Comparisons of estimates of annual exceedance-probability discharges for small drainage basins in Iowa, based on data through water year 2013
David A. Eash
2015, Scientific Investigations Report 2015-5055
Traditionally, the Iowa Department of Transportation has used the Iowa Runoff Chart and single-variable regional-regression equations (RREs) from a U.S. Geological Survey report (published in 1987) as the primary methods to estimate annual exceedance-probability discharge (AEPD) for small (20 square miles or less) drainage basins in Iowa. With the publication...
Evaluation of groundwater levels in the South Platte River alluvial aquifer, Colorado, 1953-2012, and design of initial well networks for monitoring groundwater levels
Tristan Wellman
2015, Scientific Investigations Report 2015-5015
The South Platte River and underlying alluvial aquifer form an important hydrologic resource in northeastern Colorado that provides water to population centers along the Front Range and to agricultural communities across the rural plains. Water is regulated based on seniority of water rights and delivered using a network of administration...
Geotechnical soil characterization of intact Quaternary deposits forming the March 22, 2014 SR-530 (Oso) landslide, Snohomish County, Washington
Michael F. Riemer, Brian D. Collins, Thomas C. Badger, Csilla Toth, Yat Chun Yu
2015, Open-File Report 2015-1089
During the late morning of March 22, 2014, a devastating landslide occurred near the town of Oso, Washington. The landslide with an estimated volume of 10.9 million cubic yards (8.3 x 106 m3) of both intact glacially deposited and previously disturbed landslide sediments, reached speeds averaging 40 miles per hour...
Simulated effects of Lower Floridan aquifer pumping on the Upper Floridan aquifer at Rincon, Effingham County, Georgia
Gregory S. Cherry, John S. Clarke
2015, Scientific Investigations Report 2015-5072
Steady-state simulations using a revised regional groundwater-flow model based on MODFLOW were run to assess the potential long-term effects on the Upper Floridan aquifer (UFA) of pumping the Lower Floridan aquifer (LFA) at well (36S048) near the City of Rincon in coastal Georgia near Savannah. Simulated pumping of well 36S048...
Modeling apple snail population dynamics on the Everglades landscape
Phil Darby, Donald L. DeAngelis, Stephanie S. Romanach, Kevin J. Suir, Joshua L. Bridevaux
2015, Landscape Ecology (30) 1497-1510
Context The Florida Everglades has diminished in size and its existing wetland hydrology has been altered. The endangered snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) has nearly abandoned the Everglades, and its prey, the apple snail (Pomacea paludosa), has declined. Objective We developed a population model (EverSnail) to understand apple snail response to inter- and intra-annual...
Automated calculation of surface energy fluxes with high-frequency lake buoy data
R. Iestyn Woolway, Ian D. Jones, David P. Hamilton, Stephen C Maberly, Kohji Muroaka, Jordan S. Read, Robyn L Smyth, Luke A. Winslow
2015, Environmental Modelling and Software (70) 191-198
Lake Heat Flux Analyzer is a program used for calculating the surface energy fluxes in lakes according to established literature methodologies. The program was developed in MATLAB for the rapid analysis of high-frequency data from instrumented lake buoys in support of the emerging field of aquatic sensor network science. To...
Testing the depth-differentiation hypothesis in a deepwater octocoral
Andrea Quattrini, Iliana B. Baums, Timothy M. Shank, Cheryl L. Morrison, Erik E. Cordes
2015, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (282) 1-9
The depth-differentiation hypothesis proposes that the bathyal region is a source of genetic diversity and an area where there is a high rate of species formation. Genetic differentiation should thus occur over relatively small vertical distances, particularly along the upper continental slope (200–1000 m) where oceanography varies greatly over small...
Tools for discovering and accessing Great Lakes scientific data
Jessica M. Lucido, Jennifer L. Bruce
2015, Fact Sheet 2015-3040
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a multidisciplinary and interagency effort focused on the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes (GL) using the best available science and applying lessons learned from previous studies. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contributes to the GLRI effort by providing resource managers with...
Mercury and methylmercury in reservoirs in Indiana
Martin R. Risch, Amanda L. Fredericksen
2015, Professional Paper 1813
Mercury (Hg) is an element that occurs naturally, but evidence suggests that human activities have resulted in increased amounts being released to the atmosphere and land surface. When Hg is converted to methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic ecosystems, MeHg accumulates and increases in the food web so that some fish contain...
California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of Tomales Point, California
Samuel Y. Johnson, Peter Dartnell, Nadine E. Golden, Stephen R. Hartwell, H. Gary Greene, Mercedes D. Erdey, Guy R. Cochrane, Janet Tilden Watt, Rikk G. Kvitek, Michael W. Manson, Charles A. Endris, Bryan E. Dieter, Lisa M. Krigsman, Ray W. Sliter, Erik N. Lowe, John L. Chinn
Samuel Y. Johnson, Susan A. Cochran, editor(s)
2015, Open-File Report 2015-1088
In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration,...
Status and threats analysis for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), 2012
Michael C. Runge, Catherine A. Langtimm, Julien Martin, Christopher J. Fonnesbeck
2015, Open-File Report 2015-1083
The endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), especially the Florida subspecies (T. m. latirostris), has been the focus of conservation efforts and extensive research since its listing under the Endangered Species Act. On the basis of the best information available as of December 2012, the threats facing the Florida manatee...
2013 Survey of Iowa groundwater and evaluation of public well vulnerability classifications for contaminants of emerging concern
Claire E. Hruby, Robert D. Libra, Chad L. Fields, Dana W. Kolpin, Laura E. Hubbard, Mark R. Borchardt, Susan K. Spencer, Michael D. Wichman, Nancy Hall, Michael D. Schueller, Edward T. Furlong, Peter J. Weyer
2015, Iowa Geological and Water Survey Technical Information Series 57
Studies in Iowa have long documented the vulnerability of wells with less than 50 feet (15 meters) of confining materials above the source aquifer to contamination from nitrate and various pesticides. Recent studies in Wisconsin have documented the occurrence of viruses in untreated groundwater, even in wells considered to have...
Offshore geology and geomorphology from Point Piedras Blancas to Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California
Janet Watt, Samuel Y. Johnson, Stephen R. Hartwell, Michelle Roberts
2015, Scientific Investigations Map 3327
Marine geology and geomorphology were mapped along the continental shelf and upper slope between Point Piedras Blancas and Pismo Beach, California. The map area is divided into the following three (smaller) map areas, listed from north to south: San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Point San Luis. Each smaller map area...
California State Waters Map Series — Drakes Bay and vicinity, California
Janet Watt, Peter Dartnell, Nadine E. Golden, H. Gary Greene, Mercedes D. Erdey, Guy R. Cochrane, Samuel Y. Johnson, Stephen R. Hartwell, Rikk G. Kvitek, Michael W. Manson, Charles A. Endris, Bryan E. Dieter, Ray W. Sliter, Lisa M. Krigsman, Erik N. Lowe, John L. Chinn
Janet Watt, Susan A. Cochran, editor(s)
2015, Open-File Report 2015-1041
In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration,...
Use of 2H and 18O stable isotopes to investigate water sources for different ages of Populus euphratica along the lower Heihe River
Shubao Liu, Yaning Chen, Yapeng Chen, Jonathan M. Friedman, Gonghuan Fan, Jarre Heng A. Hati
2015, Ecological Research (30) 581-587
Investigation of the water sources used by trees of different ages is essential to formulate a conservation strategy for the riparian tree, P. euphratica. This study addressed the contributions of different potential water sources to P. euphratica based on levels of stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes (δ18<span...
Water-table and potentiometric-surface altitudes in the Upper Glacial, Magothy, and Lloyd aquifers of Long Island, New York, April-May 2013
Michael D. Como, Michael L. Noll, Jason S. Finkelstein, Jack Monti Jr., Ronald Busciolano
2015, Scientific Investigations Map 3326
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with State and local agencies, systematically collects groundwater data at varying measurement frequencies to monitor the hydrologic conditions on Long Island, New York. Each year during April and May, the USGS conducts a synoptic survey of water levels to define the spatial distribution...
In-reservoir behavior, dam passage, and downstream migration of juvenile Chinook salmon and juvenile steelhead from Detroit Reservoir and Dam to Portland, Oregon, February 2013-February 2014
John W. Beeman, Noah S. Adams
2015, Open-File Report 2015-1090
In the second year of 2 years of study, the movements of juvenile spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and juvenile summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through Detroit Reservoir, passing Detroit Dam, and migrating downstream to Portland, Oregon, were studied during a 1-year-long period beginning in February 2013. The primary purpose of...
California State Waters Map Series — Offshore of San Francisco, California
Guy R. Cochrane, Samuel Y. Johnson, Peter Dartnell, H. Gary Greene, Mercedes D. Erdey, Nadine E. Golden, Stephen R. Hartwell, Charles A. Endris, Michael W. Manson, Ray W. Sliter, Rikk G. Kvitek, Janet Tilden Watt, Stephanie L. Ross, Terry R. Bruns
Guy R. Cochrane, Susan A. Cochran, editor(s)
2015, Open-File Report 2015-1068
In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and visualization of...
Effects of lake surface elevation on shoreline-spawning Lost River Suckers
Summer M. Burdick, David A. Hewitt, J.E. Rasmussen, Brian Hayes, Eric Janney, Alta C. Harris
2015, North American Journal of Fisheries Management (35) 478-490
We analyzed remote detection data from PIT-tagged Lost River Suckers Deltistes luxatus at four shoreline spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, to determine whether spawning of this endangered species was affected by low water levels. Our investigation was motivated by the observation that the surface elevation of the lake...
Laboratory evaluation of the pressure water level data logger manufactured by Infinities USA, Inc.: results of pressure and temperature tests
Mark V. Carnley
2015, Open-File Report 2015-1049
The Pressure Water Level Data Logger manufactured by Infinities USA, Inc., was evaluated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility for conformance with the manufacturer’s stated accuracy specifications for measuring pressure throughout the device’s operating temperature range and with the USGS accuracy requirements for water-level measurements. The Pressure...
Groundwater quality in the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau, California
Miranda S. Fram, Jennifer L. Shelton
2015, Fact Sheet 2014-3123
Groundwater provides more than 40 percent of California’s drinking water. To protect this vital resource, the State of California created the Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The Priority Basin Project of the GAMA Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the State’s groundwater quality and increases public access to...
Diel cycling of trace elements in streams draining mineralized areas: a review
Chris Gammons, David A. Nimick, Stephen R. Parker
2015, Applied Geochemistry (57) 35-44
Many trace elements exhibit persistent diel, or 24-h, concentration cycles in streams draining mineralized areas. These cycles can be caused by various physical and biogeochemical mechanisms including streamflow variation, photosynthesis and respiration, as well as reactions involving photochemistry, adsorption and desorption, mineral precipitation and dissolution, and plant assimilation. Iron is...
Status and understanding of groundwater quality in the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau study unit, 2010: California GAMA Priority Basin Project
Miranda S. Fram, Jennifer L. Shelton
2015, Scientific Investigations Report 2014-5238
Groundwater quality in the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau study unit was investigated as part of the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program Priority Basin Project. The study was designed to provide a statistically unbiased assessment of untreated groundwater quality in the primary...
Hydrogeologic framework, groundwater movement, and water budget in the Puyallup River Watershed and vicinity, Pierce and King Counties, Washington
Wendy B. Welch, Kenneth H. Johnson, Mark E. Savoca, Ron C. Lane, Elisabeth T. Fasser, Andrew S. Gendaszek, Cameron Marshall, Burt G. Clothier, Eric N. Knoedler
2015, Scientific Investigations Report 2015-5068
This report presents information used to characterize the groundwater-flow system in the Puyallup River Watershed and vicinity, and includes descriptions of the geology and hydrogeologic framework; groundwater recharge and discharge; groundwater levels and flow directions; seasonal groundwater level fluctuations; interactions between aquifers and the surface-water system; and a water budget....
Response of Bighead Carp and Silver Carp to repeated water gun operation in an enclosed shallow pond
Jason G. Romine, Nathan Jensen, Michael J. Parsley, Robert F. Gaugush, Todd J. Severson, Tyson W. Hatton, Ryan F. Adams, Mark P. Gaikowski
2015, North American Journal of Fisheries Management (35) 440-453
The Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix are nonnative species that pose a threat to Great Lakes ecosystems should they advance into those areas. Thus, technologies to impede Asian carp movement into the Great Lakes are needed; one potential technology is the seismic water gun. We evaluated the efficacy of a...
