USGS Science⌕ Search

SEARCH · USGS Science

Results for “Water Resource Report”

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 1,207 records · Page 67Linked to original sources
USGS1999

U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: Proceedings of the technical meeting, Charleston, South Carolina, March 8-12, 1999: Volume 1 (Part A)

This report contains papers presented at the seventh Technical Meeting of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Toxic Substances Hydrology (Toxics) Program. The meeting was held March 8-12, 1999, in Charleston, South Carolina. Toxics Program Technical Meetings are held periodically to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of results of recent research activities. The objectives of these meetings are to: Present recent research results to essential stakeholders, Encourage synthesis and integrated interpretations among scientists with different expertise who are working on a contamination issue, and Promote exchange of ideas among scientists working on different projects and issues within the Toxics Program. The Proceedings is published in three volumes. Volume 1 contains papers that report on results of research on contamination from hard-rock mining. Results include research on contamination from hard rock mining in arid southwest alluvial basins, research on hard rock mining in mountainous terrain, and progress from the USGS Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative. This Initiative is designed to develop a watershed-based approach to characterize and remediate contamination from abandoned mine lands and transfer technologies to Federal land management agencies and stakeholders. Volume 2 contains papers on contamination of hydrologic systems and related ecosystems. The papers discuss research on the response of estuarine ecosystems to contamination from human activities. They include research on San Francisco Bay; mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystems; and investigation of the occurrence, distribution, and fate of agricultural chemicals in the Mississippi River Basin. This volume also contains results on development and reconnaissance testing of new methods to detect emerging contaminants in environmental samples. Volume 3 contains papers on subsurface contamination from point sources. The papers discuss research on: hydrocarbons and fuel oxygenates at gasoline release sites; ground-water contamination by crude oil; complex contaminant mixtures from treated wastewater discharges; waste disposal and subsurface transport of contaminants in arid environments; ground water and surface water affected by municipal landfill leachate; natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents; and characterizing flow and transport in fractured rock aquifers. In all, the more than 175 papers contained in this proceedings reflect the contributions of more than 350 scientists who are co-authors. These scientists are from across the USGS, as well as from universities, other Federal and State agencies, and industry.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1999

U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: Proceedings of the technical meeting, Charleston, South Carolina, March 8-12, 1999: Volume 2 (Part B)

This report contains papers presented at the seventh Technical Meeting of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Toxic Substances Hydrology (Toxics) Program. The meeting was held March 8-12, 1999, in Charleston, South Carolina. Toxics Program Technical Meetings are held periodically to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of results of recent research activities. The objectives of these meetings are to: Present recent research results to essential stakeholders, Encourage synthesis and integrated interpretations among scientists with different expertise who are working on a contamination issue, and Promote exchange of ideas among scientists working on different projects and issues within the Toxics Program. The Proceedings is published in three volumes. Volume 1 contains papers that report on results of research on contamination from hard-rock mining. Results include research on contamination from hard rock mining in arid southwest alluvial basins, research on hard rock mining in mountainous terrain, and progress from the USGS Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative. This Initiative is designed to develop a watershed-based approach to characterize and remediate contamination from abandoned mine lands and transfer technologies to Federal land management agencies and stakeholders. Volume 2 contains papers on contamination of hydrologic systems and related ecosystems. The papers discuss research on the response of estuarine ecosystems to contamination from human activities. They include research on San Francisco Bay; mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystems; and investigation of the occurrence, distribution, and fate of agricultural chemicals in the Mississippi River Basin. This volume also contains results on development and reconnaissance testing of new methods to detect emerging contaminants in environmental samples. Volume 3 contains papers on subsurface contamination from point sources. The papers discuss research on: hydrocarbons and fuel oxygenates at gasoline release sites; ground-water contamination by crude oil; complex contaminant mixtures from treated wastewater discharges; waste disposal and subsurface transport of contaminants in arid environments; ground water and surface water affected by municipal landfill leachate; natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents; and characterizing flow and transport in fractured rock aquifers. In all, the more than 175 papers contained in this proceedings reflect the contributions of more than 350 scientists who are co-authors. These scientists are from across the USGS, as well as from universities, other Federal and State agencies, and industry.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1999

U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: Proceedings of the technical meeting, Charleston, South Carolina, March 8-12, 1999: Volume 3 (Part C)

This report contains papers presented at the seventh Technical Meeting of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Toxic Substances Hydrology (Toxics) Program. The meeting was held March 8-12, 1999, in Charleston, South Carolina. Toxics Program Technical Meetings are held periodically to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of results of recent research activities. The objectives of these meetings are to: Present recent research results to essential stakeholders, Encourage synthesis and integrated interpretations among scientists with different expertise who are working on a contamination issue, and Promote exchange of ideas among scientists working on different projects and issues within the Toxics Program. The Proceedings is published in three volumes. Volume 1 contains papers that report on results of research on contamination from hard-rock mining. Results include research on contamination from hard rock mining in arid southwest alluvial basins, research on hard rock mining in mountainous terrain, and progress from the USGS Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative. This Initiative is designed to develop a watershed-based approach to characterize and remediate contamination from abandoned mine lands and transfer technologies to Federal land management agencies and stakeholders. Volume 2 contains papers on contamination of hydrologic systems and related ecosystems. The papers discuss research on the response of estuarine ecosystems to contamination from human activities. They include research on San Francisco Bay; mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystems; and investigation of the occurrence, distribution, and fate of agricultural chemicals in the Mississippi River Basin. This volume also contains results on development and reconnaissance testing of new methods to detect emerging contaminants in environmental samples. Volume 3 contains papers on subsurface contamination from point sources. The papers discuss research on: hydrocarbons and fuel oxygenates at gasoline release sites; ground-water contamination by crude oil; complex contaminant mixtures from treated wastewater discharges; waste disposal and subsurface transport of contaminants in arid environments; ground water and surface water affected by municipal landfill leachate; natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents; and characterizing flow and transport in fractured rock aquifers. In all, the more than 175 papers contained in this proceedings reflect the contributions of more than 350 scientists who are co-authors. These scientists are from across the USGS, as well as from universities, other Federal and State agencies, and industry.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1996

Water-quality assessment of southern Florida: An overview of available information on surface- and ground-water quality and ecology

This report summarizes water-quality conditions, issues of concern, and management efforts underway in southern Florida. The report is designed to provide a conceptual framework for the Southern Florida National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) study that began in 1994. The report makes reference to the most important water-quality literature pertaining to southern Florida, to water-quality studies that are underway or planned, and to topics which are of high priority in the study unit. These topics include: the availability and suit ability of water for competing demands; nutrient enrichment of the Everglades; transport, degradation, and effects of pesticides; and the sources and cycling of mercury in the ecosystem. The report also includes a retrospective analysis and conceptual presentation of nutrient loading, which is a high priority for the national NAWQA Program and for regional water-quality managers. Nutrient contributions from point and nonpoint sources are estimated for nine basins in the study area and are discussed in relation to land use. Fertilizer is the dominant source of phosphorus in eight basins and the dominant source of nitrogen in at least five basins. Atmospheric sources of nitrogen contribute more than 20 percent of the total nitrogen input to all basins and are the dominant source of nitrogen input to Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Nutrient loads are also estimated in selected canal and river outflows in southern Florida to provide a spatial overview of the magnitude of nutrient loading to coastal waters. Annual phosphorus loads from the Peace River are the highest in the study unit; annual phosphorus loads from the Caloosahatchee River and the major Palm Beach canals are also high, compared to other parts of southern Florida. Estimated annual loads of phosphorus from parts of the Big Cypress Basin and the S-12 water-control structures of the Tamiami Canal are low compared with estimated phosphorus loads in outflows in the northern part of the study unit. Annual nitrogen loads in southern Florida were highest in outflows from the Caloosahatchee River Basin and the major Palm Beach canals. Nitrogen loads in outflows from parts of the Big Cypress subbasin were lower than those estimated to the north.

Florida↗
USGS1999

Review of Phosphorus Control Measures in the United States and Their Effects on Water Quality

Historical information on phosphorus loadings to the environment and the effect on water quality are summarized in this report, which was produced as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. Phosphorus is a water-quality constituent of concern because it is often the limiting nutrient responsible for accelerated eutrophication in water bodies. Phosphorus inputs to the environment have increased since 1950 as the use of phosphate fertilizer, manure, and phosphate laundry detergent increased; however, the manufacture of phosphate detergent for household laundry was ended voluntarily in about 1994 after many States had established phosphate detergent bans. Total phosphorus concentrations in raw wastewater effluent contained about 3 milligrams per liter of total phosphorus during the 1940's, increased to about 11 milligrams per liter at the height of phosphate detergent use (1970), and have currently declined to about 5 milligrams per liter. However, in some cases, tertiary wastewater treatment still is needed to effectively improve water quality of streams. Downward trends in phosphorus concentrations since 1970 have been identified in many streams, but median total phosphorus concentrations still exceed the recommended limit of 0.1 milligram per liter across much of the Nation. Data from the NAWQA Program are representative of a variety of phosphorus-control measures, and, therefore, may be used to evaluate the effects of various control strategies. Current areas of concern include: evaluation of the effects of increased manure loadings of phosphorus on soil phosphorus and, subsequently, on ground water and subsurface runoff; determination of point-source and nonpoint-source components of phosphorus loads by geographic modeling and hydrologic separation techniques; and development of methods or indices to evaluate nutrient impairment in streams and rivers to serve as a basis for developing phosphorus criteria or standards.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1990

Hydrogeology of a hazardous-waste disposal site near Brentwood, Williamson County, Tennessee

Approximately 44,000 gal of industrial solvent wastes were disposed in pits on a farm near Brentwood, Tennessee, in 1978, and contaminants were reported in the soil and shallow groundwater on the site in 1985. In order for the State to evaluate possible remedial-action alternatives, an 18-month study was conducted to define the hydrogeologic setting of the site and surrounding area. The area is underlain by four hydrogeologic units: (1) an upper aquifer consisting of saturated regolith, Bigby-Cannon Limestone, and weathered Hermitage Formation; (2) the Hermitage confining unit; (3) a lower aquifer consisting of the Carters Limestone; and (4) the Lebanon confining unit. Wells generally are low yielding less than 1 gal/min), although locally the aquifers may yield as much as 80 gal/minute. This lower aquifer is anisotropic, and transmissivity of this aquifer is greatest in a northwest-southeast direction. Recharge to the groundwater system is primarily from precipitation, and estimates of average annual recharge rates range from 6 to 15 inches/year. Discharge from the groundwater system is primarily to the Little Harpeth River and its tributaries. Groundwater flow at the disposal site is mainly to a small topographic depression that drains the site. Geochemical data indicate four distinct water types. These types represent (1) shallow, rapidly circulating groundwater; (2) deeper (> than 100 ft), rapidly circulating groundwater; (3) shallow, slow moving groundwater; and (4) deeper, slow moving groundwater. Results of the numerical model indicate that most flow is in the upper aquifer.

Tennessee↗
USGS1998

Computer programs for describing the recession of ground-water discharge and for estimating mean ground-water recharge and discharge from streamflow records-update

The computer programs included in this report can be used to develop a mathematical expression for recession of ground-water discharge and estimate mean ground-water recharge and discharge. The programs are intended for analysis of the daily streamflow record of a basin where one can reasonably assume that all, or nearly all, ground water discharges to the stream except for that which is lost to riparian evapotranspiration, and where regulation and diversion of flow can be considered to be negligible. The program RECESS determines the master reces-sion curve of streamflow recession during times when all flow can be considered to be ground-water discharge and when the profile of the ground-water-head distribution is nearly stable. The method uses a repetitive interactive procedure for selecting several periods of continuous recession, and it allows for nonlinearity in the relation between time and the logarithm of flow. The program RORA uses the recession-curve displacement method to estimate the recharge for each peak in the streamflow record. The method is based on the change in the total potential ground-water discharge that is caused by an event. Program RORA is applied to a long period of record to obtain an estimate of the mean rate of ground-water recharge. The program PART uses streamflow partitioning to estimate a daily record of base flow under the streamflow record. The method designates base flow to be equal to streamflow on days that fit a requirement of antecedent recession, linearly interpolates base flow for other days, and is applied to a long period of record to obtain an estimate of the mean rate of ground-water discharge. The results of programs RORA and PART correlate well with each other and compare reasonably with results of the corresponding manual method.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Planning report for the Edwards-Trinity Regional Aquifer-System analysis in central Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwest Arkansas

The Edwards-Trinity regional aquifer system supplies more than 0.78 million acre-feet per year (700 million gallons per day) of water for central Texas and small adjacent parts of southeast Oklahoma and southwest Arkansas. The system consists of three major aquifers and at least three minor aquifers in predominantly Cretaceous rocks, which together have an areal extent of about 80,000 square miles. The major aquifers are the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) in west-central Texas, the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) in south-central Texas, and the Trinity in north-central Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwest Arkansas. Current (1986) and future concerns about the aquifer system involve the ever-increasing demand for water, most of which is associated with rapid population increase. Decreases in or elimination of spring discharges and encroachment of water from downdip salinewater zones into updip freshwater zones are of primary concern in the area underlain by ttie Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) aquifer. Water-level declines of several hundred feet in the Trinity aquifer are a serious concern in some metropolitan areas. The Edwards-Trinity regional aquifer-system analysis project, begun in October 1985 and scheduled to be completed by October 1991, is one of a series of similar projects being conducted nationwide. The project is intended to define the hydrogeologic framework, and to describe the geochemistry and groundwater flow of the aquifer system in order to provide a better understanding of the system's long-term water-yielding potential. A multidisciplinary approach will be used in which computer-based digital simulation of flow in the system will be the principal method of hydrogeologic investigation.

Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas↗
USGS1995

Salinity in surface water in the Red River of the North basin, northeastern North Dakota

Saline ground-water discharge from bedrock aquifers collects in wetlands that drain into tributaries of the Red River of the North (Red River). The Turtle, Forest, and Park Rivers are the major contributors of salinity to the Red River. These three rivers drain areas of wetlands affected by ground-water discharge from bedrock and by direct evapotranspiration. This report describes the effect of tributaries in northeastern North Dakota on the quality of water in the Red River and examines the possible processes that affect salinity in tributaries and wetlands in the area. Streamflow and specific-conductance measurements were made at the mouths of the three tributaries and at streamflow-gaging stations on the Red River at Grand Forks and at Drayton during the fall and winter of 1992-93. During this low-flow period, the three tributaries accounted for about 1.2 percent of the total Streamflow in the Red River at Drayton, yet contributed an average of 17 percent (at times up to 43 percent) of the dissolved-solids load. Long-term Streamflow records at Grand Forks and at Drayton show that less than 15 percent of the annual Streamflow in the Red River at Drayton occurs during November through February. However, long-term specific-conductance measurements show an increase in dissolved-solids concentrations during this period. In addition, records indicate that there is an average increase in dissolved-solids load in the Red River between Grand Forks and Drayton of 35 percent during November through February. This increase is attributed to inflow from the Turtle, Forest, and Park Rivers. The salinity in the Turtle, Forest, and Park Rivers may be attributed to natural ground-water discharge and flowing wells, leaching of surface sediments, and contributions from wetlands that have large dissolved-solids concentrations because of evapotranspiration.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Sediment accumulation in San Leandro Bay, Alameda County, California, during the 20th century -- A preliminary report

Major changes made in the configuration of San Leandro Bay, Alameda County, California, during the 20th century have caused rapid sedimentation within parts of the Bay. Opening of the Oakland tidal channel and removal of 97% of the marshlands formerly surrounding the Bay have decreased tidal velocities and volumes. Marshland removal has decreased the tidal prism by about 25%. Comparison of bathymetric surveys indicates that sedimentation in the vicinity of the San Leandro Bay channel averaged 0.7 cm/annum between 1856 and 1984. Lead-210 data collected at four shallow water sites east of the San Leandro Bay channel indicated that sedimentation rates have averaged between 0.06 and 0.28 cm/annum. Because bioturbation of bottom sediments cannot be discounted, better definition of this range in sedimentation rates would required measuring the activity of lead-210 on incoming sediments. In addition to sediment deposited in the vicinity of the San Leandro Bay channel and open, shallow areas to the east, 850,740 cu m of sediment was deposited between 1948 and 1983 in an area dredged at the mouth of San Leandro Creek. All available data indicate that between 1 ,213,000 and 1,364,000 cu m of sediment was deposited in San Leandro Bay between 1948 and 1983. Sediment yield data from an adjacent drainage basin, when combined with inventories of lead-210 and cesium-137, indicate that most of the sediment deposited in San Leandro Bay is coming from resuspension of bottom sediments or from erosion of marshes or shorelines of San Leandro or San Francisco Bay.

California↗
USGS1985

Cost-effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in North Carolina

This report documents the results of a study of the cost-effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in North Carolina. Data uses and funding sources are identified for the 146 gaging stations currently operated in North Carolina with a budget of $777,600 (1984). As a result of the study, eleven stations are nominated for discontinuance and five for conversion from recording to partial-record status. Large parts of North Carolina 's Coastal Plain are identified as having sparse streamflow data. This sparsity should be remedied as funds become available. Efforts should also be directed toward defining the efforts of drainage improvements on local hydrology and streamflow characteristics. The average standard error of streamflow records in North Carolina is 18.6 percent. This level of accuracy could be improved without increasing cost by increasing the frequency of field visits and streamflow measurements at stations with high standard errors and reducing the frequency at stations with low standard errors. A minimum budget of $762,000 is required to operate the 146-gage program. A budget less than this does not permit proper service and maintenance of the gages and recorders. At the minimum budget, and with the optimum allocation of field visits, the average standard error is 17.6 percent.

North Carolina↗
USGS1989

Geohydrology and susceptibility of major aquifers to surface contamination in Alabama; area 11

This report delineates and describes the geohydrology and susceptibility of major aquifers to contamination in Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, and Monroe Counties, Alabama. The major aquifers are the Pliocene-Miocene, Upper Floridan, Lisbon, Nanafalia-Clayton, and Providence-Ripley. The largest pumping centers in the area are Andalusia and Monroeville, where groundwater use is about 5 and 4 million gal/day, respectively. Estimated maximum withdrawal in 1987 for all uses in the area was about 44 million gal/day. Depressions have developed in the potentiometric surfaces of the Lisbon aquifer near Andalusia and Opp, the Nanafalia-Clayton aquifer near Luverne, Andalusia, Beatrice, and Monroeville, and the Providence-Ripley aquifer at Greenville. Significant declines in the potentiometric surfaces of the other major aquifers are not apparent. Recharge areas for all major aquifers are susceptible to contamination, but the probability of contamination of the Lisbon, Nanafalia-Clayton, and Providence-Ripley aquifers is low because the recharge areas are remote from areas of the withdrawal. The depressions in the recharge area for the Upper Floridan aquifer and the area where the Pliocene-Miocene aquifer is overlain by the gravelly sands of the Citronelle Formation are highly susceptible to contamination from the surface. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1996

Hydraulic conductivity of the streambed, east branch Grand Calumet River, northern Lake County, Indiana

Horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity of the Streambed were estimated from results of hydraulic tests along four transects across the east branch Grand Calumet River in northern Lake County, Indiana. Tests were done in two types of temporary wells installed in the Streambed 2-inch-diameter wells that had a 1- or 2-foot length of wire-wrapped screen and 3-inch-diameter wells that were open at the ends. When possible, the hydraulic tests included monitoring both falling- and rising-water levels. A total of 47 tests for horizontal hydraulic conductivity and 20 tests for vertical hydraulic conductivity were done. Data collected during the tests were analyzed by use of methods developed by earlier investigators. Horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the streambed was varied and ranged from 1.Ox1O -2 to 1.2x1O +3 feet per day. Compared to the previously reported range of horizontal hydraulic conductivity for the Calumet aquifer, 6.5X10 -1 to 3.6x1O +2 feet per day, results of 24 hydraulic tests in the streambed of the east branch Grand Calumet River were within the reported range, 18 were less than the lowest reported value, and 5 were greater than the highest reported value. Vertical hydraulic conductivity of the streambed was less varied than horizontal hydraulic conductivity and ranged from 3.Ox1O -1 to 7.3x1O +1 feet per day. The ratio between horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity calculated for each transect ranged from 1:0.09 to 1:8.5. The hydraulic conductivity of the streambed generally was dependant on the type of sediments in the part of the streambed that was tested. Although most of the streambed contained soft, fine-grained sediments, parts of the streambed also contained fill materials including coal, cinders, and concrete and asphalt rubble. The highest values of horizontal hydraulic conductivity generally were calculated from data collected at locations where the streambed contained fill materials, particularly concrete and asphalt rubble. Horizontal hydraulic conductivities determined for 11 hydraulic tests in predominantly fill materials ranged from 1.2x1O +1 to 1.2x1O +3 feet per day and averaged 5.6x1O +2 feet per day. The lowest values of horizontal hydraulic conductivity were calculated from data collected at locations where the streambed contained fine-grained sediments. Horizontal hydraulic conductivities determined for 36 hydraulic tests in predominantly fine-grained sediments ranged from 1.Ox1O -2 to 2.4x1O +2 feet per day and averaged 1.5x1O +1 feet per day.

Indiana↗
USGS1975

Erosion and sediment transport in the Owens River near Bishop, California

Closure of Pleasant Valley Dam in 1954 has almost eliminated the supply of gravel to the 16-mile (25.7-kilometre) study reach of the Owens River. Because of armoring of the channel, scour has been limited to approximately 1 foot (0.3 metre) in the upper 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometres). This report presents information useful in determining long-term erosion effects below Pleasant Valley Dam, in assessing the feasibility of a proposed bypass channel versus retention of the main channel in its present state, and in determining man's influence on river morphology. Bedload transport is dependent on the hydraulics of a section and the availability of material. Ninety-eight percent by weight of the sampled bedload transported between sites 1 and 6 in the study reach was finer than 8 millimetres, although only 6 to 12 percent of the material in the bed available for transport was finer than 8 millimetres. Bank material, a prime source of new material for transport, is predominantly finer than 16 millimetres. Bank erosion is accelerated by wide ranges in flow release. The bank-erosion rates interpreted from aerial photographs indicate average annual erosion rates of 750 tons (680 tonnes) from 1947 to 1967, 1,970 tons (1,790 tonnes) from 1967 to 1968, and 2,020 tons (1,830 tonnes) from 1968 to 1971. These rates are compatible with the water discharge-sediment discharge relation developed from field data collected during 1972-73. Hydraulic geometry of the six sites indicates a shift in the river system regime since 1954. These changes have progressed downstream from the dam to a point between sites 4 and 5. Farther downstream channel changes will occur until the channel stabilizes.

California↗
USGS1981

One-dimensional reservoir-lake temperature and dissolved oxygen model

This report describes and documents a one-dimensional computer model that predicts dissolved-oxygen and temperature profiles in a lake or reservoir. Downstream release dissolved-oxygen concentrations and temperatures also are computed based on a user-specified outflow withdrawal elevation. The model can, therefore, be used to compare top-draw versus bottom-draw outlet configuration effects on downstream dissolved-oxygen and temperature conditions. The dissolved-oxygen and temperature profiles are computed for a conceptual vertical water column located at the deepest point in the lake or reservoir.. The water column is divided into a series of uniform thickness horizontal layers for computation purposes. The model operates on a daily simulation interval, with summary output given for each day and detailed depth profiles printed on user-specified days. Model options allow the simulation of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, sediment oxygen demand, and the density current effects of inflowing suspended sediment. The model is a modification of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's "WESTEX" model number 722-F5-E1011. The user-specified withdrawal elevation, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, sediment oxygen demand, and suspended sediment simulation capabilities were not present in the earlier "WESTEX" model. The model is capable of simulating a stratified reservoir pool environment. This reservoir-lake model is most applicable to preliminary or reconnaissance studies of a proposed impoundment. Other more complex and accurate models exist to model existing lakes or reservoirs where onsite data can be collected.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1994

Radioactivity in the environment; a case study of the Puerco and Little Colorado River basins, Arizona and New Mexico

This report, written for the nontechnical reader, summarizes the results of a study from 1988-91 of the occurrence and transport of selected radionuclides and other chemical constituents in the Puerco and Little Colorado River basins, Arizona and New Mexico. More than two decades of uranium mining and the 1979 failure of an earthen dam containing mine tailings released high levels of radionuclides and other chemical constituents to the Puerco River, a tributary of the Little Colorado River. Releases caused public concern that ground water and streamflow downstream from mining were contaminated. Study findings show which radioactive elements are present, how these elements are distributed between water and sediment in the environment, how concentrations of radioactive elements vary naturally within basins, and how levels of radioactivity have changed since the end of mining. Although levels of radioactive elements and other trace elements measured in streamflow commonly exceed drinking-water standards, no evidence was found to indicate that the high concentrations were still related to uraniurn mining. Sediment radioactivity was higher at sample sites on streams that drain the eastern part of the Little Colorado River basin than that of samples from the western part. Radioactivity of suspended sediment measured in this study, therefore, represents natural conditions for the streams sampled rather than an effect of mining. Because ground water beneath the Puerco River channel is shallow, the aquifer is vulnerable to contamination. A narrow zone of ground water beneath the Puerco River containing elevated uranium concentrations was identified during the study. The highest concentrations were nearest the mines and in samples collected in the first few feet beneath the streambed. Natuxal radiation levels in a few areas of the underlying sedimentary aquifer not connected to the Puerco River also exceeded water quality standards. Water testing would enable those residents not using public water supplies to determine if their water is safe to use.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

A conceptual framework for ground-water solute-transport studies with emphasis on physical mechanisms of solute movement

Analysis of solute transport in groundwater systems involves a complex, multi-discipline study that requires intensive and costly investigation. Groundwater contamination, particularly from point sources, has been growing in importance in recent years. This report examines the physical mechanisms of solute transport, advection and dispersion, and explains how they relate to one another and the scale of study. The approach uses a preliminary analysis prior to collection of new data to focus on the technical problems to be addressed and to direct the initial collection of new data if warranted. The field investigation (collection of new data) progresses in stages that use the new knowledge and understanding gained from the preceding data collection to aid in further data collection as the study proceeds. A major premise of the approach is that the foundation of any analysis is a detailed quantitative definition of: (1) the groundwater flow field in three dimensions, and (2) the distribution of solutes in the contaminant plume in three dimensions at one point in time, or preferably at more than features of the groundwater flow field, and is an important tool for analysis. However, the scale of analysis for solute transport studies is usually much finer than the scale of analysis for groundwater flow alone. Therefore, an increase in detail of the velocity field is needed to provide for accurate calculations of pathlines in three-dimensional heterogeneous groundwater systems. (Lantz-PTT)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2002

Standards for the Analysis and Processing of Surface-Water Data and Information Using Electronic Methods

Surface-water computation methods and procedures are described in this report to provide standards from which a completely automated electronic processing system can be developed. To the greatest extent possible, the traditional U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) methodology and standards for streamflow data collection and analysis have been incorporated into these standards. Although USGS methodology and standards are the basis for this report, the report is applicable to other organizations doing similar work. The proposed electronic processing system allows field measurement data, including data stored on automatic field recording devices and data recorded by the field hydrographer (a person who collects streamflow and other surface-water data) in electronic field notebooks, to be input easily and automatically. A user of the electronic processing system easily can monitor the incoming data and verify and edit the data, if necessary. Input of the computational procedures, rating curves, shift requirements, and other special methods are interactive processes between the user and the electronic processing system, with much of this processing being automatic. Special computation procedures are provided for complex stations such as velocity-index, slope, control structures, and unsteady-flow models, such as the Branch-Network Dynamic Flow Model (BRANCH). Navigation paths are designed to lead the user through the computational steps for each type of gaging station (stage-only, stagedischarge, velocity-index, slope, rate-of-change in stage, reservoir, tide, structure, and hydraulic model stations). The proposed electronic processing system emphasizes the use of interactive graphics to provide good visual tools for unit values editing, rating curve and shift analysis, hydrograph comparisons, data-estimation procedures, data review, and other needs. Documentation, review, finalization, and publication of records are provided for with the electronic processing system, as well as archiving, quality assurance, and quality control.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗