Temperature of surface waters in the conterminous United States
Links
- Document: Report (8 p.) (pdf)
- Plates:
- Sheet 1 (4.85 MB pdf) Most prevalent (median) surface-water temperatures, 1960-62
- Sheet 2 (4.79 MB pdf) Average number of days per year when surface-water temperatures are 80°F or higher
- Sheet 3 (4.83 pdf) Average number of days per year when surface-water temperatures are at or near the freezing point (32°-34°F)
- Raw Data: Raw Data (pdf)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Temperature is probably the most important, but least discussed, parameter in determining water quality. The purpose of this report is to present the average or most probable temperatures of surface waters in the conterminous United States and to cite factors that affect and are affected by water temperature. Temperature is related, usually directly, to all the chemical, physical, and biological properties of water. The ability of water to dissolve or precipitate materials is temperature dependent, the ability of water to transport or deposit suspended material is temperature dependent, and the aquatic life of a lake or stream may thrive or die because of the water temperature.
Everyone is concerned, though often unknowingly, about water temperature. The amount and type of treatment necessary for a municipal supply are temperature dependent; therefore it affects the consumer cost. Temperature determines the volume of cooling water needed for industrial processes and steampower generation. Conservation and recreation practices are affected by water temperature, and the farmers' irrigation practices and livestock production may be affected by the water temperature.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Temperature of surface waters in the conterminous United States |
| Series title | Hydrologic Atlas |
| Series number | 235 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ha235 |
| Year Published | 1966 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Contributing office(s) | Indiana Water Science Center, North Dakota Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Dakota Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: 8 p; 3 Sheets: 40.5 x 32.0 inches |
| Country | United States |
| Scale | 5000000 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |