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At least 1,225 records · Page 68Linked to original sources

USGS2008

Ground-water quality data in the Central Eastside San Joaquin Basin 2006: Results from the California GAMA program

Ground-water quality in the approximately 1,695-square-mile Central Eastside study unit (CESJO) was investigated from March through June 2006 as part of the Statewide Basin Assessment Project of the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The GAMA Statewide Basin Assessment project was developed in response to the Groundwater Quality Monitoring Act of 2001 and is being conducted by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The study was designed to provide a spatially unbiased assessment of raw ground-water quality within CESJO, as well as a statistically consistent basis for comparing water quality throughout California. Samples were collected from 78 wells in Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Fifty-eight of the 78 wells were selected using a randomized grid-based method to provide statistical representation of the study unit (grid wells). Twenty of the wells were selected to evaluate changes in water chemistry along selected lateral or vertical ground-water flow paths in the aquifer (flow-path wells). The ground-water samples were analyzed for a large number of synthetic organic constituents [volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gasoline oxygenates and their degradates, pesticides and pesticide degradates], constituents of special interest [perchlorate, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP)], inorganic constituents that can occur naturally [nutrients, major and minor ions, and trace elements], radioactive constituents, and microbial indicators. Naturally occurring isotopes [tritium, carbon-14, and uranium isotopes and stable isotopes of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon], and dissolved noble and other gases also were measured to help identify the source and age of the sampled ground water. Quality-control samples (blanks, replicates, samples for matrix spikes) were collected for approximately one-sixth of the wells, and the results for these samples were used to evaluate the quality of the data for the ground-water samples. Assessment of the quality-control results showed that the environmental data were of good quality, with low bias and low variability, and resulted in censoring of less than 0.3 percent of the detections found in ground-water samples. This study did not attempt to evaluate the quality of water delivered to consumers; after withdrawal from the ground, water typically is treated, disinfected, and (or) blended with other waters to maintain acceptable water quality. Regulatory thresholds apply to treated water that is served to the consumer, not to raw ground water. However, to provide some context for the results, concentrations of constituents measured in the raw ground water were compared with health-based thresholds established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and California Department of Public Health (CADPH) and thresholds established for aesthetic concerns (secondary maximum contaminant levels, SMCL-CA) by CADPH. VOCs and pesticides were detected in approximately half of the grid wells, and all detections in samples from CESJO wells were below health-based thresholds. All detections of nutrients and major elements in grid wells also were below health-based thresholds. Most detections of constituents of special interest, trace elements, and radioactive constituents in samples from grid wells were below health-based thresholds. Exceptions included two detections of arsenic that were above the USEPA maximum contaminant level (MCL-US), one detection of lead above the USEPA action level (AL-US), and one detection of vanadium and three detections of 1,2,3-TCP that were above the CADPH notification levels (NL-CA). All detections of radioactive constituents were below health-based thresholds, although fourteen samples had activities of radon-222 above the lower proposed MCL-US. Most of the samples from CESJO grid wells had concentrations of major elements, total dissolved solids, and trace elements below the non-enforceable thresholds set for aesthetic concerns. A few samples contained manganese or total dissolved solids at concentrations above the SMCL-CA thresholds.

California↗

USGS1979

Arctic stream processes--an annotated bibliography

This bibliography selectively summarizes investigations to date (1978) dealing with the physical processes of streams in the Arctic. The specialized annotations include aspects of stream processes described in subordinate parts of general papers on the arctic environment and therefore not evident in author-abstract bibliographies. Foreign contributions--Canadian, Scandinavian, and Russian--are summarized, in the case of Russian literature primarily by means of papers in translation journals. Until 1970 the role of streams in development of the arctic landscape was commonly considered subordinate to that of glacial and frost-related processes. This conclusion changed, however, with the findings of the many new studies begun in response to oil and gas discoveries in the late 1960's. The conclusions of these studies, made to provide both the engineering data for resource development and the information to assess the impacts of that development, were in general agreement that stream processes throughout most of the Arctic were significantly more important than previously had been thought.

Water Supply Paper↗

USGS2025

Pre-eruptive characteristics of “suspect” silicic magmas in Carlin-type Au-forming systems

World-class Carlin-type Au deposits hosted in sedimentary rock were formed when profuse Eocene silicic magmatism swept across northern Nevada in response to arc migration. Carlin-type Au deposits formed along with porphyry/skarn Cu-Mo-W-Au deposits, epithermal Ag-Au deposits, and distal disseminated Ag-Au deposits. But unlike these other Au-bearing deposits that have clear associations with igneous intrusions, Carlin-type ore deposits appear to have formed distant from concealed plutons, and their origin remains controversial. Despite decades of abundant geophysical, geochronological, and geochemical studies suggesting the involvement of magmas, concrete evidence for magmatic involvement is still lacking. Consequently, the involvement of contemporaneous igneous systems remains inferred based on age, proximity, and variable isotopic, geochemical, and geophysical clues. A recent synthesis of deposit models postulates that Carlin-type Au deposits are intrusion-related, but that the causative magmas reside deeper (∼6–12 km) than in typical porphyry and peripheral systems (∼3–5 km), meaning that Carlin-type deposits are perhaps more distal expressions of igneous intrusions. We investigate a collection of “suspect” magmatic systems over a ∼7 m.y. timespan (∼41–34 Ma) that are contemporaneous with and near known Carlin-type ore deposits. We report results of a multifaceted array of in situ geochemical analyses (FTIR, EMP, SHRIMP-RG, LA-ICP-MS) of quartz-hosted melt inclusions, biotite, and quartz to better characterize the pre-eruptive characteristics of these magmas. We also report results of thermobarometry and thermodynamic phase equilibria modeling to help place constraints on magmatic reservoir depths and processes. Rather than a single “flavor” of silicic magma, we observe a surprisingly broad compositional spectrum of rhyolites, with one end of the spectrum exhibiting more arc-like (I-type) characteristics and the other end displaying more post-subduction, thick-crust extensional (A-type) characteristics. This broad compositional spectrum suggests a more complex picture of silicic crustal magmatism operating over a narrow span of time during slab rollback. Despite this spectrum, magmatic systems in this study are consistently ferroan and generally peraluminous, which we interpret as an expression of the relatively elevated geotherm at the time and incorporation of variable amounts of highly peraluminous metasedimentary crustal components. The silicic magma spectrum encompasses a range of mineralization associations, including subduction-related Cu-Mo-W-Au-Ag and post-subduction, thick-crust extensional rare-metal Mo-Sn-W-F-Be-Ag-Au, consistent with the prolific and diverse array of ore deposits that formed during this time. Carlin-type Au deposition appears to be associated with nearly the entire magmatic spectrum. This apparent indifference to silicic magma “flavor” would seem to imply that if magmas are involved in Carlin-type Au deposit genesis, they perhaps do not need to be compositionally specialized and/or possibly are only relevant as heat sources driving circulation to remobilize and redistribute metals.

Nevada↗

USGS2023

Overview of the Cenozoic geology of the northern Harrat Rahat volcanic field, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Harrat Rahat volcanic field, located in the west-central part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is one of the larger Cenozoic harrats among the more than 17 harrats situated upon the Arabia Plate. The map plate contained herein shows, at a scale of 1:100,000, the mapped volcanic geology of northern Harrat Rahat, which consists of the northernmost one-fifth of Harrat Rahat. Northern Harrat Rahat has an area of about 3,340 square kilometers (km 2 ), of which 2,567 km 2 is covered by Harrat Rahat volcanic rocks and deposits, and it encompasses more than 900 exposed vents (that is, craters, cryptodomes, maars, and scoria cones), 289 of which are isolated by younger volcanic deposits and have not been correlated with the 234 volcanic rock units distinguished by geologic mapping. Northern Harrat Rahat is of special interest owing to its proximity to the city of Al Madinah al Munawwarah, which sits within, and is continuing to expand southward over, the north end of the volcanic field. Al Madinah is home to an expanding population, currently at more than 2 million residents, together with the intermittent addition of approximately 3 million pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah (religious visitations). The center of Al Madinah is less than 8 km from lava flows of the only confirmed historically documented eruption, which occurred in 1256 C.E. (654 A.H.). Earlier prehistoric lava flows also encroached into the area of the present-day city limits, as demonstrated by volcanic rocks exposed widely throughout the city in roadcuts, parks, and excavations for new buildings, although no evidence has been found of any other than the 1256 C.E. lava having reached that area during times of human habitation. Geologic mapping was undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey in collaboration with the Saudi Geological Survey. The features of primary interest within the map area are scoria cones, lava flows, lava domes, craters, and pyroclastic deposits from the Quaternary, which have compositions of basalt, hawaiite, mugearite, benmoreite, and trachyte. The geologic mapping was published by Downs and others (2019) on a single sheet at 1:75,000 scale and two detailed sheets at 1:25,000 scale, accompanied by detailed explanations of the geology. This report presents the geology on a single sheet at 1:100,000 scale and provides condensed geologic explanations for the convenience of readers of this volume. Some minor errors of nomenclature and lava source regions that do not change fundamental interpretations have been corrected herein.

Professional Paper↗

USGS1993

Geologic map of science study area 8, Apollinaris Patera region of Mars

Volcanoes are among the most imposing and geologically interesting features on Mars. Nearly 60 percent of the planet’s surface is covered by volcanic rocks dating from the Early Noachian to Late Amazonian Epochs (Tanaka and others, 1988). This map of the volcano Apollinaris Patera and surrounding area is one of a series of large-scale (1:500,000) geologic maps initiated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to investigate areas of particular scientific interest. The areas selected for mapping contain candidate landing sites for future sample-return missions to Mars (fig. 1). The map area is considered to be of special scientific interest for several reason: (1) it includes the prominent volcano Apollinaris Patera, a type of volcanic edifice unusual on Mars in that it is not associated with significant faulting and is partly surrounded by a basal scarp similar to that of its much larger counterpart at the base of Olympus Mons; (2) it is located in a major transition zone between ancient highlands to the south and much of the younger lowland plains to the north; (3) rocks have different origins and a ide range of ages occurring in the area; and (4) erosional processes associated with fluvial, volcanic, and eolian activity have shaped the terrain. The map area’s potential as a landing site is increased by its extensive, relatively smooth areas at low elevation (0 to 1 km), which would permit access by an automated vehicle and atmospheric breaking by a landing craft.

IMAP↗

USGS2015

Bathymetric and velocimetric surveys at highway bridges crossing the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers on the periphery of Missouri, June 2014

Bathymetric and velocimetric data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Transportation, in the vicinity of 8 bridges at 7 highway crossings of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers on the periphery of Missouri from June 3 to 11, 2014. A multibeam echosounder mapping system was used to obtain channel-bed elevations for river reaches ranging from 1,525 to 1,640 feet longitudinally, and extending laterally across the active channel from bank to bank during low- to moderate-flow conditions. These bathymetric surveys indicate the channel conditions at the time of the surveys and provide characteristics of scour holes that may be useful in the development of predictive guidelines or equations for scour holes. These data also may be useful to the Missouri Department of Transportation as a low- to moderate-flow comparison to help assess the bridges for stability and integrity issues with respect to bridge scour during floods. Bathymetric data were collected around every pier that was in water, except those at the edge of water or in very shallow water (less than about 6 feet). Scour holes were observed at most piers for which bathymetry could be obtained, except at piers on channel banks, on exposed bedrock outcrops, or surrounded by riprap. Scour holes observed at the surveyed bridges were examined with respect to depth and shape, and the effects of riprap blankets or other rock near the piers. The presence of riprap blankets, depth of fluvial material on top of a riprap blanket, and alignment to flow had a substantial effect on the size of the scour hole observed for a given pier. Piers that were surrounded by riprap blankets had scour holes that were substantially smaller (to non-existent) compared to piers at which no rock or riprap was present. Although exposure of parts of foundational support elements was observed at several piers, at most sites the exposure likely can be considered minimal compared to the overall substructure that remains buried in channel-bed material; however, there were several notable exceptions where the bed material thickness between the bottom of the scour hole and bedrock was less than 6 feet. Such substantial exposure of usually buried substructural elements may warrant special observation in future flood events, even when designed to be exposed. Previous bathymetric surveys had been done at both of the sites on the Missouri River and one of the sites on the Mississippi River examined in this study. Comparisons between bathymetric surfaces from the previous surveys during the 2011 flood and those of this study generally indicate that there was an increase in the elevation of the channel bed at these sites that likely was caused by a substantial decrease in discharge and water-surface elevation compared to the 2011 surveys. However, the scour holes observed at these sites were either the same size or larger in 2014 compared to the 2011 surveys, indicating that the flow condition is not the sole variable in the determination of the size of scour holes, and that local velocity and depth also are critical variables, as indicated by predictive pier scour equations.

Mississippi River, Missouri River↗

USGS1986

Review of the hydrologic data-collection network in the St. Joseph River basin, Indiana

The St. Joseph River Basin data-collection network in the St. Joseph River for streamflow, lake, ground water, and climatic stations was reviewed. The network review included only the 1700 sq mi part of the basin in Indiana. The streamflow network includes 11 continuous-record gaging stations and one partial-record station. Based on areal distribution, lake effect , contributing drainage area, and flow-record ratio, six of these stations can be used to describe regional hydrology. Gaging stations on lakes are used to collect long-term lake-level data on which to base legal lake levels, and to monitor lake-level fluctuations after legal levels are established. More hydrogeologic data are needed for determining the degree to which grouhd water affects lake levels. The current groundwater network comprises 15 observation wells and has four purposes: (1) to determine the interaction between groundwater and lakes; (2) to measure changes in groundwater levels near irrigation wells; (3) to measure water levels in wells at special purpose sites; and (4) to measure long-term changes in water levels in areas not affected by pumping. Seven wells near three lakes have provided sufficient information for correlating water levels in wells and lakes but are not adequate to quantify the effect of groundwater on lake levels. Water levels in five observation wells located in the vicinity of intensive irrigation are not noticeably affected by seasonal withdrawals. The National Weather Sevice operates eight climatic stations in the basin primarily to characterize regional climatic conditions and to aid in flood forecasting. The network meets network-density guidelines established by the World Meterological Organization for collection of precipitation and evaporation data but not guidelines suggested by the National Weather Service for density of precipitation gages in areas of significant convective rainfalls. (Author 's abstract)

Indiana↗

USGS1971

Geysers

A geyser is a special type of hot spring that from time to time spurts water above ground. It differs from most hot springs in having periodic eruptions separated by intervals without flow of water. The temperature of the erupting water is generally nearly at boiling for pure water (212°F or 100 °C at sea level). Some geysers erupt less than a foot high, and a few geysers erupt to more than 150 feet. Some small geysers erupt every minute or so, but other geysers are inactive for months or even years between eruptions. Contrary to popular opinion, most geysers are very irregular in their behavior, and each is different in some respects from all others. Among the major geysers, only a few such as Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park are predictable enough to satisfy an impatient tourist. But even for Old Faithful the interval varies from about 30 to 90 minutes between eruptions, with an average interval of about 65 minutes.

Report↗

USGS1968

Methods of measuring water levels in deep wells

Accurate measurement of water levels deeper than 1,000 feet in wells requires specialized equipment. Corrections for stretch and thermal expansion of measuring tapes must be considered, and other measuring devices must be calibrated periodically. Bore-hole deviation corrections also must be made. Devices for recording fluctuation of fluid level usually require mechanical modification for use at these depths. A multichannel recording device utilizing pressure transducers has been constructed. This device was originally designed to record aquifer response to nearby underground nuclear explosions but can also be used for recording data from multi-well pumping tests. Bottom-hole recording devices designed for oil-field use have been utilized in a limited manner. These devices were generally found to lack the precision required, in ground-water investigations at the Nevada Test Site but may be applicable in other areas. A newly developed bottom-hole recording pressure gauge of improved accuracy has been used with satisfactory results.

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations↗

USGS2009

Late Quaternary sediment-accumulation rates within the inner basins of the California Continental Borderland in support of geologic hazard evaluation

An evaluation of the geologic hazards of the inner California Borderland requires determination of the timing for faulting and mass-movement episodes during the Holocene. Our effort focused on basin slopes and turbidite systems on the basin floors for the area between Santa Barbara and San Diego, California. Dating condensed sections on slopes adjacent to fault zones provides better control on fault history where high-resolution, seismic-reflection data can be used to correlate sediment between the core site and the fault zones. This study reports and interprets 147 radiocarbon dates from 43 U.S. Geological Survey piston cores as well as 11 dates from Ocean Drilling Program Site 1015 on the floor of Santa Monica Basin. One hundred nineteen dates from 39 of the piston cores have not previously been published. Core locations were selected for hazard evaluation, but despite the nonuniform distribution of sample locations, the dates obtained for the late Quaternary deposits are useful for documenting changes in sediment-accumulation rates during the past 30 ka. Cores from basins receiving substantial sediment from rivers, i.e., Santa Monica Basin and the Gulf of Santa Catalina, show a decrease in sediment supply during the middle Holocene, but during the late Holocene after sea level had reached the current highstand condition, rates then increased partly in response to an increase in El Ni??o-Southern Oscillation events during the past 3.5 ka. ?? 2009 The Geological Society of America.

Special Paper of the Geological Society of America↗

USGS1948

Tests and researches on building stones

In 1941, the "Association Francaise de Normalisation" (French Association of Standardization) decided to create a Commission for the purpose of writing out a standard for building stones. When this Commission met under the chairmanship of Mr. Pol Abraham, Architect, they realized how far behind was our precise technical knowledge of this kind of material, and found the necessity of determining exactly the testing and acceptance methods. They expressed the wish that a careful study of the subject be entrusted to a specialized laboratory. This wish was received by the Ministry of Production, which, after an agreement with the competent organizing committees, entrusted our laboratory with this work. The main object was to establish the difficulty of stone-cutting in order to permit a classification of the stones according to the difficulty met when working them up into shape, to refer the other technical properties of the stones to this property, and finally to see what relation exists between the figures obtained. To this end nine stones were chosen by the Commission, from the hardest to the softest: Hauteville, Comblanchien, spotted Larrys, yellow Massangis rock, Euville rock, fine-grained Lavoux, soft Maximin rock, "banc royal" Mery, and "bane royal" Billy. Each type of stone included three large blocks of 0.75 by 0.75 by 0.5 meters to be dressed by hand by specialized workmen, the difficulty of stone-cutting being determined by the time spent for the dressing and preparation of the surfaces. After this operation, detail of which will be given later, we had an important quantity of material which we were to use to the best advantage. I thought that it would be interesting to determine on each one the maximum of physical, chemical and mechanical tests in order not only to be able to compare them in precise conditions, but also to set up each sample as a standard intended for future studies. In other words, each element in the mentioned list must, in my mind, be able to serve in the future as reference to which we will compare the other kinds of calcareous stones used for building. As all the available material was not used, we were able to keep some as a reserve in case later comparisons would be necessary.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1999

Digital mapping techniques '99 -- workshop proceedings

The Digital Mapping Techniques '99 (DMT'99) workshop was attended by 91 technical experts from 42 agencies, universities, and private companies, including representatives from 30 state geological surveys (see Appendix A ). This workshop was similar in nature to the first two meetings, held in June, 1997, in Lawrence, Kansas (Soller, 1997), and in May, 1998, in Champaign, Illinois (Soller, 1998a). This year's meeting was hosted by the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, from May 19 to 22, 1999, on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison. As in the previous meetings, the objective was to foster informal discussion and exchange of technical information. When, based on discussions at the workshop, an attendee adopts or modifies a newly learned technique, the workshop clearly has met that objective. Evidence of learning and cooperation among participating agencies continued to be a highlight of the DMT workshops (see example in Soller, 1998b, and various papers in this volume). The meeting's general goal was to help move the state geological surveys and the USGS toward development of more cost-effective, flexible, and useful systems for digital mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. Through oral and poster presentations and special discussion sessions, emphasis was given to: 1) methods for creating and publishing map products (here, ìpublishingî includes Web-based release); 2) continued development of the National Geologic Map Database; and 3) progress toward building a standard geologic map data model. Especially to support the interest in map preparation and publication, five representatives of the GIS hardware and software vendor community were invited to participate. The three annual DMT workshops were coordinated by the AASG/USGS Data Capture Working Group, which was formed in August, 1996, to support the Association of American State Geologists and the USGS in their effort to build a National Geologic Map Database (see Soller and Berg, this volume, and http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/ngmdbproject/standards/datacapt/datacaptureWG.html ). The Working Group was formed because increased production efficiencies, standardization, and quality of digital map products were needed to help the Database, and the State and Federal geological surveys, provide more high-quality digital maps to the public.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2014

Status and understanding of groundwater quality in the Sierra Nevada Regional study unit, 2008: California GAMA Priority Basin Project

Groundwater quality in the Sierra Nevada Regional (SNR) study unit was investigated as part of the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment Program Priority Basin Project. The study was designed to provide statistically unbiased assessments of the quality of untreated groundwater within the primary aquifer system of the Sierra Nevada. The primary aquifer system for the SNR study unit was delineated by the depth intervals over which wells in the State of California’s database of public drinking-water supply wells are open or screened. Two types of assessments were made: (1) a status assessment that described the current quality of the groundwater resource, and (2) an evaluation of relations between groundwater quality and potential explanatory factors that represent characteristics of the primary aquifer system. The assessments characterize untreated groundwater quality, rather than the quality of treated drinking water delivered to consumers by water distributors. The status assessment was based on water-quality data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey from 83 wells in the SNR study unit in 2008 and from 117 wells in 3 small study units within the SNR study unit in 2006–07 and on water-quality data compiled in the State’s database for 1,066 wells sampled in 2006–08. To provide some context for the results, water-quality data were converted to relative-concentrations (RCs), which are the sample concentrations divided by the concentrations of Federal or California regulatory and non-regulatory benchmarks for drinking-water quality. RCs for inorganic constituents (major ions, trace elements, nutrients, and radioactive constituents) were classified as “high” (RC > 1.0, indicating that concentration is above the benchmark), “moderate” (1.0 ≥ RC > 0.5), or “low” (RC ≤ 0.5). For organic constituents (volatile organic compounds and pesticides) and special-interest constituents (perchlorate and N -nitrosodimethylamine [NDMA]), the boundary between moderate and low RCs was set at 0.1. All benchmarks used for organic constituents were health-based, whereas health-based and aesthetic-based benchmarks were used for inorganic constituents. The primary metric used for quantifying regional-scale groundwater quality was “aquifer-scale proportion.” Aquifer-scale proportions were calculated as the areal percentages of the primary aquifer system having high, moderate, and low RCs for a given constituent or class of constituents. The SNR study unit area was classified into four aquifer lithologic types—granitic rocks, metamorphic rocks, sedimentary deposits, and volcanic rocks—and aquifer-scale proportions were calculated on an area-weighted basis for each of the four aquifer lithologies and for the study unit as a whole (aggregated system). The results of the status assessment indicated that inorganic constituents were present at high and moderate RCs in greater proportions in the SNR study unit aggregated primary aquifer system than were organic constituents and that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the four aquifer lithologies. One or more inorganic constituents with health-based benchmarks were present at high RCs in 16 percent of the aggregated primary aquifer system and at moderate RCs in 21 percent. Arsenic (9.7 percent), uranium (2.9 percent), boron (2.0 percent), fluoride (1.8 percent), and nitrate (1.4 percent) were the constituents most commonly present at high RCs. For inorganic constituents with aesthetic-based benchmarks, 18 percent of the aggregated primary aquifer system had high RCs of one or more constituent, and 6.8 percent had moderate RCs. Iron (15.8 percent), manganese (15.1 percent), and total dissolved solids (1.3 percent) were the constituents most commonly present at high RCs. Organic constituents were not detected in 72 percent of the primary aquifer system. One or more organic constituents had high RCs in 0.1 percent of the primary aquifer system, moderate RCs in 3.0 percent, and low RCs in 25 percent. Proportions of the four lithologic primary aquifer systems with high or moderate concentrations of organic constituents were not significantly different. Three organic constituents had area-weighted detection frequencies greater than 10 percent in the primary aquifer system as a whole or at least one of the four lithologic primary aquifer systems: the gasoline oxygenate methyl tert -butyl ether, the trihalomethane chloroform, and the herbicide simazine. The special-interest constituent perchlorate was detected at high RCs in 0.01 percent of the primary aquifer system and at moderate RCs in 1.0 percent, and detection frequencies could be accounted for by the distribution of perchlorate under natural conditions. Statistical tests were used to evaluate relations between constituent concentrations and potential explanatory factors descriptive of land use, geography, depth, geochemical conditions, and groundwater age. Higher concentrations of trace elements, radioactive constituents, and constituents with aesthetic-based benchmarks generally were associated with anoxic conditions, higher pH, and location within a particular compositional band in the Sierra Nevada batholith corresponding to the southwestern part of the study unit. High concentrations of organic constituents generally were associated with greater proportions of urban land use. No significant relations were observed between the concentrations of organic constituents and measures of well depth or groundwater age, perhaps because of the high proportions of springs and modern groundwater in the dataset.

California↗

USGS2016

U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2015 annual report

This is the eighth annual report highlighting U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) science and decision-support activities conducted for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI). The activities address specific management needs identified by WLCI partner agencies. In 2015, USGS scientists continued 24 WLCI projects in 5 categories: (1) acquiring and analyzing resource-condition data to form a foundation for understanding and monitoring landscape conditions and projecting changes; (2) using new technologies to improve the scope and accuracy of landscape-scale monitoring and assessments, and applying them to monitor indicators of ecosystem conditions and the effectiveness of on-the-ground habitat projects; (3) conducting research to elucidate the mechanisms that drive wildlife and habitat responses to changing land uses; (4) managing and making accessible the large number of databases, maps, and other products being developed; and (5) coordinating efforts among WLCI partners, helping them to use USGS-developed decision-support tools, and integrating WLCI outcomes with future habitat enhancement and research projects. Of the 24 projects, 21 were ongoing, including those that entered new phases or more in-depth lines of inquiry, 2 were new, and 1 was completed. A highlight of 2015 was the WLCI science conference sponsored by the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service in coordination with the Wyoming chapter of The Wildlife Society. Of 260 participants, 41 were USGS professionals representing 13 USGS science centers, field offices, and Cooperative Wildlife Research Units. Major themes of USGS presentations included using new technologies for developing more efficient research protocols for modeling and monitoring natural resources, researching effects of energy development and other land uses on wildlife species and habitats of concern, and modeling species distributions, population trends, habitat use, and effects of land-use changes. There was also a special session on the effectiveness of Wyoming’s Sage-Grouse Executive Order. Combined, USGS presentations provided WLCI partners with a wealth of information and conservation tools. The project completed in 2015 yielded an index of important agricultural lands in the WLCI region. The index improves upon existing measures of agricultural productivity and provides planners and managers with additional values to consider when making decisions about land use and conservation actions. The two new projects include an analysis of satellite imagery to quantify sagebrush productivity and mortality, and an evaluation of how groundwater and small streams interact in the upper Green River Basin. Initiated in response to concern among WLCI partners that large areas of sagebrush appear to have died recently, the sagebrush study objectives are to assess effects of these mortality events on overall sagebrush ecosystem productivity, evaluate the feasibility of using satellite imagery to detect patterns in sagebrush mortality over time, and identify factors driving these mortality events. The groundwater-streamflow interaction study is being conducted by hydrologists and fish ecologists to better understand how groundwater-streamflow interactions are affected by energy-resource development and how native fish communities are affected by these factors. Expected outcomes of both new projects will provide WLCI partners with additional information and decision-support tools. Highlights of ongoing science foundation activities included simulations of nine alternative build-out scenarios for oil and gas development and an associated online fact sheet that explains how the simulations were conducted, with an applied example for the Atlantic Rim. Also completed in 2015 was an update of the USGS online inventory of mineral resources data, and publication of a USGS uranium resource survey for the WLCI region. Combined, the outcomes of this work provide decisionmakers and managers with important baseline information for existing and (or) future planning and monitoring efforts. Terrestrial monitoring activities in 2015 emphasized the use of satellite data in combination with other technologies and field data to monitor, assess, and (or) forecast distribution patterns and (or) trends in sagebrush ecosystems, seasonal and migration stopover habitats used by mule deer and elk, and semi-arid aspen woodlands. Several professional papers detailing new monitoring models and results have been published. Combined, this and related work will help managers understand distribution patterns and trends among priority habitats, identify areas in need of restoration or conservation, and monitor the effectiveness of habitat-management actions. Aquatic monitoring activities entailed not only the new groundwater-streamflow interaction study already mentioned, but also continued monitoring with streamgages paired with nearby wells in the Green River Basin to assess groundwater effects on streamflow and surface water temperatures. A map that portrays groundwater levels and general direction of flow in the Green River Basin was published as well . Overall, outcomes of USGS hydrological research and monitoring will inform WLCI partners about water resources in the WLCI region and help to explain fish-community responses to energy-resource development. In 2015, USGS terrestrial wildlife ecologists continued to make crucial strides towards better understanding wildlife species responses to energy-resource development and other land-use changes. This body of research includes six taxa that require or heavily depend on sagebrush habitats: sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits, 3 songbird species, and mule deer. Native fish communities are also being evaluated. Approaches include modeling and mapping wildlife species distributions, abundances, and trends; using satellite and other technologies to track wildlife seasonal movements; conducting successive phases of research that build on the knowledge gained through prior phases to reveal the specific factors or thresholds that drive population- or individual-level responses to changes; and conducting population viability analyses. Additionally, wildlife habitat association models for pygmy rabbit and sage-grouse were combined with the oil and gas build-out scenarios to project species responses to alternative energy development scenarios. Outcomes of the wildlife response research are helping decisionmakers and managers identify specific factors that contribute to species population trends, the potential for spatial overlap between important wildlife habitats and proposed energy-resource development, locations of priority habitats for restoration and conservation, and more. Data and WLCI Web site management highlights of 2015 included not only ongoing software upgrades, but also an update of the datasets displayed in two of the online products developed for the WLCI effort: (1) a map of 15,532 oil and natural gas well pad scars and other features associated with oil and gas extraction, and (2) a map of oil and gas, oil shale, uranium, and solar energy production, both for southwestern Wyoming. In addition, a map viewer was developed for a previously published map of coal and wind production in relation to sage-grouse distribution and core management areas in southwestern Wyoming. Combined, these maps place valuable decision-support tools in the hands of WLCI partners. The USGS coordination efforts on behalf of the WLCI in 2015 included significant work on planning and executing the WLCI science conference. They also included ongoing efforts to support Local Project Development Teams and the WLCI Coordination Team (CT) with developing conservation priorities and strategies, identifying priority areas for future conservation actions, supporting the evaluation and ranking of conservation projects, and evaluating the ways in which proposed habitat projects relate to WLCI priorities. In 2015, the USGS also assisted the WLCI CT with updating the WLCI Conservation Action Plan.

Wyoming↗

USGS2002

Occurrence of antibiotics in water from fish hatcheries

The recent discovery of pharmaceuticals in streams across the United States (Kolpin and others, 2002) has raised the visibility and need for monitoring of antibiotics in the environment. Possible sources of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals in streams may include fish hatcheries. This fact sheet presents the results from a preliminary study of fish hatcheries across the United States for the occurrence and concentration of antibiotics present in fish hatchery water. The study examines both sufonamides and tetracyclines. Sulfonamides are synthetic compounds, and tetracyclines are naturally occurring compounds. The use of antibiotics added to specially formulated feed is a common practice in fish hatcheries to treat and prevent bacterial infections in large fish populations. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved antibiotics are oxytetracycline-HCI, sulfamerazine, and a combination drug containing ormetoprim and sulfadiamethoxine (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2003). During January 2001–June 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL), Lawrence, Kansas, cooperatively collected water samples from 13 fish hatcheries across the United States (fig. 1) with the assistance of hatchery operators. A method for the analysis of antibiotics was developed and used to identify and quantify these compounds in fish hatchery water (Lindsey and others, 2001). This study was completed to determine if trace levels of antibiotics [approximately 1 microgram per liter (μg/L) or 1 part per billion or greater occurred] in which water associated with fish hatcheries, which are a potential source of these compounds in surface water.

Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon↗

USGS2000

Digital mapping techniques '00, workshop proceedings - May 17-20, 2000, Lexington, Kentucky

Introduction: The Digital Mapping Techniques '00 (DMT'00) workshop was attended by 99 technical experts from 42 agencies, universities, and private companies, including representatives from 28 state geological surveys (see Appendix A). This workshop was similar in nature to the first three meetings, held in June, 1997, in Lawrence, Kansas (Soller, 1997), in May, 1998, in Champaign, Illinois (Soller, 1998a), and in May, 1999, in Madison, Wisconsin (Soller, 1999). This year's meeting was hosted by the Kentucky Geological Survey, from May 17 to 20, 2000, on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. As in the previous meetings, the objective was to foster informal discussion and exchange of technical information. When, based on discussions at the workshop, an attendee adopts or modifies a newly learned technique, the workshop clearly has met that objective. Evidence of learning and cooperation among participating agencies continued to be a highlight of the DMT workshops (see example in Soller, 1998b, and various papers in this volume). The meeting's general goal was to help move the state geological surveys and the USGS toward development of more cost-effective, flexible, and useful systems for digital mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. Through oral and poster presentations and special discussion sessions, emphasis was given to: 1) methods for creating and publishing map products (here, 'publishing' includes Web-based release); 2) continued development of the National Geologic Map Database; 3) progress toward building a standard geologic map data model; 4) field data-collection systems; and 5) map citation and authorship guidelines. Four representatives of the GIS hardware and software vendor community were invited to participate. The four annual DMT workshops were coordinated by the AASG/USGS Data Capture Working Group, which was formed in August, 1996, to support the Association of American State Geologists and the USGS in their effort to build a National Geologic Map Database (see Soller and Berg, this volume, and http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/ngmdbproject/standards/datacapt/). The Working Group was formed because increased production efficiencies, standardization, and quality of digital map products were needed to help the Database, and the State and Federal geological surveys, provide more high-quality digital maps to the public.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2014

Groundwater-quality characteristics for the Wyoming Groundwater-Quality Monitoring Network, November 2009 through September 2012

Groundwater samples were collected from 146 shallow (less than or equal to 500 feet deep) wells for the Wyoming Groundwater-Quality Monitoring Network, from November 2009 through September 2012. Groundwater samples were analyzed for physical characteristics, major ions and dissolved solids, trace elements, nutrients and dissolved organic carbon, uranium, stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen, volatile organic compounds, and coliform bacteria. Selected samples also were analyzed for gross alpha radioactivity, gross beta radioactivity, radon, tritium, gasoline range organics, diesel range organics, dissolved hydrocarbon gases (methane, ethene, and ethane), and wastewater compounds. Water-quality measurements and concentrations in some samples exceeded numerous U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards. Physical characteristics and constituents that exceeded EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in some samples were arsenic, selenium, nitrite, nitrate, gross alpha activity, and uranium. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli in some samples exceeded EPA Maximum Contaminant Level Goals. Measurements of pH and turbidity and concentrations of chloride, sulfate, fluoride, dissolved solids, aluminum, iron, and manganese exceeded EPA Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels in some samples. Radon concentrations in some samples exceeded the alternative MCL proposed by the EPA. Molybdenum and boron concentrations in some samples exceeded EPA Health Advisory Levels. Water-quality measurements and concentrations also exceeded numerous Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) groundwater standards. Physical characteristics and constituents that exceeded WDEQ Class I domestic groundwater standards in some samples were measurements of pH and concentrations of chloride, sulfate, dissolved solids, iron, manganese, boron, selenium, nitrite, and nitrate. Measurements of pH and concentrations of chloride, sulfate, dissolved solids, aluminum, iron, manganese, boron, and selenium exceeded WDEQ Class II agriculture groundwater standards in some samples. Measurements of pH and concentrations of sulfate, dissolved solids, aluminum, boron, and selenium exceeded WDEQ Class III livestock groundwater standards in some samples. The concentrations of dissolved solids in two samples exceeded the WDEQ Class IV industry groundwater standard. Measurements of pH and concentrations of dissolved solids, aluminum, iron, manganese, and selenium exceeded WDEQ Class special (A) fish and aquatic life groundwater standards in some samples. Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen measured in water samples were compared to the Global Meteoric Water Line and Local Meteoric Water Lines. Results indicated that recharge to all of the wells was derived from precipitation and that the water has undergone some fractionation, possibly because of evaporation. Concentrations of organic compounds did not exceed any State or Federal water-quality standards. Few volatile organic compounds were detected in samples, whereas gasoline range organics, diesel range organics, and methane were detected most frequently. Concentrations of wastewater compounds did not exceed any State or Federal water-quality standards. The compounds N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), benzophenone, and phenanthrene were detected most frequently. Bacteria samples were collected, processed, incubated, and enumerated in the field or at the U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were detected in some samples.

Wyoming↗

USGS2014

Geologic implications of gas hydrates in the offshore of India: results of the National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 01

The Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 01 (NGHP-01) is designed to study the occurrence of gas hydrate along the passive continental margin of the Indian Peninsula and in the Andaman convergent margin, with special emphasis on understanding the geologic and geochemical controls on the occurrence of gas hydrate in these two diverse settings. The NGHP-01 expedition established the presence of gas hydrates in the Krishna-Godavari and Mahanadi Basins, and the Andaman Sea. The expedition discovered in the Krishna-Godavari Basin one of the thickest gas hydrate accumulations ever documented, in the Andaman Sea one of the thickest and deepest gas hydrate stability zones in the world, and established the existence of a fully developed gas hydrate petroleum system in all three basins. The primary goal of NGHP-01 was to conduct scientific ocean drilling/coring, logging, and analytical activities to assess the geologic occurrence, regional context, and characteristics of gas hydrate deposits along the continental margins of India. This was done in order to meet the long-term goal of exploiting gas hydrate as a potential energy resource in a cost effective and safe manner. During its 113.5-day voyage, the D/V JOIDES Resolution cored and/or drilled 39 holes at 21 sites (1 site in Kerala-Konkan, 15 sites in Krishna-Godavari, 4 sites in Mahanadi, and 1 site in the Andaman deep offshore area), penetrated more than 9250 m of sedimentary section, and recovered nearly 2850 m of core. Twelve holes were logged with logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools and an additional 13 holes were wireline logged. The science team utilized extensive on-board laboratory facilities to examine and prepare preliminary reports on the physical properties, geochemistry, and sedimentology of all the data collected prior to the end of the expedition. Samples were also analyzed in additional post-expedition shore-based studies conducted in leading laboratories around the world. One of the specific objectives of this expedition was to test gas hydrate formation models and constrain model parameters, especially those that account for the formation of concentrated gas hydrate accumulations. The necessary data for characterizing the occurrence of in situ gas hydrate, such as interstitial water chlorinities, core-derived gas chemistry, physical and sedimentological properties, thermal images of the recovered cores, and downhole measured logging data (LWD and/or conventional wireline log data), were obtained from most of the drill sites established during NGHP-01. Almost all of the drill sites yielded evidence for the occurrence of gas hydrate; however, the inferred in situ concentration of gas hydrate varied substantially from site to site. For the most part, the interpretation of downhole logging data, core thermal images, interstitial water analyses, and pressure core images from the sites drilled during NGHP-01 indicate that the occurrence of concentrated gas hydrate is mostly associated with the presence of fractures in the sediments, and in some limited cases, by coarser grained (mostly sand-rich) sediments.

Marine and Petroleum Geology↗