For more than 100 years, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has provided
the information needed to manage the Nation's earth resources, to mitigate
geologic hazards, and to understand the environment. In Ohio, the USGS
works cooperatively with local, State, and other Federal agencies, as well
as with universities, to study earth science.
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Water ResourcesMuch of Ohio's social and economic development is determined by the availability of usable water. Surface water is abundant in Ohio's streams and lakes, which include parts of the Ohio River and Lake Erie. In addition, unconsolidated aquifers (sand and gravel deposits) and sedimentary bedrock aquifers (sandstone or dolomite deposits) throughout Ohio provide a source of ground water. However, water quality is a concern. Geologic processes, such as fracturing and mineral concentrations, and human activities, such as agriculture, mining, industry, and urbanization, affect water quality and the health and well-being of the people, the economy, and the environment of Ohio. Point-source contaminants of water can include organic substances from sewage and industrial waste discharges and minerals from mining activities, and nonpoint-source contaminants can include herbicides and fertilizers used in agriculture and lawn care. | |||
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Collection of Water-Quality Data | |||
The USGS has collected and analyzed water-quality data in Ohio since 1946
to support national, State, and local water-resources managers in their
efforts to conserve, protect, and provide safe and usable water for the
public ( fig. 1). Partners in this effort
include the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and other Federal,
State, and local agencies.
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The USGS maintains and operates a monitoring network of ground- and surface-water stations throughout Ohio to collect short- and long-term water-quality data. The data from this monitoring network are made available through computer data bases and as published reports and maps. The USGS also provides "realtime" data as part of its monitoring network. Realtime data allow the USGS and others to have immediate access to timely, up-to-date information on water-quality conditions throughout the State. | ||
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National Water-Quality Assessment Program | |||
In 1991, the USGS began the National Water-Quality Assessment Program
(NAWQA) to describe the status and trends of large, representative parts of
the Nation's ground and surface waters and to identify and describe the
natural and human factors that affect their quality. USGS scientists are
studying the occurrence and distribution of pesticides, fertilizers,
sediment, and trace organic and inorganic contaminants by using data from
the USGS monitoring network and other agencies and academic institutions. The Lake Erie-Lake St. Clair Basin study unit of NAWQA ( fig. 2) drains an area of about 22,300 square miles that includes northern Ohio, southeastern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, the northern tip of Pennsylvania, and southwestern New York. Water resources in the study unit are central to the economy and culture of the region. In 1988, the value of Lake Erie and its tributaries with respect to sport fishing and related commerce was estimated to exceed $850 million.
The study unit contains about 300 public recreational areas and about 90,000 acres of inland waters for public use. Lake Erie supports the largest freshwater fishery in the Great Lakes (an estimated 50 million-60 million pounds of fish are caught per year) and is widely considered to be the best walleye fishery in the world. Lakes Erie and St. Clair and the St. Clair, the Detroit, and the Niagara Rivers are vital shipping links that connect the upper Great Lakes to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway. |
Although much progress has been made in the Lake Erie Basin to control
contamination and to improve water quality since the early 1970's,
water-quality managers often must regulate certain contaminants on the
basis of incomplete or conflicting information. More study is needed on
the following major water-quality issues in the Lake Erie-Lake St. Clair
Basin study unit:
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Big Darby Project | |||
Big Darby and Little Darby Creeks have recently been designated National Scenic Rivers because of their unusual diversity of fish (86 species) and freshwater mussels (40 species). This watershed ( fig. 3) has received attention nationally as one of The Nature Conservancy's Last Great Places, one of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Hydrologic Units, and one of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Ecological Risk Assessment Case Studies. The USGS has been studying the washout and recolonization of algae and macroinvertebrates in the Big Darby Creek Watershed to clarify how its biological diversity is affected by the hydrology, water chemistry, and physical disturbance associated with runoff during storms. During the study, the USGS collected comprehensive data on sediments, nutrients, and pesticides carried by storm runoff. Data and interpretive reports from the study assist water-resources managers who oversee the watershed and benefit residents of the watershed by providing insight into the probable consequences of land-use practices in the Big Darby Creek Watershed. |
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Metzger Marsh Restoration | |||
The lacustrine wetlands of Ohio, as well as other wetlands around the
Nation, have been greatly reduced in extent and function. The USGS, in
cooperation with the ODNR, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is
actively involved in a restoration program for Metzger Marsh within the
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Wetlands act as a natural water filter and thus improve water quality, as well as provide habitat for waterfowl and large and small mammals and serve as nursery grounds for major lake fisheries. Increased development has virtually eliminated fully functioning wetlands along the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie.
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The Metzger Marsh restoration project represents a novel approach to wetlands restoration that seeks to provide the widest possible range of functionality. Follow-up monitoring will determine the success of this project, which has the potential to provide a model for wetland restoration projects throughout the Nation. | ||
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Energy-Resource Assessments | |||
Coal is used to produce about 20 to 25 percent of the total energy and more
than 50 percent of the electricity generated in the United States. Even
with substantial increases in energy conservation and the use of other
energy sources, coal will continue to be a major energy source into the
next century. In the National Coal Assessment, the USGS is working with
the ODNR to identify the location of coal resources, which include coal
potentially suitable for the export market, on public and private lands.
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A key issue of interest to future coal users is the quality of coal that will be mined in the next 20 years, particularly in the Appalachian Basin, which includes southeastern Ohio. Investigators are compiling information on the quality of various major coal beds. This information allows planners and industry to identify areas that can sustain production of coal of specific quality for various uses, which include clean coal combustion and synfuel production.. | ||
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Disposing of Byproducts of Coal BurningThe USGS, in cooperation with several Federal and State agencies, is evaluating a beneficial use for the byproducts of scrubbers on coal-burning powerplants that are designed to reduce sulfur emissions. Many tons of scrubber byproducts are produced daily, and disposal costs are high. Use of the byproducts in the reclamation of abandoned coal mines has been proposed as a cost-effective and beneficial means of disposal. At a test site in an abandoned mine in Tuscarawas County, the USGS is studying how the application of scrubber byproduct affects the quality of ground water beneath the site.. | |||
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Geologic MappingImportant geologic mapping in Ohio is funded by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. This statewide geologic mapping effort is necessary to improve the definition of important resources, such as coal, boiling gas, and ground water. The mapping also delineates areas that have a high potential for indoor radon and zones of landsliding. | |||
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Topographic Mapping and Digital Line Graph Data Production | |||
The USGS strives to ensure that map and digital data are available to the
general public through timely and effective data-collection and revision
procedures. Among the most popular and versatile products of the USGS are
its 1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle maps (1 inch on the map
represents 2,000 feet on the ground). These maps depict natural and
cultural features of the landscape, such as lakes and streams, highways and
railroads, boundaries, and geographic names. Ohio is covered by 788
quadrangle maps at this scale. These maps have long been favorites with
the general public for outdoor uses, as well as scientists and engineers
for technical applications.
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The USGS has a cooperative agreement for digital map production with the Ohio State University Center for Mapping (CFM). The USGS provides base materials and other assistance to the CFM to support preparation of digital line graph (DLG) data from 1:24,000-scale USGS topographic quadrangle maps. DLG data layers that are being collected include the Public Land Survey System, boundaries, hydrography, transportation routes, and contours. A consortium of State agencies, which also supports this project, uses the data for planning and resource-management applications and transportation and utilities studies. The CFM has developed an innovative DLG production scheme that uses "work-at-home" contractors to perform key production functions. The CFM performs quality control, then sends the completed DLG files to the USGS via the Internet for final review and public domain archiving. Through 1995, this collaboration has resulted in DLG coverage for more than 300 maps, or 40 percent of the State. | ||
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Shoreline Erosion on Lake Erie | |||
The shoreline along Lake Erie is eroding rapidly, which is resulting in
damage to public and private property. The USGS, working in cooperation
with the ODNR, is in the final year of a 5-year study to document historic
erosion of Ohio's shoreline bluffs ( fig. 4)
and to determine what natural processes and human activities are
contributing to the erosion of the shoreline. Because the Ohio shoreline
is similar to other eroding areas throughout the Nation, the results of
this study of erosion potential could have wide applications. Losses owing
to coastal erosion in Ohio exceed $40,000,000 per year. The research
conducted under this cooperative program enables prediction and mitigation
of this severe geologic hazard.
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Landslide Hazards and Mitigation | |||
The Cincinnati metropolitan area has one of the highest per capita costs of
landslide damage of any metropolitan area in the Nation. Landslides in
this area damage or destroy buildings, roads, and public utilities and cost
millions of dollars annually in lost productivity and repairs. USGS
scientists, in cooperation with the University of Cincinnati, have
identified some of the main causes of landslides and have helped lay the
technical groundwork for the landslide-mitigation efforts now underway. Additionally, USGS scientists have developed a method to compare the benefits and costs of programs designed to mitigate landslide damage. Use of the method, which was developed in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hamilton County, and the city of Cincinnati, identified a mitigation program that could produce annual benefits of $3.1 million at a cost of $1.4 million.
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Nationally, the USGS National Landslide Information Center in Golden, Colorado, is the focal point for collection and dissemination of information on significant landslide events, critical research results, and public policy issues that relate to landslides. The Center collects and distributes a vast amount of information related to landslides to users throughout the world. | ||
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Earth Science InformationThe USGS Earth Science Information Centers (ESIC) provide information to the public about USGS programs, products, and technological developments. The ESIC in Columbus was established under a cooperative agreement between the USGS and the ODNR. As part of the national ESIC network, the ODNR office provides information on aerial photography and remote-sensing data. In addition, the USGS and the ODNR provide geological, geochemical, geohydrologic, geophysical, and hydrological information to the general public. The ODNR also serves as the contact point for USGS topographic quadrangle maps for the State. | |||
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Educational Activities | |||
As part of its outreach effort, the USGS participates in numerous
educational activities. For example, interested children from Millcreek
Elementary School (Perry County) and adults living in the Monday Creek
Watershed have been invited to help scientists write a new book for
children and teachers called "Hands-On Acidic Mine Drainage-Science
Experiments for Kids Living Where Creeks Are Red and Yellow." The Monday
Creek Watershed is one of many Ohio waterways affected by acid drainage
from mineral resources and abandoned mining operations. Creeks can be
colored red, yellow, and orange from the combination of acids and iron
precipitates. Children play in these creeks and are even known to use red
crayons when asked to draw pictures of waterways. Scientists from the
USGS, the U.S. Forest Service, the ODNR, and Ohio University have teamed up
with Rural Action's Monday Creek Restoration Program for this activity.
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The USGS also participates in the Partners In Education Program with the Grandview Heights School District (Franklin County). USGS personnel have demonstrated and explained methods of collecting water-quality data to students who represented the District's Middle School Science Olympiad team. During the Spring Olympics (1995) for Ohio schools, the team placed in the top five in the water-quality data-collection competition. | ||
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Cooperative Programs | |||
USGS activities in Ohio are conducted in partnership with numerous Federal
and State agencies, local governments and organizations, and colleges and
universities. For example, water-resources studies in the State are funded
through a combination of Federal, State, and local government monies. More
than 50 percent of the 1995 water-resources studies were financed through
matching-fund agreements with State and local governments. The remaining
studies were funded through Federal sources, which include other Federal
agencies.
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Another example of cooperative studies is a geologic mapping program by the USGS and the ODNR to develop a new statewide bedrock map to replace the existing 75-year-old one. As of August 1995, all 1:24,000 bedrock-quadrangle maps west of 82° longitude were available as open-file editions at the ODNR. Full-color, 1:100,000-scale versions of three 30- x 60-minute quadrangles in western Ohio have been published. These new geologic mapping products are popular with those engaged in mineral, fossil-fuel, and ground-water exploration. | ||
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Biological Research | |||
The USGS Biological Resources Division (formerly the National Biological
Service) seeks to improve the understanding and management of exotic and
invasive species, commercial and recreational fisheries, and contaminants
in aquatic ecosystems in Ohio. Studies are being conducted through the Great Lakes Science Center in collaboration with the ODNR and others that focus on population dynamics of walleye, yellow perch, lake trout, and other key predator, forage, commercial, and recreational species and gathering important fish stock data in the region. Biologists also are evaluating the effects of invasive zebra mussels, ruffe, and sea lampreys in the Great Lakes and are developing methods to stop the spread of these species. Other studies include monitoring contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, restoration of diked wetlands, and restoration of polluted watersheds affected by acidic mine drainage.
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The Ohio Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, which is located on the campus of The Ohio State University, is a cooperative effort supported by the USGS. Unit scientists conduct research throughout the State on fishery issues, habitat modification, bird community dynamics, and endangered species in conjunction with State and Federal agencies. |
from U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Fact Sheet FS-035-96
For more information contact any of the following: | |
USGS State representative 975 West Third Avenue Columbus, OH 43212-3192 (614) 469-5553 Fax: (614) 469-5626 Email: dc_oh@usgs.gov Additional earth science information can be found by accessing the USGS Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.usgs.gov/ For more information on all USGS reports and products (including maps, images, and computerized data), call 1-888-ASK-USGS
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The USGS provides maps, reports, and information to help others meet their needs to manage, develop, and protect America's water, energy, mineral, biological, and land resources. We help find the natural resources needed to build tomorrow and supply the scientific understanding needed to help minimize or mitigate the effects of natural hazards and environmental damage caused by natural and human activities. The results of our efforts touch the daily life of almost every American. |
USGS Fact Sheets (listed by state)
Maintainer: USGS Fact Sheet Team. If you have suggestions for this page, please let us know!
http://water.usgs.gov/lookup/get?fs03596
Web version by: Patsy Campbell
Last modified: 9:00 02 JUN 97 pac