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USGS1989

Resident research associateships, postdoctoral research awards 1989: opportunities for research at the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior

The scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey are engaged in a wide range of geologic, geophysical, geochemical, hydrologic, and cartographic programs, including the application of computer science to them. These programs offer exciting possibilities for scientific achievement and professional growth to young scientists through participation as Research Associates.

Monograph↗

USGS1998

The US federal framework for research on endocrine disrupters and an analysis of research programs supported during fiscal year 1996

The potential health and ecological effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals has become a high visibility environmental issue. The 1990s have witnessed a growing concern, both on the part of the scientific community and the public, that environmental chemicals may be causing widespread effects in humans and in a variety of fish and wildlife species. This growing concern led the Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) of the National Science and Technology Council to identify the endocrine disruptor issue as a major research initiative in early 1995 and subsequently establish an ad hoc Working Group on Endocrine Disruptors. The objectives of the working group are to 1) develop a planning framework for federal research related to human and ecological health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals; 2) conduct an inventory of ongoing federal research programs; and 3) identify research gaps and develop a coordinated interagency plan to address priority research needs. This communication summarizes the activities of the federal government in defining a common framework for planning an endocrine disruptor research program and in assessing the status of the current effort. After developing the research framework and compiling an inventory of active research projects supported by the federal government in fiscal year 1996, the CENR working group evaluated the current federal effort by comparing the ongoing activities with the research needs identified in the framework. The analysis showed that the federal government supports considerable research on human health effects, ecological effects, and exposure assessment, with a predominance of activity occurring under human health effects. The analysis also indicates that studies on reproductive development and carcinogenesis are more prevalent than studies on neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity, that mammals (mostly laboratory animals) are the main species under study, and that chlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls are the most commonly studied chemical classes. Comparison of the inventory with the research needs should allow identification of underrepresented research areas in need of attention.

Environmental Health Perspectives↗

USGS1993

Water, energy, and biogeochemical budgets investigation at Panola Mountain research watershed, Stockbridge, Georgia; A research plan

The Panola Mountain Research Watershed (PMRW), located in the Panola Mountain State Conservation Park near Stockbridge, Georgia has been selected as a core research watershed under the Water, Energy and Biogeochemical Budgets (WEBB) research initiative of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Global Climate Change Program. This research plan describes ongoing and planned research activities at PMRW from 1984 to 1994. Since 1984, PMRW has been studied as a geochemical process research site under the U.S. Acid Precipitation Thrust Program. Research conducted under this Thrust Program focused on the estimation of dry atmospheric deposition, short-term temporal variability of streamwater chemistry, sulfate adsorption characteristics of the soils, groundwater chemistry, throughfall chemistry, and streamwater quality. The Acid Precipitation Thrust Program continues (1993) to support data collection and a water-quality laboratory. Proposed research to be supported by the WEBB program is organized in 3 interrelated categories: streamflow generation and water-quality evolution, weathering and geochemical evolution, and regulation of soil-water chemistry. Proposed research on streamflow generation and water-quality evolution will focus on subsurface water movement, its influence in streamflow generation, and the associated chemical changes of the water that take place along its flowpath. Proposed research on weathering and geochemical evolution will identify the sources of cations observed in the streamwater at Panola Mountain and quantify the changes in cation source during storms. Proposed research on regulation of soil-water chemistry will focus on the poorly understood processes that regulate soil-water and groundwater chemistry. (USGS)

Georgia↗

USGS2019

US Costal Research Program: Fostering academic research

The US Coastal Research Program (USCRP) was founded in 2016 through a grassroots initiative of scientists, researchers, and practitioners to address nearshore coastal research priorities of greatest relevance to coastal communities and build a skilled US coastal workforce. The USCRP supports academic research to address challenges identified through thematic workshops and pair academic researchers with practitioners to ensure research findings and tools address relevant coastal management challenges. Through these partnerships, the USCRP addresses societally-relevant needs of coastal communities and nurtures the future U.S. coastal workforce. To date, the USCRP has conducted two thematic workshops and funded 13 academic research studies. Herein we provide an overview of the desired characteristics for USCRP’s academic research, summarize accomplishments from studies responding to challenges identified in the 2016 workshop on Dune Management, and provide an overview of ongoing research studies stemming from the 2018 workshop on Storm Processes and Impacts.

Conference Paper↗

USGS2011

Partnership of Environmental Education and Research-A compilation of student research, 1999-2008

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Tennessee Water Science Center and the College of Engineering and Technology at Tennessee State University developed a Partnership in Environmental Education and Research (PEER) to support environmental research at TSU and to expand the environmental research capabilities of the USGS in Tennessee. The PEER program is driven by the research needs to better define the occurrence, fate, and transport of contaminants in groundwater and surface water. Research in the PEER program has primarily focused on the transport and remediation of organic contamination in karst settings. Research conducted through the program has also expanded to a variety of media and settings. Research areas include contaminant occurrence and transport, natural and enhanced bioremediation, geochemical conditions in karst aquifers, mathematical modeling for contaminant transport and degradation, new methods to evaluate groundwater contamination, the resuspension of bacteria from sediment in streams, the use of bioluminescence and chemiluminescence to identify the presence of contaminants, and contaminant remediation in wetlands. The PEER program has increased research and education opportunities for students in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science and has provided students with experience in presenting the results of their research. Students in the program have participated in state, regional, national and international conferences with more than 140 presentations since 1998 and more than 40 student awards. The PEER program also supports TSU outreach activities and efforts to increase minority participation in environmental and earth science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. TSU students and USGS staff participate in the TSU summer programs for elementary and high school students to promote earth sciences. The 2007 summer camps included more than 130 students from 20 different States and Washington DC.

Tennessee↗

USGS2023

U.S. Geological Survey risk research community of practice 2021 workshop report—Workshop on considering equitable engagement in research design

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Risk Research and Applications Community of Practice (Risk CoP) is a bureau-wide forum to share resources and discuss issues relevant to “conducting and applying scientific research in hazards—the dangerous processes or phenomena that may cause damage—to enhance the reduction of risk—the potential for societally relevant losses caused by hazards” (Ludwig and others, 2018). In 2021, this group held a workshop entitled “Considering Equitable Engagement in Research Design” as a part of its annual meeting. This report is a result of the workshop findings and includes additional input from the Risk CoP, other communities of practice, and subject matter experts across the USGS. The resources described in this report are intended to help guide USGS scientists aiming to include equity into their risk research but can apply to all USGS scientists, regardless of their research focus. This report shares key considerations for equitable engagement as identified by workshop participants, a discussion of the spectrum of engagement in equity-related research, and a toolkit that can help USGS scientists consider how to integrate equity into their work. Although this report is not comprehensive, it does seek to fill a gap that exists at the USGS; at the time of writing, there is no guidance on how to integrate equity into research design. The authors of this report believe that this document can serve as a foundation for future equity-related work at the USGS.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2018

Integrating authentic scientific research in a conservation course–based undergraduate research experience

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have been developed to overcome barriers including students in research. However, there are few examples of CUREs that take place in a conservation and natural resource context with students engaging in field research. Here, we highlight the development of a conservation-focused CURE integrated to a research program, research benefits, student self-assessment of learning, and perception of the CURE. With the additional data, researchers were able to refine species distribution models and facilitate management decisions. Most students reported gains in their scientific skills, felt they had engaged in meaningful, real-world research. In student reflections on how this experience helped clarify their professional intentions, many reported being more likely to enroll in graduate programs and seek employment related to science. Also interesting was all students reported being more likely to talk with friends, family, or the public about wildlife conservation issues after participating, indicating that courses like this can have effects beyond the classroom, empowering students to be advocates and translators of science. Field-based, conservation-focused CUREs can create meaningful conservation and natural resource experiences with authentic scientific teaching practices.

Natural Sciences Education↗

USGS2016

The National Wind Erosion Research Network: Building a standardized long-term data resource for aeolian research, modeling and land management

The National Wind Erosion Research Network was established in 2014 as a collaborative effort led by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the United States Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, to address the need for a long-term research program to meet critical challenges in wind erosion research and management in the United States. The Network has three aims: (1) provide data to support understanding of basic aeolian processes across land use types, land cover types, and management practices, (2) support development and application of models to assess wind erosion and dust emission and their impacts on human and environmental systems, and (3) encourage collaboration among the aeolian research community and resource managers for the transfer of wind erosion technologies. The Network currently consists of thirteen intensively instrumented sites providing measurements of aeolian sediment transport rates, meteorological conditions, and soil and vegetation properties that influence wind erosion. Network sites are located across rangelands, croplands, and deserts of the western US. In support of Network activities, http://winderosionnetwork.org was developed as a portal for information about the Network, providing site descriptions, measurement protocols, and data visualization tools to facilitate collaboration with scientists and managers interested in the Network and accessing Network products. The Network provides a mechanism for engaging national and international partners in a wind erosion research program that addresses the need for improved understanding and prediction of aeolian processes across complex and diverse land use types and management practices.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota↗

USGS2006

Plans of the U.S.Geological Survey, water resources division for research, investigations, and data collection in ground water

The Geological Survey has been the foremost agency in the investigation of ground ‐ water resources in the United States beginning about 1910. Most of the basic principles of modern ground ‐ water hydrology were developed in the Survey ' s program of cooperative investigations . Use of ground water in the United States in 1960 was about 17½ percent of all water uses, excluding water power. The use will probably increase, though at a decreasing rate. Although amount of use may level off, the need to know about it will not. While coordinating its activities with those of the Office of Water Data Coordination and the Office of Water Resources Research , the Survey expects to step up its work in all three areas of data collection , investigations , and research . However, there will be changes of emphasis. Collection of raw data will tend to stress key observation points, and more and more observation of temperature and quality, including contaminants. Investigations will be aimed at upgrading reconnaissance coverage to general coverage for most of the Nation. The areal basis will be stream drainage basins and special hydrologic terranes, rather than political units. There will be an increase in the preparation of analog models for representative ground ‐ water systems. In research , the problem‐oriented basis will continue. Stress will be on basic principles that pertain to artificial recharge, and the natural recharge and discharge of ground ‐ water reservoirs; and also on the application of geologic principles on a regional scale. These are critical elements in the management of surface‐ water and ground ‐ water resources conjunctively in river basins.

Groundwater↗

USGS2019

US Costal Research Program: Building a research community to support coastal stakeholders

The U.S. Coastal Research Program (USCRP) was created to develop, coordinate, and enable a National science plan to address growing needs of coastal communities. Researchers from federal agencies, academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations work together to identify priorities that support coastal stakeholders in activities such as emergency response, resource management, planning, and engineering. By fostering existing partnerships and multi-agency collaborations, the USCRP increases the value and impact of these coastal research applications. Through user-driven topical workshops, the USCRP initiates conversation between users and researchers to help ensure that research addresses societal needs along the coastline. By leveraging and expanding federal funding, opportunities are created for coastal science and engineering university programs to advance their research directions, provide graduate student opportunities, and connect their work to National coastal priorities.

Conference Paper↗

USGS1995

Water, energy, and biogeochemical budget research at Sleepers River Research Watershed, Vermont

The U.S. Geological Survey has selected the Sleepers River Research Watershed (Sleepers River) near Danville, Vt., as one of five sites for the investigation of Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Budgets (WEBB). Sleepers River was chosen because it is a well-designed outdoor laboratory with a long history of hydrologic data collection and research, and also because it provides an ideal opportunity for collaboration among the U.S. Geological Survey, other Federal agencies, and universities at the site. The multiple subwatersheds at Sleepers River present a unique opportunity to investigate hydrologic, energy, and biogeochemical processes over a variety of spatial scales. This WEBB study builds on fundamental research on process mechanisms and rates at the plot scale (in this case, a hillslope). Results then are scaled up to interpret the hydrochemical response of first- and higher- order basins. Five research elements make up the Sleepers River WEBB project. Individually, each of the five elements is designed to investigate specific WEBB processes (such as CO2 efflux through a snowpack), address specific WEBB issues (such as scaling and flowpaths), or apply specific WEBB approaches (such as integrated chemical and physical study of a hillslope). The research elements overlap so that many of the processes investigated will be assessed in more than one way, thus allowing independent verification of research results. For example, flowpath information will be derived separately by use of isotopic tracers, conservative chemical solutes, and soil-moisture fluxes. Collectively, the five elements constitute an integrated approach to a comprehensive understanding of WEBB processes needed for the prediction of the effects of global change.

Open-File Report↗

USGS2006

Research plan and preliminary results: A field research site for emerging contaminants in Iowa

Research has recently documented the prevalence of a wide variety of pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants (ECs) in streams across the United States. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been found to be an important source and collection point of ECs to streams as many ECs are incompletely removed during treatment. To investigate the complex in-stream processes (e.g., dilution, sorption, degradation, dispersion, etc.) that can affect ECs following their input from a WWTP and determining if such input is having an effect on the aquatic ecosystem requires the integration of multi-disciplinary efforts at a carefully selected field site. Preliminary work has identified an 8-km reach of Fourmile Creek in central Iowa as an ideal research site to investigate such important research questions pertaining to ECs. Unique aspects of Fourmile Creek included: (1) it single source effluent-dominated stream, (2) background data document the input of a wide variety of ECs from WWTP discharge, (3) small basin size, (4) relatively simple flow system, (5) background data suggest that undefined processes are taking place decreasing the level of select ECs during stream transport, (6) the WWTP uses a treatment technology (activated sludge) typical of many towns in Iowa and the United States (7) a hydrogeologic setting of a low-gradient, small stream (average discharge less than 1.41 m³/s) in glacial drift is typical of many areas in Iowa and across the Midwest, and (8) the existence of a low-head clam approximately 2 km upstream of the WWTP outfall allowing more accurate "above WWTP" and "below WWTP" comparisons in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the WWTP is scheduled to close by 2011 providing a unique opportunity to determine how stream hydrology, water chemistry and aquatic biota react to the removal of the primary source of flow and ECs in this system. This will allow a novel "before" and "after" assessment not previously available in EC research. Research to date at the site has included installation of a streamflow gauging station, dye-tracing tests (to determine water travel times), Lagrangian water-quality sampling at two flow/water temperature regimes, and sampling for ECs in bed sediment. Selected fish have been collected for analysis and identification. In addition, basic fish community and fish health assessment for different seasons and spawning conditions are being analyzed. The research "framework" is unique at Fourmile Creek for investigating the important question of how ECs are transported through the environment and if the presence of such compounds is having a deleterious effect on aquatic ecosystems.

Iowa↗

USGS2026

Hydrogeologic conceptualization of the Arroyos subarea and Northeast Air Force Research Laboratory subarea of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, Antelope Valley, California, 2017–21

Research and testing within the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base in the southwestern Mojave Desert has been conducted since the 1950s. This testing requires large quantities of groundwater for cooling and operations involving hazardous constituents that have entered the groundwater. To better understand the potential movement of contaminants through the groundwater system, the U.S. Geological Survey entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center with the purpose of (1) gaining a more detailed understanding of the hydraulic connection between the unconsolidated basin-fill sediment and the underlying weathered and crystalline bedrock and (2) investigating faults and their potential effect on groundwater flow. This study was specific to the Arroyos subarea and Northeast Air Force Research Laboratory subarea of the Air Force Research Laboratory. The refined hydrogeologic characterization was derived by evaluating surface geologic maps, a regional gravity model, new subsurface geophysical surveys, lithology data from boreholes, and groundwater-level data. Refinement of the hydrogeologic characterization of the study area involved developing a map of basin-fill sediment thickness, estimating the geometry and depth to bedrock, determining the presence of weathered bedrock material, and identifying the location of faults and subsurface structures. The thickness of basin-fill sediment was derived from a regional gravity model. Basin-fill sediment ranges from less than 20 feet (ft) thick to about 150 ft thick and increases substantially toward a deep structural basin in the northwestern part of the study area. The top of bedrock estimated from the new surface geophysical surveys is generally deeper than the top of bedrock from the regional gravity model. These differences in interpreted bedrock tops indicate that there may be a zone of weathered bedrock in the subsurface, overlying crystalline bedrock. Additional subsurface data evaluating the geometry and thickness of weathered bedrock are necessary for a comprehensive evaluation of weathered bedrock in the study area. Previously unmapped extensions of the Leuhman Fault, Spring Fault Zone, and Boron Gate Fault were identified in the new surface geophysical surveys. Evaluation of groundwater flow between bedrock and basin-fill sediment, and the effects of faults on groundwater flow, was done using groundwater-level data from 2020. The groundwater table was in crystalline bedrock throughout most of the Arroyos and Northeast Air Force Research Laboratory subareas, with a few exceptions where it was in basin-fill sediment and weathered bedrock. Basin-fill sediment, and likely weathered bedrock, was partially saturated in parts of the study area where basin-fill sediment was as thick as 150 ft. Weathered bedrock material may be present near the Spring Fault Zone, and if so, was likely saturated in 2020. The groundwater-level data near and within Spring Fault Zone indicate that the Spring Fault Zone acts as a vertical-along-strike conduit for, and as an across-strike impediment to, groundwater flow. In addition, steep groundwater-level gradients in the southeastern part of the study area indicate that a subsurface structure affecting groundwater flow could be related to the Leuhman Fault. Sufficient groundwater-level data were not available to conclusively determine if the Arroyos, Rich, and Boron Gate Faults, and their inferred extensions from the geophysical surveys, affect the movement or direction of groundwater flow.

California↗

USGS1997

Creation, management, and research on lakes and ponds at Patuxent Research Refuge

From 19391966, approximately 450 acres of impoundments were created for recreational and wildlife conservation purposes at Patuxent Research Refuge. Impoundments were of three major designs: impounded ravines, excavated basins, and impounded swamps. Over 50 species of wetland plants were transplanted to impoundments of Patuxent to determine best species for relatively infertile waters. The wood duck was the only waterfowl species commonly observed on the Refuge when the area was established. Waterfowl, including Canada geese, mallards, and black ducks, were introduced and numerous techniques developed to improve nesting and brood habitat. The impoundments also provide migration and wintering habitat to 24 species of waterfowl. Management techniques include drawdowns of water every 35 years in most impoundments to decrease problems from floating plants and to oxidize organic material. Drawdowns are timed to allow sufficient time for waterfowl brood development in the spring, but also allow optimum time for the development of plant species (e. g., red-rooted sedge and smartweed) that grow in moist soil conditions. This procedure has become known as moist-soil management and is now used on many state and federal wildlife refuges throughout the country. Research on the impounded wetlands at Patuxent during the 1950-70s included evaluation of vegetation in regard to water level management, nest box design to reduce use of boxes by starlings, and imprinting of waterfowl to elevated nesting structures to reduce predation on nests, especially from raccoons. During the 1980-90s, new smaller impoundments were constructed to increase the possibilities of conducting research on acid precipitation and to act as tertiary treatment of wastewater coming from the National Wildlife Visitor Center. Lakes and ponds at Patuxent Research Refuge are presently used for multiple purposes including wildlife habitat, flood control, nutrient removal, fire fighting, environmental education, recreation (especially fishing and hunting), and research.

Book chapter↗

USGS1981

Water Resources Research October 1, 1979 - September 30, 1980: Summary statements of research activities by the Water Resources Division

Research in the WRD had its beginnings in the late 1950's when the "core research" line item was added to the Congressional budget. Since this time the Federal program has grown from a "basic sciences" program to one that includes a broad spectrum of basic and applied scientific investigations. Water resources research in WRD includes the study of water in all its phases and uses the basic sciences of mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, geology and engineering to gain a fundamental understanding of the processes that affect the movement of water and its chemical constituents through hydrologic systems. The basic knowledge and methodologies derived from water resources research are applicable not only to the solution of current problems associated with the Nation's water resources, but also to anticipated hydrologic issues.

Report↗

USGS2021

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2020 research abstracts

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves as the research arm of the U.S. Department of the Interior and has established a series of strategic goals that focus its efforts on serving the American people. Within the USGS, the Ecosystems Mission Area is responsible for conducting and sponsoring research that addresses the following thematic objectives under the overarching strategic goal of “Science that Supports Our Resources in Wild and Urban Spaces, and the Landscapes In-Between”: Science supporting a legacy of sustainable fish and wildlife, Social science and human components in land, water, and wildlife conservation, Trusted science supporting hard decisions on at-risk species, Science to battle costly biological threats, Providing science for managing risks and responding to extreme events, Science for preservation and restoration of iconic landscapes, and Science to support adaptation and address impacts of climate and land change. This report provides abstracts of most of the ongoing and recently completed research investigations of the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program. The report is organized by the following major science themes that contribute to the objectives of the USGS: Advanced Technologies Climate Science Decision Science Ecological Flows Ecosystem Services Energy Fish and Wildlife Health and Disease Human Dimensions Invasive Species Landscape Ecology Species and Habitat Management Species of Greatest Conservation Need Threatened and Endangered Species

Circular↗

USGS2022

U.S. Geological Survey Core Research Center: A gateway to subsurface discovery for geoscience research

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates the Core Research Center (CRC) in Denver, Colorado, USA, a public access repository of rock cores from over 9800 wells and drill cuttings from over 53 000 wells, primarily from states in or adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Region. Annually, approximately 1400 visitors use the collection for traditional and innovative research. The CRC has an online, searchable database which includes downloadable core photos, analytical data, and thin-section images. When visitors sample for analyses, the results must be returned to the CRC for public dissemination providing immediate, free access to users while sparing the finite, irreplaceable collection from redundant testing. A representative quantity of every core depth is preserved in perpetuity. Studies on CRC materials, paired with new extraction methods, have unlocked new productive deposits. Materials drilled and curated decades ago remain in high demand while materials receiving little attention today may be crucial for future research. The collection provides immediate, inexpensive access to subsurface materials at a fraction of the cost of new drilling, sparing money, time and environmental impacts.

Geological Society, London, Special Publications↗

USGS2017

U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2016–2017 Research Abstracts

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has several strategic goals that focus its efforts on serving the American people. The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area has responsibility for the following objectives under the strategic goal of “Science to Manage and Sustain Resources for Thriving Economies and Healthy Ecosystems”: Understand, model, and predict change in natural systems Conserve and protect wildlife and fish species and their habitats Reduce or eliminate the threat of invasive species and wildlife disease This report provides abstracts of the majority of ongoing research investigations of the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program and is intended to complement the 2016 Cooperative Research Units Program Year in Review Circular 1424 ( https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1424 ). The report is organized by the following major science themes that contribute to the objectives of the USGS: Advanced Technologies Climate Science Decision Science Ecological Flows Ecosystem Services Endangered Species Conservation, Recovery, and Proactive Strategies Energy Human Dimensions Invasive Species Landscape Ecology Species of Greatest Conservation Need Species Population, Habitat, and Harvest Management Wildlife Health and Disease

Circular↗