Images

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) often employs specific types of soil moisture probes to monitor watersheds, creeks, and streams as part of their hydrological studies and environmental monitoring efforts.

Figure 2: An area burned at high intensity by the North Complex (2020) on the Middle Fork arm of Lake Oroville, CA. Photo: Maura Uebner (USGS)

A soil moisture data logger buried in the ground is a specialized instrument designed to measure and record the moisture content of soil over time. Here's how it generally functions:

USGS booth at fall 2023 Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) conference in Indian Wells, California.

Banner graphic for fall 2023 ACWA conference held in Indian Wells, California.

The CAWSC ACWA Conference team included (L to R): Steve Ackley, Elizabeth Jachens, Anke Mueller-Solger, John "Izzy" Izbicki, Bryant Jurgens, and Claudia Faunt

Dr. John Izbicki discusses research with an Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) conference attendee.

Dr. John Izbicki (seated) discusses differences in local geology within the groundwater aquifer with Hinkley residents. This took place at a meeting in Sacramento to discuss the development of MODFLOW Model.

Researchers from the USGS use a mobile lab to carry out on-site sample analyses near Hinkley, CA.

USGS researchers discuss Menlo Park lab analysis details with representatives from the Technical Advisory Committee. 

A USGS scientist meets with a Hinkley resident at research site to discuss the details of a geophysical survey.

Additional analyses at a USGS lab in Menlo Park were also conducted, but not before the Technical Advisory Committee was given a tour of the USGS and an explanation of all that is entailed. In this photo, a USGS scientist explains data from the mobile laboratory to members of the Hinkley community.

This is a photograph of a Citrus orchard and canal in California's Coachella-Valley.

Elisabeth LaBarbera, Andrea Jaegge, Nick Framsted, and Schuyler Nardelli hosted a workshop for the Expanding Your Horizons Conference. During lunchtime networking, Anna Conlen and Lawrence Fujiwara from the West Sacramento Projects Office hosted a USGS table where the girls were able to learn all about a future career with the USGS.

One part of the “Dive into the Bay Delta” workshop involved using Skittles to help demonstrate the concept of chromatography. Here, Elisabeth LaBarbera pours hot water over the Skittles and students observe how the running colors form a pattern. 

The USGS workshop called “Dive into the Bay-Delta” featured chromatography, microscopy, and sediment cores. Here USGS workshop leaders assist students with their hands-on activity.

During lunchtime networking, Anna Conlen and Lawrence Fujiwara from the West Sacramento Projects Office hosted a USGS table where the girls were able to learn all about a future career with the USGS.

The boat warehouse at the CAWSC West Sacramento Projects Office. 

Hydrologic Technician, Lawrence Fujiwara, stands next to display showing Bay-Delta real time electrical conductivity conditions at the CAWSC West Sacramento Projects Office.

The entrance to the West Sacramento Projects Office.

San Francisco Bay as seen from USGS R/V Peterson with the bay waters, the City of San Francisco and Bay Bridge.