Videos

A video detailing the roles and responsibilities of the USGS's Maryland-Delaware-D.C., Baltimore Surface Water team.

Flow is a critical variable in streams since it affects aquatic and riparian biological communities and human uses of water (i.e., recreation, public water supply, etc.). Flow regimes are changing due to anthropogenic (e.g., water withdrawals) and natural impacts (e.g., extreme weather events).

The Delaware River is rich in history, ecologically diverse, and critical to the regional economy. Water managers in this basin have a long history of applying innovative, regional solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of this treasured resource which provides drinking water to over 15 million people in the region.

Flow is a critical variable in streams since it affects aquatic and riparian biological communities and human uses of water (i.e., recreation, public water supply, etc.). Flow regimes are changing due to anthropogenic (e.g., water withdrawals) and natural impacts (e.g., extreme weather events).

Flow is a critical variable in streams since it affects aquatic and riparian biological communities and human uses of water (i.e., recreation, public water supply, etc.). Flow regimes are changing due to anthropogenic (e.g., water withdrawals) and natural impacts (e.g., extreme weather events).

When a major storm is forecasted to affect the Delmarva region, up-to-date information is vital for the response. 

That’s when USGS crews spring into action, setting up rapid deployment gages that provide additional surge, wave, and tide hydrodynamics (SWaTH) data that augments our existing streamgage network. 

When a major storm is forecasted to affect the Delmarva region, up-to-date information is vital for the response. 

That’s when USGS crews spring into action, setting up rapid deployment gages that provide additional surge, wave, and tide hydrodynamics (SWaTH) data that augments our existing streamgage network. 

It’s quite the trek to get to Ship John Shoal lighthouse, which is several miles off the Delaware coast and only accessible by boat. There, USGS scientists clean and service equipment that plays an important role in our understanding of the salt front in the Delaware Bay.

It’s quite the trek to get to Ship John Shoal lighthouse, which is several miles off the Delaware coast and only accessible by boat. There, USGS scientists clean and service equipment that plays an important role in our understanding of the salt front in the Delaware Bay.

When a major storm is forecasted to affect the Delmarva region, up-to-date information is vital for the response. 

That’s when USGS crews spring into action, setting up rapid deployment gages that provide additional surge, wave, and tide hydrodynamics (SWaTH) data that augments our existing streamgage network. 

When a major storm is forecasted to affect the Delmarva region, up-to-date information is vital for the response. 

That’s when USGS crews spring into action, setting up rapid deployment gages that provide additional surge, wave, and tide hydrodynamics (SWaTH) data that augments our existing streamgage network.

Did you know that the USGS maintains a network of precipitation gages that need to be calibrated to ensure accuracy? In this episode, hydro-tech Tyler Bowser services a rain gage in Harford Glen Park.

Did you know that the USGS maintains a network of precipitation gages that need to be calibrated to ensure accuracy? In this episode, hydro-tech Tyler Bowser services a rain gage in Harford Glen Park.

Why is it important to know how much water is in Jennings Randolph Lake? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers factors water-level data collected by the USGS into how much water they should release downstream into the North Branch Potomac River.

Why is it important to know how much water is in Jennings Randolph Lake? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers factors water-level data collected by the USGS into how much water they should release downstream into the North Branch Potomac River.

Learn how the USGS services the streamgage at Barnum, WV, which is situated along the North Branch Potomac River downstream of Jennings Randolph Lake.

How do we know if D.C. aquifers are protected from human contamination? The USGS samples groundwater for the presence or absence of specific chemical markers known to be of human origin. If we don’t find these markers, it’s a good indication the water is protected.

Physical Scientists Leah Staub and Zachary Clifton assess a stream along the Chesterville Branch on the Eastern shore of Maryland.

Physical Scientists Leah Staub and Zachary Clifton assess a stream along the Chesterville Branch on the Eastern shore of Maryland.

It’s an age-old question: If the river floods and no one sees it, did it flood? Yes! High water events leave behind clues such as debris that USGS scientists can observe to indirectly estimate the water level and streamflow during the event.

It’s an age-old question: If the river floods and no one sees it, did it flood? Yes! High water events leave behind clues such as debris that USGS scientists can observe to indirectly estimate the water level and streamflow during the event.