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At least 1,333 records · Page 74Linked to original sources
USGS2020

Post-fire management-scale trials of bacterial soil amendment MB906 show inconsistent control of invasive annual grasses

Rangeland managers need tools to control invasive annual grasses, particularly following wildfire. We assessed responses of native and invasive/exotic grasses to the MB906 soil amendment containing live cultures of a purportedly weed-suppressive strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens (“WSB”). MB906 was applied alone and in combination with the pre-emergent herbicide imazapic on >3000 ha across three sagebrush-steppe landscapes burned several months prior. Replicate plots of each treatment type were established and plant cover was measured in the following three years. Cover of invasive-annual grasses (“IAG”) was not responsive to MB906 when all IAG species were considered (“IAG-All”). However, MB906 led to a 54% reduction in the IAG's that were previously reported to be controlled by WSB (“IAG-Target”) in the second year following application (IAG-Target = cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum and medusahead, Taeniatherum caput-medusae; IAG-All also includes Vulpia myuros and Bromus arvensis ). MB906 reduced the effectiveness of co-applied imazapic: Imazapic alone reduced IAG-All by 83% and 68% in years 1 and 2, respectively, while imazapic+MB906 reduced IAG-All by 48% and 38% in years 1 and 2, respectively, across all landscapes, and a similar response pattern was observed for IAG-Target. Perennial grass cover was unaffected by the treatments except where it increased 4-fold in response to imazapic applied at a high rate (0.140 kg a.i. ha −1 ) in one of the landscapes. Tank mixing MB906 and herbicide may have lessened the biological activity of the herbicide by altering the pH or mineral content of the spray solution or by direct metabolism of the herbicide by the bacteria. These results do not provide strong support for MB906 as a tool for annual grass control, though they suggest further investigation may be warranted.

Rangeland Ecology and Management↗
USGS2005

Chemical loading into surface water along a hydrological, biogeochemical, and land use gradient: A holistic watershed approach

Identifying the sources and impacts of organic and inorganic contaminants at the watershed scale is a complex challenge because of the multitude of processes occurring in time and space. Investigation of geochemical transformations requires a systematic evaluation of hydrologic, landscape, and anthropogenic factors. The 1160 km 2 Boulder Creek Watershed in the Colorado Front Range encompasses a gradient of geology, ecotypes, climate, and urbanization. Streamflow originates primarily as snowmelt and shows substantial annual variation. Water samples were collected along a 70-km transect during spring-runoff and base-flow conditions, and analyzed for major elements, trace elements, bulk organics, organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs), and pesticides. Major-element and trace-element concentrations were low in the headwaters, increased through the urban corridor, and had a step increase downstream from the first major wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Boron, gadolinium, and lithium were useful inorganic tracers of anthropogenic inputs. Effluent from the WWTP accounted for as much as 75% of the flow in Boulder Creek and was the largest chemical input. Under both hydrological conditions, OWCs and pesticides were detected in Boulder Creek downstream from the WWTP outfall as well as in the headwater region, and loads of anthropogenic-derived contaminants increased as basin population density increased. This report documents a suite of potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals in a reach of stream with native fish populations showing indication of endocrine disruption.

Environmental Science & Technology↗
USGS2004

Changes in streamflow and water quality in selected nontidal sites in the Chesapeake Bay Basin, 1985-2003

Water-quality and streamflow data from 33 sites in nontidal portions of the Chesapeake Bay Basin were analyzed to document annual nutrient and sediment loads and trends for 1985 through 2003 as part of an annual evaluation of water-quality conditions by the Chesapeake Bay Program. As part of this study, different trend tests and methodologies were evaluated for future use in assessment of the effectiveness of management actions in reducing nutrients and sediments to the Chesapeake Bay. Trends in streamflow were tested at multiple time scales (daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual), resulting in only one significant trend (annual flow for Choptank River near Greensboro, Md.). Data summaries for observed concentrations indicate higher ranges in total-nitrogen concentrations in the northern five major river basins in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia compared to the southern five basins in Virginia. Similar comparisons showed no distinct differences for total phosphorus. Flow-weighted concentration is useful in evaluating changes through time for the Susquehanna, Potomac, and James Rivers. Results indicate the Potomac River had the highest flow-weighted concentrations (2.5 milligrams per liter) for total nitrogen, and the Potomac and James Rivers averaged about the same (0.15 milligram per liter) for total-phosphorus concentrations. Flow-weighted concentrations were lowest in the Susquehanna River for phosphorus and sediment because of the trapping efficiency of three large reservoirs upstream from the sampling point. Annual loads were estimated by use of the U.S. Geological Surveys ESTIMATOR model. Annual nutrient and sediment loads in 2003 were the second highest total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and sediment loads for the River Input Monitoring sites since 1990. Trends in concentrations, when adjusted for flow, can be used as an indicator of human activity and management actions. The flow-adjusted trends indicated significant decreasing trends at approximately 55, 75, and 48 percent of the sites for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and sediment, respectively. This suggests management actions are having some effect in reducing nutrients and sediments. Sampling protocols for the river inputs to the bay have targeted high flows. Because this sampling strategy creates the potential for bias in estimated loads and trends, calculations are limited to flow-adjusted loads and trends in this report.

Scientific Investigations Report↗
USGS2018

Flood-inundation maps for Cayuga Inlet, Sixmile Creek, Cascadilla Creek, and Fall Creek at Ithaca, New York

Digital flood-inundation maps for a 2.9-square-mile area of Ithaca, New York, were created in 2015–18 by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the City of Ithaca, New York, and the New York State Department of State. The flood-inundation maps depict estimates of the maximum areal extent and depth of flooding corresponding to selected flood frequencies for Cayuga Inlet, Sixmile Creek, Cascadilla Creek, and Fall Creek and selected water-surface elevations of Cayuga Lake. Flood profiles for the stream reaches were computed by combining a one-dimensional step-backwater model for the stream channels and a two-dimensional model for the overbank areas. The resulting hydraulic model was calibrated by using water-surface profiles from five observed storm events. The model was then used to compute 15 water-surface profiles for 5 flood frequencies (50-, 10-, 2-, 1-, and 0.2-percent annual exceedance probabilities, or 2-, 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year recurrence intervals) and 3 lake levels (representing average conditions, a 2-year-high condition, and a 100-year-high condition). The simulated water-surface profiles were then combined with a digital elevation model (derived from light detection and ranging data having 0.31‑foot vertical accuracy and 3.3-foot horizontal resolution) to delineate the maximum area flooded at each water level. Flood-inundation maps and geographic information system flood-extent polygons and depth grids are available in the data release associated with this report. These maps can provide emergency management personnel and residents with information that is critical for flood-management planning, flood-response activities, and postflood recovery efforts.

New York↗
USGS2000

Mass balance, meteorological, ice motion, surface altitude, runoff, and ice thickness data at Gulkana Glacier, Alaska, 1995 balance year

The 1995 measured winter snow, maximum winter snow, net, and annual balances in the Gulkana Glacier basin were evaluated on the basis of meteorological, hydrological, and glaciological data obtained in the basin. Averaged over the glacier, the measured winter snow balance was 0.94 meter on April 19, 1995, 0.6 standard deviation below the long-term average; the maximum winter snow balance, 0.94 meter, was reached on April 25, 1995; the net balance (from September 18, 1994 to August 29, 1995) was -0.70 meter, 0.76 standard deviation below the long-term average. The annual balance (October 1, 1994, to September 30, 1995) was -0.86 meter. Ice-surface motion and altitude changes measured at three index sites document seasonal ice speed and glacier-thickness changes. Annual stream runoff was 2.05 meters averaged over the basin, approximately equal to the long-term average. The 1976 ice-thickness data are reported from a single site near the highest measurement site (180 meters thick) and from two glacier cross profiles near the mid-glacier (270 meters thick on centerline) and low glacier (150 meters thick on centerline) measurement sites. A new area-altitude distribution determined from 1993 photogrammetry is reported. Area-averaged balances are reported from both the 1967 and 1993 area-altitude distribution so the reader may directly see the effect of the update. Briefly, loss of ablation area between 1967 and 1993 results in a larger weighting being applied to data from the upper glacier site and hence, increases calculated area-averaged balances. The balance increase is of the order of 15 percent for net balance.

Alaska↗
USGS1979

Regional stochastic generation of streamflows using an ARIMA (1,0,1) process and disaggregation

An ARIMA (1,0,1) model was calibrated and used to generate long annual flow sequences at three sites in the Juniata River basin, Pennsylvania. The model preserves the mean, variance, and cross correlations of the observed station data. In addition, it has a desirable blend of both high and low frequency characteristics and therefore is capable of preserving the Hurst coefficient, h. The generated annual flows are disaggregated into monthly sequences using a modification of the Valencia-Schaake model. The low-flow frequency and flow duration characteristics of the generated monthly flows, with length equal to the historical data, compare favorably with the historical data. Once the models were verified, 100-year sequences were generated and analyzed for their low flow characteristics. One-, three- and six- month low-flow frequencies at recurrence intervals greater than 10 years are generally found to be lower than flow computed from the historical flows. A method is proposed for synthesizing flows at ungaged sites. (Kosco-USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1984

Water resources of Ponape, Caroline Islands

Ponape is the third largest island in the western Pacific, with a land area of 129 square miles. The island is volcanic, nearly circular in shape, and covered with lush tropical vegetation. The mountainous interior has the highest peaks in the western Pacific. Annual rainfall at Kolonia and other coastal areas is 191 inches. Inland at higher elevations, the rainfall is considerably higher. The upper Nanpil River basin averages about 340 inches annually. Runoff-to-rainfall ratios for Ponapean streams show that about two thirds of the rain falling on the island runs off. Flow-duration curves show the similarity of the geology, vegetation, and rainfall of the drainage basins and indicate little ground-water contribution to surface runoff. Surface-water quality is excellent as shown by 53 chemical anlyses of water from 19 streams. Water of the Nanpil River, the source of water for the central water system, is especially low in dissolved elements and solids. This report summarizes in one volume all the hydrologic data collected and provides analyses that may be used by planning and public works officials as a basis for making decisions on the development and management of their water resources. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2017

Runoff and water-quality characteristics of three Discovery Farms in North Dakota, 2008–16

Agricultural producers in North Dakota are aware of concerns about degrading water quality, and many of the producers are interested in implementing conservation practices to reduce the export of nutrients from their farms. Producers often implement conservation practices without knowledge of the water quality of the runoff from their farm or if conservation practices they may implement have any effect on water quality. In response to this lack of information, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with North Dakota State University Extension Service and in coordination with an advisory group consisting of State agencies, agricultural producers, and commodity groups, implemented a monitoring study as part of a Discovery Farms program in North Dakota in 2007. Three data-collection sites were established at each of three farms near Underwood, Embden, and Dazey, North Dakota. The purpose of this report is to describe runoff and water-quality characteristics using data collected at the three Discovery Farms during 2008–16. Runoff and water-quality data were used to help describe the implications of agricultural conservation practices on runoff and water-quality patterns. Runoff characteristics of monitoring sites at the three farms were determined by measuring flow volume and precipitation. Runoff at the Underwood farm monitoring sites generally was controlled by precipitation in the area, antecedent soil moisture conditions, and, after 2012, possibly by the diversion ditch constructed by the producer. Most of the annual runoff was in March and April each year during spring snowmelt. Runoff characteristics at the Embden farm are complex because of the mix of surface runoff and flow through two separate drainage tile systems. Annual flow volumes for the drainage tiles sites (sites E2 and E3) were several orders of magnitude greater than measured at the surface water site E1. Site E1 generally only had runoff briefly in March and April during spring snowmelt and during only a few large rain events throughout 2009–16. Flow was somewhat continuous at sites E2 and E3 throughout the year during years of increased precipitation, such as in 2010 and 2011. At Dazey farm, annual flow volumes at the most downstream site D3 for 2010–15 ranged from 88 acre-feet (2012) to 12,060 acre-feet (2010). The largest monthly runoff volumes at D1 (most upstream site; combination of data from site D1a [original site] and site D1b [relocated site]) and D3 were in March and April during spring snowmelt runoff and rain events. At Underwood farm, total ammonia and total phosphorus had the highest concentrations at the most upstream site (U1) and decreased sequentially at sites U2 and U3 downstream. Total ammonia and total phosphorus concentrations at the sites for Underwood farm also generally were higher than measured at sites for the Dazey and Embden farms. At Embden farm, nitrate plus nitrite concentrations were lowest at site E1 (surface-water site) and highest at sites E2 and E3 (drainage tile sites). Nitrate plus nitrite concentrations at sites E2 and E3 also were the highest among all the sites at all three farms. Median total nitrate plus nitrite concentrations for sites E1, E2, and E3 were 0.22, 13, and 10 milligrams per liter as nitrogen, respectively. Nutrient concentrations generally were greater at site D1 (most upstream site) compared to site D3 (most downstream site) at Dazey farm. Higher concentrations at site D1, which is farther upstream and closer to potential sources of nutrients, compared to lower concentrations at site D3, which is farther downstream and receives more runoff, indicates that dilution may be the reason concentrations decrease downstream. Annual loads for chloride at all three Underwood sites were the greatest in 2011 and the least in 2012, which coincided with years of the greatest and least annual flow volume, respectively. Total ammonia had a similar pattern at the three sites. Nitrate plus nitrite loads displayed a different pattern than chloride and total ammonia, indicating possible different sources. Chloride, total ammonia, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment were transported past site U1 mostly in March and the least from July through October. Monthly nitrate plus nitrite loads had a different pattern than the other constituents, indicating other possible sources such as fertilizer application in the surrounding cropland. Annual loads for Embden farm were considerably greater at sites E2 and E3 compared to site E1. Annual yields for all constituents also were substantially greater at sites E2 and E3 compared to site E1, mainly because of a combination of higher flow volumes and small contributing drainage areas at sites E2 and E3 compared to site E1. The greatest annual loads at Dazey farm site D3 for chloride, nitrate plus nitrite, and suspended sediment were in 2010 and 2011, and zero loads were estimated for 2012 because no flow was measured at the site. Mean monthly loads generally were greatest for most constituents in March and April at sites D1 and D3 except for suspended sediment that had the greatest monthly loads in May. To mitigate runoff and water-quality effects of their operations, the producers implemented various agricultural conservation practices before and during the Discovery Farms monitoring. Even though it was difficult to quantify the effects of the agricultural conservation practices implemented at the farms, the data collected from the Discovery Farms program provided a better understanding of some of the variables that affect runoff and water quality.

North Dakota↗
USGS1997

Water-Resources Investigations in Wisconsin

The statewide average precipitation of 33.37 inches for the 1996 water year was 105 percent of the normal annual precipitation of 31.79 inches for water years 1961-90. Average precipitation values ranged from 77 percent of normal at Trempealeau Dam 6 weather station in west central Wisconsin to 151 percent of normal at Oconto 4 W weather station in northeast Wisconsin (State Climatologist Office, Geological and Natural History Survey, written commun., 1997). Runoff was variable for rivers throughout the State ranging from 64 percent in southwest Wisconsin to 212 percent in east central Wisconsin. Runoff was lowest (64 percent of the average annual runoff from 1935-96) for the Platte River near Rockville and highest (212 percent of the average annual runoff from 1949-69, 1988-96) for the South Branch Rock River at Waupun. Departures of runoff in the 1996 water year as a percent of long-term average runoff in the State are shown in Figure 4. EXPLANATION

Wisconsin↗
USGS2004

Hydrologic Effects of the 1988 Galena Fire, Black Hills Area, South Dakota

The Galena Fire burned about 16,788 acres of primarily ponderosa pine forest during July 5-8, 1988, in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. The fire burned primarily within the Grace Coolidge Creek drainage basin and almost entirely within the boundaries of Custer State Park. A U.S. Geological Survey gaging station with streamflow records dating back to 1977 was located along Grace Coolidge Creek within the burned area. About one-half of the gaging station's 26.8-square-mile drainage area was burned. The drainage basin for Bear Gulch, which is tributary to Grace Coolidge Creek, was burned particularly severely, with complete deforestation occurring in nearly the entirety of the area upstream from a gaging station that was installed in 1989. A study to evaluate effects of the Galena Fire on streamflow, geomorphology, and water quality was initiated in 1988. The geomorphologic and water-quality components of the study were completed by 1990 and are summarized in this report. A data-collection network consisting of streamflow- and precipitation-gaging stations was operated through water year 1998 for evaluation of effects on streamflow characteristics, including both annual-yield and peak-flow characteristics, which are the main focus of this report. Moderately burned areas did not experience a substantial increase in the rate of surface erosion; however, severely burned areas underwent surficial erosion nearly twice that of the unburned areas. The sediment production rate of Bear Gulch estimated 8 to 14 months after the fire was 870 ft3/acre (44 tons/acre). Substantial degradation of stream channels within the severely burned headwater areas of Bear Gulch was documented. Farther downstream, channel aggradation resulted from deposition of sediments transported from the headwater areas. The most notable water-quality effect was on concentrations of suspended sediment, which were orders of magnitude higher for Bear Gulch than for the unburned control area. Effects on several other water-quality constituents, such as organic carbon and nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient constituents, probably were influenced by the large concentrations of suspended matter that were documented in initial post-fire, storm-flow events. The first post-fire stormflow produced the highest measured concentrations of specific conductance, nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and sulfate in the burned areas. For most constituents sampled, differences in concentrations between burned and unburned areas were no longer discernible within about 1 year following the Galena Fire. The effects of the Galena Fire on annual-yield characteristics of Grace Coolidge Creek were evaluated primarily from comparisons with long-term streamflow records for Battle Creek, which is hydrogeologically similar and is located immediately to the north. Annual yield for Grace Coolidge Creek increased by about 20 percent as a result of the fire. This estimate was based on relations between annual yield for Grace Coolidge Creek and Battle Creek for pre- and post-burn periods. Many of the post-burn data points are well beyond the range of the pre-burn data, which is a source of uncertainty for this estimate. Substantial increases in peak-flow characteristics for severely burned drainages were visually apparent from numerous post-fire field observations. Various analyses of streamflow data indicated substantial increases in peak-flow response for burned drainage areas; however, quantification of effects was particularly difficult because peak-flow response diminished quickly and returned to a generally pre-burn condition by about 1991. Field observations of vegetation and analysis of remotely sensed data indicated that establishment of grasses and forbs occurred within a similar timeframe. Comparison of pre-fire peak flows to post-1991 peak flows indicates that these grasses and forbs were equally effective in suppressing peak flows

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2006

Simulation of nutrient and sediment concentrations and loads in the Delaware inland bays watershed: Extension of the hydrologic and water-quality model to ungaged segments

Rapid population increases, agriculture, and industrial practices have been identified as important sources of excessive nutrients and sediments in the Delaware Inland Bays watershed. The amount and effect of excessive nutrients and sediments in the Inland Bays watershed have been well documented by the Delaware Geological Survey, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuary Program, the Delaware Center for Inland Bays, the University of Delaware, and other agencies. This documentation and data previously were used to develop a hydrologic and water-quality model of the Delaware Inland Bays watershed to simulate nutrients and sediment concentrations and loads, and to calibrate the model by comparing concentrations and streamflow data at six stations in the watershed over a limited period of time (October 1998 through April 2000). Although the model predictions of nutrient and sediment concentrations for the calibrated segments were fairly accurate, the predictions for the 28 ungaged segments located near tidal areas, where stream data were not available, were above the range of values measured in the area. The cooperative study established in 2000 by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Geological Survey, and the U.S. Geological Survey was extended to evaluate the model predictions in ungaged segments and to ensure that the model, developed as a planning and management tool, could accurately predict nutrient and sediment concentrations within the measured range of values in the area. The evaluation of the predictions was limited to the period of calibration (1999) of the 2003 model. To develop estimates on ungaged watersheds, parameter values from calibrated segments are transferred to the ungaged segments; however, accurate predictions are unlikely where parameter transference is subject to error. The unexpected nutrient and sediment concentrations simulated with the 2003 model were likely the result of inappropriate criteria for the transference of parameter values. From a model-simulation perspective, it is a common practice to transfer parameter values based on the similarity of soils or the similarity of land-use proportions between segments. For the Inland Bays model, the similarity of soils between segments was used as the basis to transfer parameter values. An alternative approach, which is documented in this report, is based on the similarity of the spatial distribution of the land use between segments and the similarity of land-use proportions, as these can be important factors for the transference of parameter values in lumped models. Previous work determined that the difference in the variation of runoff due to various spatial distributions of land use within a watershed can cause substantialloss of accuracy in the model predictions. The incorporation of the spatial distribution of land use to transfer parameter values from calibrated to uncalibrated segments provided more consistent and rational predictions of flow, especially during the summer, and consequently, predictions of lower nutrient concentrations during the same period. For the segments where the similarity of spatial distribution of land use was not clearly established with a calibrated segment, the similarity of the location of the most impervious areas was also used as a criterion for the transference of parameter values. The model predictions from the 28 ungaged segments were verified through comparison with measured in-stream concentrations from local and nearby streams provided by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Model results indicated that the predicted edge-of-stream total suspended solids loads in the Inland Bays watershed were low in comparison to loads reported for the Eastern Shore of Maryland from the Chesapeake Bay watershed model. The flatness of the terrain and the low annual surface runoff are important factors in determining the amount of detached sediment from the land that is delivered to streams. The highest predicted total suspended solids loads were found in the southern part of the watershed, where the values are associated with high total streamflow and a high surface-runoff component, and related to soil and aquifer permeability and land use. Nutrient loads from model segments in the southern part of the Inland Bays watershed were also higher than those measured in the northern part of the basin, due to relatively high runoff and the substantial amount of available organic fertilizer (animal waste) that results in over-application of organic fertilizer to crops. Time series of simulated hourly concentrations indicated a seasonal pattern in the simulated base flow for total nitrogen, with the lowest values occurring during the summer and the highest values during the winter months. Total phosphorus and total-suspended-solids concentrations were less seasonal and were more storm-dependent; in general, base-flow concentrations of total phosphorus and total suspended solids were low. During storm events, the total nitrogen concentrations tended to be diluted and total phosphorus concentrations tended to rise sharply. Nitrogen was transported mainly in the aqueous phase and largely through ground water, whereas phosphorus was strongly associated with sediment, which washes off during rainfall events.

Delaware↗
USGS2016

Streamflow and estimated loads of phosphorus and dissolved and suspended solids from selected tributaries to Lake Ontario, New York, water years 2012–14

This report presents results of the evaluation and interpretation of hydrologic and water-quality data collected as part of a cooperative program between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Streamflow, phosphorus, and solids dissolved and suspended in stream water were the focus of monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey at 10 sites on 9 selected tributaries to Lake Ontario during the period from October 2011 through September 2014. Streamflow yields (flow per unit area) were the highest from the Salmon River Basin due to sustained yields from the Tug Hill aquifer. The Eighteenmile Creek streamflow yields also were high as a result of sustained base flow contributions from a dam just upstream of the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring station at Burt. The lowest streamflow yields were measured in the Honeoye Creek Basin, which reflects a decrease in flow because of withdrawals from Canadice and Hemlock Lakes for the water supply of the City of Rochester. The Eighteenmile Creek and Oak Orchard Creek Basins had relatively high yields due in part to groundwater contributions from the Niagara Escarpment and seasonal releases from the New York State Barge Canal. Annual constituent yields (load per unit area) of suspended solids, phosphorus, orthophosphate, and dissolved solids were computed to assess the relative contributions and allow direct comparison of loads among the monitored basins. High yields of total suspended solids were attributed to agricultural land use in highly erodible soils at all sites. The Genesee River, Irondequoit Creek, and Honeoye Creek had the highest concentrations and largest mean yields of total suspended solids (165 short tons per square mile [t/mi 2 ], 184 t/mi 2 , and 89.7 t/mi 2 , respectively) of the study sites. Samples from Eighteenmile Creek, Oak Orchard Creek at Kenyonville, and Irondequoit Creek had the highest concentrations and largest mean yields of phosphorus (0.27 t/mi 2 , 0.26 t/mi 2 , and 0.20 t/mi 2 , respectively) and orthophosphate (0.17 t/mi 2 , 0.13 t/mi 2 , and 0.04 t/mi 2 , respectively) of the study sites. These results were attributed to a combination of sources, including discharges from wastewater treatment plants, diversions from the New York State Barge Canal, and manure and fertilizers applied to agricultural land. Yields of phosphorus also were high in the Genesee River Basin (0.17 t/mi 2 ) and were presumably associated with nutrient and sediment transport from agricultural land and from streambank erosion. The Salmon and Black Rivers, which drain a substantial amount of forested land and are influenced by large groundwater discharges, had the lowest concentrations and yields of phosphorus and orthophosphate of the study sites. Mean annual yields of dissolved solids were the highest in Irondequoit Creek due to a high percentage of urbanized area in the basin and in Oak Orchard Creek at Kenyonville and in Eighteenmile Creek due to groundwater contributions from the Niagara Escarpment. High yields of dissolved solids of 840 t/mi 2 , 829 t/mi 2 , and 715 t/mi 2 , respectively, from these basins can be attributed to seasonal chloride yields associated with use of road deicing salts. The Niagara Escarpment can produce large amounts of dissolved solids from the dissolution of minerals (a continual process reflected in base flow samples). Groundwater inflows in the Salmon River have very low concentrations of dissolved solids due to minimal bedrock interaction along the Tug Hill Plateau and discharge from the Tug Hill sand and gravel aquifer, which has minimal mineralization.

New York↗
USGS2020

Regional regression equations for estimation of four hydraulic properties of streams at approximate bankfull conditions for different ecoregions in Texas

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, assessed statistical relations between hydraulic properties of streams at approximate bankfull conditions for different ecological regions (ecoregions) in Texas. Data from more than 103,000 records of measured discharge and ancillary hydraulic properties were assembled from summaries of discharge measurements for 424 U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in Texas. The data were subsequently subsetted at each streamgage for a streamgage-specific discharge interval centered on the estimated median annual peak discharge (0.5 annual exceedance probability) obtained from previously published regional regression equations in Texas in conjunction with the streamgage-specific sample median annual peak discharge for the period of record for each streamgage. Discharge measurements at gaged locations representing bankfull conditions (approximated from a discharge interval centered on the estimated median annual peak discharge at a given site) and associated watershed properties were subjected to rigorous statistical analysis. For most discharge measurements (where discharge is symbolically represented as Q ), the following hydraulic properties are available: cross-section area ( A ), water-surface top width ( B ), and reported mean velocity ( V ). Statewide summary statistics were computed by using these four hydraulic properties ( Q , A , B , and V ) and the following five watershed properties: (1) watershed area (contributing drainage area), (2) a multiple of main-channel slope (1,000 times main-channel slope), (3) mean annual precipitation, (4) drainage density, and (5) sinuosity ratio. From the initial set of 424 streamgages, summary statistics were computed for 372 selected streamgages in Texas and constitute the subsetted measurements dataset described in this report. Eight of the 10 ecoregions in Texas are represented in the statewide summary statistics. The resulting statistical relations, expressed as regression equations, can be used to estimate cross-section area, water-surface top width, discharge, and mean velocity of streams in different Texas ecoregions, at approximate bankfull conditions. In the regression equations, watershed properties were the independent variables for applicable watersheds, and predictions from the equations might be useful for estimating the four hydraulic properties at ungaged or unmonitored locations from selected characteristics measured at both the ungaged locations and gaged locations. Four regression equations to estimate the four hydraulic properties were identified as the preferred equations from this study. The four preferred equations use watershed area, mean annual precipitation, and aggregated ecoregion (treated as a categorical variable) to estimate the hydraulic properties, and justification is provided for this preference. For the four equations, the proportions of variance explained by the regression equations as measured by Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency are about 71 percent for cross-section area, 36 percent for top width, 76 percent for discharge, and 25 percent for mean velocity. Residual standard error (RSEs) of the regression equations are 0.252 log10 square feet for cross-section area, 0.319 log10 feet for top width, 0.247 log10 cubic feet per second for discharge, and 0.190 log10 feet per second for mean velocity, and the corresponding standard deviations of response are 0.465 log10 square feet, 0.397 log10 feet, 0.507 log10 cubic feet per second, and 0.220 log10 feet per second, respectively. The residual standard errors are less than the standard deviations as anticipated but show that the uncertainty reduction (percent change) for cross-section area is about −46 percent, about −20 percent for top width, about −51 percent for discharge, and about −14 percent for mean velocity.

Texas↗
USGS2009

Evaluation of the effects of precipitation on ground-water levels from wells in selected alluvial aquifers in Utah and Arizona, 1936-2005

Increased withdrawals from alluvial aquifers of the southwestern United States during the last half-century have intensified the effects of drought on ground-water levels in valleys where withdrawal for irrigation is greatest. Furthermore, during wet periods, reduced withdrawals coupled with increased natural recharge cause rising ground-water levels. In order to manage water resources more effectively, analysis of ground-water levels under the influence of natural and anthropogenic stresses is useful. This report evaluates the effects of precipitation patterns on ground-water levels in areas of Utah and Arizona that have experienced different amounts of ground-water withdrawal. This includes a comparison of water-level records from basins that are hydrogeologically and climatologically similar but have contrasting levels of ground-water development. Hydrologic data, including records of ground-water levels, basin-wide annual ground-water withdrawals, and precipitation were examined from two basins in Utah (Milford and central Sevier) and three in Arizona (Aravaipa Canyon, Willcox, and Douglas). Most water-level records examined in this study from basins experiencing substantial ground-water development (Milford, Douglas, and Willcox) showed strong trends of declining water levels. Other water-level records, generally from the less-developed basins (central Sevier and Aravaipa Canyon) exhibited trends of increasing water levels. These trends are likely the result of accumulating infiltration of unconsumed irrigation water. Water-level records that had significant trends were detrended by subtraction of a low-order polynomial in an attempt to eliminate the variation in the water-level records that resulted from ground-water withdrawal or the application of water for irrigation. After detrending, water-level residuals were correlated with 2- to 10-year moving averages of annual precipitation from representative stations for the individual basins. The water-level residual time series for each well was matched with the 2- to 10-year moving average of annual precipitation with which it was best correlated and the results were compared across basins and hydrologic settings. Analysis of water-level residuals and moving averages of annual precipitation indicate that ground-water levels in the Utah basins respond more slowly to precipitation patterns than those from the Arizona basins. This is attributed to the dominant mechanism of recharge that most directly influences the respective valley aquifers. Substantial recharge in the Utah basins likely originates as infiltrating snowmelt in the mountain block far from the valley aquifer, whereas mountain-front recharge and streambed infiltration of runoff are the dominant recharge mechanisms operating in the Arizona basins. It was determined that the fraction of water-level variation caused by local precipitation patterns becomes more difficult to resolve with increasing effects of ground-water pumping, especially from incomplete records. As the demand for ground water increases in the southwestern United States, long-term records of ground-water levels have the potential to provide valuable information about the precipitation-driven variation in water levels, which has implications to water management related to water availability.

Arizona, Utah↗
USGS2009

Validation of a Ground-Water Flow Model of the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer Using Water-Level and Water-Use Data for 1998-2005 and Evaluation of Water-Use Scenarios

A ground-water flow model of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas, developed in 2003 to simulate the period of 1918-98, was validated with the addition of water-level and water-use data that extended the observation period to 2005. The original model (2003) was calibrated using water-level observations from 1972, 1982, 1992, and 1998, and water-use data through 1997. The original model subsequently was used to simulate water levels from 1999 to 2049 and showed that simulation of continued pumping at the 1997 water-use rate could not be sustained indefinitely without causing dry cells in the model. After publication of the original ground-water flow model, a total of 3,616 water-level observations from 698 locations measured during the period of 1998 to 2005 became available. Additionally, water-use data were compiled and used for the same period, totaling 290,005 discrete water-use values from 43,440 wells with as many as 39,169 wells pumping in any one year. Total pumping (which is primarily agricultural) for this 8-year period was about 2.3 trillion cubic feet of water and was distributed over approximately 10,340 square miles within the model area. An updated version of the original ground-water flow model was used to simulate the period of 1998-2005 with the additional water-level and water-use data. Water-level observations for 1998-2005 ranged from 74 to 293 feet above National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 across the model area. The maximum water-level residual (observed minus simulated water-level values) for the 3,616 water-level observations was 52 feet, the minimum water-level residual was 60 feet, the average annual root mean squared error was 8.2 feet, and the annual average absolute residual was 6.0 feet. A correlation coefficient value of 0.96 was calculated for the line of best fit for observed to simulated water levels for the combined 1998-2005 dataset, indicating a good fit to the data and an acceptable validation of the model. After the validation process was completed, additional ground-water model simulations were run to evaluate the response of the aquifer with the 2005 water-use rate applied through 2049 (scenario 1) and the 2005 water-use rate increased 2 percent annually until 2049 (scenario 2). Scenario 1 resulted in 779 dry cells (779 square miles) by 2049 and scenario 2 resulted in 2,910 dry cells (2,910 square miles) by 2049. In both scenarios, the dry cells are concentrated in the Grand Prairie area and Cache River area west of Crowleys Ridge. However, scenario 2 resulted in dry cells to the east of Crowleys Ridge as well. A simulation applying the 1997 water-use rate contained in the original ground-water flow model resulted in 401 dry cells (401 square miles) in the Grand Prairie and Cache River areas.

Scientific Investigations Report↗
USGS1978

Water resources of Camas Prairie, south-central Idaho

Ground-water pumpage in Camas Prairie, Idaho, for irrigation and municipal supplies totaled nearly 9,500 acre-feet in 1977. Declines of pressure head in the artesian aquifer have ranged from 3 to 12 feet since 1974 when increased ground-water pumping began. A comparison of water-level measurements made in September 1957 and September 1977 shows declines of more than 30 feet in places in the artesian aquifer. Camas Prairie aquifers are recharged by percolation from streams and by precipitation on the valley floor. Estimated mean annual recharge to the artesian aquifer is 37,000 acre-feet. Vertical recharge from the artesian aquifer to the overlying water-table aquifer is estimated to be 20,000 acre-feet annually. Declines in artesian pressure caused by increased irrigation pumping will result in a reduction of recharge from the artesian aquifer to the water-table aquifer. Yields from irrigation wells in the prairie ranged from 400 to slightly more than 2,000 gallons per minute. Flows in Camas Creek in the 1977 drought year averaged 9,400 acre-feet, compared with 138,000 acre-feet in a normal year. Surface and ground waters sampled in the basin were either a sodium or calcium bicarbonate type water. Dissolved-solids concentrations ranged from 61 to 284 milligrams per liter. (Woodard-USGS)

Idaho↗
USGS1982

Characteristics of suspended sediment in the San Juan River near Bluff, Utah

Fluvial-sediment data were collected for the San Juan River near Bluff beginning in 1914 and terminating in 1980. A double-mass curve showed a change in relationship between annual suspended-sediment discharge and annual stream discharge between the water years 1941-44 and 73. Possible causes for these changes in laboratory procedures, and unusually large runoff that occurred in 1941 and 1972. An unknown or unidentified factor may also be involved. The actual reason for this change in relationship may never be fully understood. Navajo Dam apparently has had no significant effect on fluvial sediment at the sampling site. Mean annual suspended sediment discharge in the San Juan River near Bluff was about 25,410,000 tons ranging from 3,234,000 tons in 1978 to 112,400,000 tons in 1941. The use of annual stream discharge to predict annual suspended-sediment discharge at the site will produce poor results because of size and diversity of the basin and the quality of records available. A positive correlation exists between sand concentration and stream discharge at this site, however, considerable variability is evident. This relationship does not exist when stream discharge exceeds 6,000 cubic feet per second. It is recommended that if collection of suspended-sediment records be resumed in this reach of the river an alternative sampling site should be selected and the use of pumping samplers considered because of the remoteness of the area. (USGS)

Utah↗
USGS1984

Gazetteer of hydrologic characteristics of streams in Massachusetts — Blackstone River basin

The Blackstone River basin encompasses 335 square miles in south-central Massachusetts, including parts of Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester Counties. Drainage areas, using the latest available 1:24,000 scale topographic maps, were computed for the first time for streams draining more than 3 square miles and were recomputed for data-collection sites. Streamflow characteristics, were calculated using a new data base with records through 1980. These characteristics include annual and monthly flow statistics, duration of daily flow values, and the annual 7-day mean low flow at the 2-year and 10-year recurrence intervals. The 7-day, 10-year low-flow values are presented for 31 partial-record sites and the procedures used to determine the hydrologic characteristics of the basin are summarized. Basin characteristics representing 14 commonly used indices to estimate various streamflows are presented for the six gaged streams in the Blackstone River basin. This gazetteer will aid in the planning and siting of water-resources-related activities and will provide a common data base for governmental agencies and the engineering and planning communities.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island↗