Results for “Environmental Technology” — Page 79

USGS1978

Effects of coal mine subsidence in the western Powder River basin, Wyoming

Analyses of the surface effects of past underground coal mining in the western Powder River Basin suggest that underground mining of strippable coal deposits will damage the environment more over long periods of time than will modern surface mining, provided proper restoration procedures are followed after surface mining. Subsidence depressions and pits are a continuing hazard to the environment and to man's activities 5-20 km north of Sheridan, Wyo., above mines that were abandoned 25-80 years ago where the overburden is weak and is less than about 60 m thick. In addition, fires commonly start by spontaneous combustion when water and air enter the abandoned mine workings via subsidence cracks and pits. The fires can then spread to unmined coal as they create more cavities, more subsidence, and more cracks and pits through which air can circulate. In modern surface mining operations the total land surface underlain by minable coal is removed to expose the coal. The coal is removed, the overburden and topsoil are replaced, and the land regraded and revegetated. The land, although disturbed, can be more easily restored and put back into use than land underlain by abandoned underground mine workings in areas where the overburden is less than about 60 m thick. The resource recovery of modern surface mining also is much greater than that of underground mining procedures. Although present-day underground mining technology is advanced as compared to that of 25-80 years ago, subsidence resulting from mining of thick coal beds beneath overburden less than about 60 m thick by underground methods can cause greater damage to surface drainage, ground water, and vegetation than can properly designed surface mining operations. This report briefly discusses the geology and surface and underground effects of former large-scale underground mining in a 50 km2 area north of Sheridan, Wyo. and describes some environmental consequences and problems caused by mining.

Wyoming↗

USGS2018

Current research in land, water, and agroecosystems: ASABE journals 2017 year in review

This article highlights current research into land and water resources, agroecosystems, and agricultural production systems published by the Natural Resources and Environmental Systems (NRES) community of ASABE journals (Transactions of the ASABE and Applied Engineering in Agriculture) in 2017. This article reviews the context, scope, and key results of the published articles and perhaps more importantly recommends areas for increased research attention. Experimental and modeling advances were described in hydrology, agroecosystems, climate-change effects, soil erosion, irrigation, drainage, forest resources, livestock systems, natural treatment systems, international water issues, and water quality topic areas. Three special collections were published (International Watershed Technology, Crop Modeling to Optimize Water Use, and Advances in Drainage). Other focal areas included 14 articles relating to livestock waste management, 13 concerning irrigated agricultural systems, 8 addressing climate change effects on land and water resources, and 16 on various aspects of soil erosion measurement and modeling. Building on the articles reviewed from 2017 and toward a vision of future agroecosystems research, the NRES community of ASABE journals strives to grow its role in making new knowledge accessible to sustain agricultural and natural systems in a changing world. In this vane, recommendations for future research direction are discussed with an emphasis on increased application of remote sensing data to agroecosystems research, improved assessment of agroecosystem resiliency and vulnerability to land and climate change, development of integrated models of agroecosystem services, meeting stubborn water management challenges in agricultural production systems, and focusing on publishing fully reproducible model results.

Transactions of the ASABE↗

USGS1996

Joint US Geological Survey, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission workshop on research related to low-level radioactive waste disposal, May 4-6, 1993, National Center, Reston, Virginia; Proceedings

This report contains papers presented at the "Joint U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Technical Workshop on Research Related to Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLW) Disposal" that was held at the USGS National Center Auditorium, Reston, Virginia, May 4-6, 1993. The objective of the workshop was to provide a forum for exchange of information, ideas, and technology in the geosciences dealing with LLW disposal. This workshop was the first joint activity under the Memorandum of Understanding between the USGS and NRC's Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research signed in April 1992. Participants included invited speakers from the USGS, NRC technical contractors (U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories and universities) and NRC staff for presentation of research study results related to LLW disposal. Also in attendance were scientists from the DOE, DOE National Laboratories, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, State developmental and regulatory agencies involved in LLW disposal facility siting and licensing, Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL), private industry, Agricultural Research Service, universities, USGS and NRC.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1999

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

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

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1999

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

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

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1999

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

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

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS2003

Handbook of groundwater remediation using permeable reactive barriers: Applications to radionuclides, trace metals, and nutrients

Over the last century and a half, groundwaters have become contaminated by a growing number of organic and inorganic substances ranging from petroleum-derived hydrocarbons to radioactive compounds, to cancer-causing hexavalent chromium. The importance of uncontaminated groundwater for agriculture, human consumption, and the environmental health of ecosystems is paramount to the health and productivity of industrial society. Water scientists and managers are focused on developing cost-effective methods to reverse this trend. Several methodologies have been developed, however few are as cost-effective as the use of readily available materials, such as iron and organic compost, for absorbing and isolating contaminants within the matrix of a permeable barrier. The Handbook of Groundwater Remediation using Permeable Reactive Barriers presents readers with this latest technology and developments within four main sections: 1. Innovations in Design, Construction, and Evaluation of PRBs 2. Development of Reactive Materials 3. Evaluations of Chemical and Biological Processes 4. Case Studies of Permeable Reactive Barrier Installations The Handbook is one of the first references specifically on this topic. It is an excellent fit for graduate students entering this emerging field as well as professionals conducting research or implementing this technology.

Book↗

USGS2025

The 3D Elevation Program—Supporting Vermont's economy

Introduction The geographic information system (GIS) community in Vermont has a long history of interdisciplinary and cooperative projects that have facilitated the leveraging of geospatial technology on myriad data acquisitions across the State. High-resolution elevation data are proving to be a resource of great economic value in dealing with many important issues in Vermont. Vermont attained statewide coverage of quality level 2 coverage of topographic light detection and ranging (lidar) data in 2019. Having access to elevation data that are exponentially more accurate than what was previously available is enabling GIS professionals to better support and empower decision makers in economically important efforts such as environmental protection, public safety, watershed management and water quality, geology, transportation planning, forest and wildlife management, local planning, and flood plain management. In addition, developing a consistent and seamless statewide topographic framework supplants the traditionally time consuming and costly approach of extensive field data collection by requiring less time and money, therefore adding economic benefits. Critical applications that meet the State’s management needs depend on lidar data that provide a highly detailed three-dimensional (3D) model of the Earth’s surface and aboveground features. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in partnership with Federal, State, Tribal, U.S. territorial, and local agencies to acquire consistent lidar coverage at quality level 2 or better to meet the many needs of the Nation and Vermont. The status of available and in-progress 3DEP baseline lidar data in Vermont is shown in figure 1. 3DEP baseline lidar data include quality level 2 or better, 1-meter or better digital elevation models, and lidar point clouds, and must meet the Lidar Base Specification version 1.2 ( https://www.usgs.gov/3dep/lidarspec ) or newer requirements. The National Enhanced Elevation Assessment identified user requirements and conservatively estimated that availability of lidar data would result in at least $1.64 million in new benefits annually to the State. The top eight Vermont business uses for 3D elevation data, which are based on the estimated annual conservative benefits of 3DEP, are shown in table 2.

Vermont↗

USGS2015

The challenges of remote monitoring of wetlands

Wetlands are highly productive and support a wide variety of ecosystem goods and services. Various forms of global change impose compelling needs for timely and reliable information on the status of wetlands worldwide, but several characteristics of wetlands make them challenging to monitor remotely: they lack a single, unifying land-cover feature; they tend to be highly dynamic and their energy signatures are constantly changing; and steep environmental gradients in and around wetlands produce narrow ecotones that often are below the resolving capacity of remote sensors. These challenges and needs set the context for a special issue focused on wetland remote sensing. Contributed papers responded to one of three overarching questions aimed at improving remote, large-area monitoring of wetlands: (1) What approaches and data products are being developed specifically to support regional to global long-term monitoring of wetland landscapes? (2) What are the promising new technologies and sensor/multisensor approaches for more accurate and consistent detection of wetlands? (3) Are there studies that demonstrate how remote long-term monitoring of wetland landscapes can reveal changes that correspond with changes in land cover and land use and/or changes in climate?

Remote Sensing↗

USGS1999

Organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides

The insecticidal properties of organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate compounds were first discovered in the 1930s, and the compounds were developed for pesticide use in the 1940s. They have been used increasingly since the 1970s when environmentally persistent organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT and dieldrin, were banned for use in the United States. Organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides are generally short-lived in the environment (usually lasting only days to months instead of years) and, generally, chemical breakdown is accelerated as temperatures or pH or both increase.

Information and Technology Report↗

USGS2013

Spatial Relation Predicates in Topographic Feature Semantics

Topographic data are designed and widely used for base maps of diverse applications, yet the power of these information sources largely relies on the interpretive skills of map readers and relational database expert users once the data are in map or geographic information system (GIS) form. Advances in geospatial semantic technology offer data model alternatives for explicating concepts and articulating complex data queries and statements. To understand and enrich the vocabulary of topographic feature properties for semantic technology, English language spatial relation predicates were analyzed in three standard topographic feature glossaries. The analytical approach drew from disciplinary concepts in geography, linguistics, and information science. Five major classes of spatial relation predicates were identified from the analysis; representations for most of these are not widely available. The classes are: part-whole (which are commonly modeled throughout semantic and linked-data networks), geometric, processes, human intention, and spatial prepositions. These are commonly found in the ‘real world’ and support the environmental science basis for digital topographical mapping. The spatial relation concepts are based on sets of relation terms presented in this chapter, though these lists are not prescriptive or exhaustive. The results of this study make explicit the concepts forming a broad set of spatial relation expressions, which in turn form the basis for expanding the range of possible queries for topographical data analysis and mapping.

Book chapter↗

USGS2015

Water use in Georgia by county for 2010 and water-use trends, 1985–2010

Water use and water withdrawals and returns in 2010 are estimated for each major river basin, principal aquifer, water-planning region, and county in Georgia using data obtained from various Federal and State agencies and local sources. Offstream water use in 2010 is estimated for the categories of public supply, domestic, commercial, industrial, mining, irrigation, livestock, aquaculture, and thermoelectric power. Water-use trends for 1985 to 2010 are also shown. The period between 2007 and 2010 was a challenging time economically and climatologically in Georgia. During that period, the United States was in the midst of a major recession, resulting in decreases in the manufacturing and construction industries and large increases in unemployment. During 2007, 2008, and the latter half of 2010, precipitation in Georgia was substantially below the 30-year norm. According to the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, nearly 9.7 million people lived in Georgia. The water for about 85 percent of that population was provided by public water suppliers. Estimated total water withdrawals from ground-water and surface-water sources were about 4,670 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) in 2010, about a 15-percent reduction from 2005 (5,471 Mgal/d). In 2010, thermoelectric-power facilities (2,046 Mgal/d) and public-supply uses (1,121 Mgal/d) accounted for 68 percent of all water withdrawn in Georgia. Surface-water withdrawals were greatest for thermoelectric-power generation (2,043 Mgal/d), whereas irrigation used the largest amount of groundwater (599 Mgal/d). Surface water provided 78 percent of the 1,121 Mgal/day withdrawn for public supply in 2010. Typically, counties in northern Georgia withdraw a larger percentage of water from surface water than groundwater sources; whereas, counties in the southern part of the State withdraw more water from groundwater sources. Historically, water withdrawals in Georgia were highest in 1980 (6,725 Mgal/d). By 1990, water use had decreased by 20 percent to 5,353 Mgal/d, but increased to 6,487 Mgal/d in 2000. By 2005, water use had decreased to an estimated 5,471 Mgal/d, and declined further to 4,670 Mgal/d in 2010—a 30-percent decrease since 1980. This decline was evident across all water-use categories, but was greatest for surface-water withdrawals by thermoelectric-power facilities. The estimated total water use per capita in 1985 (total withdrawals for all categories divided by total population) was about 850 gallons per day (gal/d), steadily decreasing to about 798 gal/d in 2000, and decreasing further to 460 gal/d in 2010. Although water use declined among all use categories during that 10-year period, most of the decline in per capita water use was caused by the large decrease in water used for thermoelectric-power generation. Throughout 1985–2010 water withdrawn for thermoelectric-power generation has constituted the largest volume of offstream water use in Georgia. Total withdrawals for thermoelectric-power generation declined about 37 percent between 2000 and 2010, mostly due to the decommissioning of power plants in the State. Also during this period, several power plants were shut down and re-tooled to use natural gas-powered generators; thus, water withdrawals for cooling were substantially reduced. The decline in water withdrawals and use between 2005 and 2010 can probably be attributed to several factors working together during this period: (1) water conservation laws and policies along with advances in water-conservation technology; (2) the onset of a major recession in 2007; and (3) below average rainfall in 2007, 2008, and the latter half of 2010. Because of these factors, water withdrawn by public suppliers decreased by 4.8 percent (despite a nearly 11-percent increase in population served) and per capita use decreased by 19 percent between 2005 and 2010. About 2,225 Mgal/d of water was returned to Georgia streams and lakes in 2010 under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program administered by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. This amount is about 48 percent of the total water withdrawn from all sources in 2010. Water returns declined 39 percent between 1995 and 2010, mirroring the decline in water withdrawals during that period. In addition, land applications of treated wastewater increased steadily between 1995 and 2010.

Georgia↗

USGS1982

Data management system for USGS/USEPA urban hydrology studies program

A data management system was developed to store, update, and retrieve data collected in urban stormwater studies jointly conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 11 cities in the United States. The data management system is used to retrieve and combine data from USGS data files for use in rainfall, runoff, and water-quality models and for data computations such as storm loads. The system is based on the data management aspect of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and was used to create all the data files in the data base. SAS is used for storage and retrieval of basin physiography, land-use, and environmental practices inventory data. Also, storm-event water-quality characteristics are stored in the data base. The advantages of using SAS to create and manage a data base are many with a few being that it is simple, easy to use, contains a comprehensive statistical package, and can be used to modify files very easily. Data base system development has progressed rapidly during the last two decades and the data managment system concepts used in this study reflect the advancement made in computer technology during this era. Urban stormwater data is, however, just one application for which the system can be used. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS2017

Potential concerns with analytical Methods Used for the detection of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans from archived DNA of amphibian swab samples, Oregon, USA

Taxonomic identification of pollen has historically been accomplished via light microscopy but requires specialized knowledge and reference collections, particularly when identification to lower taxonomic levels is necessary. Recently, next-generation sequencing technology has been used as a cost-effective alternative for identifying bee-collected pollen; however, this novel approach has not been tested on a spatially or temporally robust number of pollen samples. Here, we compare pollen identification results derived from light microscopy and DNA sequencing techniques with samples collected from honey bee colonies embedded within a gradient of intensive agricultural landscapes in the Northern Great Plains throughout the 2010–2011 growing seasons. We demonstrate that at all taxonomic levels, DNA sequencing was able to discern a greater number of taxa, and was particularly useful for the identification of infrequently detected species. Importantly, substantial phenological overlap did occur for commonly detected taxa using either technique, suggesting that DNA sequencing is an appropriate, and enhancing, substitutive technique for accurately capturing the breadth of bee-collected species of pollen present across agricultural landscapes. We also show that honey bees located in high and low intensity agricultural settings forage on dissimilar plants, though with overlap of the most abundantly collected pollen taxa. We highlight practical applications of utilizing sequencing technology, including addressing ecological issues surrounding land use, climate change, importance of taxa relative to abundance, and evaluating the impact of conservation program habitat enhancement efforts.

Oregon↗

USGS2025

Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds

Objective Invasive carps continue to spread across the Mississippi River basin, posing significant ecological risk. Identifying technologies to slow their dispersal is critical. The use of sound has been proposed as a method to modify the behavior of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix , offering a nonstructural deterrent strategy. Methods Silver Carp implanted with acoustic transmitters were released into earthen ponds equipped with telemetry arrays. The fish were exposed to a 30-min playback of three underwater sounds (chirp saw, chirp square, and 100-hp boat motor). Movement trajectories were analyzed using a two-state hidden Markov model to estimate the effects of environmental and experimental variables on fish behavior. Results The results of the hidden Markov model supported two behavioral states. State 1 was characterized by longer step lengths (distance between positions) and greater directional persistence in turning angle (change in direction between two intervals), indicative of heighted activity. State 2 was defined by shorter step lengths and less directional persistence, suggesting reduced activity. Silver Carp that were exposed to the chirp square sound had an increased likelihood of entering state 1, whereas the 100-hp boat motor sound promoted transitions to state 2. Conclusions Underwater sounds distinctly influenced the movement of Silver Carp in earthen ponds. The chirp square sound elicited heightened activity levels, demonstrating potential for use in acoustic deterrent applications. However, the response of Silver Carp to these sounds may be influenced by the size of the study environment or the absence of natural drivers of fish behavior, such as food or reproduction. This study contributes to the development of nonstructural, species-specific deterrent systems by identifying sounds that influence the behavior of invasive carps. The application of sound-based methods may play a critical role in integrated pest management strategies for invasive carps, potentially limiting their spread while minimizing effects on native species.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

USGS2020

The Modern Geological Survey; a model for research, innovation, synthjesis: A USGS perspective

Geological Surveys have long filled the role of providing Earth system science data and knowledge. These functions are increasingly complicated by accelerating environmental and societal change. Here we describe the USGS response to these evolving conditions. Underpinning the USGS approach is the recognition that many of the issues facing the U.S. and the world involve the interaction among geologic, hydrologic, and biologic processes, and how these interactions in turn affect society. Therefore, a goal of USGS planning is fostering interdisciplinary science. This focus is occurring in part through implementation of the recommendations of strategic planning teams. The USGS has also put in place groups building a broad information technology infrastructure as well as identifying and disseminating new Earth science research tools. In addition, the USGS has established an analysis and synthesis center that brings together groups of scientists who address interdisciplinary Earth system science issues. The goal is for these building blocks to evolve towards a comprehensive USGS data and knowledge platform; EarthMAP (Earth Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection). We also recognize that the modern geological survey must be a member of a community of geological surveys contributing data to a global database of 3-dimensional biogeophysical observations and interpretations.

Book chapter↗

USGS2013

Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring (BICM) Program Summary Report: Data and Analyses 2006 through 2010

The Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring (BICM) program was implemented under the Louisiana Coastal Area Science and Technology (LCA S&T) office as a component of the System Wide Assessment and Monitoring (SWAMP) program. The BICM project was developed by the State of Louisiana (Coastal Protection Restoration Authority [CPRA], formerly Department of Natural Resources [DNR]) to complement other Louisiana coastal monitoring programs such as the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System-Wetlands (CRMS-Wetlands) and was a collaborative research effort by CPRA, University of New Orleans (UNO), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The goal of the BICM program was to provide long-term data on the barrier islands of Louisiana that could be used to plan, design, evaluate, and maintain current and future barrier-island restoration projects. The BICM program used both historical and newly acquired (2006 to 2010) data to assess and monitor changes in the aerial and subaqueous extent of islands, habitat types, sediment texture and geotechnical properties, environmental processes, and vegetation composition. BICM datasets included aerial still and video photography (multiple time series) for shoreline positions, habitat mapping, and land loss; light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys for topographic elevations; single-beam and swath bathymetry; and sediment grab samples. Products produced using BICM data and analyses included (but were not limited to) storm-impact assessments, rate of shoreline and bathymetric change, shoreline-erosion and accretion maps, high-resolution elevation maps, coastal-shoreline and barrier-island habitat-classification maps, and coastal surficial-sediment characterization maps. Discussions in this report summarize the extensive data-collection efforts and present brief interpretive analyses for four coastal Louisiana geographic regions. In addition, several coastal-wide and topical themes were selected that integrate the data and analyses within a broader coastal context: (1) barrier-shoreline evolution driven by rapid relative sea-level rise (RSLR), (2) hurricane impacts to the Chandeleur Islands and likelihood of island recovery, (3) impact of tropical storms on barrier shorelines, (4) Barataria Bay tidal-inlet management, and (5) habitat changes related to RSLR. The final theme addresses potential future goals of the BICM program, including rotational annual to semi-decadal monitoring, proposed new-data collection, how to incorporate technological advances with previous data-collection and monitoring protocols, and standardizing methods and quality-control assessments for continued coastal monitoring and restoration.

Louisiana↗

USGS2008

Mapping of Florida's coastal and marine resources: Setting priorities workshop

The importance of mapping habitats and bioregions as a means to improve resource management has become increasingly clear. Large areas of the waters surrounding Florida are unmapped or incompletely mapped, possibly hindering proper management and good decisionmaking. Mapping of these ecosystems is among the top priorities identified by the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council in their Annual Science Research Plan. However, lack of prioritization among the coastal and marine areas and lack of coordination of agency efforts impede efficient, cost–effective mapping. A workshop on Mapping of Florida’s Coastal and Marine Resources was sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and Southeastern Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS). The workshop was held at the USGS Florida Integrated Science Center (FISC) in St. Petersburg, FL, on February 7-8, 2007. The workshop was designed to provide State, Federal, university, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the opportunity to discuss their existing data coverage and create a prioritization of areas for new mapping data in Florida. Specific goals of the workshop were multifold, including to: provide information to agencies on state-of-the-art technology for collecting data; inform participants of the ongoing mapping programs in waters off Florida; present the mapping needs and priorities of the State and Federal agencies and entities operating in Florida; work with State of Florida agencies to establish an overall priority for areas needing mapping; initiate discussion of a unified classification of habitat and bioregions; discuss and examine the need to standardize terminology and data collection/storage so that data, in particular habitat data, can be shared; identify opportunities for partnering and leveraging mapping efforts among agencies and entities; identify impediments and organizational gaps that hinder collection of data for mapping; seek innovative solutions to the primary obstacles identified; identify the steps needed to move mapping of Florida’s oceans and coasts forward, in preparation for a better coordinated, more cost-effective mapping program to allow State and Federal agencies to make better decisions on coastal-resource issues. Over 90 invited participants representing more than 30 State and Federal agencies, universities, NGOs, and private industries played a large role in the success of this two-day workshop. State of Florida agency participants created a ranked priority order for mapping 13 different regions around Florida. The data needed for each of the 13 priority regions were outlined. A matrix considering State and Federal priorities was created, utilizing input from all agencies. The matrix showed overlapping interests of the entities and will allow for partnering and leveraging of resources. The five most basic mapping needs were determined to be bathymetry, high-vertical resolution coastline for sea-level rise scenarios, shoreline change, subsurface geology, and benthic habitats at sufficient scale. There was a clear convergence on the need to coordinate mapping activities around the state. Suggestions for coordination included: creating a glossary of terms: a standard for specifying agency data-mapping needs; creating a geographic information officer (GIO) position or permanent organizing group to maintain communications established at this workshop and to maintain progress on the issues identified during the workshop. The person or group could develop a website, maintain a project-status matrix, develop a list of contacts, create links to legislative updates and links to funding sources; developing a web portal and one-stop/clearinghouse of data. There was general consensus on the need to adopt a single habitat classification system and a strategy to accommodate existing systems smoothly. Unresolved aspects of the systems warrant that a separate workshop would be needed to work out details. Participants recognized that the State priority list would necessarily be updated periodically. An annual review of priorities would facilitate information exchange, mapping activities updates, and re-allocation of funding among changing priorities. It was recognized that mapping of State waters would take billions of dollars and in light of tightening budgets there was need for processes that could be used to appropriate or leverage monies for mapping and reduce data-collection costs. Fourteen different avenues were explored. There was a clear consensus that the linking of public to private partnerships to support mapping was imperative, and ways to achieve this were discussed.

Florida↗