USGS Science⌕ Search

SEARCH · USGS Science

Results for “Land”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,603 records · Page 89Linked to original sources
USGS2000

Monthly variability and possible sources of nitrate in ground water beneath mixed agricultural land use, Suwannee and Lafayette Counties, Florida

In an area of mixed agricultural land use in Suwannee and Lafayette Counties of northern Florida, water samples were collected monthly from 14 wells tapping the Upper Floridan aquifer during July 1998 through June 1999 to assess hydrologic and land-use factors affecting the variability in nitrate concentrations in ground water. Unusually high amounts of rainfall in September and October 1998 (43.5 centimeters total for both months) resulted in an increase in water levels in all wells in October 1998. This was followed by unusually low amounts of rainfall during November 1998 through May 1999, when rainfall was 40.7 centimeters below 30-year mean monthly values. The presence of karst features (sinkholes, springs, solution conduits) and the highly permeable sands that overlie the Upper Floridan aquifer provide for rapid movement of water containing elevated nitrate concentrations to the aquifer. Nitrate was the dominant form of nitrogen in ground water collected at all sites and nitrate concentrations ranged from less than 0.02 to 22 milligrams per liter (mg/L), as nitrogen. Water samples from most wells showed substantial monthly or seasonal fluctuations in nitrate concentrations. Generally, water samples from wells with nitrate concentrations higher than 10 mg/L showed the greatest amount of monthly fluctuation. For example, water samples from six of eight wells had monthly nitrate concentrations that varied by at least 5 mg/L during the study period. Water from most wells with lower nitrate concentrations (less than 6 mg/L) also showed large monthly fluctuations. For instance, nitrate concentrations in water from four sites showed monthly variations of more than 50 percent. Large fluctuations in nitrate concentrations likely result from seasonal agricultural practices (fertilizer application and animal waste spreading) at a particular site. For example, an increase in nitrate concentrations observed in water samples from seven sites in February or March 1999 most likely results from application of synthetic fertilizers during the late winter months. Lower nitrate concentrations were detected in water samples from five of eight wells sampled during high-flow conditions for the Suwannee River in March 1998 compared to low-flow conditions in November 1998. Evidence for reduction of nitrate due to denitrification reactions was observed at one site (AC-1), as indicated by elevated concentrations of nitrogen gas and a corresponding increase in nitrogen isotope (d15N-NO3) values with a decrease in nitrate concentrations. Denitrification is unlikely at other sites based on the presence of dissolved oxygen concentrations greater than 2 mg/L in ground water and no observed trend between nitrate concentrations and values d15N-NO3 values. Nitrate was the dominant nitrogen species in most monthly rainfall samples; however, ammonium concentrations were similar or greater than nitrate during November and December 1998. During February through May 1999, both nitrate and ammonium concentrations were substantially higher in monthly rainfall samples collected at the study area compared to mean monthly concentrations at the Bradford Forest site located east of the study area, which is part of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network. Also, higher nitrogen deposition rates in the study area compared to those at Bradford Forest could indicate that substantial amounts of ammonia are volatilized from fertilizers and animal wastes, released to the atmosphere, and incorporated as nitrate and ammonium in rainfall deposited in the middle Suwannee River Basin. Ground-water samples from most sites had d15N-NO3 values that indicated a mixture of inorganic and organic sources of nitrogen, which corresponded to multiple land uses where both synthetic fertilizers and manure are used on fields near these sites. Distinct d15N-NO3 signatures, however, were observed at some sites. For example, water samples from areas of row-crop farming as the dominant land use had d15N-NO3 values less than 4 per mil, indicating an inorganic nitrogen source such as synthetic fertilizer. In contrast, d15N-NO3 values greater than 9 per mil were found in water samples from three sites where manure from dairy and or poultry operations is spread on fields throughout the year.

Florida↗
USGS2003

Surface-water-resources information for the Ho-Chunk Nation lands and vicinity, Wisconsin

The Ho-Chunk Nation is interested in documenting water-quality conditions in streams adjacent to their Reservation lands in Wisconsin and developing management plans to protect these water resources. The Nation uses these waterways for recreation and as a source for food, and therefore, is dedicated to maintaining and restoring their quality. Ho-Chunk lands encompass more than 10,000 acres ranging primarily over 17 counties in Wisconsin. The study areas for this report include streams adjacent to Ho-Chunk Nation residential lands: Potch-Hah-Chee, Sandpillow, Mission, Bluewing, Chakh Hah Chee, Winnebago Heights, Indian Heights, and Ho-Chunk Village. These residential areas, or housing sites, are located along or near the Middle Branch Embarrass, Black, Lemonweir, and Wisconsin Rivers or their tributaries. Water-quality data were compiled and summarized, and basin maps showing land cover and previous sampling sites are presented. Qualitative assessments of factors that could potentially affect water quality were summarized from the literature. Quantitative data were available from several studies (more than 5) for the Potch-Hah-Chee area, few studies (1?5) for the Sandpillow, Mission, Ho-Chunk Village, and Indian Heights areas, and no studies for the Bluewing, Chakh Hah Chee, and Winnebago Heights areas. Data analysis was limited to averaging basic water-quality constituents for the Middle Branch Embarrass River in the Potch-Hah-Chee area. The mainstem Wisconsin and Black Rivers have been extensively studied elsewhere and are not independently re-evaluated here. Qualitative assessments indicate that agricultural activities are the main contributing factor to water quality and fish habitat problems in the studied areas. Index of Biotic Integrity ratings, based on fish data, were available for 5 sites on 3 streams. Hilsenhoff Biotic Index ratings, based on macroinvertebrate data, were available for 21 sites on 4 streams. This information will serve as baseline data and as a guide to ongoing study and management of these waters by the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Wisconsin↗
USGS2003

Simulation of ground-water flow and land subsidence in the Antelope Valley ground-water basin, California

Antelope Valley, California, is a topographically closed basin in the western part of the Mojave Desert, about 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The Antelope Valley ground-water basin is about 940 square miles and is separated from the northern part of Antelope Valley by faults and low-lying hills. Prior to 1972, ground water provided more than 90 percent of the total water supply in the valley; since 1972, it has provided between 50 and 90 percent. Most ground-water pumping in the valley occurs in the Antelope Valley ground-water basin, which includes the rapidly growing cities of Lancaster and Palmdale. Ground-water-level declines of more than 200 feet in some parts of the ground-water basin have resulted in an increase in pumping lifts, reduced well efficiency, and land subsidence of more than 6 feet in some areas. Future urban growth and limits on the supply of imported water may continue to increase reliance on ground water. To better understand the ground-water flow system and to develop a tool to aid in effectively managing the water resources, a numerical model of ground-water flow and land subsidence in the Antelope Valley ground-water basin was developed using old and new geohydrologic information. The ground-water flow system consists of three aquifers: the upper, middle, and lower aquifers. The aquifers, which were identified on the basis of the hydrologic properties, age, and depth of the unconsolidated deposits, consist of gravel, sand, silt, and clay alluvial deposits and clay and silty clay lacustrine deposits. Prior to ground-water development in the valley, recharge was primarily the infiltration of runoff from the surrounding mountains. Ground water flowed from the recharge areas to discharge areas around the playas where it discharged either from the aquifer system as evapotranspiration or from springs. Partial barriers to horizontal ground-water flow, such as faults, have been identified in the ground-water basin. Water-level declines owing to ground-water development have eliminated the natural sources of discharge, and pumping for agricultural and urban uses have become the primary source of discharge from the ground-water system. Infiltration of return flows from agricultural irrigation has become an important source of recharge to the aquifer system. The ground-water flow model of the basin was discretized horizontally into a grid of 43 rows and 60 columns of square cells 1 mile on a side, and vertically into three layers representing the upper, middle, and lower aquifers. Faults that were thought to act as horizontal-flow barriers were simulated in the model. The model was calibrated to simulate steady-state conditions, represented by 1915 water levels and transient-state conditions during 1915-95 using water-level and subsidence data. Initial estimates of the aquifer-system properties and stresses were obtained from a previously published numerical model of the Antelope Valley ground-water basin; estimates also were obtained from recently collected hydrologic data and from results of simulations of ground-water flow and land subsidence models of the Edwards Air Force Base area. Some of these initial estimates were modified during model calibration. Ground-water pumpage for agriculture was estimated on the basis of irrigated crop acreage and crop consumptive-use data. Pumpage for public supply, which is metered, was compiled and entered into a database used for this study. Estimated annual pumpage peaked at 395,000 acre-feet (acre-ft) in 1952 and then declined because of declining agricultural production. Recharge from irrigation-return flows was estimated to be 30 percent of agricultural pumpage; the irrigation-return flows were simulated as recharge to the regional water table 10 years following application at land surface. The annual quantity of natural recharge initially was based on estimates from previous studies. During model calibration, natural recharge was reduced from the initial

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1976

Mapping and measuring land-cover characteristics of New River Basin, Tennessee, using Landsat digital tapes

Land-cover information is needed to select subbasins within the New River basin, Tennessee, for the study of hydrologic processes and also is needed to transfer study results to other sites affected by coal mining. It was believed that data recorded by the first Earth Resources Technology Satellite (Landsat-1) could be processed to yield the needed land-cover information. This study demonstrates that digital computer processing of the spectral information contained in each picture element (pixel) of 1.1 acres (4,500 m2) can produce maps and tables of the areal extent of selected land-cover categories. The distribution of water, rock, agricultural areas, evergreens, bare earth, hardwoods, and uncategorized areas, is portrayed on a map of the entire New River basin (1:62,500 scale) and on 15 quadrangles (1:24,000 scale). Although some categories are a mixture of land-cover types, they portray the predominant component named. Tables quantify the area of each category and indicate that agriculture covers 5 percent of the basin, evergreens cover 7 percent, bare earth covers 6 percent, three categories of hardwoods cover 81 percent, and water, rock, and uncategorized areas each cover less than 1 percent of the basin.

Tennessee↗
USGS1978

Preliminary applications of Landsat images and aerial photography for determining land-use, geologic, and hydrologic characteristics, Yampa River basin, Colorado and Wyoming

Expanded energy- and recreation-related activities in the Yampa River basin, Colorado and Wyoming, have caused a rapid increase in economic development which will result in increased demand and competition for natural resources. In planning for efficient allocation of the basin 's natural resources, Landsat images and small-scale color and color-infrared photographs were used for selected geologic, hydrologic and land-use applications within the Yampa River basin. Applications of Landsat data included: (1) regional land-use classification and mapping, (2) lineament mapping, and (3) areal snow-cover mapping. Results from the Landsat investigations indicated that: (1) Landsat land-use classification maps, at a regional level, compared favorably with areal land-use patterns that were defined from available ground information, (2) lineaments were mapped in sufficient detail using recently developed techniques for interpreting aerial photographs, (3) snow cover generally could be mapped for large areas with the exception of some densely forested areas of the basin and areas having a large percentage of winter-season cloud cover. Aerial photographs were used for estimation of turbidity for eight stream locations in the basin. Spectral reflectance values obtained by digitizing photographs were compared with measured turbidity values. Results showed strong correlations (variances explained of greater than 90 percent) between spectral reflectance obtained from color photographs and measured turbidity values. (Woodard-USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1981

Land application of domestic wastewater in Florida--statewide assessment of impact on ground-water quality

In Florida domestic waste water is being applied to the land for disposal and reuse. State and Federal regulations favor land-application methods over other advanced waste water treatment practices. Despite the increasing use of this alternative technology, little is known about localized effects on groundwater quality. This report documents the extent of land-application practices in Florida and summarizes case study information on some of the more adequately monitored site throughout the State. More than 2,500 sites in Florida are permitted by the Department of Environmental Regulation for applying domestic waste water to the land. The majority (more than 1,700 sites), classified as infiltration ponds, are concentrated in central and southern Florida. More than 560 sites classified as drainfields, and more than 250 sites classified as irrigation sites, are located primarily in central Florida. An estimated 150 million gallons per day of domestic waste water, after required secondary treatment, are applied to Florida soils. Despite the large numbers of sites and the considerable volume of waste water utilized, little is known about potential impact on groundwater quality. At the few sites where observation wells have been drilled and local groundwater quality monitored, no significant deterioration of water quality has been detected. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1983

Effects of specific land uses on nonpoint sources of suspended sediment, nutrients, and herbicides, Pequea Creek basin, Pennsylvania, 1979-80

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cooperated with the U.S. Geological Survey in a study to quantify nonpoint-source loadings from an agricultural area in Pennsylvania. Pequea Creek, a tributary to the Susquehanna River, drains a 154-square mile agricultural area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Previous studies defined the Pequea Creek basin as a contributor of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides from nonpoint sources to the Susquehanna River. The purpose of this intensive watershed investigation was to determine the effects of various land uses on water quality of receiving streams. Streamflow was measured and monthly base-flow samples and water-weighted composite storm samples were analyzed for suspended sediment, nutrients, organic carbon, and triazine herbicides. Constituent loadings were calculated to quantify their discharge from the entire Pequea Creek basin and from four specific subbasins: forest, cornfield, rural residential, and pasture. Soil samples were analyzed for nutrients and selected herbicides, and land use and application data were collected to determine the source of loadings. Precipitation amounts and chemistry were also measured. Precipitation and streamflow were below average for much of the investigation period, May 1979 to December 1980. The annual precipitation for 1980 was 10 inches below normal, with drought conditions the last half of the year. During base flow, the highest concentrations of individual constituents generally observed were: 4.0 milligrams per liter total organic nitrogen and 1.4 milligrams per liter total phosphorus from the downstream pasture site; 24 milligrams per liter total nitrate nitrogen and 3.9 micrograms per liter total atrazine from the cornfield site; and 0.5 micrograms per liter total prometone, and 2.3 micrograms per liter total simazine from the residential site. Nearly all total nitrate nitrogen concentrations from the cornfield site during base flow were about double the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1977) criterion of 10 milligrams per liter. The highest constituent concentrations found in composite storm samples were nearly all in samples from the cornfield site. The highest concentrations found were: 16,000 milligrams per liter suspended sediment, 54 milligrams per liter total organic nitrogen, 41 milligrams per liter total nitrate nitrogen, 19 milligrams per liter total phosphorus, and 200 micrograms per liter total atrazine. The highest concentrations found in composite storm samples for total prometone was 6.4 micrograms per liter at the residential site and for total simazine was 4.8 micrograms per liter at the downstream pasture site. Generally, concentrations of all the constituents, except nitrate, were higher during storms than during base flow at all sites. Total concentrations of the constituents increase during storms predominantly due to increases in suspended concentrations. The highest storm concentrations of most constituents occurred at the cornfield site. Fertilizer and herbicide applications increase the available sources of nutrients and herbicides for transport to the stream. The highest phosphorus, atrazine, and suspended-sediment concentrations at the cornfield site occurred during intense storms soon after application and planting. Constituent yields (tons per square mile) from storms, about evenly distributed throughout the basin, were compared from the other specific land-use sites to the forest site, which represents a relatively undisturbed land use. During storms, yields for suspended sediment, total organic nitrogen, and total phosphorus were highest for the pasture and lowest for the forest site. Total nitrate-nitrogen yields were highest for the cornfield and about the same for the forest and residential sites. Yields of total organic carbon were about the same for the cornfield and residential sites, which were both slightly higher than the forest

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Geologic, hydrologic, and cultural factors in the selection of sites for the land disposal of wastes in Washington

As part of a program to deal with the problems of waste disposal in Washington, the Department of Ecology (WDOE), in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, completed a study designed to provide the geologic, hydrologic, and cultural data needed to evaluate the suitability of State land areas for the disposal of wastes. Data portraying the distribution of factors that could affect the suitability of areas in Washington for waste disposal were presented in a series of 18 maps (overlays). The factors selected include major geologic units; natural hazards from earthquakes, faulting, and volcanoes; climate; locations of major surface-water and groundwater bodies; population density; and land and water uses. Within each factor (map) the data were grouped into class intervals and the intervals for most factors ranked according to their relative suitability/unsuitability for land disposal of wastes following criteria supplied by WDOE. Areas of the State considered completely unsuitable (as determined by WDOE personnel) for waste disposal because of current or proposed land uses were excluded from ranking. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

Hydrologic and geologic factors affecting land subsidence near Eloy, Arizona

At an extensometer site near Eloy, Arizona, 1.09 m of land subsidence caused by groundwater withdrawal were measured by leveling in 1965-83. The extensometer, which partially penetrates the compressible sediments, recorded 0.82 m of compaction during the same period. By use of a one-dimensional model, cumulative daily compaction values were simulated to within an average of 0.0038 m of the actual values. Land subsidence was simulated to within an average of 0.011 m using the same model in conjunction with geohydrologic data of the sediments below the extensometer. A highly compressible clay layer that is 24.38 m thick was partially penetrated by the extensometer. The simulation indicated that the layer was driving compaction and land subsidence linearly with respect to time, despite the presence of other compacting layers. Because of its thickness and compressibility, this layer can be expected to continue to compact after applied vertical stresses have stopped increasing and other layers have stopped compacting. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the compressibility of fine-grained sediments (expressed as specific storage) is one of the factors to which compact is most sensitive. Preconsolidation stress and hydraulic conductivity also affect land subsidence near Eloy, Arizona. (Author 's abstract)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1994

Hydrogeology, herbicides and nutrients in ground water and springs, and relation of water quality to land use and agricultural practices near Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Discharge and water-quality data collected in two adjacent karst-spring basins in Cumberland County, Pa., from May 1990 through April 1991 were used to (1) describe the hydrogeology of the area; (2) determine the concentrations of selected herbicides, herbicide-soil metabolites, and nutrients in water from wells and discharges from springs, (3) determine herbicide and nutrient discharges from springs; and (4) determine the relation of ground-water quality to land use and agricultural practices in the spring basins. The study area is underlain by a regolith-mantled carbonate-rock aquifer system. Agricultural land, forest, and residential land are the principal land uses. Herbicides are applied primarily to cornfields. Cyanazine, atrazine, metolachlor, and alachlor account for about 90 percent of the documented herbicide use on cropland. Daily mean discharge of Alexanders and Mount Rock Springs was 3.8 and 3.7 cubic feet per second, and total discharge was 1,390 and 1,370 cubic feet per second-days. Increases in discharge were related to individual periods of precipitation, but maximum flow rates lagged precipitation periods by 2 to 5 days. The recharge area to each spring is estimated to be 2.8 square miles. Atrazine was the only herbicide in common use that was detected in discharges from springs. Atrazine and the atrazine soil-metabolite deethylatrazine (DEA) were detected in spring discharges for the duration of the study. Changes in atrazine and DEA concentrations in the discharges from springs were minimal, and no flush of herbicides from the springs followed application. Temporal variation in constituent discharges was related mostly to changes in spring flow; the largest daily constituent discharges coincided with periods of increased spring flow during the winter and early spring. Atrazine and DEA discharged from Alexanders Spring and Mount Rock Spring were about 0.5 and 0.6 percent of the estimated annual atrazine use on row crops in their respective recharge areas.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1995

Relation of land use to nitrogen concentration in ground water in the Patuxent River basin, Maryland

A decrease in nitrogen inputs could improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. In order to provide information about nitrogen transport to the bay, the U.S. Geological Survey examined historical land use associated with nonpoint sources of nitrogen and nitrogen concentrations in ground water in the Patuxent River Basin, Maryland; The Patuxent River is a major tributary to the bay. Most nitrogen in ground water was present as nitrate. In the Piedmont Physiographic Province part of the Patuxent River basin, nitrate concentrations in ground water were higher in agricultural areas than in forested and urban areas. Nitrate concentrations were related to land use at well sites because wells yielded water that infiltrated within the same contributing area where the wells are located. Agricultural activities possibly were a source for the transport of large amounts of nitrogen to ground water and probably also to base flow in nearby streams. The high nitrate concentrations were not attributed to sampling bias. In the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province, most nitrate concentrations were low and were unrelated to land use at the well site because the wells were screened in deep, regional aquifers. Ground water in a few shallow wells had high nitrate concentrations, possibly related to nearby agricultural and urban land use. Increased nitrate concentrations in shallow ground water could increase concentrations in stream base flow and eventually could increase concentrations in regional aquifers and ground water that discharges directly to the Chesapeake Bay.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1995

Relation of nitrate concentrations in ground water to well depth, well use, and land use in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, 1970-85

A water-quality data base was developed to permit the investigation of the relation of concentrations of nitrate (as nitrogen) in ground water to well depth, well use, and land use (agricultural, residential, urban nonresidential, and undeveloped) in Franklin Township. Nitrate concentrations in water from 868 wells tended to decrease with depth. A rank-order regression model of nitrate concen- trations and land-use percentages was fitted to data from 98 shallow domestic wells. The model, which explains about 25 percent of the variance in the data, indicated that nitrate concentration increased with the percentage of developed land in a well's buffer zone. Further stratification of the data based on well use (commercial, domestic, or agricultural/irrigation) indicated that elevated nitrate concentrations were more common in water from agricultural/irrigation wells than in water from domestic or commercial wells. Concentrations of nitrate were indicative of human activities in water from about one-third of the wells sampled but exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter in water from only 1 percent of the wells. A sampling strategy in which water from wells of different depths located within areas in each of the four land-use categories is sampled yearly and analyzed for nitrate and other constituents would facilitate determination of the effects of human activities on ground-water quality.

New Jersey↗
USGS1995

Land use and water use in the Antelope Valley, California

Urban land use and water use in the Antelope Valley, California, have increased significantly since development of the valley began in the late 1800's.. Ground water has been a major source of water in this area because of limited local surface-water resources. Ground-water pumpage is reported to have increased from about 29,000 acre-feet in 1919 to about 400,000 acre-feet in the 1950's. Completion of the California Aqueduct to this area in the early 1970's conveyed water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, about 400 miles to the north. Declines in groundwater levels and increased costs of electrical power in the 1970's resulted in a reduction in the quantity of ground water that was pumped annually for irrigation uses. Total annual reported ground-water pumpage decreased to a low of about 53,200 acre-feet in 1983 and increased to about 91,700 acre-feet in 1991 as a result of rapid urban development and the 1987-92 drought. This increased urban development, in combination with several years of drought, renewed concern about a possible return to extensive depletion of ground-water storage and increased land subsidence. Increased water demands are expected to continue as a result of increased urban development. Water-demand forecasts in 1980 for the Antelope Valley indicated that total annual water demand by 2020 was expected to be about 250,000 acre-feet, with agricultural demand being about 65 percent of this total. In 1990, total water demand was projected to be about 175,000 acre-feet by 2010; however, agricultural water demand was expected to account for only 37 percent of the total demand. New and existing land- and water-use data were collected and compiled during 1992-93 to identify present and historical land and water uses. In 1993, preliminary forecasts for total water demand by 2010 ranged from about 127,500 to 329,000 acre-feet. These wide-ranging estimates indicate that forecasts can change with time as factors that affect water demand change and different forecasting methods are used. The forecasts using the MWD_MAIN (Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Municipal and Industrial Needs) water-demand forecasting system yielded the largest estimates of water demand. These forecasts were based on projections of population growth and other socioeconomic variables. Initial forecasts using the MWD_MAIN forecasting system commonly are considered "interim" or preliminary. Available historical and future socioeconomic data required for the forecasting system are limited for this area. Decisions on local water-resources demand management may be made by members of the Antelope Valley Water Group and other interested parties based on this report, other studies, their best judgement, and cumulative knowledge of local conditions. Potential water-resource management actions in the Antelope Valley include (1) increasing artificial ground-water recharge when excess local runoff (or imported water supplies) are available; (2) implementing water-conservation best-management practices; and (3) optimizing ground-water pumpage throughout the basin.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1996

Variations in land use and nonpoint-source contamination on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, west-central North Dakota, 1990-93

The effects of land-use activities on the water quality of five streams on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation were evaluated. The five basinsevaluated were East Fork Shell Creek, Deepwater Creek, Bear Den Creek, Moccasin Creek, and Squaw Creek. East Fork Shell Creek and DeepwaterCreek Basins are located east of Lake Sakakawea and Bear Den Creek, Moccasin Creek, and Squaw Creek Basins are located west of the lake. Land-use data for the five selected basins on and adjacent to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation were obtained for 1990-92. Discharge measurements were made and water-quality samples were collected at stations and sites on each of the five streams during October 1991 through September 1993. Analysis of land-use data indicated that prairie was the largest land-use category in the study area. More prairie acreage was found in the basins located west of Lake Sakakawea than in the basins located east of the lake. Wheat was the predominant crop in the study area. More wheat acreage was found in the basins located east of Lake Sakakawea than in the basins located west of the lake. Discharge data for the five selected streams indicated that all of thestreams were ephemeral and had many days of no flow during the study period. High flows were usually the result of spring runoff or intense storms over the basins. East Fork Shell Creek and Deepwater Creek with larger basins and flatter stream slopes had high flows characterized by rapidly rising flows and gradually receding flows. In contrast, Bear DenCreek, Moccasin Creek, and Squaw Creek with smaller basins and steeper stream slopes had high flows characterized by rapidly rising flows and receding flows of shorter duration. Analysis of water-quality samples indicated concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and total organic carbon varied throughout the study area. Nitrogen concentrations were larger in the streams located east of LakeSakakawea than in the streams located west of the lake. The largest nitrogen concentrations in all of the streams occurred during the nongrowing periods.Phosphorus (orthophosphate and total phosphorus)concentrations were larger in the streams located east of Lake Sakakawea than in the streams located west of the lake. The larger orthophosphateconcentrations in the eastern streams may be indicative of insecticide application in the eastern streams' basins. Total organic carbon concentrations were fairly consistent in all five streams. Water-quality samples were analyzed for the pesticides atrazine, carbofuran, cyanazine, and 2,4-D by using immunoassay testing. Pesticide concentrations above the minimum reporting levels were more prevalent insamples from streams located east of Lake Sakakawea than in the streams located west of the lake. The eastern streams drain areas where herbicides were applied to crops. Fecal-bacteria concentrations were larger in the streams located west of Lake Sakakawea, where prairie is more dominant, than in the streams located east of the lake. The larger concentrations and loads were associated with intense storm events and the presence of livestock.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1997

Ground-water age dating and other tools used to assess land-use effects on water quality

A relatively new method for age dating recent ground water along with other investigative tools improve our understanding of land-use effects on the water quality in a surficial aquifer and adjacent streams in the Red River of the North Basin: Ground water commonly takes more than 20 years to reach depths in the surficial aquifer where it is withdrawn for use. Water withdrawn from most drinking-water wells was recharged through land areas greater than 1 mile upgradient. Because of these long travel times and distances, land-management practices on the land and aquifer-protection strategies may take as much as 50 years to produce measurable improvement in water quality. The amount of fertilizer and some herbicides used to enhance crop growth in this study area can be related to the distribution and trends of nitrate and herbicides found in the surficial aquifer.

Red River of the North Basin↗
USGS2000

Effects of land use and hydrogeology on the water quality of alluvial aquifers in eastern Iowa and southern Minnesota, 1997

Ground-water samples were collected from monitoring wells at 31 agricultural and 30 urban sites in the Eastern Iowa Basins study unit during June–August 1997 to evaluate the effects of land use and hydrogeology on the water quality of alluvial aquifers. Ground-water samples were analyzed for common ions, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon, tritium, radon-222, pesticides and pesticide metabolites, volatile organic compounds, and environmental isotopes. Calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate were the dominant ions in most samples and were likely derived from solution of carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite) present in alluvial detrital deposits. Chloride and nitrate were dominant anions in samples from several wells. Sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly higher in samples from urban areas, where roads are more numerous and road salts may be more frequently applied, than in agricultural areas. Nitrate was detected in 94 percent of samples from agricultural areas and 77 percent of samples from urban areas. Nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in agricultural areas than in urban areas and exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum ontaminant level for drinking water (10 milligrams per liter as N) in 39 percent of samples from agricultural areas. Nitrate concentrations in samples from urban areas did not exceed the maximum contaminant level. Greater use of fertilizers in agricultural areas most likely contributes to higher nitrate concentrations in samples from those areas. Tritium-based ages indicate ground water was most likely recharged after the 1950’s at all but one sampling site. Agricultural and urban land-use areas have remained relatively stable in the study area since the 1950’s; therefore, the effects of current land use should be reflected in ground water sampled during this study. Radon-222 was detected in all samples and exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s previously proposed maximum contaminant level for drinking water (300 picocuries per liter) in 71 percent of samples. Pesticides were detected in 84 percent of samples from agricultural areas and 70 percent from urban areas. Atrazine and metolachlor were the most frequently detected pesticides in samples from agricultural areas; atrazine and prometon were the most frequently detected pesticides in samples from urban areas. None of the pesticide oncentrations exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels or lifetime health advisories for drinking water. Pesticide metabolites were detected in 94 percent of samples from agricultural areas and 53 percent from urban areas. Metolachlor ethane sulfonic acid and deethylatrazine were the most frequently detected metabolites in samples from agricultural areas; metolachlor ethane sulfonic acid and alachlor ethane sulfonic acid were the most frequently detected metabolites in samples from urban areas. Total metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in samples from agricultural areas than in samples from urban areas. Total pesticide concentrations (parent compounds) tended to be higher in samples from agricultural areas; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Metabolites constituted the major portion of the total residue concentration in the alluvial aquifer. Volatile organic compounds were detected in 40 percent of samples from urban areas and 10 percent from agricultural areas. Methyl tertbutyl ether was the most commonly detected volatile organic compound and was present in 23 percent of samples from urban areas. Elevated concentrations (greater than 30 micrograms per liter) of methyl tert-butyl ether and BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) in two samples from urban areas suggest the possible presence of point-source gasoline leaks or spills. Factors other than land use may contribute to observed differences in water quality between and within agricultural and urban areas. Nitrate, atrazine, deethylatrazine, and deisopropylatrazine concentrations were significantly higher in shallow wells with sample intervals nearer the water table and in wells with thinner cumulative clay thickness above the sample intervals. These relations suggest that longer flow paths allow for greater residence time and increase opportunities for sorption, degradation, and dispersion, which may contribute to decreases in nutrient and pesticide concentrations with depth. Nitrogen speciation was influenced by redox conditions. Nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in ground water with dissolved-oxygen concentrations in excess of 0.5 milligram per liter. Ammonia concentrations were higher in ground water with dissolved-oxygen concentrations of 0.5 milligram per liter or less; however, this relation was not statistically significant. The amount of available organic matter may limit denitrification rates. Elevated nitrate concentrations (greater than 2.0 mg/L) were significantly related to lower dissolved organic carbon concentrations in water samples from both agricultural and urban areas. A similar relation between nitrate concentrations (in water) and organic carbon concentrations (in aquifer material) also was observed but was not statistically significant.

Iowa, Minnesota↗
USGS1966

Hydrology of Cornfield Wash area and effects of land-treatment practices, Sandoval County, New Mexico, 1951-60

The collection of runoff and sediment data was the primary objective of the 10-year (1951-60) study in the Cornfield Wash basin, which has an area of 21.3 square miles. However, reconnaissance investigations also were made of (1) precipitation; (2) the effects of reservoirs on runoff, erosion, and sediment yield; (3) the effects of range pitting on runoff, sediment, and vegetation yields; and (4) the effects of wire sediment barriers on sediment accumulations. Precipitation averaged 6.07 inches for the warm season (May 1 through October 31). From 1951 to 1955 much of the precipitation came in short torrential downpours. Since 1955, precipitation usually has been of lower intensity, resulting in a low runoff-precipitation ratio. The total composite inflow to the 19 reservoirs in the Cornfield Wash basin--12 constructed in 1950 and 7 constructed from 1953 to 1956--was 5,720 acre-feet. The reservoirs permanently retained 1,370 acre-feet of water, 43 percent of which was apparently lost by evaporation. The average seasonal runoff (1951-59) from the ephemeral streams of the Cornfield Wash basin and nearby watersheds can be expressed, with a high coefficient of correlation, by the equation: runoff = 29.4 (area) 0.82 acre-feet. This relation suggests that there is a good correlation between the size of the drainage basin and the basin characteristics that most influence travel time of runoff. Comparisons of readily measurable basin characteristics that influence travel time indicate: 1. Land slope is proportional to (area) .0.035; 2. Length of longest watercourse is proportional to (area) 0.52; 3. Distance along the longest watercourse from gaging station to a point opposite the center of drainage basin is proportional to (area)0.52; and 4. Equivalent channel slope is proportional to (area)- 0.027. Except for land slope, the coefficients of correlation for each of the basin characteristics-area relations were relatively high. The correlation between seasonal runoff (1951-60) from the small watersheds of the Cornfield Wash basin and the size of the drainage basin was improved after correcting for the influence of land slope. The original total storage capacity of the 19 reservoirs was reduced from 845 to 455 acre-feet as a result of the impoundment of 390 acre-feet of sediment. Backwater from the reservoirs influenced the deposition of an additional 20 acre-feet of sediment. The average annual accretion of sediment (1951-60) in the reservoirs of the Cornfield Wash basin can be expressed by the equation: sediment - 0.0119 (seasonal runoff) 1.3 (incised channel density) 0.71. By removing seasonal runoff as a variable, the average annual sediment accretion is proportional to (area) 1.19 (incised channel density) 1.3. Conservation and rehabilitation of damaged land were successful in some instances and only partly successful in others. The reservoirs are effective in inducing sediment accretion upstream; also, they stop the advance of abrupt headcuts below the reservoirs, but only as long as the spillage is not great and the spillway stays intact. In addition, the reservoirs are effective in reducing flood peaks. A longer period of study is necessary to define adequately the effectiveness of the wire sediment barriers. The data collected on range-pitting effects were not complete enough to. define the magnitude of the changes, if any, in runoff, sediment, and vegetation yields.

New Mexico↗
USGS2017

Forest harvest patterns on private lands in the Cascade Mountains, Washington, USA

Forests in Washington State generate substantial economic revenue from commercial timber harvesting on private lands. To investigate the rates, causes, and spatial and temporal patterns of forest harvest on private tracts throughout the Cascade Mountains, we relied on a new generation of annual land-use/land-cover (LULC) products created from the application of the Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) algorithm to Landsat satellite imagery collected from 1985 to 2014. We calculated metrics of landscape pattern using patches of intact and harvested forest in each annual layer to identify changes throughout the time series. Patch dynamics revealed four distinct eras of logging trends that align with prevailing regulations and economic conditions. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the biophysical and anthropogenic factors that influence fine-scale selection of harvest stands in each time period. Results show that private lands forest cover became significantly reduced and more fragmented from 1985 to 2014. Variables linked to parameters of site conditions, location, climate, and vegetation greenness consistently distinguished harvest selection for each distinct era. This study demonstrates the utility of annual LULC data for investigating the underlying factors that influence land cover change.

Washington↗