USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center Videos
Working with the USGS
Working with the USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center
Interviews with employees working with the USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center.
Day in the Life of a USGS Physical Scientist
The USGS is home to many kinds of scientists studying the earth’s hydrology, topography, geography, geology, seismology, volcanology, and more.
In this video, we show you what a day is like for scientists studying a stream’s habitability.
USGS Northeast Region: The Short Story
This video is an introduction of the USGS Northeast Region's science efforts to support society's evolving needs through its engaged and diverse workforce.
Our Center's Scientific Capabilities
USGS MD-DE-DC Capabilities: Surface Water
A video detailing the roles and responsibilities of the USGS's Maryland-Delaware-D.C., Baltimore Surface Water team.
USGS Capabilities: Geomorphology
This video highlights the Geomorphology team at the MD-DE-DC Water Science Center, and features interviews with several USGS scientists.
They discuss what skills they possess, what technologies they use, and how their research helps advance the mission of the USGS.
USGS Capabilities: Fate and Bioremediation
This video highlights the Fate and Bioremediation team at the MS-DE-DC Water Science Center, and features interviews with several USGS scientists.
They discuss what skills they possess, what technologies they use, and how their research helps advance the mission of the USGS.
USGS Studies and Projects
This video acts as a “visual abstract” for a recent publication analyzing the stormwater management practices in Clarksburg, MD. The video features interviews with the team of USGS scientists as well as a water specialist from Montgomery County.
Imagery as Streamflow Data: Introducing the USGS Flow Photo Explorer
Flow is a critical variable in streams since it affects aquatic and riparian biological communities and human uses of water. Flow regimes are changing due to anthropogenic and natural impacts.
Field Trip with PAWSC staff to a Delaware River NGWOS station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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.
Hot Stream, Cold Stream – Measuring the impact of Groundwater on Stream Temperature
Groundwater that drains to surface water through seeps and springs is generally referred to as “discharge.” Groundwater discharge is a primary component of stream base flow, or streamflow that occurs between storms, periods of snowmelt runoff, and periods of quick soil drainage.
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.
The Calm Before: The Short Story
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.
Eyes On Streams - The Short Story
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 USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
USGS Remembers the Ellicott City Floods
On May 27, 2018, the second devastating flash flood in two years swept through historic Ellicott City. Brief but intense rainfall caused the flood which tragically claimed the life of one person and damaged buildings, vehicles, and property.
USGS On The Road
Join hydrologists, hydrologic technicians, and scientists from across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C. as we discuss important water science topics throughout the region.
Deploying the Autonomous Boat at Lower Darby Creek
Did you know the USGS is involved in understanding how PFAS travel through the environment?
Are you afraid of the dark?
Not this scientist. He is using a special technique to examine sediment samples that can help scientists study historical hurricanes.
As the largest river flowing into the nation's largest freshwater estuary, the Susquehanna River plays an important role in the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.
Choptank River Water Quality Sampling
On a fair sunny day in March, hydrologic technician Michael Brownley makes his way up the metal rung ladder to a platform. From there he beards a cableway, no bigger than a twin-sized bed. Luckily, he’s the only one aboard the cableway, space is tight as it is.
Measuring Water Quality at Plumtree
As a USGS hydrologic technician Kelly McVicker explains, we collect water-quality samples with an attention to detail.
Why care about water quality? Because it holds the clues to the health of the stream or river.
Our scientists are keen on understanding the impact that urban and suburban developments can have on stream habitats.
USGS on the Road: First Stop on the Potomac
Learn how the USGS services the streamgage at Barnum, WV, which is situated along the North Branch Potomac River downstream of Jennings Randolph Lake.
USGS on the Road: The Lake on the Potomac
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.
USGS on the Road: Stormflow Forensics
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.
USGS on the Road: Doing Well in DC
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.
USGS on the Road: Home Stream Home
Physical Scientists Leah Staub and Zachary Clifton assess a stream along the Chesterville Branch on the Eastern shore of Maryland.
USGS On The Road - Clarksburg - Keeping Stormwater Under Control in Clarksburg MD
How can we best manage stormwater in our local Montgomery County, Maryland neighborhoods to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and help aquatic organisms?
Let’s take a #WaterScienceRoadTrip to Clarksburg, MD to learn more about the best stormwater management practices.
What is HIVIS?
HIVIS stands for Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System.
HIVIS is a network of cameras across the United States that serve as remote “eyes on the ground,” providing the USGS and its cooperators with the ability to monitor conditions in near real-time at sites where a camera is installed.
Securing Sediment Samples at Hickey Run
The USGS wants to know where nutrient-rich sediment in the DC area is coming from.
Through its sediment fingerprinting project with the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, the USGS is looking into the sources of the excess sediments that are found in Hickey Run and the National Arboretum.
Swamp Surveillance at Nassawango Creek
How do land use and best management practices affect the Chesapeake Bay watershed?
To find out, USGS scientists trudge through the muddy swamp of Nassawango Creek on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for a water science partnership with Virginia Tech.
Powerful Water Samples From Conowingo Dam
USGS hydro-techs Shane and Kelly collected water samples at Conowingo Dam. The USGS routinely samples for water-quality conditions at Conowingo Dam as part of the USGS National Water Quality Network (NWQN).
Sediment Fingerprinting in Langdon Park
It’s not just the big rivers and streams. USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center scientists also collect samples from local parks. Zach and Leah collect sediment auger samples from Langdon Park in Washington DC as part of a study to find the sources of sediment runoff.
Monitoring Water Quality on the Anacostia River
Join Ashley and Nick at Bladensburg Waterfront Park along the Anacostia River. The gage in this park is “supercharged” to monitor the “BIG 5” water-quality parameters: dissolved-oxygen concentration, pH, specific conductance, water temperature, and turbidity.
The Potomac River Supplies drinking water for Washington D.C., so it’s important for us to understand what’s going on in the river.
USGS on the Road: "Searching for Striations in the DE 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.
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.