Methodology for construction of a three-layer geologic model of the conterminous United States using land surface, top of bedrock, and top of basement
Donald S. Sweetkind
2026, Data Report 1220
This report describes the methodology used for the construction of a digital three-layer geologic model of the conterminous United States by mapping the altitude of three surfaces: land surface, the top of bedrock, and the top of basement. These surfaces are mapped through the compilation and synthesis of published stratigraphic...
Status and understanding of groundwater quality in the San Joaquin Valley Kern County subbasin domestic-supply aquifer study unit, 2022—California GAMA Priority Basin Project
Jennifer S. Harkness, Kirsten E. Faulkner, Bryant C. Jurgens
2026, Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5012
The quality of water accessed by domestic wells (here referred to as domestic groundwater resources) in the San Joaquin Valley Kern County subbasin (basin number 5-022.14) was assessed as part of the California Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program Priority Basin Project (GAMA-PBP), in cooperation with the California State...
Precipitation-based flood-inundation maps for the East Fork Little Blue River and tributaries at Lee’s Summit, Missouri, 2024
Allison A. Atkinson
2026, Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5017
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, assessed flooding of the East Fork Little Blue River and tributaries for varying precipitation magnitudes and durations, varying antecedent runoff conditions, and projected climate-change conditions. The precipitation scenarios were used to develop a library of flood-inundation...
ECCOE Landsat quarterly calibration and validation report—Quarter 4, 2025
Md Obaidul Haque, Nahid Hasan, Ashish Shrestha, Rajagopalan Rengarajan, Mark Lubke, Daniel Steinwand, Paul Bresnahan, Jerad L. Shaw, Kathryn Ruslander, Esad Micijevic, Michael J. Choate, Cody Anderson, Jeff Clauson, Kurt Thome, Amit Angal, Raviv Levy, Jeff Miller, Cibele Teixeira Pinto
2026, Open-File Report 2026-1014
Executive Summary The U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Center of Excellence (ECCOE) focuses on improving the accuracy, precision, calibration, and product quality of remote- sensing data, leveraging years of multiscale optical system geometric and radiometric calibration and characterization experience. The ECCOE Landsat Cal/Val Team...
System characterization report on Tanager
Minsu Kim, Seonkyung Park, Jeff Clauson, Jim Vrabel, Ajit Sampath
2026, Open-File Report 2021-1030-W
Executive Summary This report addresses the system characterization of the Tanager satellite hyperspectral sensor created by Planet Labs PBC. and is part of a series of system characterization reports produced and delivered by the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Cal/Val Center of Excellence. These reports present and detail...
Simulating past and future refugia for temperate trees in Northern Italy
Azzurra Pistone, Paul Henne, Petra Boltshauser-Kaltenrieder, Willy Tinner, Christoph Schworer
2026, Ecography
During the Quaternary, trees responded to the climatic changes of glacial–interglacial cycles with large-scale range shifts. Over cold glacials, temperate tree species contracted their ranges and survived in areas known as refugia. Several studies point to the Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei), in Veneto, northern Italy, as one of the northernmost...
Distribution, abundance, breeding activities, and restoration efforts for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California—2025 Annual Report
Suellen Lynn, Scarlett L. Howell, Barbara E. Kus
2026, Open-File Report 2026-1016
Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to provide the Marine Corps with an annual summary of the distribution, abundance, and breeding activity of the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus; flycatcher) and to present results of management actions implemented to attract flycatchers and enhance flycatcher habitat at Marine...
Continuous stream discharge, salinity, and associated data collected in the lower St. Johns River and its tributaries, Florida, 2023
Jennifer N. Carson, Matthew T. Benacquisto
2026, Open-File Report 2026-1012
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, deepened the St. Johns River channel in Jacksonville, Florida, to accommodate larger, fully loaded cargo vessels. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, monitored stage, discharge, and (or) water temperature and salinity at 26 continuous...
Spawning habitat suitability models for Lake Erie cisco (Coregonus artedi) during the historical period of pre- and post-population declines 1877–1957
Katelyn King, Cory Brant, Arthur Cooper, Gust Annis, Matthew Herbert, Karen M Alofs
2026, Journal of Great Lakes Research
Coregonine fishes play a key role in the food webs and fisheries of the Laurentian Great Lakes and are a major focus of basin-wide conservation efforts. In Lake Erie, management goals prioritize rebuilding spawning populations of cisco (Coregonus artedi). However, the historical distribution of cisco spawning habitat and the environmental...
Baseflow and snowmelt sustained streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1986-2020
Olivia L. Miller, Matthew P. Miller, Patrick C. Longley, Noah M. Schmadel, Daniel R. Wise, Morgan C. McDonnell, Jay R. Alder
2026, Environmental Research: Water (2)
The Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) faces substantial water availability limitations. Although most streamflow originates as snowmelt, the partitioning of snowmelt between surface runoff and groundwater recharge and subsequent groundwater discharge to streams is highly uncertain. On average, over half of the streamflow in the UCRB is estimated to originate...
VegET evapotranspiration for Africa: Continental-scale simulation, multi-product evaluation, and drought assessment
Komlavi Akpoti, Naga Manohar Velpuri, Mansoor Leh, Stefanie Kagone, Kirubel Mekonnen, Afua Owusu, Mulugeta Tadesse, Paranamana T. Prabhath, Lahiru Madushanka, Tharindu Perera, Gabriel Edwin Lee Parrish, Vinay Nangia, Souleymane Sy, Jan Bliefernicht, Samuel Guug, Abdulkarim Seid, Gabriel B. Senay
Gabriel B. Senay, editor(s)
2026, Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies (66)
Study regionContinental Africa, encompassing diverse climatic zones—tropical, arid, and temperate—and spanning major transboundary river basins such as the Nile, Niger, Congo, Volta, and Zambezi River Basins. The region exhibits pronounced hydroclimatic gradients and heterogeneous land use systems ranging from rainfed croplands and rangelands...
Evaluation of stream capture related to groundwater pumping, middle Humboldt River Basin, Nevada
Kyle W. Davis, William G. Eldridge, Kip K. Allander, David E. Prudic, Murphy A. Gardner, Michael T. Pavelko, Cara A. Nadler
2026, Professional Paper 1906
Historical, future, and potential stream capture from groundwater pumping in the middle Humboldt River Basin (MHRB), Nevada, is estimated using a calibrated numerical groundwater flow model. The model was developed to estimate (1) stream capture, which is the change in flux between the groundwater system and the Humboldt River and...
Practical guidance for engaging end-users and experts in developing scientific tools
Kaylin R. Clements, James J. English, Emily J. Wilkins, Megan A. Moore, Rudy Schuster
2026, Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5137
This report provides actionable guidance for scientists developing scientific tools that inform on-the-ground decision making. Scientific tools, in the context of this report, are technology or protocols that help practitioners collect and analyze their own data, and information products and web tools that practitioners could use to inform decisions. Engaging...
Timing, uncertainty, and opportunity cost: Lessons for ecosystem modification on the Colorado River
Pierce Donovan, Lucas Bair, Matthew N. Reimer, Michael R. Springborn, Charles B. Yackulic
2026, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management (139)
While conservation goals have long been pursued through traditional species-augmenting actions, a broader set of episodic ecosystem modification (EEM) actions, such as hydropower dam releases, prescribed fire, and beach nourishment, is garnering attention. EEM actions face several implementation challenges stemming from high opportunity costs, delayed effect mechanisms, reliance on monitoring...
Storm surge barriers reduce seaward sediment supply to lagoonal estuaries
David K. Ralston, Philip M. Orton, John C. Warner, Shima Kasaei
2026, Earth's Future (14)
Numerical simulations with realistic forcing of fixed infrastructure for a proposed storm surge barrier for a lagoonal estuary, Jamaica Bay (New York, USA), are analyzed during typical forcing conditions to assess alterations to flow and sediment transport with the barrier open. Lagoonal estuaries are shallow and have modest watershed freshwater...
Salinas Valley integrated hydrologic and reservoir operations models, Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, California
Wesley R. Henson, Randy Hanson, Scott Boyce, Joseph Hevesi, Marisa M. Earll, Deidre M. Herbert, Elizabeth R. Jachens
2026, Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5005
The area surrounding the Salinas Valley groundwater basin in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties of California is a highly productive agricultural area, contributes substantially to the local economy, and provides a substantial portion of vegetables and other agricultural commodities to the Nation. This region of California provides about half...
Toxicity of synergized permethrin residues in cattle dung to two temperate dung beetle species after application of common livestock pour-on treatment
Michael C. Cavallaro, Michelle L. Hladik, Rodrigo Soares, Mikaela Anderson, W. Wyatt Hoback
2026, Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment (408)
Essential to pasture health, dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) provide key ecosystem services across natural and managed rangeland habitats. Insecticide residues in livestock dung can negatively impact dung beetle populations, and synergized pyrethroid products are commonly used to combat resistant pest fly populations. Here, permethrin residues were measured by GC-MS/MS in...
Top Elevation of Glacial Till and Thickness of the Big Sioux Aquifer Delineated From Electrical Resistivity Tomography Surveys Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 2022 and 2025
Colton J. Medler, Todd M. Anderson
2026, Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5023
The City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, requested the U.S. Geological Survey perform electrical resistivity surveys on three parcels of land north of the city. Electrical resistivity data were collected along a total of 22 transects during March 14–18, 2022, and November 17–21, 2025. Results from electrical resistivity surveys were...
Calcareous nannofossil assemblage changes in the Surprise Hill core and their implications for floral response to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum across the Salisbury Embayment of Virginia, USA
Masayuki Utsunomiya, Jean Self-Trail, D. Clay Kelly, Xiaodong Zhang, Kristina Frank Gardner, James C. Zachos
2026, Marine Micropaleontology (204)
We present Paleocene-Eocene calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and paleoecology for the Surprise Hill core, U.S. Atlantic Coastal Plain, Virginia. Calcareous nannofossil datums ranging from Zone NP3 to NP14 were identified. The Danian-aged Brightseat Formation rests unconformably atop the Lower Cretaceous Potomac Group at 211.4 m and disconformably underlies the Aquia Formation at...
Watershed Continuum Monitoring Approach: Combining multiple water quality patterns along stream and river flowpaths to track sources, pathways, and processing of pollutants
Sujay Kaushal, Ashley Mon, Stanley Grant, Paul M. Mayer, Aaron J. Porter, Andrew J. Sekellick, Jason Hamilton Chase, Shantanu Bhide, John D. Jastram, Tammy Newcomer-Johnson, Sydney A. Shelton, Alexis M. Yaculak, Joseph T. Malin, Carly Marcella Maas, Nicholas Salanitri, Daniel J. Silberstein, Steven P. Hohman, Ashley B. Dann, Weston M Slaughter, Megan A. Rippy, Ahmed Monofy, Ruth R. Shatkay, Jenna E. Reimer, Madeleine Seppi, Randi Noel, Julianna Mussa, Bennett Kellmayer, Gwendolyn Sivirichi, Melissa Grese, Walter L.M. Boger, Jeffrey G. Chanat, Shuiwang Duan, Kenneth T. Belt
2026, Ecological Engineering (229)
There is a growing need to improve and expand water quality monitoring approaches to more accurately track the sources, fate, and transport of multiple chemicals and pollutants holistically and quantify the effects of best management practices (BMPs) at the watershed scale. An overarching question raised by scientists, environmental managers, and...
Effects of wildfire on soil hydraulic properties in the western Oregon Cascades
Cedric Pimont, Evan A. Thaler, Brian A. Ebel, Kevin D. Bladon
2026, JGR Biogeosciences (131)
Wildfires can substantially impact the hydrology of forested watersheds, increasing the risk of hydrologic hazards such as flash floods and debris flows. Soil hydraulic properties related to infiltration are a key control in determining the timing and magnitude of these hydrogeomorphic events. In our study, we collected 445 soil cores...
Hydrogeologic framework and conceptual groundwater-flow model of the panhandle and northwest parts of the High Plains (Ogallala) aquifer in Oklahoma, 1998–2022
Amy S. Morris, Colin A. Baciocco, Isaac A. Dale, Chloe Codner, Ethan A. Kirby, Grant M. Graves, Derrick L. Wagner, Eric G. Fiorentino, Alan LePera, Jon E. Sanford, Lara Joy
2026, Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5009
This study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, to update the hydrogeologic framework and conceptual flow model for the panhandle and northwest parts of the High Plains (Ogallala) aquifer in Oklahoma, which together compose the Ogallala aquifer focus area. The study...
Hazard potential of compound flooding from rainfall, storm surge, and groundwater in coastal New York and Connecticut
Robin L. Glas, Liv M. Herdman, Salme Ellen Cook, Archi Howlader, Kristina Kirkyla Masterson
2026, Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (26) 2169-2188
Compound flood events, the co-occurrence of multiple flood drivers, can result in flood hazard potential exceeding that of any single driver alone. To evaluate compound flooding in a semi-urbanized coastal area, historical records dating back to 1970 are used to study the co-occurrences of high precipitation, storm surge, and shallow...
Quantitative mineral resource assessment of lithium pegmatite deposits in the southern Appalachian orogen
Joshua Mark Rosera, Kelsey Elizabeth Crocker, Laura Pianowski, Jacob T. Murchek, Ashton M. Wiens, Margaret M. Sanders, Lucas Leonidus Evart, Jacob DeAngelo, Graham W. Lederer, Joshua A. Coyan
2026, Natural Resources Research
The first quantitative mineral resource assessment for undiscovered lithium pegmatite deposits in the southern Appalachian region of the United States was conducted. Permissive tracts for lithium pegmatite deposits were delineated by integrating lithological, tectonic, geochemical, geophysical and mineral occurrence data. Lithium pegmatite prospectivity of the tracts was ranked with simplified...
Variability and consistency in wildfire susceptibility: Insights from a national compilation
Aaron Daniel Russell, Lucas Bair, James R. Meldrum, Todd Hawbaker
2026, International Journal of Wildland Fire (35)
BackgroundWildfire risk in the United States is rising and remains a land management priority. The quantitative wildfire risk assessment (QWRA) framework integrates fuels, topography, weather and values at risk to estimate the potential change in value from wildfire. Within this, response functions (RFs) represent how values respond to fire...
