Environmental Setting of the Lower Merced River Basin, California

Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5152
By:  and 

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Abstract

In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey began to study the effects of natural and anthropogenic influences on the quality of ground water, surface water, biology, and ecology as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. As part of this program, the San Joaquin-Tulare Basins study unit is assessing parts of the lower Merced River Basin, California. This report provides descriptions of natural and anthropogenic features of this basin as background information to assess the influence of these and other factors on water quality. The lower Merced River Basin, which encompasses the Mustang Creek Subbasin, gently slopes from the northeast to the southwest toward the San Joaquin River. The arid to semiarid climate is characterized by hot summers (highs of mid 90 degrees Fahrenheit) and mild winters (lows of mid 30 degrees Fahrenheit). Annual precipitation is highly variable, with long periods of drought and above normal precipitation. Population is estimated at about 39,230 for 2000. The watershed is predominately agricultural on the valley floor. Approximately 2.2 million pounds active ingredient of pesticides and an estimated 17.6 million pounds active ingredient of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer is applied annually to the agricultural land.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Environmental Setting of the Lower Merced River Basin, California
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2006-5152
DOI 10.3133/sir20065152
Edition Revised Feb. 2007
Year Published 2006
Language ENGLISH
Contributing office(s) National Water Quality Assessment Program
Description viii, 27 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
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