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USGS2014

Several methods of studying fluctuations of ground‐water levels

As a result of increased interest in ground‐water conditions in recent years, records of water‐levels in wells are now being collected in many places in the United States for the primary purpose of determining the relation of precipitation and other natural factors to fluctuations in water‐level. In the past, records of ground‐water levels have been collected chiefly in connection with intensive investigations in areas where the water‐levels were affected by artificial withdrawals and it has not been generally possible to correlate water‐level fluctuations closely with natural factors. It now appears probable that certain methods of studying water‐level fluctuations may be utilized advantageously in areas unaffected by heavy artificial withdrawals, but these methods generally do not yield satisfactory results in areas where there is considerable pumping or artesian flow. Three such methods are presented in this paper. The methods have not been given intensive study and their practical use is therefore not yet fully known. It is hoped that their application will be further investigated. Illustrations of the methods have been taken from records of ground‐water levels in the Platte River Valley, Nebraska, collected by the United States Geological Survey in cooperation with the Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Nebraska.

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union↗

USGS2014

Hydrostratigraphic interpretation of test-hole and borehole geophysical data, Kimball, Cheyenne, and Deuel Counties, Nebraska, 2011-12

Recently (2004) adopted legislation in Nebraska requires a sustainable balance between long-term supplies and uses of surface-water and groundwater and requires Natural Resources Districts to understand the effect of groundwater use on surface-water systems when developing a groundwater-management plan. The South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) is located in the southern Nebraska Panhandle and overlies the nationally important High Plains aquifer. Declines in water levels have been documented, and more stringent regulations have been enacted to ensure the supply of ground-water will be sufficient to meet the needs of future generations. Because an improved understanding of the hydrogeologic characteristics of this aquifer system is needed to ensure sustainability of groundwater withdrawals, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the SPNRD, Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust, began a hydrogeologic study of the SPNRD to describe the lithology and thickness of the High Plains aquifer. This report documents these characteristics at 29 new test holes, 28 of which were drilled to the base of the High Plains aquifer. Herein the High Plains aquifer is considered to include all hydrologically connected units of Tertiary and Quaternary age. The depth to the base of aquifer was interpreted to range from 37 to 610 feet in 28 of the 29 test holes. At some locations, particularly northern Kimball County, the base-of-aquifer surface was difficult to interpret from drill cutting samples and borehole geophysical logs. The depth to the base of aquifer determined for test holes drilled for this report was compared with the base-of-aquifer surface interpreted by previous researchers. In general, there were greater differences between the base-of-aquifer elevation reported herein and those in previous studies for areas north of Lodgepole Creek compared to areas south of Lodgepole Creek. The largest difference was at test hole 5-SP-11, where an Ogallala-filled paleovalley prevously had been interpreted based on relatively sparse test-hole data west of 5-SP-11. The base of aquifer near test hole 5-SP-11 reported herein is approximately 230 ft higher in elevation than previously interpreted. Among other test holes that are likely to have been drilled in Ogallala-filled paleovalleys, the greatest difference in the interpreted base of aquifer was for test hole 7-CC-11, northeast of Potter, Nebraska, where the base of aquifer is 180 feet deeper than previously interpreted. Interpretation of test-hole and borehole geophysical data for 29 additional test holes will improve resource managers’ understanding of the hydrogeologic characteristics, including aquifer thickness. Aquifer thickness, which is related to total water in storage, is not well quantified in the north and south tablelands. The additional hydrostratigraphic interpretations provided in this report will improve the hydrogeologic framework used in current (2014) and future groundwater models, which are the basis for many water-management decisions.

Nebraska↗

USGS2021

Surface-water/groundwater boundaries affect seasonal PFAS concentrations and PFAA precursor transformations

Elevated concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking-water supplies are a major concern for human health. It is therefore essential to understand factors that affect PFAS concentrations in surface water and groundwater and the transformation of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors that degrade into terminal compounds. Surface-water/groundwater exchange can occur along the flow path downgradient from PFAS point sources and biogeochemical conditions can change rapidly at these exchange boundaries. Here, we investigate the influence of surface-water/groundwater boundaries on PFAS transport and transformation. To do this, we conducted an extensive field-based analysis of PFAS concentrations in water and sediment from a flow-through lake fed by contaminated groundwater and its downgradient surface-water/groundwater boundary (defined as ≤100 cm below the lake bottom). PFAA precursors comprised 45 ± 4.6% of PFAS (PFAA precursors + 18 targeted PFAA) in the predominantly oxic lake impacted by a former fire-training area and historical wastewater discharges. In shallow porewater downgradient from the lake, this percentage decreased significantly to 25 ± 11%. PFAA precursor concentrations decreased by 85% between the lake and 84–100 cm below the lake bottom. PFAA concentrations increased significantly within the surface-water/groundwater boundary and in downgradient groundwater during the winter months despite lower stable concentrations in the lake water source. These results suggest that natural biogeochemical fluctuations associated with surface-water/groundwater boundaries may lead to PFAA precursor loss and seasonal variations in PFAA concentrations. Results of this work highlight the importance of dynamic biogeochemical conditions along the hydrological flow path from PFAS point sources to potentially affected drinking water supplies.

Massachusetts↗

USGS2014

Effects of soil temperature and depth to ground water on first-year growth of a dryland riparian phreatophyte, Glycyrrhiza lepidota (American licorice)

We investigated the effects of soil temperature and depth to ground water on first-year growth of a facultative floodplain phreatophyte, Glycyrrhiza lepidota , in a 2-×-2 factorial greenhouse experiment. We grew plants in mesocosms subirrigated with water low in dissolved oxygen, mimicking natural systems, and set depth of ground water at 63 or 100 cm and soil temperature at cold (ambient) or warm (≤2.7°C above ambient). We hypothesized the moister (63 cm) and warmer soil would be most favorable and predicted faster growth of shoots and roots and greater nitrogen-fixation (thus, less uptake of mineral nitrogen) under those conditions. Growth in height was significantly faster in the moister treatment but was not affected by soil temperature. Final biomass of shoots and of roots, total biomass of plants, and root:shoot ratio indicated a significant effect only from depth of ground water. Final levels of soil mineral-nitrogen were as predicted, with level of nitrate in the moister treatment more than twice that in the drier treatment. No effect from soil temperature on level of soil-mineral nitrogen was detected. Our results suggest that establishment of G. lepidota requires strict conditions of soil moisture, which may explain the patchy distribution of the species along southwestern dryland rivers.

Southwestern Naturalist↗

USGS2000

Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in stream sediment and aquatic biota—initial results from the National Water-Quality Assessment Program, 1992–1995

One of the goals of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program of the U.S. Geological Survey is to assess the status and trends in the nation's water quality and to understand the natural and anthropogenic factors that affect water-quality conditions. This report summarizes the occurrence and distribution of 33 organochlorine compounds in fluvial bed sediment and aquatic biota (whole freshwater fish and freshwater bivalves) sampled by NAWQA investigations between 1991 and 1994. These include historically used insecticides (DDT and metabolites, chlordane and its various components, and dieldrin), some currently used pesticides (permethrin and dacthal) and some industrial chemicals and byproducts (PCBs and hexaclorobenzene). Samples were collected at approximately 500 sites in 19 large hydrologic basins throughout the United States. Contaminant levels in bed sediment and aquatic biota are summarized, first on a national basis, and then by land-use classification (for example, urban, cropland, pasture and rangeland, and forest). Nationally, detection frequencies are highest in sediment and biota for the more persistent organochlorine compounds: total DDT, total chlordane, dieldrin, and total PCBs. Organochlorine compounds were detected more frequently in whole fish than in bivalves or bed sediment. Organochlorine pesticide concentrations were relatively high in agricultural regions with histories of high use. The highest organochlorine compound concentrations in both sediment and biota generally were associated with urban areas. Some organochlorine concentrations in sediment exceeded guidelines for the protection of aquatic organisms. A screening-level comparison of measured organochlorine concentrations in whole fish was made with human health guidelines that are applicable to edible fish. This comparison indicates stream sites at which additional sampling of game fish fillets may be warranted, depending on local patterns of fish consumption. A comparison of current national contaminant levels with previous studies of this scope suggests a gradual decrease in organochlorine contaminant levels, at least in fish.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1999

Water-quality assessment of the New England coastal basins in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island: Environmental settings and implications for water quality and aquatic biota

The New England Coastal Basins in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island constitute one of 59 study units selected for water-quality assessment as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. England Coastal Basins study unit encompasses the fresh surface waters and ground waters in a 23,000 square-mile area that drains to the Atlantic Ocean. Major basins include those of the Kennebec, Androscoggin, Saco, Merrimack, Charles, Blackstone, Taunton, and Pawcatuck Rivers. Defining the environmental setting of the study unit is the first step in designing and conducting a multi-disciplinary regional water-quality assessment. The report describes the natural and human factors that affect water quality in the basins and includes descriptions of the physiography, climate, geology, soils, surface- and ground-water hydrology, land use, and the aquatic ecosystem. Although surface-water quality has greatly improved over the past 30 years as a result of improved wastewater treatment at municipal and industrial wastewater facilities, a number of water-quality problems remain. Industrial and municipal wastewater discharges, combined sewer overflows, hydrologic modifications from dams and water diversions, and runoff from urban land use are the major causes of water-quality degradation in 1998. The most frequently detected contaminants in ground water in the study area are volatile organic compounds, petroleum-related products, nitrates, and chloride and sodium. Sources of these contaminants include leaking storage tanks, accidental spills, landfills, road salting, and septic systems and lagoons. Elevated concentrations of mercury are found in fish tissue from streams and lakes throughout the study area.

Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island↗

USGS1983

Hydrogeologic data from parts of the Denver basin, Colorado

This report presents hydrogeologic data collected and compiled during 1956-81 as part of a comprehensive hydrogeologic data collected and compiled during 1956-81 as part of a comprehensive hdryogeologic investigation of the Denver basin, Colorado, by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources, Office of the State Engineer. The data, in tabular and graphic form, consist of records for 870 wells which include water-level data for 158 wells and water-quality analyses for 561 wells; geophysical logs from three wells which include resistivity, self potential, and natural gamma logs; and gain-and-loss data of streamflow measured at 54 sites.

Colorado↗

USGS2024

Dissolved arsenic concentrations in surface waters within the upper portions of the Klamath River Basin, Oregon and California

Arsenic toxicity is an environmental health problem. Levels of arsenic in surface waters at some locations in the Klamath River Basin in southern Oregon and northern California can exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard for drinking water. There are both anthropogenic and natural sources of arsenic. The Klamath River Basin consists primarily of volcanic deposits and contains an underground geothermal system with hot springs and warm water wells, all known natural sources of arsenic. Anthropogenic sources of arsenic are related to the agricultural use of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Surface water arsenic levels can also be affected by fertilizer amendments, evaporative concentration, oxygen-level depletion, and various geochemical transformations that can increase arsenic mobilization. In this study by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Reclamation, dissolved concentrations of arsenic, copper, and lead were measured in surface waters at 39 unique sites within the upper portions of the Klamath River Basin between 2018 and 2022. In every year, except 2022, sites were sampled four times between April and November. Surface-water arsenic concentrations varied up to four-orders of magnitude among sites. Median arsenic concentration was lowest at Cherry Creek (0.03 micrograms per liter [μg/L]) and highest at Wood Kimball Spring (36.7 μg/L), two sites located north of Upper Klamath Lake. The highest arsenic concentrations (17.4±4.9 μg/L, n =3) were found in drain sites (defined here as a waterbody returning used irrigation water) while the lowest arsenic concentrations were found in an artesian well (0.8 μg/L, n =1). The elevated arsenic concentrations of the drain sites suggest that arsenic might be concentrated or mobilized by agricultural activities, water re-use practices, and (or) by geochemical processes occurring around water stored in drains (that is, in the water column and across sediment water boundaries). A source of arsenic in drain water in the Klamath Strait Drain area includes water used for irrigation originating from Ady Canal. Other potential sources include groundwater, geothermal water, and local soils and sediments. Seasonal differences in surface-water arsenic concentrations were detected at 13 sites, 10 of which had higher arsenic concentrations in summer than in either spring or fall. The sites sampled around Upper Klamath Lake, the impounded rivers, one of the two canal sites, and 5 of the 14 river sites had higher surface-water arsenic concentrations in the summer than in either spring or fall. Surface-water arsenic concentrations from groundwater sources (that is, springs and in the artesian well) did not vary significantly among seasons (p-values greater than 0.1). Median surface-water concentrations of copper and lead ranged from 0.03 to 3.7 μg/L, and from 0.013 to 0.175 μg/L ( n =2–18), respectively. Dissolved concentrations of both metals were below acute toxicity endpoints reported by the EPA for freshwater animals. Surface-water arsenic concentrations varied independently from corresponding changes in surface-water lead or copper concentrations. However, arsenic concentrations measured in bed-sediment samples collected from a subset of sites located north of Upper Klamath Lake correlated strongly and significantly with the corresponding sedimentary lead concentrations ( p =0.015). Aqueous arsenic speciation measured in a subset of sites in 2019 and 2022 showed that all the arsenic existed as arsenic (V), the most oxidized arsenic species, and presumably, the least toxic. The highest proportions of arsenite (As(III)), the presumably most toxic arsenic species, relative to total arsenic concentrations were found at drain sites. Our assessment of dissolved arsenic concentrations in various surface-water bodies in the Upper Klamath River Basin reveals geographical areas of consistently low (below 2.1 μg/L), moderate (below 10 μg/L) and high (above 10 μg/L) surface-water arsenic concentrations. South of Upper Klamath Lake, surface-water arsenic concentrations were consistently higher than 20 μg/L at two drain sites located in an area of predominant agricultural land use with extensive water re-use practices. North of Upper Klamath Lake, surface-water arsenic concentrations greater than 20 μg/L were consistently measured at sites with limited nearby agricultural activities, suggesting a geogenic source. The consistently high arsenic levels from the Wood River at Jackson F. Kimball State Park, Fort Creek, and Crooked Creek, which are sites located at or near headwater spring sources, suggest a natural background source of arsenic. Water flowing downstream from this area could be a potential source of arsenic to Upper Klamath Lake and the Upper Klamath River.

California, Oregon↗

USGS1984

Map showing selected surface-water data for the Manti 30 x 60-minute quadrangle, Utah

This is one of a series of maps that describe the geology and related natural resources of the Manti 30 x 60 minute quadrangle. Streamflow records used to compile this map were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, and the Utah Department of Transportation. The principal runoff-producing areas shown on the map were delineated from a work map (scale 1:250,000) compiled to estimate water yields in Utah (Bagley and others, 1964). Sources of information about recorded floods resulting from cloudbursts included Woolley (1946) and Butler and Marsell (1972); sources of information about the chemical quality of streamflow included Hahl and Cabell (1965) and Mundorff and Thompson (1982).

Utah↗

USGS1984

Map showing selected surface-water data for the Nephi 30 x 60-minute quadrangle, Utah

This is one of a series of maps that describe the geology and related natural resources of the Nephi 30 x 60 minute quadrangle, Utah. Streamflow records used to compile this map were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, and the Utah Department of Transportation. The principal runoff-producing areas shown on the map were delineated from a work map (scale 1:250,000) compiled to estimate water yields in Utah (Bagley and others, 1964). Sources of information about recorded floods resulting from cloudbursts included Woolley (1946) and Butler and Marsell (1972); sources of information about the chemical quality of streamflow included Hahl and Cabell (1965) Mundorff (1972 and 1974), and Waddell and others (1982).

Utah↗

USGS1984

Map showing selected surface-water data for the Price 30 x 60-minute quadrangle, Utah

This is one of a series of maps that describe the geology and related natural resources of the Price 30 x 60-minute quadrangle, Utah. Streamflow records used to compile this map were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, and the Utah Department of Transportation. The principal runoff-producing areas shown on the map were delineated from a work map (scale 1:250,000) compiled to estimate water yields in Utah (Bagley and others, 1964). Sources of information about recorded floods resulting from cloudbursts included Woolley (1946) and Butler and Marsell (1972); sources of information about the chemical quality of streamflow included Mundorff (1972; 1977), and Waddell and others (1982).

Utah↗

USGS1984

Map showing selected surface-water data for the Huntington 30 x 60-minute quadrangle, Utah

This is one of a series of maps that describe the geology and related natural resources of the Huntington 30 x 60-minute quadrangle, Utah. Streamflow records used to compile this map were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, and the Utah Department of Transportation. The principal runoff-producing area shown on the map was delineated from a work map (scale 1:250,000) compiled to estimate water yields in Utah (Bagley and others, 1964). Sources of information about recorded floods resulting from cloudbursts included Woolley (1946) and Butler and Marsell (1972); sources of information about the chemical quality of streamflow included Mundorff (1972) and Mundorff and Thompson (1982).

Utah↗

USGS1975

Preliminary hydrogeologic appraisal of selected hydrothermal systems in northern and central Nevada

Several hydrothermal systems in northern and central Nevada were explored in a hydrogeologic reconnaissance. The systems studied comprise those at Stillwater and Soda Lakes-Upsal Hogback in the Carson Desert, Gerlach, Fly Ranch-Granite Range, and Double Hot Springs in the Black Rock Desert, Brady's Hot Springs, Leach Hot Springs in Grass Valley, Buffalo Valley Hot Springs, and Sulphur Hot Springs in Ruby Valley. The investigation focused on (1) delineating of areas of high heat flow associated with rising thermal ground water, (2) determining the nature of the discharge parts of the hydrothermal systems, (3) estimating heat discharge from the systems, (4) estimating water discharge from the systems, (5) obtaining rough estimates of, conductive heat flow outside areas of hydrothermal discharge, and (6) evaluating several investigative techniques that would yield the required information quickly and at relatively low cost. The most useful techniques were shallow test drilling to obtain geologic, hydraulic, and thermal data and hydrogeologic mapping of the discharge areas. The systems studied are in the north-central part of the Basin and Range province. Exposed volcanic rocks of latest Tertiary and Quaternary age are chiefly basaltic. Basaltic terranes are generally regarded as less favorable for geothermal resources than terranes that contain large volumes of young volcanic mocks of felsic to intermediate composition. Most of the known hydrothermal systems are associated with Basin and Range faults which are caused by crustal extension across the province. An area of high heat flow centered at Battle Mountain and possibly other areas of high heat flow may be related to crustal heat sources. However, some of the hydrothermal systems studied appear to be related to deep circulation of meteoric water in areas of 'normal' regional heat flow rather than to shallow-crustal heat sources. Discharge temperatures of thermal springs in the region range from slightly above mean annual air temperature (8?-12?C at most places) to boiling or slightly hotter. Geochemical data indicate that, in the major systems, subsurface temperatures at which thermal waters equilibrate with reservoir rocks range from 150? to more than 200?C. These data also indicate that the major systems are of the hot-water type rather than the vapor-dominated type. Depths of thermal-water circulation probably range from 2 to 6 kilometres in areas of 'normal' regional heat flow (~2 heatflow units) and from 1 to 3 kilometres in areas of high heat flow (~3-4 heat-flow units) such as near Battle Mountain. Most of the heat is discharged from the hydrothermal systems studied by (1) conduction through near-surface materials heated as a consequence of thermal-water convection, (2) convection as springflow, and (3) convection as steam discharge from spring pools, vents, fumaroles, and cracks. The mate of heat discharge by radiation from warm ground and by convection as lateral ground-water outflow is believed to be small in most systems and is not estimated. Estimates of net heat discharge from the systems studied range from about 0.8 x 106 calories per second at Buffalo Valley Hot Springs to about 14 x 106 calories per second at Stillwater. These estimates represent the approximate magnitude of the excess heat discharge from the thermal areas that results from the upward convection of hot water from deep sources. Water discharges from the hydrothermal systems by springflow, evapotranspiration, steam discharge, and lateral ground-water outflow. Estimated discharges range from about 0.2 x 106cubic metres per year from the Buffalo Valley Hot Springs system to about 3 x 106 cubic metres per year from the Stillwater system. In most of the hydrothermal systems studied and, by inference, in other similar systems in northern and central Nevada, the scale for potential .commercial development for production of electricity or for other uses may be constrained by the

Open-File Report↗

USGS1999

Use of environmental tracers to evaluate ground-water age and water-quality trends in a buried-valley aquifer, Dayton area, southwestern Ohio

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC method) and tritium and helium isotopes (3H-3He method) were used as environmental tracers to estimate ground-water age in conjunction with efforts to develop a regional ground-water flow model of the buried-valley aquifer in the Dayton area, southwestern Ohio. This report describes results of CFC and water-quality sampling, summarizes relevant aspects of previously published work, and describes the use of 3H-3He ages to characterize temporal trends in ground-water quality of the buried-valley aquifer near Dayton, Ohio. Results of CFC sampling indicate that approximately 25 percent of the 137 sampled wells were contaminated with excess CFC's that rendered the ground water unsuitable for age dating. Evaluation of CFC ages obtained for the remaining samples indicated that the CFC compounds used for dating were being affected by microbial degradation. The degradation occurred under anoxic conditions that are found in most parts of the buried-valley aquifer. As a result, ground-water ages derived by the CFC method were too old and were inconsistent with measured tritium concentrations and independently derived 3H-3He ages. Limited data indicate that dissolved methane may play an important role in the degradation of the CFC's. In contrast, the 3H-3He technique was found to yield ground-water ages that were chemically and hydrologically reasonable. Ground-water ages derived by the 3H-3He technique were compared to values for selected water- quality characteristics to evaluate temporal trends in ground-water quality in the buried- valley aquifer. Distinct temporal trends were not identified for pH, alkalinity, or calcium and magnesium because of rapid equilibration of ground-water with calcite and dolomite in aquifer sediments. Temporal trends in which the amount of scatter and the number of outlier concentrations increased as ground-water age decreased were noted for sodium, potassium, boron, bromide, chloride, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and organic carbon. Elevated concentrations of these constituents in shallow ground water are probably related to human activities. Temporal trends in which concentrations declined as ground-water age increased may reflect natural processes that reduce constituent concentrations to low levels. For example, the absence of nitrate detections in ground water recharged before 1980 may indicate natural removal of nitrate by bacterially mediated denitrification. Temporal trends observed for dissolved oxygen, iron, nitrate and silica indicate that these constituents may help identify recently (post-1990) recharged ground water.

Ohio↗

USGS1998

Water quality in the vicinity of Mosquito Creek Lake, Trumbull County, Ohio, in relation to the chemistry of locally occurring oil, natural gas, and brine

Environmental samples collected in the Mosquito Creek Lake area were used to characterize water quality in relation to the chemistry of locally occurring oil, natural gas, and brine and to establish baseline water quality. Mosquito Creek Lake (a manmade reservoir) and the shallow bedrock aquifers near the lake are major sources of potable water in central Trumbull County. The city of Warren relies on the lake as a sole source of potable water. Some of the lake bottom may be in direct hydraulic connection with the underlying aquifers. The city of Cortland, along the southeastern shore of the lake, relies on the Cussewago Sandstone aquifer as a sole source of potable water. This aquifer subcrops beneath the glacio-fluvial sediments that underlie the lake. Nearly all residential homes around the lake, with the exception of homes in the city of Cortland, rely on domestic supply wells as a source of potable water. Oil and natural gas exploration and production have been ongoing in the Mosquito Creek Lakearea since the discovery of the historic Mecca Oil Pool in the Mississippian Berea and Cussewago Sandstones in 1860. Since the late 1970' s, the major drilling objective and zone of production is the Lower Silurian Clinton sandstone. The oil and natural gas resources of the Mosquito Creek Lake area, including reservoir pressure, production history, and engineering and abandonment practices are described in this report. The chemical and isotopic characteristics of the historic Mecca oil and natural gas are very different than those of the Clinton sandstone oil and natural gas. Gas chromatograms show that Mecca oil samples are extensively altered by biodegradation, whereas Clinton sandstone oils are not. Extensive alteration of Mecca oil is consistent with their occurrence at very shallow depths (less than 100 ft below land surface) where microbial activity can affect their composition. Also, the carbon-isotope composition of dissolved methane gas from Berea and Cussewago Sandstone water samples indicates that the gas is microbially generated, whereas the Clinton sandstone gases are thermogenically generated. Methane gas, in addition to crude oil, occurs naturally in the shallow Berea and Cussewago Sandstone aquifers in the Mosquito Creek Lake area and concentrations of dissolved methane are significant in the city of Cortland public-supply wells and in the domestic-supply wells near the southern shore of the lake. Water associated with oil and gas in the Clinton sandstone is a brine with high concentrations of chloride. Water from the Berea and Cussewago Sandstones, however, is fresh and potable. The contrasting geochemical characteristics are important for addressing water-quality issues that relate to oil and natural gas development in the Mosquito Creek area. A reexamination of the geologic framework and results of a subsurface-gas survey show that crude oil in the historic Mecca Oil Pool probably does not seep into Mosquito Creek Lake. Environmental samples show no evidence of any measurable release of oil, gas, or brine from the deeper Clinton sandstone oil and gas wells to the shallow aquifers, the lake, or lake tributaries. Brine is not associated with the hydrocarbons in the shallow Berea-Cussewago aquifer system and therefore cannot be a source of brine contamination. A mixing diagram constructed for dissolved bromide and chloride in surface water and water-supply wells shows no demonstrable mixing of these water resources with brine from the Clinton sandstone. There is some notable salinity in surface waters; however, the water is bromide poor, and a mixing diagram indicates that some local ground waters are influenced by halite solutions, presumably derived from leaching of road salt or from septic effluent.

Ohio↗

USGS1982

Map showing selected surface-water data for the Alton-Kolob coal-fields area, Utah

This is one of a series of maps that describe the geology and related natural resources of the Alton-Kolob coal-fields area, Utah. Streamflow records used to compile the map and the following table were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, and the Utah Department of Transportation. The principal runoff-producing areas were delineated form a work map (scale 1:250,000) compiled to estimate water yields in Utah (Bagley and others, 1964).

Utah↗

USGS1978

Quantitative hydrogeology of the Upper Republican Natural Resources District, southwest Nebraska

Ground-water use for irrigation from the Ogallala Formation }'as in-creased rapidly in the Upper Republican Natural Resources District in southwest Nebraska. Water levels declined as much as 16 feet between 1952 and 1975. Discharge of the aquifer to streams was reduced by as much as 19 percent between 1967 and 1975. Quantification of the hydrogeologic system was provided by the development, testing and use of simulation models describing the soil zone and ground-water/surface-water system. Models were linked through source-sink terms. The ground-water/surface-water model was used.to predict changes in water levels and streamflow caused by unrestricted irrigation-well installation and by no new wells after 1975. Water levels may decline as much as 140 feet in two areas by 2000 if installation of new wells is unrestricted. By 2000, water-level declines o-er the remainder of the area would be less than 60 feet under continued development and less than 40 feet with no new wells after 1975. The base flow of Frenchman, Stinking Water, and Spring Creeks coulA be reduced by more than.90 percent with no new well and eliminated by 1992 under continued development.

Nebraska↗

USGS1970

Correlative estimates of streamflow in the upper Colorado River basin

Most hydrologic analyses, whether for appraisal of the water resource, feasibility of a particular development, design of a system of operation, assessment of gains or losses from acts of man or natural changes, or almost any other use, require the extension in time of some streamflow records. In the Upper Colorado River Basin, streamflow records have been extended by various agencies from time to time to fulfill their individual needs, resulting in different estimates of flow for the same point and time. The purpose of this report is to provide correlative estimates of monthly mean discharge at discontinued streamflow gaging stations so that all users will have access to a single set of data. Estimates of monthly mean discharge for periods other than the period of actual record are given for certain discontinued streamflow gaging stations. The stations selected were discontinued in recent years, but they have a sufficient length of record to permit development of a meaningful correlation with the records for a nearby long-term gaging station. Where possible, estimates of monthly mean discharge are made to provide a complete record, estimated or measured, from 1930 to 1965. However, where the long-term gaging station record encompasses a shorter period, the estimates cover only that shorter period. Estimates for periods prior to 1930 were not made, although these may be computed for a few stations. Lack of a related long-term gaging-station record prevented the extension of records at many discontinued stations. The area covered in this report (fig. 1) is that defined in the Colorado River Compact of 1922, as the Upper Basin "those parts of the States of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming within and from which waters naturally drain into the Colorado River System above Lee Ferry," 1 but excluding "all parts of said States located without the drainage area of the Colorado River System which are now and shall hereafter be beneficially served by waters diverted from the System above Lee Ferry" (Wilbur and Ely, 1948, p. A18).

Colorado River Basin↗