USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2006–5152
By Jo Ann M. Gronberg and Charles R. Kratzer
Sacramento, California 2006
Revised February, 2007 (Revision History)
Complete accessible text of report (3.8 MB PDF)
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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.
Abstract
Introduction
Description of the Lower Merced River Basin
Physical and Cultural Features
Physiography
Geology
Soils
General Land Use
Agricultural Land Use
Pesticide Use
Fertilizer Use
Urban Land Use
Climate
Hydrology
Water Availability
Surface Water
Ground Water
Summary
References Cited
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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
Persistent URL: https://pubs.water.usgs.gov/sir20065152
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Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 04-Oct-2006 12:03:56 EDT
