. An hourly Penman-Monteith (PM) evapotranspiration model with stomatal control predicated on water-vapor-pressure deficit at canopy level, incoming solar radiation intensity, and soil water deficit was developed and calibrated using surface fluxes from eddy covariance. Model-predicted λ E agreed closely with λ E computed from the energy balance except when moisture from dew or precipitation covered vegetation surfaces. Finally, an hourly PM model developed for an Amazonian pasture predicted λ E for the Florida prairie with unexpected reliability. Additional comparisons of PM-type models that have been developed for differing types of short vegetation could aid in assessing interchangeability of such models.

Florida↗

USGS1985

Determination of roughness coefficients for streams in Colorado

Most hydraulic calculations of flow in channels and overbank areas require an evaluation of flow resistance, generally expressed as Manning 's roughness coefficient. The degree of roughness depends on many factors. The report summarizes and relates several methods of estimating roughness and presents additional channel-roughness verification data on higher-gradient streams with slopes greater than 0.002. A procedure is outlined that enables the user to systematically evaluate the factors affecting natural, agricultural, and urban channel and overbank roughness. Two prediction equations are presented to aid in the calculation of coefficients for natural stable channels in which roughness changes dramatically with depth of flow. Roughness coefficients can be determined from low-to-high flow conditions as long as the channel remains fairly stable, sediment concentrations are not so great as to result in mudflows or debris flows, and stream slopes are less than 0.05. Because of extreme turbulence, large energy losses, and hence large roughness coefficients, flow in high-gradient, cobble- and boulder-bed mountain streams generally is subcritical. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS2023

Development of a benchmark eddy flux evapotranspiration dataset for evaluation of satellite-driven evapotranspiration models over the CONUS

A large sample of ground-based evapotranspiration (ET) measurements made in the United States, primarily from eddy covariance systems, were post-processed to produce a benchmark ET dataset. The dataset was produced primarily to support the intercomparison and evaluation of the OpenET satellite-based remote sensing ET (RSET) models and could also be used to evaluate ET data from other models and approaches. OpenET is a web-based service that makes field-delineated and pixel-level ET estimates from well-established RSET models readily available to water managers, agricultural producers, and the public. The benchmark dataset is composed of flux and meteorological data from a variety of providers covering native vegetation and agricultural settings. Flux footprint predictions were developed for each station and included static flux footprints developed based on average wind direction and speed, as well as dynamic hourly footprints that were generated with a physically based model of upwind source area. The two footprint prediction methods were rigorously compared to evaluate their relative spatial coverage. Data from all sources were post-processed in a consistent and reproducible manner including data handling, gap-filling, temporal aggregation, and energy balance closure correction. The resulting dataset included 243,048 daily and 5,284 monthly ET values from 194 stations, with all data falling between 1995 and 2021. We assessed average daily energy imbalance using 172 flux sites with a total of 193,021 days of data, finding that overall turbulent fluxes were understated by about 12% on average relative to available energy. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that daily average latent energy flux may be typically understated slightly more than sensible heat flux. This dataset was developed to provide a consistent reference to support evaluation of RSET data being developed for a wide range of applications related to water accounting and water resources management at field to watershed scales.

continental United States↗

USGS2021

Active neutron interrogation experiments and simulation verification using the SIngle-scintillator Neutron and Gamma-Ray spectrometer (SINGR) for geosciences

We present a new SIngle-scintillator Neutron and Gamma Ray spectrometer (SINGR) instrument for use with both passive and active measurement techniques. Here we discuss the application of SINGR for planetary exploration missions, however, hydrology, nuclear non-proliferation, and resource prospecting are all potential areas where the instrument could be applied. SINGR uses an elpasolite scintillator, Cs 2 YLiCl 6 :Ce (CLYC), that has been shown to have high neutron efficiency even at small volumes, with a gamma-ray energy resolution of approximately 4% full-width-at-half-maximum at 662 keV. Active gamma-ray and neutron (GRNS) measurements were performed with SINGR at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory (GGAO) outdoor test site using a pulsed neutron generator (PNG) to interrogate geologically relevant materials (basalt and granite monuments). These experimental results, combined with simulations, demonstrate that SINGR is capable of generating neutron die-away curves that can be used to reconstruct the bulk hydrogen abundance and the depth distribution of hydrogen within the monuments. We compare our experimental results with Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) 6.1 transport simulations to constrain the uncertainties in depth and hydrogen abundance from the neutron die-away data generated by SINGR. For future planetary exploration missions, SINGR provides a single detector system for interrogating the shallow subsurface to characterize the presence and abundance of hydrated phases and to provide bulk elemental analysis.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Researc↗

USGS1994

Revised correlation chart of coal beds, coal zones, and key stratigraphic units in the Pennsylvanian rocks of eastern Kentucky

This report revises Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-1188 (Rice and Smith, 1980). Major revisions to the original correlation chart include formal naming of key marine units in Kentucky and replacement of informally named marine units incorrectly projected into Kentucky from adjacent states. Also included in the report is the proper correlation of some regionally recognized coal bed names that have been incorrectly projected into Kentucky, particularly from Ohio and West Virginia. Besides these additions and corrections, minor changes have been made to the correlation chart, all of which are discussed below in detail. The Pennsylvania rocks of the eastern Kentucky coal field underlie an area of about 27,000 square kilometers (see index map). Largely because of the size and stratigra[hic complexity of the area, Huddle and others (1963, p. 31) divided the coal field into six coal-reserve districts. District boundaries utilize state and county line as well as geologic features, drainage areas, and coal producing areas. Their division is followed herein because, in general, each of the districts has a characteristic stratigraphic nomenclature, particularly with regard to coal bed names. The six districts are the Princess, Licking River, Big Sandy, Hazard, Southwestern, and Upper Cumberland River district is divided into the Middlesboro and Harlan subdistricts. The correlation chart lists most of the stratigraphic units of Pennsylvanian age used in eastern Kentucky, and is concerned principally with coal bed names used in publications since about 1950, especially all of the names of coal beds for which resources and reserves have been calculated. Coal constitutes only a small percentage of the total Pennsylvanian-rock sequence, but is present in as many as 26 major coal zones that have been prospected and mined extensively in all parts of the coal field since the early 1900's. Coal names listed in this chart represent coal beds that have been mined commercially or used locally by residents of the area. Not every coal bed listed under a district in the chart is found in all parts of that district, nor has every coal bed been given a name. For the sake of saving space, coal beds commonly identified as a "rider" coal bed (commonly a minor coal or split above the main bed) or as a "marker" coal bed (a minor coal below the main bed) are not included in the chart because they do not contribute to the overall stratigraphic framework of the coal field. Most of the stratigraphic units listed in the correlation chart are defined and described in detail in almost 200 geologic reports of the Geologic Quadrangle (GQ) Map Series of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These maps were published as a result of the cooperative geological mapping program of the USGS and the Kentucky Geological Survey; which was begun in 1960 and was completed in 1978. The GQ maps, at a scale of 1:24,000, describe the lithology and local stratigraphy and identify many coal beds by noth local and regional names. Other sources of stratigraphic information and coal bed names used in the construction of the chart include USGS bulletins dealing with the coal resources of single 7.5-minute quadrangles (Englund, 1955; Adkinson, 1957; Welch, 1958; Bergin, 1962). The coal resources of eastern Kentucky as a whole have been described by Huddle and others (1963) and detailed reports on the stratigraphy and coal resources of significant areas in eastern Kentucky have been made by Huddle and Englund (1966) and Englund (1968). An additional source of coal bed names is the SEAMS database, which is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, the Kentucky Geological Survey, and the Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals. The SEAMS database identifies the stratigraphic position and location of all coal beds in the eastern and the western Kentucky coal fields as well as those of bordering areas in adjacent states. The databases includes references to all coal-bed names used in Kentucky, especially those shown on coal company mine maps. Local names of coal beds in the database file that are not generally used in publications are listed in table 1 together with their regional equivalents.

Kentucky↗

USGS2018

Geothermal potential of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon: Evidence from detailed geophysical investigations

Recent geologic and geophysical investigations were undertaken in northeastern Oregon to better assess earthquake hazards in the region and determine relative favorability for geothermal energy development on lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). This work was funded in part by a Bureau of Indian Affairs grant awarded to the CTUIR to identify areas most suitable for further exploration of geothermal resources. Results from this work were utilized as inputs to a geothermal favorability modeling process that led to the identification of target sites for further geothermal investigation. Beyond the geothermal aspect of this project, the region is of great tectonic significance as it marks the intersection of two major physiographic and geophysical features, the Klamath-Blue Mountain lineament (KBL) and Olympic-Wallowa lineament (OWL), inferred to represent major basement boundaries. The Thorn Hollow and Hite faults, which appear to be major linkages between the KBL and OWL, run through the study area. New aeromagnetic, gravity and magnetotelluric (MT) surveying, along with fault analyses, were conducted as part of this effort. Detailed geophysical exploration resulted in the collection of 1,380 new gravity stations, 34,524-line kilometers of aeromagnetic data (covering 12,524 km2) and measurements from 36 MT stations. Two-dimensional (2D) forward-modeling was executed along several profiles using gravity and aeromagnetic data, combined with existing geologic mapping and rock property constraints measured from hand samples and outcrops. These models are used to define lithologic contacts in the subsurface in the absence of well logs or borehole data to determine possible geothermal fluid reservoirs, as well as identify major structures that may act as conduits for the upward migration of geothermal fluids.

Oregon↗

USGS2022

Tennessee and Landsat

From the flat, rich soil of western Tennessee to the Appalachian Mountains in the east, and rolling hills in between, “the Volunteer State” enjoys a wealth of natural resources. The Tennessee, Cumberland, and Mississippi Rivers supply economically crucial navigation routes, along with recreation for residents and visitors. Additionally, 14 million acres of hardwood and softwood forests cover roughly one-half of the State, contributing an estimated $24 billion and nearly 100,000 jobs to Tennessee’s economy. Within a span of more than 400 miles, the State’s diverse agricultural products include cotton, corn, soybeans, poultry, horses, cattle, goats, hay, vegetables, nursery crops, and tobacco. Energy production is important to Tennessee and the region, and power sources range from coal and nuclear to hydroelectric sources. Tourism also is a key industry, and music attractions and historical sites are balanced by natural features such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which recorded 14.1 million visits and ranked second for most visited National Park Service site in the United States in 2021. Landsat imagery’s broad geographic scale and rich historical archive have proven useful to land managers and State agencies for monitoring natural resources. Here are several ways Landsat has benefited Tennessee.

Tennessee↗

USGS2022

Mapping actual evapotranspiration using Landsat for the conterminous United States: Google Earth Engine implementation and assessment of the SSEBop model

The estimation and mapping of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) is an active area of applied research in the fields of agriculture and water resources. Thermal remote sensing-based methods, using coarse resolution satellites, have been successful at estimating ETa over the conterminous United States (CONUS) and other regions of the world. In this study, we present CONUS-wide ETa from Landsat thermal imagery-using the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) model in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform. Over 150,000 Landsat satellite images were used to produce 10 years of annual ETa (2010–2019) at unprecedented scale. The accuracy assessment of the SSEBop results included point-based evaluation using monthly Eddy Covariance (EC) data from 25 AmeriFlux stations as well as basin-scale comparison with annual Water Balance ETa (WBET) for more than 1000 sub-basins. Evaluations using EC data showed generally mixed performance with weaker (R 2 < 0.6) correlation on sparsely vegetated surfaces such as grasslands or woody savanna and stronger correlation (R 2 > 0.7) over well-vegetated surfaces such as croplands and forests, but location-specific conditions rather than cover type were attributed to the variability in accuracy. Croplands performed best with R 2 of 0.82, root mean square error of 29 mm/month, and average bias of 12%. The WBET evaluation indicated that the SSEBop model is strong in explaining the spatial variability (up to R 2 > 0.90) of ETa across large basins, but it also identified broad hydro-climatic regions where the SSEBop ETa showed directional biases, requiring region-specific model parameter improvement and/or bias correction with an overall 7% bias nationwide. Annual ETa anomalies over the 10-year period captured widely reported drought-affected regions, for the most part, in different parts of the CONUS, indicating their potential applications for mapping regional- and field-scale drought and fire effects. Due to the coverage of the Landsat Path/Row system, the availability of cloud-free image pixels ranged from less than 12 (mountainous cloud-prone regions and U.S. Northeast) to more than 60 (U.S. Southwest) per year. However, this study reinforces a promising application of Landsat satellite data with cloud-computing for quick and efficient mapping of ETa for agricultural and water resources assessments at the field scale.

Remote Sensing of Environment↗

USGS1979

Revision of the documentation for a model for calculating effects of liquid waste disposal in deep saline aquifers

The model developed under this contract is a modified version of the deep well disposal model developed by INTERCOMP Resource Development and Engineering, Inc., for the U.S. Geological Survey (A model for calculating effects of liquid waste disposal in deep saline aquifers). The model is a finite-difference numerical solution of the partial differential equations describing (1) single phase fluid flow in aquifer, (2) energy transport by convection and conduction, and (3) contaminant transport dissolved in the fluid by convection and dispersion. Both the energy and the contaminant transports include molecular diffusion and hydrodynamic dispersion. The objective of the contract was to modify the original version of the model for more general applications. Some of the major features are as follows: (1) Fluid density is permitted to be a function of fluid pressure, temperature and contaminant concentration, the viscosity can be described as a function of pressure and temperature. (2) Aquifer heterogeneities in the hydrological properties can be described on a numerical grid block basis. (3) Free water surface is permitted to exist in the aquifer for shallow ground water applications. (4) Contaminant may absorb on rock surface or decay according to a first order reaction. The absorption is described by a linear adsorption isotherm function of rock type in the aquifer. (5) The model is extremely flexible in providing a wide choice of boundary conditions. These include natural flow in the aquifer, aquifer influence functions around the perimeter of the grid in recognition that the gridded region does not have no-flow boundaries, heat losses into the overlying impermeable strata, and the wellbore heat and pressure drop calculations coupled to the aquifer flow equations. (6) The model offers the option of selecting as iterative or direct solution technique, and selecting central or backward finite-difference approximations in both time and space. (7) Virtually any aquifer can be modeled by proper grid block description in three dimensions. In addition, the model is fully transient. The major limitation of the model arises using second-order correct (central-difference) finite-difference approximation in space. To avoid numerical oscillations in the solution, the user must restrict grid block and time step sizes depending upon the magnitude of the dispersivity.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS2021

A characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities along the California and Oregon coast using a remotely operated vehicle on the EXPRESS 2018 expedition

Deep-sea coral and sponge (DSCS) communities serve as essential fish habitats (EFH) by providing shelter and nursery habitat, increasing diversity, and increasing prey availability (Freese and Wing, 2003; Bright, 2007; Baillon et al., 2012; Henderson et al., 2020). Threats to these long-lived, fragile organisms from bottom contact fishing gear, potential offshore renewable energy development, and ocean warming and acidification have increased the need for DSCS research along the U.S. West Coast (Gomez et al., 2018; Salgado et al., 2018; Yoklavich, et al., 2018; Gugliotti et al., 2019). The focus of these studies has varied from species distribution and abundance (Yoklavich and Love, 2005; Tissot et al., 2006) to developing and validating predictive distribution models (Huff et al., 2013; Rooper et al., 2017; Kreidler, 2020) to finding medicinal uses for corals and sponges (Essack et al., 2011; Shrestha et al., 2018). Due to the vast area of unexplored seafloor within the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ; 200 nautical miles off the coast) and the technological requirements and expanse of deep-sea research, there is still much to learn about the distributions and biology of DSCS. This information is critical to resource managers for effective conservation and management of DSCS habitats. Protections are provided by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) designation of groundfish EFH conservation areas (EFHCA) and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). Areas designated as EFHCA are closed to bottom trawl fishing to protect and preserve seafloor habitats. Recently the PFMC adopted Amendment 28 to the Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (GFMP; Pacific Fishery Management Council, 2019) which modified EFHCAs by closing new areas identified as vulnerable and reopening areas deemed not vulnerable. The NMSA prohibits bottom disturbance from certain activities within areas designated as national marine sanctuaries, such as oil and gas exploration or extraction, cable laying, and other forms of seabed alteration or construction that disturb benthic communities. NOAA’s Deep-Sea Coral and Research Technology Program (DSCRTP) began a 4-yr funding initiative for the U.S. West Coast in 2017. The goals of the West Coast Deep-Sea Coral Initiative (WCDSCI) were to: 1) gather baseline information on areas subject to fishing regulation changes prior to the implementation of Amendment 28; 2) improve our understanding of known DSCS bycatch “hot spots”; and 3) explore and assess DSCS resources within NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries with emphasis on areas of sanctuary resource protection and management concerns. During the first year of the program, a research cruise was developed to survey the West Coast from Oregon to California studying the DSCS ecosystems in priority areas. The 31-day expedition (9 Oct – 8 Nov, 2018) was launched from the NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada, beginning in Newport, OR and ending in San Diego, CA. The science team assembled for this cruise were members of the EXpanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems (EXPRESS) campaign, which brings together researchers from federal and nonfederal institutions to collaborate on scientific expeditions targeting the deepwater areas off California, Oregon, and Washington. EXPRESS supports researchers leveraging funding, resources, personnel, and expertise to accomplish more science than would have been possible by a single entity alone. The 2018 coastwide expedition included research partners from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) and Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), National Ocean Service (Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Research objectives for the cruise were to: 1) Collect DSCS baseline information at 10 of the EFHCA sites undergoing protection modifications by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. 2) Collect DSCS and fish data at previously unexplored sites within West Coast National Marine Sanctuaries. 3) Revisit a subset of previously surveyed sites to document if changes in DCSC have occurred over time. 4) Collect information to validate BOEM supported cross-shelf habitat suitability models for DSCS. 5) Collect samples to help in identifying (and understanding) West Coast DSCS and expand use of new technologies (ROV, AUV, and environmental DNA [eDNA]). 6) Collect water samples for coastwide eDNA, nutrient, and carbon chemistry studies.

California, Oregon↗

USGS2021

On the human appropriation of wetland primary production

Humans are changing the Earth's surface at an accelerating pace, with significant consequences for ecosystems and their biodiversity. Landscape transformation has far-reaching implications including reduced net primary production (NPP) available to support ecosystems, reduced energy supplies to consumers, and disruption of ecosystem services such as carbon storage. Anthropogenic activities have reduced global NPP available to terrestrial ecosystems by nearly 25%, but the loss of NPP from wetland ecosystems is unknown. We used a simple approach to estimate aquatic NPP from measured habitat areas and habitat-specific areal productivity in the largest wetland complex on the USA west coast, comparing historical and modern landscapes and a scenario of wetland restoration. Results show that a 77% loss of wetland habitats (primarily marshes) has reduced ecosystem NPP by 94%, C (energy) flow to herbivores by 89%, and detritus production by 94%. Our results also show that attainment of habitat restoration goals could recover 12% of lost NPP and measurably increase carbon flow to consumers, including at-risk species and their food resources. This case study illustrates how a simple approach for quantifying the loss of NPP from measured habitat losses can guide wetland conservation plans by establishing historical baselines, projecting functional outcomes of different restoration scenarios, and establishing performance metrics to gauge success.

California↗

USGS2010

Laboratory investigations of steam flow in a porous medium

Experiments were carried out in the laboratory to test a theory of transient flow of pure steam in a uniform porous medium. This theory is used in modeling pressure transient behavior in vapor dominated geothermal systems. Transient, superheated steam flow experiments were run by bringing a cylinder of porous material to a uniform initial pressure and then making a step increase in pressure at one end of the sample while monitoring the pressure transient breakthrough at the other end. It was found in experiments run at 100°, 125°, and 146°C that the time required for steam pressure transients to propagate through an unconsolidated material containing sand, silt, and clay was 10–25 times longer than predicted by conventional superheated steam flow theory. It is hypothesized that the delay in the steam pressure transient was caused by adsorption of steam in the porous sample. In order to account for steam adsorption, a sink term was included in the conservation of mass equation. In addition, energy transfer in the system has to be considered because latent heat is released when steam adsorption occurs, increasing the sample temperature by as much as 10°C. Finally, it was recognized that the steam pressure was a function of both the temperature and the amount of adsorption in the sample. This function was assumed to be an equilibrium adsorption isotherm, which was determined by experiment. By solving the modified mass and energy equations numerically, subject to the empirical adsorption isotherm relationship, excellent theoretical simulation of the experiments was achieved.

Water Resources Research↗