USGS Science⌕ Search

SEARCH · USGS Science

Results for “Geologic Investigation”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,135 records · Page 63Linked to original sources
USGS2014

A geochemical perspective of Red Mountain: an unmined volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in the Alaska Range

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has investigated the environmental geochemistry of a group of unmined volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in the Bonnifield mining district, Alaska Range, east-central Alaska. The spectacularly colored Red Mountain deposit is the best exposed of these and provides excellent baseline geochemical data for natural environmental impacts of acidic rock drainage, metal dissolution and transport, and acidic salt and metal precipitation from an exposed and undisturbed VMS deposit.

Alaska↗
USGS2025

Modeling floods, sediment entrainment, and downstream debris flows from hypothetical breaches of the blockage at Spirit Lake, Washington

This report describes a modeling investigation by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) of hazards in the Toutle and Cowlitz River valleys posed by hypothetical outburst floods from Spirit Lake, Washington. A massive debris avalanche resulting from the collapse of Mount St. Helens’ north flank during the May 18, 1980, eruption blocked Spirit Lake’s natural outlet into the North Fork Toutle River. Lacking a natural outlet, subsequent runoff in the Spirit Lake watershed contributed to a rising lake level, elevating the potential for debris-dam breaching or catastrophic failure. The influence of highly erodible bed sediment in the upper North Fork Toutle River on downstream flood and debris-flow dynamics and extent is assessed in this study. Simulations of clear-water (non-erosive) outburst floods were used as a baseline and compared to erosive flows that entrain large volumes of material and transition into debris flows along their flow path, revealing the influence of entrainment on hazard extent. Clear-water floods were modeled with the shallow water equations. Erosive flows were modeled with a two-phase granular fluid model that accommodates mobilization and incorporation of sediment from the bed into the overlying flow and resultant changes in flow rheology across a wide range of solid concentrations, from dilute suspensions to dense-granular debris flows. Entrainment of bed material was found to substantially increase the total flow volume (total volume of transported water and sediment is approximately 150 percent of the water volume for non-erosive flows). Erosive flows are shown to exhibit higher flow-front speeds and faster downstream arrival times than non-erosive flows, consistent with volume amplification effects near the actively mobilizing flow front. However, the larger total volume of transported material does not necessarily lead to an enhancement of total volume throughput (cumulative discharge) or inundation extent (total affected area) for all locations along the entire flow path; while entrainment leads to the displacement of a larger volume of material overall, much of this dislocated material (water and sediment) deposits upstream from the distal extent of the flows. These results are consistent with energetic considerations of initial potential energy and granular shear resistance.

Washington↗
USGS1944

Chromite occurrences and a nickel prospect, Baranof Island, southeastern Alaska

This report presents the results of a brief geologic reconnaissance of some of the chromite-bearing sills between Red Bluff Bay and Silver Bay in central Baranof Island, southeastern Alaska (see figs. 1 and 2), and the results of a magnetic study of a chromite body in the ultrabasic rocks at Red Bluff Bay. Also included are the results of a brief examination of a nickel prospect near Sitka. The field work, upon which this report is largely based, was done by the authors in the early part of August 1943 as a part of a Geological Survey project to investigate some of the ultrabasic rocks of southeastern Alaska to determine the presence or absence in them of significant nickel-copper or chromium deposits. Previous studies of some of the chromite-bearing ultrabasic rocks of Baranof Island were made by Guild and Balsley during the summer of 1941.

Alaska↗
USGS1957

Erosion and deposition as indicated by sediment accumulation in stock reservoirs in the Powder River drainage basin, Wyoming

This report gives the results of an investigation by the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation of sediment accumulation in stock reservoirs in the powder River drainage basin upstream from Arvada, Wyo. The study was made to determine the net rates of erosion in the upland areas and the effects of the reservoirs on the amount of sediment transported to the parent stream. The climate of the area ranges from cold and humid on the high mountains to warm and semiarid on the plains. The average annual precipitation ranges from less than 15 inches on the plains to more than 27 inches in the high mountains, which have a maximum altitude of 13,165 feet. The rocks in the Powder River drainage basin range in age from Precambrian to Recent. The 25 stock reservoirs that were used in the study have drainage areas of 0.09 to 3.53 square miles, are from 3 to 51 years old, and impound water from areas that have land slopes averaging from about 3 to 41 percent. The ratio of average reservoir capacity to drainage area ranges from about 2 to nearly 200 acre-feet per square mile. After adjustment for trap efficiency the average annual sediment yield to the 25 reservoirs ranged from 0.04 to 1.49 acre-feet per square mile and averaged 0.50 acre-foot per square mile of drainage area. The average sediment yield from 6 drainage areas mostly underlain by shale was 0.80 acre-foot per year, 2.3 times greater than yields from the areas underlain by sandstone or sandy shales. Correlations show that the sediment yield increased approximately as the 1.5 power of the channel density, the 0.4 power oif the shape factor, the 0.7 power of the average land slope, and the -0.25 power of the age of the reservoir. Empirical equations for sediment yield and trap efficiency for the area studied are given.

Wyoming↗
USGS1968

Ground-water resources in the vicinity of the Crown Point Fish Hatchery, Essex County, New York

The Crown Point Fish Hatchery, one of several hatcheries operated by the New York State Conservation Department, is located in Crown Point Center, Essex County, on the eastern edge of the Adirondack Highlands and about 2 miles west of Lake Champlain. Figure 1 is a location map of the vicinity of the Hatchery. This report summarizes an investigation by the U.S. ·Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New York State Conservation Department, Division of Water Resources, to locate and evaluate sources of additional ground-water supply for the Hatchery. In order to expand the facilities at the Hatchery, an additional water supply of about 100 gpm (gallons per minute) to as much as 350 gpm is needed. In addition, the type of fish culture practiced requires a water temperature of about 7 to 13 degrees Celsius (centigrade) for optimum results. The cooperation and assistance of the New York State Department of Transportation, Bureau of Soil Mechanics, the New York State Education Department, Museum and Science Service, and G. A. Connally of the State University of New York at New Paltz, during this study are gratefully acknowledged. Much of the preliminary field work was done by G. L. Giese and W. A. Hobba, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, as part of a water-resources study of the Lake Champlain basin. The field work was supervised by R. C. Heath, former district chief of the Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey. G. G. Parker, district chief, supervised the preparation of this report.

New York↗
USGS1978

Mineral exploration in the Wadi Bidah district, 1972-1976, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Four deposits in the Wadi Bidah district of southwestern Saudi Arabia were explored during the period 1972-1974. The work consisted of geologic, geochemical, and geophysical investigations and diamond drilling in the subsurface. Thirteen holes were drilled, aggregating a length of 2,397 m. Drilling at three of the deposits, Gehab, Sha'ab El Tare, and Rabathan, indicated mineralized reserves aggregating 6,341,000 tons, the average grade of which is 0.95 percent copper. The deposits are strata-bound in volcaniclastic rocks of the Baish Group and in quartz porphyry, all of which are Precambrian in age. The bodies are lenticular in strike and dip, and are offset and broken by postmineral faults.

Wadi Bidah district↗
USGS1979

Monitoring crustal strain, Cerro Prieto geothermal field, Baja California, Mexico

Significant ground deformation may be occurring in the Cerro Prieto geothermal area, Mexicali Valley, Mexico, as a direct result of extensive withdrawals of geothermal fluid and of continuing tectonism. In order to measure the magnitude and rate of this deformation, three networks of precise geodetic control were established in 1977-78, as part of an international agreement between Mexico and the United States. This report gives the background data for one of these survey nets--a local network of precise horizontal control designed to monitor the horizontal component of ground movement in the area of geothermal production. It represents the first year's effort of a 3-year investigation by the U.S. Geological Survey. It is anticipated that the network of horizontal control will become part of the monitoring program of the Mexican Comision Federal de Electricidad (C.F.E.) for periodic surveys. Fifty-nine lines of precise horizontal control comprising the Cerro Prieto horizontal-control net were established and measured for the first time during January-March 1978. The net encompasses the area of geothermal interest, and spans many of the active local and regional faults. By repeated measurement of the lines in the network, magnitudes and rates of relative ground movement can be calculated. Surveyed control lines of the net tie stations in the geothermal area to bedrock reference stations on Cerro Prieto volcano and four peaks of the Cucapas Mountains. Thus, measured ground movement in the geothermal area can eventually be correlated with regional changes in western Mexicali Valley. To measure accurately the deformation caused by geothermal production and to differentiate this deformation from changes due to other causes are among the challenges of this research program.

Baja California↗
USGS1980

Selected hydrologic data, Arkansas River basin, Pueblo and southeastern Fremont Counties, Colorado, 1975-80

Selected hydrologic data collected in 1975-80 as part of water-quality investigations by the U.S. Geological Survey in Pueblo and southeastern Fremont Counties, Colo., are presented in this report. The data, in tabular form, consist of streamflow-discharge measurements for 33 sites, channel-geometry measurements for 97 sites, traveltime data for 12 sites, and field and laboratory water-quality analyses for 194 sites. Federal, state, and local officials may find these data useful in making decisions relating to the management of water resources of the area.

Colorado↗
USGS1980

Geohydrology of southwestern Kansas

Southwestern Kansas is one of the principal areas of ground-water development for irrigation in the State, and many reports are available concerning ground-water conditions in the area. The purposes of this investigation were to consolidate and update data, to determine the extent and effects of irrigation development on the ground-water resource, to determine the chemical quality of the ground water in relation to irrigation use, to describe the general operation of the hydrologic system, and to identify problem areas where intensive quantitative studies will be needed by State and local agencies for planning and management of the resource. This study began in 1972 as part of a cooperative program of ground-water investigations between the Kansas Geological Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey. Support in this study was provided by the Division of Water Resources of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture and the Division of Environment of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Kansas↗
USGS1983

Hydrology of area 50, Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain coal provinces, Wyoming and Montana

This report is one of a series designed to characterize the hydrology of drainage basins within coal provinces, nationwide. Area 50 includes all of the Powder River Basin, Wyoming and Montana and the upstream parts of the Cheyenne and Belle Fourche River Basins - a total of 20,676 sq mi. The area has abundant coal (81.2 million tons mined in 1982), but scarce water. The information in the report is intended to describe the hydrology of the ' general area ' of any proposed mine. The report represents a summary of results of the water resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, carried out in cooperation with State and other Federal agencies. Each of more than 50 topics is discussed in a brief text that is accompanied by maps, graphs, and other illustrations. Primary topics in the report are: physiography, economic development, surface-water data networks, surface water quantity and quality, and groundwater. The report also contains an extensive description of sources of additional information. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1985

Hydrology of Area 52, Rocky Mountain coal province, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah

This report is one of a series designed to characterize the hydrology of drainage basins within coal provinces, nationwide. Area 52 (in the Rocky Mountain Coal Province) includes the Green River Basin upstream from the Yampa River, and the Bear River upstream from the Bear Lake - a total of 23,870 sq mi. Area 52 contains over 3 billion tons of strippable coal, most of which is located in the arid and semiarid plains. The report represents a summary of results of the water resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, carried out in cooperation with State and other Federal agencies. More than 40 individual topics are discussed in a brief text that is accompanied by maps, graphs, photographs, and other illustrations. Primary topics in the report are: general features, resources and economy, surface-water quantity and quality, and groundwater. (USGS)

Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming↗
USGS1985

Selected climatological and hydrologic data, Raton basin, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties, Colorado, and Colfax County, New Mexico

The hydrology of the coal-bearing Raton Basin of Colorado and New Mexico was investigated by the U.S. Geological Survey. Data in the report were collected from 1977 to 1982, mainly in the watersheds of the Apishapa and Purgatoire Rivers; data from the Cucharas, Canadian, and Vermejo River watersheds are also included in the report. The report contains records of precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, evaporation, and wind movement at U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers meteorological stations; records of soil water collected by the U.S. Geological Survey; records of stream discharge and quality at U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations and miscellaneous sites; and a variety of ground-water data. The ground-water data includes records of 231 wells, springs, and mines, including 87 chemical analyses of the water, recorded water levels in 29 observation wells, results of 125 aquifer tests, and 87 logs of wells and test holes. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1987

Hydrology of area 51, northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain coal provinces, Wyoming and Montana

This report is one of a series designed to characterize the hydrology of drainage basins within coal provinces, nationwide. Area 51 (in the Rocky Mountain Coal Province) includes all or part of the Shoshone, Bighorn, Greybull, Wind, and Popo Agie River drainage basins - a total of 11,800 sq mi. Area 51 contains more than 18 million tons of strippable bituminous coal and extensive deposits of subbituminous coal, in the arid and semiarid basins. The report represents a summary of results of water resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, some of which were conducted in cooperation with State and other Federal agencies. More than 30 individual topics are discussed in brief texts that are accompanied by maps, graphs, photographs , and illustrations. Primary topics in the reports are physiography, resources and economy, surface-water quantity and quality, and groundwater. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1989

Physical and chemical properties of San Francisco Bay, California, 1980

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted hydrologic investigations in both the deep water channels and the shallow-water regions of the San Francisco Bay estuarine system during 1980. Cruises were conducted regularly, usually at two-week intervals. Physical and chemical properties presented in this report include temperature , salinity, suspended particulate matter, turbidity, extinction coefficient, partial pressure of CO2, partial pressure of oxygen , dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, discrete chlorophyll a, fluorescence of photosynthetic pigments, dissolved silica, dissolved phosphate, nitrate plus nitrite, nitrite, ammonium, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved phosphorus, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Analytical methods are described. The body of data contained in this report characterizes hydrologic conditions in San Francisco Bay during a year with an average rate of freshwater inflow to the estuary. Concentrations of dissolved silica (discrete-sample) ranged from 3.8 to 310 micro-M in the northern reach of the bay, whereas the range in the southern reach was limited to 63 to 150 micro-M. Concentrations of phosphate (discrete-sample) ranged from 1.3 to 4.4 micro-M in the northern reach, which was narrow in comparison with that of 2.2 to 19.0 micro-M in the southern reach. Concentrations of nitrate plus nitrite (discrete-sample) ranged from near zero to 53 micro-M in the northern reach, and from 2.3 to 64 micro-M in the southern reach. Concentrations of nitrite (discrete-sample) were low in both reaches, exhibiting a range from nearly zero to approximately 2.3 micro-M. Concentrations of ammonium (discrete-sample) ranged from near zero to 14.2 micro-M in the northern reach, and from near zero to 8.3 micro-M in the southern reach. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1993

Dissolved nutrient and suspended particulate matter data for the San Francisco Bay estuary, California, October 1988 through September 1991

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted hydrologic investigations in San Francisco Bay during Water Years 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991. Dissolved inorganic plant nutrients, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, silica, and reactive phosphorus were measured in surface and in near-bottom waters at previously established locations in both northern and southern reaches of the bay. Salinity, turbidity, and concentrations of suspended particulate matter also were measured. Additionally, in Water Year 1991, concentrations of dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus were measured. From November 1990 through April 1991, surface waters were sampled near the end of the old Dumbarton Bridge (east span). Salinity, dissolved inorganic nutrients, and alkalinity were measured for these samples. This report presents the sampling and analytical methods, and the data for these studies.

California↗
USGS1994

Dissolved nutrient and suspended particulate matter data for the San Francisco Bay estuary, California, October 1991 through November 1993

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted hydrologic investigations in San Francisco Bay between October 1991 and November 1993. Dissolved inorganic plant nutrients, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, silica, and reactive phosphorus were measured in surface and in near-bottom waters at previously established locations in both northern and southern reaches of the bay. Salinity, turbidigy, and concentrations of suspended particulate matter also were measured. Additionally, concentratons of dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus were occasionally measured. This report presents the sampling and analytical methods, and the data for these studies. Data on the variability due to sampling and sample handling procedures, on the precision of the analytical methods, and on recoveries of known additions from samples are also presented.

California↗
USGS1994

Aeromagnetic map of the Stockton 1:100,000-scale quadrangle, California

The accompanying aeromagnetic map is part of the San Francisco Bay area National Geologic Mapping Project and is intended to promote further understanding of the geology in the Stockton 1:100,000-scale quadrangle, California, by serving as a basis for geophysical interpretations and by supporting geological mapping, mineral resource investigations, and topical studies. Local spatial variations in the Earth's magnetic field (evident as anomalies on aeromagnetic maps) reflect the distribution of magnetic minerals, primarily magnetite, in the underlying rocks. The volume content of magnetic minerals often can be related to rock type, and abrupt spatial changes in the amount of magnetic minerals commonly mark lithologic boundaries.

California↗