Unified Interior Regions
Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf
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Tri-State Ground-Water Modeling
Short Title: Tri-State Ground-Water Model
Project Chief: Jonathan Gillip
Cooperators: Kansas Water Board
Project Time Frame: 2005 - present
To assess the effect that increased water use is having on the long-term availability of groundwater within the Ozark Plateaus aquifer system, a...
Water Budget Analysis of the Pawnee Tribe Jurisdictional Area in Payne County, OK
The objective of this proposed project is to construct an annual water budget for the Cimarron River alluvial aquifer between USGS streamgages Cimarron River near Ripley, OK and a proposed new USGS streamgage. Components of the water budget (precipitation, [runoff], evapotranspiration, stream base flow, bedrock lateral flow, and groundwater pumping) will be calculated for the 2017 water year (...
Black Bear Creek Watershed Hydrologic Summary for the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
The objectives of this project are to compile, summarize, and analyze available data and reports from the Pawnee Nation, the USGS, and other government agencies. The final report of the analysis will provide a comprehensive background document for geographic, hydrologic, and environmental features of the area and will identify gaps in available data that need to be filled for the Pawnee Nation...
Tonkawa Tribe Groundwater Survey
The objective of this study is to analyze the alluvial aquifer of the Chikaskia River to determine the potential for additional groundwater resources for the Tonkawa Tribe’s water supply. This investigation will examine the depth, lithology, hydraulic properties, and general water quality of the Chikaskia River alluvial aquifer.
Neosho, Spring, and Elk Rivers Bathymetry
In support of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing process, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Grand River Dam Authority, performed bathymetric surveys of (1) the Neosho River from the Oklahoma border to the U.S. Highway 60 bridge at Twin Bridges State Park, (2) the Spring River from the Oklahoma border to the U.S. Highway 60 bridge at Twin Bridges State Park,...
Shawnee Twin Lakes Bathymetry
Shawnee Reservoir (locally known as Shawnee Twin Lakes) is a man-made reservoir on South Deer Creek with a drainage area of 32.7 square miles in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the City of Shawnee, has operated a real-time stage (water-surface elevation) gage (USGS station 07241600) at Shawnee Reservoir since 2006. The purposes of the...
Washita River Reach 3 and 4 Alluvial Aquifer Study
The objectives of this investigation are to describe the hydrogeology, and construct, calibrate, and use a numerical groundwater-flow model to simulate the effects of transient stresses and various pumping and climate scenarios for Reaches 3 and 4 of the Washita River alluvial aquifer.
Boone and Roubidoux Aquifers Study
The objective of the study is to conduct an investigation of the hydrogeology of the Boone and Roubidoux aquifers that will provide information to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board that will enable that agency to determine maximum annual yield of the aquifers based on different proposed management plans.
Groundwater Modeling at the Oklahoma Water Science Center
The Oklahoma Water Science Center performs computer simulations using MODFLOW to simulate groundwater/surface-water interaction, quantify groundwater resources, and evaluate the effects of withdrawals on future groundwater supplies for various aquifers in Oklahoma.
Investigation of Hydrogeology and Water Availability in the Osage Nation of Oklahoma
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the spatial distribution and volume of the fresh and brackish (saline) groundwater resources on the Reservation of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. This investigation will evaluate the sources of water and water use in the Reservation, through activities such as historical water use, characterization of water wells, and predicting the potential effects...
Rush Springs Aquifer Study
The objectives of this project are to quantify the groundwater resources of the Rush Springs aquifer by developing a numerical groundwater-flow model, evaluate the effects of estimated equal proportionate share (EPS) on aquifer storage and streamflow for time periods of 20, 40, and 50 years into the future by using numerical groundwater-flow models, and evaluate the effects of present-day...
Estimated Water Withdrawals in Oklahoma, 2010
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the National Water-Use Information Program in 1977 to collect uniform, current, and reliable information on water use. The USGS has compiled national estimates every 5 years since 1950. The most recent national water use compilation is for 2010. The data presented here are the result of the 2010 compilation effort for Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Water...
Changes between early development (1930–60) and recent (2005–15) groundwater-level altitudes and dissolved-solids and nitrate concentrations In and near Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties, Texas
Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District, Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District, and South Plains Underground Water Conservation District manage groundwater resources in a part of west Texas near the Texas-New Mexico State line. Declining groundwater levels have raised concerns about the amount of available groundwater...
Thomas, Jonathan V.; Teeple, Andrew ; Payne, Jason ; Ikard, ScottWater resources of Washington Parish, Louisiana
Information concerning the availability, use, and quality of water in Washington Parish, Louisiana, is critical for proper water-resource management. The purpose of this fact sheet is to present information that can be used by water managers, parish residents, and others for stewardship of this vital resource. Information on the availability, past...
White, Vincent E.; Prakken, Lawrence B.U.S. Geological Survey response to flooding in Texas, May–June 2015
As a Federal science agency within the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects and disseminates streamflow stage and discharge information along with other types of water information as a major part of its Water mission area. Data collected at USGS streamflow-gaging stations (hereinafter referred to as “streamgages...
East, Jeffery W.Simulation of streamflow and the effects of brush management on water yields in the Double Mountain Fork Brazos River watershed, western Texas 1994–2013
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Lubbock and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, developed and calibrated a Soil and Water Assessment Tool watershed model of the Double Mountain Fork Brazos River watershed in western Texas to simulate monthly mean streamflow and to evaluate the effects of brush management...
Harwell, Glenn R.; Stengel, Victoria G.; Bumgarner, Johnathan R.Municipal solid waste landfills harbor distinct microbiomes
Landfills are the final repository for most of the discarded material from human society and its “built environments.” Microorganisms subsequently degrade this discarded material in the landfill, releasing gases (largely CH4 and CO2) and a complex mixture of soluble chemical compounds in leachate. Characterization of “landfill microbiomes” and...
Stamps, Blake W.; Lyles, Christopher N.; Suflita, Joseph M.; Masoner, Jason R.; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M.; Kolpin, Dana W.; Stevenson, Bradley S.Arsenic and radionuclide occurrence and relation to geochemistry in groundwater of the Gulf Coast Aquifer System in Houston, Texas, 2007–11
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the City of Houston, began a study in 2007 to determine concentrations, spatial extent, and associated geochemical conditions that might be conducive for mobility and transport of selected naturally occurring trace elements and radionuclides in the Gulf Coast aquifer system in Houston, Texas....
Oden, Jeannette H.; Szabo, ZoltanNew insights into the Edwards Aquifer—Brackish-water simulation, drought, and the role of uncertainty analysis
The Edwards aquifer is an important water resource in south-central Texas, providing water for residents, businesses, and ecosystems. The aquifer is a highly complex karst system characterized by areas of rapid groundwater flow, faulted and fractured Cretaceous-age rocks, and multiple water-quality zones. Karst aquifer systems include soluble...
Foster, Linzy K.; White, Jeremy T.Potentiometric surfaces of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Area, Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, May and September 2011
Arnold Air Force Base occupies about 40,000 acres in Coffee and Franklin Counties, Tennessee. The primary mission of Arnold Air Force Base is to provide risk-reduction information in the development of aerospace products through test and evaluation. This mission is achieved in part through test facilities at Arnold Engineering Development Complex...
Haugh, Connor J.; Robinson, John A.Fish assemblage composition and mapped mesohabitat features over a range of streamflows in the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico, winter 2011-12, summer 2012
This report documents differences in the mapped spatial extents and physical characteristics of in-channel fish habitat evaluated at the mesohabitat scale during winter 2011–12 (moderate streamflow) and summer 2012 (low streamflow) at 15 sites on the Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico starting about 3 kilometers downstream from Cochiti Dam and...
Pearson, Daniel K.; Braun, Christopher L.; Moring, J. BruceSummary of U.S. Geological Survey studies conducted in cooperation with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, central Oklahoma, 2011–14
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted hydrologic studies and published three U.S. Geological Survey scientific investigations reports in cooperation with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation from 2011 to 2014 to characterize the quality and quantity of water resources. The study areas of those reports consisted of approximately 960 square miles in parts...
Andrews, William J.; Becker, Carol J.; Ryter, Derek W.; Smith, S. JerrodHydrogeological framework, numerical simulation of groundwater flow, and effects of projected water use and drought for the Beaver-North Canadian River alluvial aquifer, northwestern Oklahoma
This report describes a study of the hydrology, hydrogeological framework, numerical groundwater-flow models, and results of simulations of the effects of water use and drought for the Beaver-North Canadian River alluvial aquifer, northwestern Oklahoma. The purpose of the study was to provide analyses, including estimating equal-proportionate-...
Ryter, Derek W.; Correll, Jessica S.Spatial and temporal migration of a landfill leachate plume in alluvium
Leachate from unlined or leaky landfills can create groundwater contaminant plumes that last decades to centuries. Understanding the dynamics of leachate movement in space and time is essential for monitoring, planning and management, and assessment of risk to groundwater and surface-water resources. Over a 23.4-year period (1986–2010), the...
Masoner, Jason R.; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M.USGS station 08111000 Navasota River near Bryan, Texas
U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging station 08111000 Navasota River near Bryan, Texas, looking upstream from U.S. Highway 190 bridge, August 27, 1975.
SIR 2009–5174
Golden Eagle Flight
Golden eagles can be killed by colliding with a number of human-made objects, including wind turbines. USGS research wildlife biologist Todd Katzner describes his studies of golden eagle flight. This research is being done to model flight behavior which might help managers understand how placement of wind turbines might pose significant risks to golden eagles.
Landsat Reveals Scar of ‘Good Burn’ at Guadalupe Mountains
Pre- and post-fire images acquired with shortwave infrared (SWIR), near infrared (NIR), and red bands on Landsat 8’s Operational Land Imager sensor reveal a significant, 14,442-acre burn scar within the park’s high country. The burn scar appears red in the June 23 image. Lightning started the wildfire, and strong winds drove it to the Texas-New Mexico border.
Temporary Streamgage on Brazos River
USGS scientist Jody Avant installs a temporary streamgage on the Brazos River near West Columbia, Texas. Rapidly deployable streamgages can be installed temporarily to provide emergency managers with additional information needed to help protect public safety.
Temporary Streamgage on Brazos River
Temporary streamgage installed by the USGS on the Brazos River near Brazoria, Texas. Rapidly deployable streamgages can be installed temporarily to provide emergency managers with additional information needed to help protect public safety.
Public-supply well tapping the High Plains aquifer, Texas
This public-supply well taps groundwater in the High Plains aquifer in Texas. The strontium concentration in the sample from this well was 4,630 micrograms per liter, exceeding the health-based screening level of 4,000 micrograms per liter.
Rain-Swollen Brazos River Floods Suburban Houston
Heavy rains that began falling during Memorial Day weekend in late May 2016 pushed the Brazos River, 30 miles southwest of Houston, Texas, toward a near-record flooding stage that hasn’t been seen since 1913, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Andy Ramey holding two Blue-winged Teals
Andy Ramey holding two Blue-winged Teals. This photo was part of an Avian Influenza program.
Flooding near Houston, Texas on April 20, 2016
USGS responsds to recent flooding near Houston, Texas on April 20, 2016.
USGS Streamgage near Derby, Texas
Currently, most of the streamflow equipment is located on a streambank or bridge. Large structures are no longer needed at most streamgage locations. Today, streamgage equipment can be contained in small metal shelters that are located on streambanks or bridges.
USGS Streamgage near Junction, Texas
A modern 21st century version of a streamgage structure.
Several U.S. Geological Survey field crews are measuring flooding in south-central Oklahoma due to heavy rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Depression Bill.
Do you know where to find extinct volcanoes or where the dinosaurs once roamed in Texas? Can you find where unconventional oil and gas formations are present at the land surface? A new interactive map viewer displaying the geology of Texas will help you explore what’s under your feet and across the state!
As moderate to major flooding in southern Oklahoma continues, multiple crews of U.S. Geological Survey scientists are in the field measuring how the recent heavy rains are impacting streamflows and streamgages.
MENLO PARK, Calif.— Smartphones and other personal electronic devices could, in regions where they are in widespread use, function as early warning systems for large earthquakes according to newly reported research.
MENLO PARK, California — Los teléfonos móviles y otros dispositivos electrónicos personales podrían ayudar en las regiones donde se encuentran en uso generalizado, y pueden funcionar como sistemas de alerta para terremotos mayor según la nueva investigación científica recien publicada.
Reactivated faults that have produced thousands of Oklahoma earthquakes are capable of causing larger seismic events, according to U.S. Geological Survey research published today in Geophysical Research Letters.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced today that Interior’s South Central Climate Science Center is awarding nearly $550,000 to universities and other partners for research to guide managers of parks, refuges and other cultural and natural resources in planning how to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change.
The U.S. Geological Survey has released a new report detailing changes of groundwater levels in the High Plains Aquifer. The report presents water-level change data in the aquifer for two separate periods: from 1950 – the time prior to significant groundwater irrigation development – to 2013, and 2011 to 2013.
Average chloride concentrations often exceed toxic levels in many northern United States streams due to the use of salt to deice winter pavement, and the frequency of these occurrences nearly doubled in two decades.
For the first time ever, scientists have simulated the movement of sediment throughout the San Antonio River Basin with a new U.S. Geological Survey model, created in cooperation with the San Antonio River Authority (SARA).
For the first time ever, scientists have simulated the movement of sediment throughout the San Antonio River Basin with a new U.S. Geological Survey model, created in cooperation with the San Antonio River Authority (SARA).
Historical groundwater withdrawals have caused the loss of land-surface elevation, or subsidence, in the Houston-Galveston region. Loss of surface elevation is a concern as it may increase the potential for more intense flooding in the study area according to the latest annual report conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey.