U.S. Geological Survey
WRIR 01-4141
Online version 1.0

Hydrologic Data and a Proposed Water-Quality Monitoring Network for the Kobuk River Basin, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, and Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

By Timothy P. Brabets

Abstract

Located in northwestern Alaska, the Kobuk River drains a watershed of approximately 12,300 square miles. Two national parks are located in the basin: the entire Kobuk Valley National Park and and a portion of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Reconnaissance-type water-quality data collected on the Kobuk River and some of its tributaries indicate that the water is of a calcium to calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate type. To design a representative water-quality monitoring network, a geographical information system (GIS) of the Kobuk River Basin was created. The GIS was used with a statistical technique, cluster analysis, to stratify the Kobuk River Basin into different regions. Potential water-quality monitoring sites were then selected from these regions.

Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Physical Setting
Surface Water
Water Quality
Water-Quality Monitoring Network
Summary and Conclusions
References Cited

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