USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

About USGS /  Science Topics /  Maps, Products & Publications /  Education / Publication: FAQ

Eight acronyms are used extensively throughout this document:

• NURE - National Uranium Resource Evaluation (program)
• HSSR - Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (phase)
• DOE - U.S. Department of Energy
• LLL - Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
• LASL - Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
• ORGDP - Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant, sometimes called Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• SRL-E - Savannah River Laboratory (Eastern Format)
• SRL-W - Savannah River Laboratory (Western Format)

The significance of the different laboratories is explained in History of NURE HSSR Program.

Record Number: A sequential number assigned to each record during the reformatting process to insure a unique number for every record. This number has no relationship to the actual sample. If more than one record was entered for the same sample, those records have different REC_NO values. (Top)  (Index)

Primary Laboratory Sample Identification Number: This field contains the final reported sample identification number that was assigned to each sample by the responsible DOE laboratory. These are the values that should be used to identify or label samples within the NURE HSSR database. This 'calculated' field was populated with the identification numbers found in the LASLID, ORNLID, SRLID, or LLLID fields based upon the value in the DOELAB field (except for samples originally collected by LLL that later became the responsibility of SRL).

Notes on the uniqueness of identification numbers: Unfortunately, these identification numbers are not unique for each sample or sample location in the database since each of the four DOE laboratories used different sample identification number schemes with some overlap. In addition, replicate samples or samples of different material were often collected at the same location and given the same sample identification number. The combination of values from the PRIME_ID field and the DOELAB field should identify every unique sample location in the database. Unique samples can be distinguished by using the combination of values from the PRIME_ID, REPLC, and SAMPTYP fields. (Top)  (Index)

Replicate Code: A numerical or letter code used to distinguish between replicate samples of the same sample type collected from the same site.

(Top)  (Index)

Sample Type: A 2-digit code identifies the source, medium, and treatment of the sample. No SAMPTYP value was reported in most of the original ORGDP records. SAMPTYP values for blank ORGDP records were added based on OSAMPTYP, SEDCOND, and published NURE GJBX documents. The information in this field has also been broken out into four 'calculated' fields for the sediment dataset (SMPMEDIA, SAMPSRC, SEDCOND, and SIZEFRXN) and two fields for the water dataset(SAMPSRC and SMPTREAT).

(Top)  (Index)

Multiple Record Counter: Used to identify additional records in the database when multiple records were necessary to preserve overlapping data for a single sample. No value judgments about the quality of data are implied by the order of multiple records. (Top)  (Index)

Latitude: The latitude at a sample site given in decimal degrees. Positive numbers are north latitudes and negative numbers are south latitudes. Latitude values are assumed to be based upon the 1927 North American Datum (NAD27) and the Clarke 1866 Ellipsoid. (ORGDP records commonly give the latitude values with only 3 decimal places instead of the more common usage of 4 decimal places. This means that the location has a possible error of plus or minus 183 feet or 55 meters). Missing or problematic LAT values identified during the reformatting process were replaced with a value of 0 (zero) and the original values (even when known to be wrong) are preserved in the COORDPRB comment field. (Top)  (Index)

Longitude: The longitude at a sample site given in decimal degrees. Positive numbers are east longitudes and negative numbers are west longitudes. Longitude values are assumed to be based upon the 1927 North American Datum (NAD27) and the Clarke 1866 Ellipsoid. (ORGDP records commonly give the longitude values with only 3 decimal places instead of the more common usage of 4 decimal places. This means that the location has a possible error of plus or minus 183 feet or 55 meters. Samples from other labs that were analyzed by ORGDP were reported with a LONG value rounded to 3 places. When possible, the original longitude value was used instead of the the rounded values reported by ORGDP). Missing or problematic LONG values identified during the reformatting process were replaced with a value of 0 (zero) and the original values (even when known to be wrong) are preserved in the COORDPRB comment field. (Top)  (Index)

DOE Laboratory: The Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory responsible for collecting the sample: Each laboratory used different sampling note forms and procedures to collect and record information at each sample site. Site information should be more consistent for records having the same DOELAB value. NOTE: When the DOELAB value was missing in the original data, the appropriate value was added during the reformatting process based upon published NURE documents. Although not differentiated in the original NURE HSSR files, the single DOELAB value for Savannah River Laboratory was separated into two values (SRL-E and SRL-W) that represent different sampling and analytical protocols.

(Top)  (Index)

Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Site Identification Number: A site or sample identifier assigned to each sample collected by LASL or LASL subcontractors.

LASL site numbers come in two types: Sites and samples were initially assigned a 6-digit integer generally according to the following criteria (with exceptions for some special studies). The actual archived samples from LASL are usually labeled with this number only.

After the DOE-required reporting format was changed from a state or study area basis to a quadrangle basis in 1977, LASL sites were given a new 1-letter+5-digit number by the laboratory using the following criteria. (These numbers are most commonly found in the original data files and reports).

Many of the early LASL files have the 6-digit integer LASLID numbers. Later files that list the same samples often only have the 1-letter+5-digit number LASLID. Whenever possible, the 1-letter+5-digit number site identification number was saved in LASLID. When the corresponding 6-digit site number could be determined from sample number translation key lists, field maps, or corresponding data records, this number was saved in the SITE field. Although both sets of numbers were usually assigned sequentially, they do not correspond one to one with each other; (100001 does not equal C00001, etc.). (Top)  (Index)

Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant Sample Number (also known as the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Sample Number): A site or sample identifier assigned to each sample collected by ORGDP or ORGDP subcontractors. NOTE: Samples analyzed by ORGDP but collected by another laboratory were also assigned an ORNLID. Records for these samples will have an ORNLID plus a SRLID or LASLID. The sample site information for these records are based on the procedures used by the lab responsible for collection (See DOELAB) and not those used by ORGDP. (Top)  (Index)

Savannah River Laboratory Sample Number: A site or sample identifier assigned to each sample collected by SRL or SRL subcontractors. Different sample number coding schemes were used in the SRL Eastern and Western areas.

SRL-E numbers were assigned based on the state, county, and sample type. For example: OHHL508R; OH = Ohio; HL = Holmes County; 508 is a locality number that is sequential by county. Numbers 501-999 refer to ground water sites and numbers 001-499 refer to surface water and sediment sites; R = water resin sample, S0 or S1 = sediment sample (Generally an S1 fraction is finer than 149 micron [-100 mesh] and an S0 refers to a fraction from 420 to 1000 micron [-18/+40 mesh]). Note that OHHL003R and OHHL003S1 represent a water sample and sediment sample taken at the same site. Tables that list state and county codes can be found in the NURE GJBX publications pertinent to each area.

SRL-W numbers were assigned based on a quadrangle system. The first set of 2 letters identify the 2° quadrangle; the second 2 letter set are a matrix code that identify the relative 15' quadrangle from which the sample was collected. The first letter (A-H) identifies the west-east position and the second letter (A-D) identifies the north-south position of the 15' quadrangle within the 2° sheet. The northwest 15' quadrangle = AA, northeast 15' quadrangle = AH, southwest 15' quadrangle = DA, and southeast 15' quadrangle = DH (See figure below). Numbers 501-999 refer to ground water sites and numbers 001-499 refer to surface water and sediment sites; R = water resin sample, S0 or S1 = sediment sample (Generally an S1 fraction is finer than 149 micron [-100 mesh] and an S0 refers to a fraction from 420 to 1000 micron [-18/+40 mesh]). Note that ADDA003R and ADDA003S1 represent a water sample and sediment sample taken at the same site within the southwest 15' quadrangle of the Adel 2° sheet. A table listing all quadrangle codes can be found in GJBX-57(82). NOTE: Some samples from the Bangor, Bath, and Portland quadrangles in Maine were collected and coded using SRL-W methods.

     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | AA | AB | AC | AD | AE | AF | AG | AH |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | BA | BB | BC | BD | BE | BF | BG | BH |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | CA | CB | CC | CD | CE | CF | CG | CH |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | DA | DB | DC | DD | DE | DF | DG | DH |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------

LLL samples processed by SRL were also assigned SRLID numbers based on the quadrangle system where the first set of 2 letters identifies the quadrangle. For these samples the matrix code uses different letters for second 2 letter set. The first letter (J-M) identifies the west-east position and the second letter (J-N, P-R) identifies the north-south position of the 15' quadrangle within the 2° sheet.

Samples collected by SRL for pilot studies or special detailed studies (See STUDY) were assigned SRLID values that do not follow any of the rules described above. Most of these samples have an SRLID that starts with the 2 letters DS; the exceptions are AAFL, SCIB, and SCID samples. (Top)  (Index)

Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Sample Number: A site or sample identifier assigned to each sample collected by LLL or LLL subcontractors. NOTE: LLL often sent personnel to re-sample sites originally collected by subcontractors as part of their quality control program. These re-sampled sites were given a new LLLID and the original site number was saved in SITE field for cross-referencing. (Top)  (Index)

Additional Site Number: The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample.

(Top)  (Index)

XSITE

This field has been removed. The information originally contained in this field has been placed in the SITE field. (Top)  (Index)

ALTSMPID

This field has been removed. The field was defined in the original ORGDP data file descriptions but was never used in the database. (Top)  (Index)

QCSAMP

This field has been removed. The field was defined in the original ORGDP data file descriptions but was never used in the database. (Top)  (Index)

REANLSIS

This field has been removed. This field, meant to indicate the possibility that a sample was reanalyzed and reported in another, was replaced by adding a comment in the REFORMAT field. (Top)  (Index)

State: Abbreviation identifying the State in which the sample was collected. Original format used the two-digit Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code to designate the State. Code was changed to the two-letter Postal Service abbreviation during the reformatting process. NOTE: This code was often not entered for ORGDP records and had to be reconstructed from LAT and LONG values during the reformatting process. Also some quadrangles which cross State boundaries were originally coded with only one State code; these were also corrected based upon latitude and longitude coordinates. (Top)  (Index)

Quadrangle: The name of the 1° by 2° USGS quadrangle in which the sample was collected. This name was added during the reformatting process and gives the quadrangle from which the sample was reported in published NURE documents even when erroneous or missing LAT and LONG values may place the sample elsewhere. (Top)  (Index)

Map Code: Alphanumeric NTMS code for each 1° by 2° quadrangle. Derived from original data records from ORGDP only. Added to other records during the reformatting process. This field is technically a duplication of QUAD with a different format. The MAPCODE values occasionally differ from the corresponding QUAD value indicating an error that has not yet been resolved. (Top)  (Index)

County and State Code from Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 6-4 (August 31, 1990): An hierarchical code that identifies the State and County (or equivalent entity) from which the sample was collected. This is a calculated field with the code added during the reformatting process based upon the LAT and LONG coordinate values for the sample. This field is blank when the latitude and longitude coordinates are missing or incomplete. The FIPS code consists of a 5-digit number: The first 2 digits identify the State and the last 3 digits identify the County (Example: 09011 = (09) Connecticut, (011) New London County). The complete list of FIPS codes is available at FIPS PUBS. (Top)  (Index)

8-Digit Hydrologic Unit Code: An hierarchical code that identifies the hydrologic unit (stream basin) from which the sample was collected. This is a calculated field with the code added during the reformatting process based upon the LAT and LONG coordinate values for the sample. This field is blank when the latitude and longitude coordinates are missing or incomplete. The HUC8 code consists of an 8-digit number: The first 2 digits identify the region, the second 2 digits identify the subregion, the third 2 digits identify the accounting unit, and the last 2 digits identify the cataloging unit (Example: 17060205 = (17) Pacific Northwest region, (06) Lower Snake River subregion, (02) Salmon River Basin, (05) Upper Middle Fork Salmon River, Idaho). The complete list of HUC8 codes is available at USGS Hydrologic Unit Maps. (Top)  (Index)

Large Scale Map Code: An hierarchical code that identifies the 24,000-scale topographic map (or 63,360-scale map in Alaska) from which the sample was collected. This is a calculated field with the code added during the reformatting process based upon the LAT and LONG coordinate values for the sample. This field is blank when the latitude and longitude coordinates are missing or incomplete. The LS_MAP code consists of a 9-digit number (7-digit number in Alaska): In the conterminous United States and Hawaii, the first 5 digits identify the 250,000-scale quadrangle using the latitude and longitude values of the northwest corner, the next 2 digits identify the 100,000-scale quadrangle as a quadrant of the 250,000-scale map, and the last 2 digits identify the 24,000-scale quadrangle using a matrix of letters and numbers as shown in the diagram below.

     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | A1 | B1 | C1 | D1 | E1 | F1 | G1 | H1 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | A2 | B2 | C2 | D2 | E2 | F2 | G2 | H2 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | A3 | B3 | C3 | D3 | E3 | F3 | G3 | H3 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | E4 | F4 | G4 | H4 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------

In Alaska, the first 5 digits identify the 250,000-scale quadrangle using the latitude and longitude values of the northwest corner, and the last 2 digits identify the 63,360-scale quadrangle using the matrix of letters and numbers commonly used in naming Alaskan maps. Below is a diagram showing the general matrix used to name Alaska 63,360-scale maps. Because the longitude lines begin to converge in northern Alaska, the range of east to west names changes from A1-A8 to A1-A6 and finally A1-A5.

     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | D8 | D7 | D6 | D5 | D4 | D3 | D2 | D1 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | C8 | C7 | C6 | C5 | C4 | C3 | C2 | C1 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | B8 | B7 | B6 | B5 | B4 | B3 | B2 | B1 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     | A8 | A7 | A6 | A5 | A4 | A3 | A2 | A1 |
     |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
     -----------------------------------------

(Top)  (Index)

Special Study Code: A code that identifies the Pilot/Orientation study or Detailed Study for which the sample was collected. Codes were derived primarily from a listing of studies in Grimes (1984). Not all of these STUDY codes were used.

(Top)  (Index)

Sampling Phase: Used in ORGDP records and for some LASL special studies.

(Top)  (Index)

Drainage Basin Identification Number and Stream Order: This field combines and replaces two under-utilized and minimally defined fields found in the original ORGDP file formats: BASINID and STRORDER. The information is given in the form of BASINID(STRORDER). Example: D22(000003). No specific definitions were found for data in either of the two original fields. (Top)  (Index)

BASINID

This field has been removed. The information originally contained in this field has been combined into the STRBASIN field. (Top)  (Index)

Latitude of Basin Centroid: Used occasionally only in some ORGDP studies. (Top)  (Index)

Longitude of Basin Centroid: Used occasionally only in some ORGDP studies. (Top)  (Index)

Sample Media: The type of sample media that was collected and analyzed. This is a calculated field of data broken out during the reformatting process from the SAMPTYP field. Only two distinct values are found in the SMPMEDIA field: Rock or Sediment. This field can be used with SAMPSRC, SEDCOND, and SIZEFRXN to further subdivide the sample type. (Top)  (Index)

Sample Source: The source of the sample that was collected and analyzed. This is a calculated field of data broken out during the reformatting process from the SAMPTYP field. Originally used only for LLL records, this field has been redefined and reformatted to hold data for all records. Valid SAMPSRC values include Bedrock, Hot Springs Sinter, Lake, Marsh, Playa, Pond-Artificial, Pond-Natural, Soil, Spring, Stream, Stream Bank, Talus, Volcanic Neck, Well, and Other. This field can be used with SMPMEDIA, SEDCOND, and SIZEFRXN to further subdivide the sediment and rock sample types; and with SMPTREAT to subdivide water sample types. (Top)  (Index)

Sediment condition: Originally found only in ORGDP and LLL records but added to all other applicable records based upon the value in the SAMPTYP field. Valid SEDCOND values include Wet, Dry, and blank. (Top)  (Index)

Sediment Size Fraction: The particle size, after sieving, of the sediment material that was ultimately analyzed. This is a calculated field of data broken out during the reformatting process from the SAMPTYP field. This field also contains data from the UPSIEVE and DNSIEVE fields found in earlier versions of this database. SIZEFRXN values can be used with SMPMEDIA, SAMPSRC and SEDCOND to further subdivide the sediment sample types.

A SIZEFRXN value of -100 MESH indicates that the sediment was sieved through a 100-mesh screen and the particle size is therefore <0.149 mm. A SIZEFRXN value of -18/+35 MESH indicates that the sediment passed through an 18-mesh screen but not through a 35-mesh screen; the particle size is therefore <1.00 mm and >0.50 mm.

(Top)  (Index)

Water Sample Treatment: The treatment of water samples in the field with respect to acidification and filtering. This is a calculated field of data broken out during the reformatting process from the SAMPTYP field. Valid SMPTREAT values include Acidified Only, Filtered (0.45 µm) & Acidified, Filtered (0.45 µm) Only, Filtered (0.8 µm) Only, None, None - Lab Filtered (0.45 µm), and Unspecified. The acidification treatment added reagent grade nitric acid to the sample to reach a pH of less than or equal to 1. SMPTREAT values can be used with SAMPSRC to further subdivide the water sample types. See also WTRTREAT. (Top)  (Index)

Oak Ridge (ORGDP) Sample Type Classification: Coding scheme for sample type that was used on ORGDP sampling note forms and reported in ORGDP data files. This field was used for almost all ORGDP records and also for data records of samples from other laboratories that were analyzed by ORGDP. For ORGDP records, this field was critical during the reformatting process: All missing SAMPTYP codes were reconstructed using the OSAMPTYP value. However, when OSAMPTYP values were recorded for ORGDP analyses of samples from other laboratories there were numerous discrepancies between the OSAMPTYP value and SAMPTYP codes. Therefore, OSAMPTYP is not considered diagnostic when used for samples not collected by ORGDP. Available choices [with original code] include bog water [A], plant [B], soil [F], rock [G], lake sediment [H], lake water [L], stream sediment [M], spring water [P], stream water [S], well water [W], and other [O]. (Top)  (Index)

Laboratory Sample Type Classification: A sample type code used by ORGDP Laboratories to broadly define the sample type. Used primarily for records where ORGDP has analyzed samples collected by other labs. Occasionally used also for ORGDP records. Available choices [with original code] include water [W], sediment [M], and other [O]. (Top)  (Index)

Savannah River Laboratory Sample Type Classification: Coding scheme for sample type that was used on SRL-E and SRL-W sampling note forms and reported in original data files only for SRL samples. Although the coding scheme contained values for water samples, none of the original files of SRL water data included SSAMPTYP data. The SSAMPTYP field was valuable, even though incompletely populated, during the reformatting process as a source of information for correcting some missing SAMPTYP codes. Available field value choices [with original code] include well water [C], spring water [D], stream sediment plus water [E], stream sediment [F], soil [G], talus [H], volcanic neck [I], playa [J], lake sediment [K], hot springs sinter [L], other [O], other sediment [A] (documentation says that this may include mine tailings), and other resin [B]. (Top)  (Index)

Sediment sample treatment: Used only for some ORGDP records apparently to describe any pre-treatment of sediment samples in the field. The information in this field does not correspond with sample preparation information found in SAMPTYP codes or SIZEFRXN entries. Available field value choices [with original code] include none [N], sieved [S], and other [O]. (Top)  (Index)

Water sample treatment: Used for ORGDP records apparently to describe the treatment of water samples in the field before sending them to the laboratory. The WTRTREAT values are sometimes disturbingly different than what would be expected with respect to the given SAMPTYP codes and calculated SMPTREAT values. Available field value choices [with original code] include acidified and filtered [A], acidified only [C], filtered only [F], none [N], and other [O]. (Top)  (Index)

Sample collection date: The date on which the sample was collected, reformatted to YYYY/MM/DD. All NURE HSSR samples were apparently collected between July 29, 1975 and October 2, 1980. Used by all laboratories. Obviously incorrect dates were removed and the original value was added as a comment to the REFORMAT field. (Top)  (Index)

Sample collection hour: The nearest whole hour to the time when the sample was collected using a 24 hour clock. Used for ORGDP and LASL records only. (Top)  (Index)

Sampler: A designation of the person or persons responsible for collecting the sample. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample.

(Top)  (Index)

Grabs: The number of grabs or subsamples collected at a site to composite the sample. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample. NOTE: Although never defined in sampling manuals, data for GRABS were also recorded for some water samples collected by ORGDP and SRL.

(Top)  (Index)

Weather: A description of the prevalent weather conditions at the time of sampling. Each of the sampling note forms that included a field for weather had different coding schemes and available responses. ORGDP sampling note forms recorded weather information in two code fields; one for wind and one for clouds or precipitation. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase: ORGDP codes were combined into a compound phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Air temperature: The air temperature measured at the sample site, reported in degrees Celsius. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample.

(Top)  (Index)

Water temperature: The water temperature measured at the sample site, reported in degrees Celsius. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample. NOTE: Water temperatures were recorded in the sediment database when both water and sediment samples were collected at the same site.

(Top)  (Index)

pH Meter Reading: The pH of water at the site as determined by a pH meter. NOTE: pH values were often recorded in the sediment database when both water and sediment samples were collected at the same site. Used for LLL, LASL, ORGDP, SRL-E, and SRL-W records. (Top)  (Index)

Lo-Ion Paper pH Reading: The pH of water at the site as determined by Lo-Ion paper. This method was intended as a backup method for possible failure of pH meters in the field. Used only for some ORGDP water records. (Top)  (Index)

Conductivity: The specific conductance measured in water at the site with a conductivity meter (in µmhos/cm). The data collection method and definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample. NOTE: Values were often recorded in the sediment database when both water and sediment samples were collected at the same site.

(Top)  (Index)

Laboratory Conductivity Measurement: The specific conductance measured in the water sample at the laboratory (in µmhos/cm). Used only for some ORGDP water records. (Top)  (Index)

Total alkalinity: A field measurement of the total alkalinity in water at the site. The data collection method and definition of this field varies depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample. Values of -1 were not defined. NOTE: ALK values were often recorded in the sediment database when both water and sediment samples were collected at the same site.

(Top)  (Index)

Phenolphthalein Alkalinity. A field measurement of phenolphthalein alkalinity in water at the site. ALKP values were only reported for some LLL and ORGDP water samples. Values of -1 or -9 were not defined. The data collection method and definition of this field varies depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample.

(Top)  (Index)

Approximate Total Alkalinity. A field measurement of Phenolphthalein alkalinity plus remaining alkalinity in water at the site. ALKM values were only reported for some ORGDP water samples. The M-alkalinity was measured using a LaMotte Alkalinity Test Kit by continuing to titrate the same vial of water used to determine ALKP until the total alkalinity is determined. The numbers reported were derived by multiplying 10 times the volume of a titrating agent needed to produce a color change. The resultant value was expected to be within 10% of the ALK value. The actual reporting units used are not clear. Values of -1 were not defined. (Top)  (Index)

Dissolved Oxygen: The amount of oxygen dissolved in water at site, reported in ppm. O_DISS values were often recorded in the sediment database when both water and sediment samples were collected at the same site. Used for ORGDP and LLL studies and sometimes as a special measurement (SPECMS) for LASL studies. O_DISS was routinely measured at LASL lake and stream sites in Alaska but only rarely in the lower 48 States. (Top)  (Index)

Scintillometer Reading: A scintillometer measurement of the local gamma-ray activity at a sample site, expressed as equivalent uranium in ppm. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample.

(Top)  (Index)

Organic Material: A field estimate of the percentage of organic material present in the sample. Estimates were to use the following range of values: 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100% but several other values also appear in the data. Used only for ORGDP records. (Top)  (Index)

Sample Odor: An indication of any odor from the sampled material. Each of the sampling note forms that included a field for sample odor had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Sample Color: The color of sample material collected. Used only by ORGDP. The sample color was recorded on sampling note forms as a compound 5-letter code. The first letter was a modifier, the second and third letters represented a color adjective, and the fourth and fifth letters represented the color noun. For example, a 5-letter code of VPKGN indicated that the sample color was a 'very light pinkish green'. All of these codes were converted to the corresponding color phrase during the reformatting process. The available field value choices for color modifiers [with original code] include very light [V], light [L], medium [M], and dark [D]. The available choices for colors (used both as color adjectives and nouns) include black [BK], brown [BN], blue [BU], clear [CL], green [GN], gray [GY], orange [OR], pink [PK], red [RD], white [WH], yellow [YL], and other [OT]. (Top)  (Index)

Surface Geologic Unit Code: A two to four letter code that designates the formation name or the age of the surface bedrock at the sampling site. Codes are usually explained, by quadrangle, in the published NURE GJBX reports and this information, when available, was added to the individual quadrangle web page descriptions in the U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97-492. The codes are not unique within the datasets and different codes were sometimes used for the same formation in neighboring quadrangles. No attempt has been made to correct or compile all used codes in the database. Found in ORGDP and SRL-W records. (Top)  (Index)

Rock Type: The predominant type of surficial bedrock in the vicinity of the sample site. Each of the sampling note forms that included a field for rock type had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Rock Color: Dominant color of local bedrock exposures. Used only for LASL records. Available field value choices [with original code] include white/buff [1], yellow [2], orange [3], pink/red [4], green [5], brown [6], gray [7], black [8], and other [9]. (Top)  (Index)

Sediment Type: The type of dominant bed material or loose sediment at the sample site. Each of the sampling note forms that included a field for sediment type had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Sediment Color: The dominant color of loose sediment at sample site. Reported only for LASL and SRL-E records. Available field value choices [with original code] include white/buff [1], yellow [2], orange [3], pink/red [4], green [5], brown [6], gray [7], black [8], and other [9]. (Top)  (Index)

UPSIEVE

This field has been removed. The information originally contained in this field has been combined into the SIZEFRXN field. (Top)  (Index)

DNSIEVE

This field has been removed. The information originally contained in this field has been combined into the SIZEFRXN field. (Top)  (Index)

Stream Width: Estimated width of the stream (water) at the sample site, in meters. Used only for ORGDP records. See also STRWDTHC. A value of -1 in this field was apparently used for a dry stream site or a non-stream water sample. (Top)  (Index)

Stream Width Code: The estimated width range (in feet) of the stream at the sample site. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for stream width had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Stream Depth: Estimated depth of the stream (water) at the sample site, in meters. Used only for ORGDP records. See also STRDPTHC. A value of -1 in this field was apparently used for a dry stream site or a non-stream water sample. (Top)  (Index)

Stream Depth Code: The estimated depth range (in feet) of the stream at the sample site. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for stream width had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Water Level: A field judgment of the water level at the sample site. Each of the sampling note forms that included a field for water level had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Average Stream Flow: The velocity of the stream flow reported in meters/second. The measurement entered is an average between the velocity in the center of the stream and the velocity of the stream near the bank. Each speed was determined by timing a floating object over a 2-meter interval. Found in ORGDP records only. See also STRFLOWC. Three values in this field have specifically defined meanings: 0 = No visible movement, -1 = dry stream, and -9 = stagnant pools. (Top)  (Index)

Stream Flow Code (called WTRFLOW in earlier versions of this database): A field judgment of the speed of stream flow. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for stream flow had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Water Discharge: The discharge rate of the well or spring, in liters/minute. The rate was measured with a liter bottle directly from the well head or spring. When a measurement was not possible, the value entered could be the pumping capacity of the well or an estimate; these values were to be accompanied by a notation in the COMMENTS. Used for ORGDP groundwater records only. LLL has discharge data in published tables (gallons/minute) but nothing was found in the data files. Values of -1 and 0 were not defined. (Top)  (Index)

Water Color: A description of the amount and type of dissolved or suspended load in water at the site based on its color or appearance. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample and each of the sampling note forms that included a field for water color had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The definitions and available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Depth of Visibility: The depth of visibility estimated from water collected in a liter bottle and reported in meters. Used only for ORGDP water records. A value of -1 or -9 in this field was apparently used to indicate that the sample was clear. (Top)  (Index)

Stream Channel: A field judgment of the stream channel depositional character at the sample site when the sample was collected. Reported for LASL and SRL-E records using the same coding scheme. Available choices [with original code] include depositing [1], eroding [2], unknown [3]. (Top)  (Index)

STRORDER

This field has been removed. The information originally contained in this field has been combined into the STRBASIN field. (Top)  (Index)

LAKETYP

This field has been removed. The field was defined in the original ORGDP data file descriptions but was only used three times in the database. For those three records, the LAKETYP information was added to the REFORMAT comment field. (Top)  (Index)

LAKEAREA

This field has been removed. The field was defined in the original ORGDP data file descriptions but was only used twice in the database. For those two records, the LAKEAREA information was added to the REFORMAT comment field. (Top)  (Index)

Vegetation Type: Identification of the dominant type of vegetation in the area of the sampled location. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for vegetation type had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Vegetation Density: The density of plant cover at the sample site. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for vegetation density had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Relief: An estimate of the relief or difference in elevation in the vicinity of the sample site (reported as a range in meters). The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample and each of the sampling note forms that included a field for water color had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase and ranges originally reported in feet were converted to meters. The definitions and available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

OWNER

This field has been removed. The field was defined in the original LASL data file descriptions but was never used in the database. (Top)  (Index)

Contamination: A field judgment of possible contaminant sources or major activities near the sample site. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample and each of the sampling note forms had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The definitions and available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Pump: The type of pump used to draw water from the sampled well. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for well pump had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Type: The type of well that was sampled. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for well type had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Use: Primary use of well. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for well use had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Use Revisited: Most typical use of well water. This is a second field describing an aspect of well use that is found only in SRL-E records. Also see WELLUSE. The available field value choices [with original code] include human drinking [1], animal drinking [2], irrigation [3], and others [4]. (Top)  (Index)

Frequency of Well Use: An indication of the frequency of well pumping or use. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for well use frequency had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Water Sampling Location: An indication of where in the water system a well water sample was collected. The definition of this field varies slightly depending upon the DOELAB responsible for collecting the sample and each of the sampling note forms had different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The definitions and available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Head Distance: An estimate of the distance from the well head to the location where the sample was collected, in meters. Used for ORGDP records only. A value of -1 in this field was used to indicate that the sample was collected in a holding tank. Values of -9 were not specifically defined. (Top)  (Index)

Well Pipe Composition: The composition of the pipe from which the well sample was collected. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for well pipe composition had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Casing Composition: The composition of the well casing below the water table. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for well casing composition had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Casing Diameter: The inside diameter of the well casing, in inches. Used for LASL water records only. (Top)  (Index)

Well Depth: The total drilled depth of well from the surface, in feet. Different units were originally used by different laboratories. LASL, SRL-E, and SRL-W recorded the depth in feet and ORGDP recorded it in meters. LLL recorded the depth in published reports with undefined units, but these values are not found in the data. During reformatting, all values were converted to feet. A value of -1 indicates an unknown depth. (Top)  (Index)

Well Depth Data Source: The source of total well depth (WELLDPTH) information. Used for ORGDP records only. The available field value choices [with original code] include publications [P], owner [W], user [U], geologic inference [G], and other [O]. (Top)  (Index)

Well Depth Confidence: An indication of the confidence in the accuracy of the total well depth (WELLDPTH) information. Each of the sampling note forms that included a code field for well depth confidence had slightly different coding schemes and available responses. During the reformatting process, each code was converted to the appropriate phrase. The available field value choices [with original code] are listed below by laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Well Water Depth: The depth from the ground surface to the water level in a well, in feet. Found in LASL records only. A value of -1 was defined as a flowing artesian well but no -1 values were found in the data. (Top)  (Index)

Well Production Depth: The depth from the ground surface to the top of the producing horizon in the well, in feet. Found in ORGDP records only. Data were originally reported in meters but converted to feet during the reformatting process. (Top)  (Index)

Well Production Depth Source: The source of information for the depth to top of producing horizon (WLPRDPTH). Used for ORGDP records only. The available field value choices [with original code] include publications [P], owner [W], user [U], geologic inference [G], and other [O]. (Top)  (Index)

Well Production Depth Confidence: An indication of the confidence in the accuracy of the depth to top of producing horizon (WLPRDPTH) information. Used for ORGDP records only. The available field value choices [with original code] include high [H], probable [R], and possible [S]. (Top)  (Index)

Well Age: The age of the sampled well recorded to the nearest whole year. If exact age was not known, the reported age may be a minimum age. A value of -1 indicates an unknown age. All ages greater than 100 years were supposed to be reported as 100 but several higher numbers are found. Wells less than one year old were not to be sampled. Found in SRL-E records only. (Top)  (Index)

Well Age Confidence: An indication of the confidence in the accuracy of the well age (WELLAGE) information. Used for SRL-E records only. The available field value choices [with original code] include certain [1], probable [2], possible [3], educated guess [4], and unknown [5]. (Top)  (Index)

Producing Horizon Geologic Unit: A 2 to 4 letter code that designates the formation name, aquifer name, or the age of the producing unit. Codes are usually explained, by quadrangle, in the published NURE GJBX reports and this information, when available, was added to the individual quadrangle web page descriptions in the U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97-492. The codes are not unique within the datasets and different codes were sometimes used for the same formation in neighboring quadrangles. No attempt has been made to correct or compile all used codes in the database. Found in only in ORGDP records. (Top)  (Index)

Producing Horizon Geologic Unit Source: The source of information about the producing horizon geologic unit (PUNIT). Used for ORGDP records only. The available field value choices [with original code] include publications [P], owner [W], user [U], geologic inference [G], and other [O]. (Top)  (Index)

Producing Horizon Geologic Unit Source Confidence: An indication of the confidence in the accuracy of the producing horizon geologic unit (PUNIT) identification. Used for ORGDP records only. The available field value choices [with original code] include high [H], probable [R], and possible [S]. (Top)  (Index)

Special Measurements: An indicator for when special measurements were recorded for a sample site. Used for LASL records only. The NURE GJBX published reports that describe the work accomplished under each LASL quadrangle often lists any special measurements for that particular study. Sometimes the special measurement is only found as a comment on the original sampling note forms. Dissolved oxygen was commonly taken in Alaska and listed as a special measurement. S = special measurements taken. Significance of other letters or numbers was not specified. (Top)  (Index)

Tape Release Data: The field was not well defined in publications. The data often appear to be a date but other values are found as well. Reported only in ORGDP data files. (Top)  (Index)

Analysis Date: The date on which the multielement analysis was completed. Reported for SRL neutron activation analysis (METHODS: SR2) and for ORGDP multielement emission spectroscopy analysis (METHODS: OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). NOTE: The ORGDP data was the SPCDATE field in earlier versions of this reformatted database. (Top)  (Index)

SPCDATE

This field has been removed. The information originally contained in this field has been combined into the ANALDATE field. (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for multielement emission spectroscopy analyses (METHODS: OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for arsenic and selenium analyses (METHODS: OR8, OR17). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for chlorine and sulfate analyses (METHODS: OR14, OR15, OR16). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for nitrate analyses (METHODS: OR-NO3). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for orthophosphate analyses (METHODS: OR-PO4). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for radon analyses (METHODS: OR-RN). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for helium/neon ratios (METHODS: OR-HN). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for tin analyses (METHODS: OR-SN). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for mercury analyses (METHODS: OR-HG). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for delayed neutron counting uranium analyses (METHODS: OR2, OR9-DN). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for fluorescence spectroscopy uranium analyses (METHODS: OR1, OR9-FL). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for mass spectrometry uranium analyses (METHODS: OR-MS, OR9-MS). (Top)  (Index)

ORGDP analytical laboratory batch number for extra or multiple uranium analyses (METHODS: See U_XX_MTHD). (Top)  (Index)

Analytical method code for extra or multiple uranium analyses (U_XX_PPM or U_XX_PPB). See METHODS for explanation of codes. (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in water, in parts per billion, determined by an extra or multiple uranium analysis. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Analytical method code listed in U_XX_MTHD. (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in sediments, in parts per million, determined by an extra or multiple uranium analysis. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Analytical method code listed in U_XX_MTHD. (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in water, in parts per billion, determined by delayed neutron counting. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA6-DN, LL2-DN, SR4). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in sediments, in parts per million, determined by delayed neutron counting. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA1, LL1-DN, OR2, SR1). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in water, in parts per billion, determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA6-FL, OR9-FL). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in sediments, in parts per million, determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR1). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in water, in parts per billion, determined by mass spectrometry. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR9-MS). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in sediments, in parts per million, determined by mass spectrometry. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR9-MS?). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of uranium in sediments, in parts per million, determined by neutron activation. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LL1-NA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of silver in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of silver in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of aluminum in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13, SR5, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of aluminum in sediments, in percent. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of arsenic in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR17). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of arsenic in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA3, LA5-A, LL1-NA, OR8, SR3-XX). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of gold in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, OR3, OR-AU, SR2). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of boron in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7-B, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of boron in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of barium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7-B, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of barium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of beryllium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of beryllium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of bismuth in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of bromide ions in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR5, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of bromine in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5-A, LL1-NA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of calcium in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 999.9 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of calcium in sediments, in percent. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-XX). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of cadmium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LL2-ES). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of cadmium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of cerium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of cerium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR6, OR7, SR2). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of chloride ions in water or sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LL2-TA, OR16, SR5, SR6, LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of cobalt in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of cobalt in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of chromium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of chromium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of cesium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of copper in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of copper in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA3, LA5-A, LA5-B, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of dysprosium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR5, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of dysprosium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of europium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of fluoride ions in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR5, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of fluorine in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of iron in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of iron in sediments, in percent. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of helium in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR-HE). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of hafnium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of mercury in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR-HG). NOTE: HG_PPM values by the METHODS LL1-NA appear to be way out of line with expected values. (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of potassium in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 999.9 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of potassium in sediments, in percent. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR6, OR7, SR3-FE). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of lanthanum in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR7, SR2). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of lithium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LL2-ES, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of lithium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA4, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-FE). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of lutetium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of magnesium in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR11, OR12, OR13, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of magnesium in sediments, in percent. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 999.9 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of manganese in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, LA7-B, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13, SR5, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of manganese in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of molybdenum in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of molybdenum in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of sodium in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 999.9 or 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR11, OR12, OR13, SR5, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of sodium in sediments, in percent. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of niobium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR10, OR13?). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of niobium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-CA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of nickel in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, OR10, OR11, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of nickel in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of phosphorus in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of phosphorus in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-CA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of lead in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, OR10). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of lead in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3, OR3, OR4, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of platinum in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR3, OR4). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of rubidium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of antimony in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of scandium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of scandium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2-A, LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of selenium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR17). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of selenium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA3, OR8, SR3-XX). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of silicon in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 999.9 or 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7-A, LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of samarium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of tin in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3, OR-SN, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of strontium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of strontium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of tantalum in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of terbium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of thorium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: OR10, OR13?). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of thorium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of titanium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7, LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of titanium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of vanadium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA7-B, LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13, SR5, SR6). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of vanadium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR2, SR2-A). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of tungsten in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA2, LA2-A, LA3, LA5-A, LL1-NA, SR3-CA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of yttrium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of yttrium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of ytterbium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, SR2). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of zinc in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. Values of 99999 were not defined - possibly an actual value, a greater than listed value, or a null value. (METHODS: LA7, LA7-A, LL2-ES, OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of zinc in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA5, LA5-A, LA5-B, LL1-NA, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7, SR3-AA). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of zirconium in water, in parts per billion. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR10, OR11, OR12, OR13). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of zirconium in sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LA3, OR3, OR4, OR5, OR6, OR7). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of methane in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR-GC). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of ethane in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR-GC). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of propane in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR-GC). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of butane in water, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: SR-GC). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of radon in water, in picocuries per liter (pCi/l). Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR-RN). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of nitrate in water, in parts per million. Values of 0 (zero) are assumed to mean 'analyzed but not detected'. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LAF-H, OR-NO3, SR-X). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of phosphate in water or sediments, in parts per million. Values of 0 (zero) are assumed to mean 'analyzed but not detected'. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LAF-H, OR-PO4, SR-X). (Top)  (Index)

Concentration of sulfate in water or sediments, in parts per million. Negative value = Not detected or less than listed value. Values of 0 (zero) are assumed to mean 'analyzed but not detected'. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: LL2-TA, OR14, OR15, OR16, SR-X). (Top)  (Index)

The measured ratio of helium/neon in water. Blank = Not analyzed or not reported. (METHODS: OR-HN). (Top)  (Index)

Method Codes: Codes that designate the analytical methods used to determine the element concentrations listed in a record. These codes were added during the reformatting process based on published reports. The codes and summary of analytical methods were derived from Grimes (1984) and special studies documentation.

(Top)  (Index)

Tape File: A compound letter and number designation that identifies the original NURE tape name and file number that was used for the primary source of information for each record. Example: XG0602.03 is file number 3 on the NURE tape XG0602. If the data for a record were combined from more than one source, the additional TAPEFILE values are given in the REFORMAT comment field. These original files can be found on the Hoffman and Buttleman, 1996 CD-ROM. (Top)  (Index)

Reformatting Comment: Comments added during the reformatting process to document observed data problems, rationale for changing or adding data, the combination of multiple data sources, and additional information sources used. (Top)  (Index)

Coordinates Problems Comment: Comments added during the reformatting process to document observations, problems, or changes dealing specifically with latitude and longitude coordinates (See LAT and LONG). When the original coordinates have been removed, changed, or replaced with re-digitized values, the original coordinates were added to this field. (Top)  (Index)

Field Sampler Comments: Comments added to sampling note forms by the person or persons responsible for collecting the sample. Used differently by each laboratory.

(Top)  (Index)

Field Sampler Comments - Continued. Used to record the remainder of the sampler's comments when the original COMMENTS record was greater than 250 characters long. Used for ORGDP and for manually entered LASL records. (Top)  (Index)

Alphabetical Index of Field Names

Home Page: USGS National Geochemical Database - NURE HSSR data

Page written by Steven M. Smith (smsmith@usgs.gov)
Version 1.00: September 11, 1998
Version 1.10: July 29, 1999
Version 1.20: August 07, 2000
Version 1.30: September 11, 2001
Version 1.41: February 23, 2006

AccessibilityFOIAPrivacyPolicies and Notices
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey URL: https://pubsdata.usgs.gov/pubs/of/1997/ofr-97-0492/nure_man.htm Questions or Assistance: USGS Web Contact Page Last Modified: Wed Dec 7 16:16 EST 2016