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At least 1,693 records · Page 94Linked to original sources
USGS2026

Indirect mineral import reliance and provenance

Mineral commodity supply chain analyses rely on international trade data reported by individual countries as quantities of a mineral commodity form imported from (or exported to) a partner. However, export quantities frequently exceed a country’s domestic production, or occur when no production data are reported, suggesting that the trade partner is merely an intermediary in a transshipment. These discrepancies can result in misleading conclusions regarding supply chain vulnerabilities and dependencies. We present a two-stage methodology to reconcile gaps between reported material sources and actual producers. First, we construct trade networks for specific mineral forms, treating production as a type of import to distinguish producing nations from entrepôts. By tracing flows through these networks, we attribute a target country’s imports to original producers via both direct (in a single trade link) and indirect (transferring through intermediaries) pathways. Second, these production-attributed flows are incorporated into multi-stage supply chains to determine the upstream provenance of feedstock for domestic refining and processing. This approach provides a more representative picture of trade reliance. For example, while the United States (U.S.) Geological Survey reports no imports of unwrought antimony metal from Russia in 2022 (U.S. Geological Survey (2025). Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025. 10.3133/mcs2025), our analysis reveals that over 16% of U.S. imports can be traced back to Russian mining through intermediate processing in countries such as China, India, and Vietnam. Additionally, our analysis of the aluminum supply chain shows that while the U.S. is reported as 52% net import reliant on aluminum materials in 2022, it is 100% reliant on foreign bauxite, 7% of which arrived indirectly. This unreported reliance, which is predominantly tied to bauxite mined in Brazil (43%) and Jamaica (28%), highlights our methods ability to capture the supply chain’s dependence on foreign feedstock that may be missing in single-stage trade data.

Mineral Economics↗
USGS2020

Paired air-water annual temperature patterns reveal hydrogeological controls on stream thermal regimes at watershed to continental scales

Despite decades of research into air and stream temperature dynamics, paired air-water annual temperature signals have been underutilized to characterize watershed processes. Annual stream temperature dynamics are useful in classifying fundamental thermal regimes and can enhance process-based interpretation of stream temperature controls, including deep and shallow groundwater discharge, when paired with air signals. In this study, we investigated multi-scale variability in annual paired air-water temperature patterns using sine-wave linear regressions of multi-year daily temperature data from streams of various sizes. A total of 311 sites from two spatially intensive regional datasets (Shenandoah National Park and Olympic Experimental State Forest) and a spatially extensive national dataset spanning the contiguous United States (U.S. Geological Survey gages) were evaluated. We calculated three annual air-water thermal metrics (mean ratio, phase lag, and amplitude ratio) to deduce the influence of groundwater and other watershed processes on stream thermal regimes at multiple spatial scales. Site-specific values of the three annual air-water thermal metrics ranged from 0.69 to 5.29 (mean ratio), −9 to 40 days (phase lag), and 0.29 to 1.12 (amplitude ratio). Regional patterns in the annual thermal metrics revealed persistent yet spatially variable influences of shallow groundwater discharge and high levels of thermal variability within watersheds, indicating the importance of local hydrogeological controls on stream temperature. Furthermore, annual thermal metric patterns from the regional datasets were generally concordant with the national dataset suggesting the utility of these annual thermal metrics for analysis at multiple scales. Analysis of the national dataset showed that previously defined thermal regimes based on water temperature alone could be further refined using air-water metrics and these metrics were related to physiographic watershed characteristics such as contributing area, elevation, and slope. This research demonstrates the importance of spatial scale and heterogeneity for inferring hydrological process in streams and provides guidance for the interpretation of annual air-water temperature metrics that can be efficiently applied to the growing database of multi-year temperature records. Results from this research can aid in the prediction of future thermal habitat suitability for coldwater-adapted species at ecologically and management-relevant spatial scales with readily available data.

Continental United States↗
USGS2014

What predicts support for antler point restrictions?

Although considerable research has focused on satisfaction with recreation experiences, limited work has examined factors related to regulatory support. In 2005, an antler point restriction (APR) regulation was introduced for hunting white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) in Minnesota’s Itasca State Park. Hunter surveys were conducted following the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 seasons. We modeled how (a) satisfaction with the deer seen, (b) type of deer pursued, (c) agency trust, and (d) years of deer-hunting experience, influenced support for the APR, and compared the model over the four survey years. Type of deer pursued and agency trust were the strongest predictors of APR support, followed by satisfaction with deer seen, and years of hunting experience. Hunters who targeted big bucks, had more trust in the agency, and expressed more satisfaction with deer seen in the field, were more supportive of the APR. Hunters who had more deer-hunting experience were less supportive.

Human Dimensions of Wildlife: An International Jou↗
USGS2019

Hydroclimatology of the Mississippi River Basin

Model estimated monthly water balance (WB) components (i.e., potential evapotranspiration, actual evapotranspiration, and runoff [ R ]) for 848 United States (U.S.) Geological Survey 8-digit hydrologic units located in the Mississippi River Basin (MRB) are used to examine the temporal and spatial variability of the MRB WB for water years 1901 through 2014. Results indicate the MRB can be divided into nine subregions with similar temporal variability in R . The WB analyses indicated ~79% of total water-year MRB runoff is generated by four of the nine subregions and most of the R in the basin is derived from surplus ( S ) water during the months of December through May. Furthermore, the analyses showed temporal variability in S is largely controlled by the occurrence of negative atmospheric pressure anomalies over the western U.S. and positive atmospheric pressure anomalies over the eastern U.S. coast. This combination of atmospheric pressure anomalies results in an anomalous flow of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico into the MRB. In the context of paleo-climate reconstructions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index, since about 1900 the MRB has experienced wetter conditions than were experienced during the previous 500 years.

Mississippi River Basin↗
USGS2020

The water-year water balance of the Colorado River Basin

Model‐estimated monthly water balance components (i.e., potential evapotranspiration, actual evapotranspiration, and runoff ( R )) for 146 United States (U.S.) Geological Survey 8‐digit hydrologic units located in the Colorado River Basin (CRB) are used to examine the temporal and spatial variability of the CRB water balance for water years 1901 through 2014 (a water year is the period from October 1 of one year through September 30 of the following year). Results indicate that the CRB can be divided into six subregions with similar temporal variability in monthly R . The water balance analyses indicated that approximately 75% of total water‐year R is generated by just one CRB subregion and that most of the R in the basin is derived from surplus ( S ) water generated during the months of October through April. Furthermore, the analyses show that temporal variability in S is largely controlled by the occurrence of negative atmospheric pressure anomalies over the northwestern conterminous U.S. (CONUS) and positive atmospheric pressure anomalies over the southeastern CONUS. This combination of atmospheric pressure anomalies results in an anomalous flow of moist air from the North Pacific Ocean into the CRB, particularly the Upper CRB. Additionally, the occurrence of extreme dry and wet periods in the CRB appears to be related to variability of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico,↗
USGS1991

The southeastern Illinois earthquake of 10 June 1987: The later aftershocks

The 10 June 1987 southeastern Illinois earthquake (mbLg = 5.2) was the seventh in a series of moderate magnitude (≧ 4.5) MMI VII shocks to occur in the Wabash Valley seismic zone of southeastern Illinois and southwestern Indiana since 1891. Located about 200 km east of St. Louis, Missouri, the shock caused minor damage in the epicentral area, had a contiguous felt area of about 433,000 km2, and had a total felt area over 1 million km2. Within 47 hours after the main shock, a cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and Memphis State University installed a 15-station aftershock monitoring network (later expanded to 21 instruments) that recorded more than 100 aftershocks in the following 4-day period. Results from the 56 aftershocks that were well located indicate a compact, cylindrically shaped aftershock volume about 1.7 km long, 0.8 km wide, and with a vertical distribution between about 9 and 12 km in depth. Composite focal mechanism solutions of the aftershocks suggest that the predominant mode of faulting is reverse slip, but some strike-slip type motion occurred similar to the mechanism for the main shock as determined from teleseismic data. The maximum principal compressive stress (P axes) is oriented easterly to east-southeasterly and is subhorizontal in plunge. These results, combined with historical observations and the recent discovery of earthquake-induced liquefaction features in the area, imply that the seismic potential of the zone may be greater than generally perceived.

Illinois↗
USGS1997

Logistic model of nitrate in streams of the upper-midwestern United States

Nitrate in surface water can have adverse effects on aquatic life and, in drinking-water supplies, can be a risk to human health. As part of a regional study, nitrates as N (NO3-N) was analyzed in water samples collected from streams throughout 10 Midwestern states during synoptic surveys in 1989, 1990, and 1994. Data from the period immediately following crop planting at 124 sites were analyzed during logistic regression to relate discrete categories of NO3-N concentrations to characteristics of the basins upstream from the sites. The NO3-N data were divided into three categories representing probable background concentrations (<3 mg L-1), elevated concentrations (3-10 mg L-1), and concentrations that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level (MCL) for drinking water (>10 mg L-1). Nitrate-N concentrations were positively correlated to streamflow, upstream area planted in corn (Zea mays L.), and upstream N- fertilizers application rates. Elevated NO3-N concentrations were associated with poorly drained soils and were weakly correlated with population density. Nitrate-N and streamflow data collected during 1989 and 1990 were used to calibrate the model, and data collected during 1994 were used for verification. The model correctly estimated NO3-N concentration categories for 79% of the samples in the calibration data set and 60% of the samples in the verification data set. The model was used to indicate where NO3-N concentrations might be elevated or exceed the NO3-N MCL in streams throughout the study area. The potential for elevated NO3-N concentrations was predicted to be greatest for streams in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and western Ohio.

Journal of Environmental Quality↗
USGS1928

Forty-ninth annual report of the Director of the Geological Survey

The appropriations made directly for the work of the Geological Survey for the fiscal year 1928 included 10 items, amounting to $1,807,880. In addition $109,000 was appropriated for printing the reports of the Geological Survey, and $11,000 for miscellaneous printing and binding, and an allotment of $15,763.95 for miscellaneous supplies was made from appropriations for the Interior Department. A detailed statement of the amounts appropriated and expended is given at the end of this report. The balance on August 30, including a budget reserve of $850, was $28,301.48. The total amount of funds made available for disbursement by the Geological Survey, together with State funds directly disbursed for work administered by the Federal officials, was $2,909,170.

Annual Report↗
USGS1929

Fiftieth annual report of the Director of the Geological Survey

The appropriations made directly for the work of the Geological Survey for the fiscal year 1929 included 14 items, amounting to $2,135,609. In addition $120,000 was appropriated for printing and binding for the Geological Survey, and an allotment of $14,765 for miscellaneous supplies was made from appropriations for the Interior Department. A detailed statement of the amounts appropriated and expended is given at the end of this report. The balance on July 31 was $28,165. The total amount of funds made available for disbursement by the Geological Survey, together with State funds directly disbursed for work administered by the Federal officials, was $3,875,332.

Annual Report↗
USGS1930

Fifty-first annual report of the Director of the Geological Survey

The appropriations made directly for the work of the Geological Survey for the fiscal year 1930 included 13 items, amounting to $2,182,671. In addition $150,000 was appropriated for printing and binding for the Geological Survey, and an allotment of $12,960 for miscellaneous supplies was made from appropriations for the Interior Department. A detailed statement of the amounts appropriated and expended is given at the end of the report. The balance on July 31 was $8,149. The total amount of funds made available for disbursement by the Geological Survey, together with State funds directly disbursed for work administered by the Federal officials, was $4,212,294.

Annual Report↗
USGS1931

Fifty-second annual report of the Director of the Geological Survey

The appropriations made directly :for the work of the Geological Survey for the fiscal year 1931 included 17 items, amounting to $2,869,990.85. In addition there was allotted $13,013.75 for miscellaneous supplies from appropriations for the Interior Department. A detailed statement of the amounts appropriated and expended is given at the end of the report. The balance on July 31 was $171,300.31. The total amount of funds made available for disbursement by the Geological Survey, together with State funds directly disbursed for work administered by the Federal officials, was $4,842,151.02.

Annual Report↗
USGS1932

Fifty-third annual report of the Director of the Geological Survey

The appropriations made directly for the work of the Geological Survey for the fiscal year 1932 included 12 items, amounting to $3,141,740. In addition $12,573.23 for miscellaneous supplies was allotted from appropriations for the Interior Department. A detailed statement of the amounts appropriated and expended is given at the end of the report. The balance on July 31 was $206,411.98, of which $150,000 continued available for expenditure in the fiscal year 1933. The total amount of funds made available for disbursement by the Geological Survey, together with State funds directly disbursed for work administered by the Federal officials, was $5,115,087.50.

Annual Report↗
USGS1922

Structure and oil and gas resources of the Osage Reservation, Oklahoma

Responding to the imperative need for increasing to the utmost the petroleum supply of the United States, the Geological Survey, since we entered the war, has largely concentrated its investigations of oil fields in the most promising undeveloped territory, such as Wyoming and the midcontinent-Texas region, and especially in the Osage Reservation in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma↗
USGS2008

Digital atlas of the upper Washita River basin, southwestern Oklahoma

Numerous types of environmental data have been collected in the upper Washita River basin in southwestern Oklahoma. However, to date these data have not been compiled into a format that can be comprehensively queried for the purpose of evaluating the effects of various conservation practices implemented to reduce agricultural runoff and erosion in parts of the upper Washita River basin. This U.S. Geological Survey publication, 'Digital atlas of the upper Washita River basin, southwestern Oklahoma' was created to assist with environmental analysis. This atlas contains 30 spatial data sets that can be used in environmental assessment and decision making for the upper Washita River basin. This digital atlas includes U.S. Geological Survey sampling sites and associated water-quality, biological, water-level, and streamflow data collected from 1903 to 2005. The data were retrieved from the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System database on September 29, 2005. Data sets are from the Geology, Geography, and Water disciplines of the U.S. Geological Survey and cover parts of Beckham, Caddo, Canadian, Comanche, Custer, Dewey, Grady, Kiowa, and Washita Counties in southwestern Oklahoma. A bibliography of past reports from the U.S. Geological Survey and other State and Federal agencies from 1949 to 2004 is included in the atlas. Additionally, reports by Becker (2001), Martin (2002), Fairchild and others (2004), and Miller and Stanley (2005) are provided in electronic format.

Data Series↗
USGS2015

Data from the 2011 International Piping Plover Census

This report provides results from the 2011 International Census of Piping Plovers ( Charadrius melodus ). Distribution and abundance data for wintering and breeding Piping Plovers are summarized in tabular format. An appendix provides census data for every site surveyed in every state, province, and island. The 2011 winter census resulted in the observation of 3,973 Piping Plovers. Expanded coverage outside of the United States led to the discovery of more than 1,000 Piping Plovers wintering in the Bahamas. The breeding census detected 2,771 birds in Atlantic Canada and the Plains, Prairies, and Great Lakes regions of the United States and Canada. Combining the census count with the U.S. Atlantic &ldquo;window census&rdquo; provides a total minimum estimate of 5,723 breeding birds for the species.

Data Series↗
USGS2011

Occurrence, distribution, and concentrations of selected contaminants in streambed- and suspended-sediment samples collected in Bexar County, Texas, 2007-09

High concentrations of sediment-associated contaminants are typically associated with urban areas such as San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County, the seventh most populous city in the United States. U.S. Geological Survey personnel periodically collected surficial streambed-sediment samples during 2007-09 and collected suspended-sediment samples from selected streams after storms during 2008 and 2009. All sediment samples were analyzed for major and trace elements, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Texas↗
USGS2012

Using genetic research to inform imperiled and invasive species management

The long-term viability of species and populations is related to their potential to migrate, reproduce, and adapt to environmental changes. In the southeast United States, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are providing resource managers with genetic information to improve the long-term survival and sustainability of the Nation's aquatic species. Research focused on native and imperiled species can assess the genetic factors influencing their survival and recovery, while work on invasive species can provide information on their proliferation, dispersal, and impacts on native species.

Fact Sheet↗