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At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources

A preliminary report of the geohydrology of the Mississippi salt-dome basin

The U.S. Department of Energy is investigating the suitability of salt domes in the Mississippi salt-dome basin as repositories for storing radioactive wastes. The Department of Energy has requested that the U.S. Geological Survey describe the groundwater hydrology of the Mississippi salt-dome basin, giving special attention to direction and rate of movement of water. In this first part of a continuing investigation the data obtained from one year of extensive literature search and data compilation are summarized. The regional groundwater hydrology in the salt-dome basin is defined with respect to (1) groundwater flow, (2) facies changes, (3) geological structure, (4) recharge and discharge, (5) freshwater-saltwater relations, and (6) identification of localities where additional data are needed. From the 50 piercement-type salt domes in the Mississippi salt-dome basin three domes (Richton, Cypress Creek, and Lampton) were selected for more intensive study. To further evaluate the geohydrology of Richton, Lampton, and Cypress Creek domes as possible sites for storage of radioactive waste, an intensive geohydrologic study based on a comprehensive test drilling program near the domes is planned. (USGS)

Mississippi↗

Regional effects of agricultural conservation practices on nutrient transport in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

Despite progress in the implementation of conservation practices, related improvements in water quality have been challenging to measure in larger river systems. In this paper we quantify these downstream effects by applying the empirical U.S. Geological Survey water-quality model SPARROW to investigate whether spatial differences in conservation intensity were statistically correlated with variations in nutrient loads. In contrast to other forms of water quality data analysis, the application of SPARROW controls for confounding factors such as hydrologic variability, multiple sources and environmental processes. A measure of conservation intensity was derived from the USDA-CEAP regional assessment of the Upper Mississippi River and used as an explanatory variable in a model of the Upper Midwest. The spatial pattern of conservation intensity was negatively correlated ( p = 0.003) with the total nitrogen loads in streams in the basin. Total phosphorus loads were weakly negatively correlated with conservation ( p = 0.25). Regional nitrogen reductions were estimated to range from 5 to 34% and phosphorus reductions from 1 to 10% in major river basins of the Upper Mississippi region. The statistical associations between conservation and nutrient loads are consistent with hydrological and biogeochemical processes such as denitrification. The results provide empirical evidence at the regional scale that conservation practices have had a larger statistically detectable effect on nitrogen than on phosphorus loadings in streams and rivers of the Upper Mississippi Basin.

Environmental Science & Technology↗

Differences in basin‐characteristics as reflected by precipitation‐runoff relations in San Bernardino and Eastern San Gabriel Mountain drainages

In interpretation and use of basic hydrological data as basis for planning any public works for conservation or control of water, there is great need for a careful and thorough analysis of the precipitation‐runoff relations. Moreover, when such relations may have been worked out for one particular basin, experience has shown that extreme caution must be used in any attempt to apply these relations to another basin even though superficially the latter may appear to be comparable with respect to physiography, meteorological conditions, and all of the other elements which contributed to the relations established for the first basin.

California↗

Chemical weathering in the Loch Vale Watershed, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Mineralogic, hydrologic, and geochemical data were used to determine the source of solutes to surface waters draining the Loch Vale Watershed (LVWS), an alpine-subalpine drainage located in the Front Range of Colorado. The flux of dissolved solids from LVWS is primarily controlled by interactions between snowmelt and materials derived from the local bedrock; the biomass has only a minor effect on solute budgets except for ammonium. LVWS is underlain by Precambrian granite and gneiss, the major minerals include quartz, microcline, plagioclase, biotite, and sillimanite. Small amounts of calcite were found along hydrothermally altered zones in the bedrock. Mass balance calculations indicate that the weathering of calcite contributes nearly 40% of the cations derived within the basin. The importance of calcite weathering in LVWS is a result of its chemical reactivity and the high rate of physical erosion in this alpine environment. The average cationic denudation rate in the drainage (390 eq/ha/yr) is similar to long-term rates in forested Adirondack watersheds (500–600 eq/ha/yr), but much lower than the average for the North American Continent (3800 eq/ha/yr). Surface waters in LVWS are susceptible to acidification should acid deposition from the atmosphere increase.

Colorado↗

Water monitoring to support the State of Illinois Governor's Drought Response Task Force -August 7, 2012

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects streamflow, groundwater level, and water-quality data for the State of Illinois and the Nation. Much of these data are collected every 15 minutes (real-time) as a part of the national network, so that water-resource managers can make decisions in a timely and reliable manner. Coupled with modeling and other water-resource investigations, the USGS provides data to the State during droughts and other hydrologic events. The types of data, capabilities, and presentation of these materials are described in this document as USGS Real-Time Data, Supplementary Data Collection and Analysis, and National Resources Available.

Illinois↗

Location and description of transects for ecological studies in floodplain forests of the lower Suwannee River, Florida

Twelve transects were established in floodplain forests along the lower Suwannee River, Florida, as the principal data collection sites for a comprehensive study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Suwannee River Water Management District from 1996 to 2001. Data collected along the 12 transects included hydrologic conditions, land-surface elevations, soils, and vegetation of floodplain forests in relation to river flow. Transect locations are marked in the field with permanent markers at approximately 30 meter intervals. Detailed descriptions of the 12 transects and their locations are provided so that they can be used for future ecological studies. Descriptions of the transects include contact information necessary for access to the property on which the transects are located, maps showing transect locations and routes from the nearest city or major road, small scale maps of each transect showing marker locations, latitude and longitude of each marker, compass bearings of each transect line and graphs showing land-surface elevations of the transect with marker locations.

Open-File Report↗

Hydrologic conditions in New Hampshire and Vermont, water year 2011

Record-high hydrologic conditions in New Hampshire and Vermont occurred during water year 2011, according to data from 125 streamgages and lake gaging stations, 27 creststage gages, and 41 groundwater wells. Annual runoff for the 2011 water year was the sixth highest on record for New Hampshire and the highest on record for Vermont on the basis of a 111-year reference period (water years 1901–2011). Groundwater levels for the 2011 water year were generally normal in New Hampshire and normal to above normal in Vermont. Record flooding occurred in April, May, and August of water year 2011. Peak-of-record streamflows were recorded at 38 streamgages, 25 of which had more than 10 years of record. Flooding in April 2011 was widespread in parts of northern New Hampshire and Vermont; peak-of-record streamflows were recorded at nine streamgages. Flash flooding in May 2011 was isolated to central and northeastern Vermont; peakof- record streamflows were recorded at five streamgages. Devastating flooding in August 2011 occurred throughout most of Vermont and in parts of New Hampshire as a result of the heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Irene. Peak-ofrecord streamflows were recorded at 24 streamgages.

New Hampshire;Vermont↗

Ground-water hydraulics - A summary of lectures presented by John G. Ferris at short courses conducted by the Ground Water Branch, part 1, Theory

The objective of the Ground Water Branch is to evaluate the occurrence, availability, and quality of ground water. The science of ground-water hydrology is applied toward attaining that goal. Although many ground-water investigations are of a qualitative nature, quantitative studies are necessarily an integral component of the complete evaluation of occurrence and availability. The worth of an aquifer as a fully developed source of water depends largely on two inherent characteristics: its ability to store, and its ability to transmit water. Furthermore, quantitative knowledge of these characteristics facilitates measurement of hydrologic entities such as recharge, leakage, evapotranspiration, etc. It is recognized that these two characteristics, referred to as the coefficients of storage and transmissibility, generally provide the very foundation on which quantitative studies are constructed. Within the science of ground-water hydrology, ground-water hydraulics methods are applied to determine these constats from field data.

Open-File Report↗

Water-resources investigations, Collier County, Florida

Early water-resources investigations in Collier County, Fla., were related to saltwater intrusion in Naples. With the advent of canal drainage and land reclamation farther inland, investigations were directed at effects of canals on water resources and the environment. High on the list of investigative needs are: (1) areal and vertical delineation of the shallow aquifer, the prime source of freshwater; (2) delineation of areas of poor quality ground water and the sources of the poor quality; (3) establishment of network of hydrologic data stations; and (4) determination of the relation between canals and the shallow aquifer. (USGS)

Florida↗

Effects of surface coal mining and reclamation on the geohydrology of six small watersheds in west-central Indiana

The watersheds studied include mined and reclaimed; mined and unreclaimed; and unmined, agricultural land uses, and are each < 3 sq mi in area. Surface water, groundwater, and meteorologic data for the 1981 and 1982 water years were used to describe and compare hydrologic systems of the six watersheds and to identify hydrologic effects of mining and reclamation. Peak discharges were greater at the agricultural watersheds than at the unreclaimed watersheds, primarily because of large final-cut lakes in the unreclaimed watersheds. Annual runoff was greatest at the unreclaimed watersheds, intermediate at the agricultural watersheds, and least at the reclaimed watersheds. Hydrologic effects of mining were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and unreclaimed watersheds with those at unmined, agricultural watersheds. Comparisons of the hydrologic systems of these watersheds indicate that surface coal mining without reclamation has the potential to increase annual runoff, base flow, and groundwater recharge to the bedrock; reduce peak flow rates and variation in flow; lower the water table in upland areas; change the relation between surface water and groundwater divides; and create numerous, local flow systems in the shallow groundwater. Hydrologic effects of reclamation were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and reclaimed watersheds with those at mined and unreclaimed watersheds. Reclamation has the potential to decrease annual runoff, base flow, and recharge to the bedrock; increase peak flow rates, variation in flow, and response to thunderstorms; reestablish the premining relation between surface and groundwater divides; and create fewer local flow systems in the shallow groundwater.

Indiana↗

Conceptual Model of Hydrologic and Thermal Conditions of the Eastbank Aquifer System near Rocky Reach Dam, Douglas County, Washington

The Lower and Combined Aquifers of the Eastbank Aquifer system, located in a river-terrace deposit along the Columbia River near Rocky Reach Dam, Washington, are primarily recharged by the Columbia River and provide water to the Eastbank Hatchery and the regional water system servicing the cities of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and parts of unincorporated Chelan and Douglas Counties. In 2006, mean annual pumpage from the aquifers by the hatchery and regional water system was about 43 and 16 cubic feet per second, respectively. Reportedly, temperatures of ground water pumped by the hatchery have been increasing, thereby making water potentially too warm for salmonid fish production. An evaluation of hourly ground-water and river temperatures from January 1991 through August 2007 indicates increasing interannual trends in temperatures in most of the Lower and Combined Aquifers from 1999 through 2006 that correspond to increasing trends in the annual mean and annual maximum river temperatures during the same period of 0.07 and 0.17?C per year, respectively. There were no trends in the annual minimum river temperatures from 1999 through 2006, and there were no trends in the annual minimum, mean, and maximum river temperatures from 1991 through 1998 and from 1991 through 2007. Increases in river temperatures from 1999 through 2006 are within the natural variability of the river temperatures. Most of the Lower and Combined Aquifers reached thermal equilibrium?defined by constant time lags between changes in river temperatures and subsequent changes in ground-water temperatures?during 1991?98. The only exceptions are the Combined Aquifer north of the well field of the regional water system, which had not reached thermal equilibrium by 2006, and the Lower Aquifer west of the well fields of the hatchery and the regional water system, which reached thermal equilibrium prior to 1991. Because most of the Lower and Combined Aquifers were in thermal equilibrium from 1999 through 2006 and seasonal pumpage patterns were relatively stable, reported trends of increasing temperatures of water pumped by the hatchery well field are most likely explained by increasing trends in river temperatures. Most of the water pumped by the hatchery well field recharges in an area west to southwest of the well field about 2 months prior to the time it is pumped from the aquifer. The northern extent of the hatchery well field may pump some colder water from a bedrock depression to the north and west of the well field. The conceptual model of hydrologic and thermal conditions is supported by analyses of historical water temperatures, water-level data collected on July 18, 2007, and dissolved-constituent and bacterial concentrations in samples collected on August 20?22, 2007.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

Hydrogeologic data for the Shetucket River basin, Connecticut

This report presents hydrologic and geologic data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during an investigation of water resources in the Shetucket River basin of Connecticut in cooperation with the Connecticut Water Resources Commission. The Shetucket River basin occupies about 507 square miles in the eastern part of the State, including the towns of Andover, Ashford, Chaplin, Coventry, Mansfield, Scotland, Sprague, Windham, and Willington, and parts of Bolton, Canterbury, Columbia, Eastford, Ellington, Franklin, Lebanon, Lisbon, Hampton, Hebron, Norwich, Pomfret, Stafford, Tolland, Union, Vernon, and Woodstock. A companion interpretive report, Connecticut Water Resources Bulletin ll, (Thomas, and others, 1967), evaluates the water resources of the basin. The data on the following pages serve to document and supplement that report and should be especially useful in planning the development of water resources at specific localities. Data were collected as part of this investigation during the period July 1962 through December 1964. Streamflow records from continuous-record gaging stations in the basin for this period have been published annually along with data from other parts of the State in a series of U.S. Geological Survey reports entitled "Surface Water Records of Connecticut." Water-level measurements in wells throughout the State from 1960 through 1964, including those made as part of this investigation, are published in Connecticut Water Resources Bulletin 7 (Meikle and Baker, 1965). Most other data collected during this investigation are tabulated on the following pages. Included are some well records and chemical analyses of water samples collected prior to July 1962 and not previously published. The locations of sites at which data were collected are shown on plate A in the pocket at the back of the report. Plate A includes the locations of 98 sites where 2 to 6 miscellaneous measurements of streamflow were made during 1963 and 13 other sites where continuous records are maintained. Data for these sites have already been published in "Surface Water Records of Connecticut" and are not repeated here. Data presented~ unless otherwise noted, were collected by U.S. Geological Survey personnel.

Connecticut↗

Hydrogeologic data for the lower Thames and southeastern coastal river basins, Connecticut

This report presents hydrologic and geologic data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during an investigation of water resources in the lower Thames and southeastern coastal river basins in cooperation with the Connecticut Water Resources Commission. The report area occupies about 440 square miles in the southeastern part of the State; it includes about 5 square miles in southwestern Rhode Island. It includes the towns of Bozrah, Groton, Ledyard, Montville, New London, Stonington, and Waterford, and parts of Columbia, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, Lebanon, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Preston, Salem, and Voluntown. A companion interpretive report, Connecticut Water Resources Bulletin No. 15, (Thomas and others, in preparation), evaluates the water resources of the area. The data on the following pages serve to document and supplement that report and should be especially useful in planning the development of water resources at specific localities. Data were collected as part of this investigation from 1963 to 1965. Streamflow records from continuous~record gaging stations in the report area for this period have been published annually along with data from other parts of the State in a series of U.S. Geological Survey reports entitled "Surface Water Records of Connecticut." Water-level measurements in wells throughout the State from 1960 through 1966~ including those made as part of this investigations are published in Connecticut Water Resources Bulletin No. 7 (Meikle and Baker~ 1965) and Connecticut Water Resources Bulletin No. 13 (Melklee 1967). Most other data collected during this investigation are tabulated on the following pages. Included are some previously unpublished data collected prior to the start of this study. The locations of sites at which data were collected are shown on Plate A in the pocket at the back of the report. Plate A includes the locations of 42 miscellaneous sites where measurements of streamflow were made during 1963 and 1964 and 6 other sites where continuous records are maintained. Data for 25 of the 42 miscellaneous sites are included in this report: data for the remaining 17 miscellaneous sites and for 5 of the 6 continuous-record sites have already been published in "Surface Water Records of Connecticut." Streamflow records for Pawcatuck River at Westerly~ Rhode Island have been previously published in "Surface Water Records of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont." Data presented, unless otherwise noted, were collected by U.S. Geological Survey personnel.

Connecticut↗

Hydrogeologic data for the southwestern coastal river basins, Connecticut

This report presents hydrologic and geologic data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during an investigation of water resources in the southwestern coastal river basins of Connecticut in cooperation with the Connecticut Water Resources Commission. These basins occupy about 394 square miles in Connecticut and 46 square miles in New York, including the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Wilton, Westport, Weston, Fairfield, Easton, and Bridgeport and parts of Danbury, Ridgefield, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Trumbull, Monroe, Shelton, and Stratford. A companion interpretive report evaluating the water resources of the basins will be published as Connecticut Water Resources Bulletin No. 17. The data on the following pages serve to document and supplement that report and should be especially useful in planning the development of water resources at specific localities. Data were collected as part of this investigation during the period July 1963 through November 1966. Streamflow records from continuous-record gaging stations in the basins have been published annually along with data from other parts of the State in a series of U.S. Geological Survey reports entitled "Surface Water Records of Connecticut." Water-level measurements in wells throughout the State from 1960 through 1966, including most of those made as part of this investigation, are published in Connecticut Water Resources Bulletins No. 7 and No. 13. Most other data collected during this investigation are tabulated on the following pages. Included are some well records and chemical analyses of water samples collected prior to July 1963 and not previously published. The locations of sites at which data were collected are shown on plate A in the pocket at the back of the report. Data presented, unless otherwise noted, were collected by U.S. Geological Survey personnel.

Connecticut↗

Hydrogeologic data in the Quinebaug River basin, Connecticut

This report presents hydrologic and geologic data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during an investigation of water resources in the Quinebaug River basin of Connecticut in cooperation with the Connecticut Water Resources Commission. The Quinebaug River basin occupies about 425 square miles in the northeastern part of the State, including the towns of Brooklyn, Griswold, Killingly, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Sterling, and Thompson, and parts of Canterbury, Hampton, Lisbon, North Stonington, Preston, Voluntown, and Woodstock. A companion interpretive report evaluating the water resources of the basin will be published as Connecticut Water Resources Bulletin 8. The data on the following pages serve to document and supplement that report, and should be especially useful in planning the development of water resources at specific localities.

Connecticut↗

Water monitoring to support the State of Illinois Governor's Drought Response Task Force – August 24, 2012

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects streamflow, groundwater levels, and water-quality data for the State of Illinois and the Nation. Much of these data are collected every 15 minutes (real-time) as a part of the national network, so that water-resource managers can make decisions in a timely and reliable manner. Coupled with modeling and other water-resource investigations, the USGS provides data to the State during droughts and other hydrologic events. The types of data, capabilities, and presentation of these materials are described in this document as USGS Real-Time Data, Supplementary Data Collection and Analysis, and National Resources Available.

Illinois↗

Applications of the California pesticide use reporting database in more than 25 years of U.S. Geological Survey hydrological studies

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been collecting data on the occurrence of pesticides in California surface and ground water since the 1970’s. The design of these studies benefited from the availability of the Pesticide Use Reporting (PUR) database of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Actual locations and dates of applications of active ingredient allow for effective design of studies that seek to understand which compounds can be mobilized from the point of application as well as the hydrological or climate-related factors that enhance the off-site transport. Key studies from the 1970’s to the present are discussed here and demonstrate how the USGS both designed studies and improved their analytical methodology to keep up with changes in how pesticides are used in California.

California↗