Images

Scientific studies in Malheur Lake require strong partnerships and collaboration among USGS, USFWS, and High Desert Partnership. Photo by Brandon McMullen.

Local sand was applied to some mesocosms to test whether hardening the lakebed would reduce suspension of bottom sediments. 

Eared grebes in a courtship behavior in the Great Salt Lake. They are one of many migratory birds in the Great Basin that rely on terminal lakes and wetlands in the area to stop rest and feed. 

Wave reduction barriers were installed around some mesocosms to test whether reducing wind-wave action would reduce suspended sediment in the water column. 

Williamson River below Sprague River near Chiloquin, OR in the spring during low-flow conditions. View data.

Researcher using an advanced acoustic instrument to collect river velocity data. The river velocity data is used to calibrate and validate hydraulic models.

Data collection electronics are stored in the metal box. The flex tube connects wiring to sensors and pole where telemetry antennas will be mounted. 

Graph of streamflow over time at North Santiam at Greens Bridge (14184100) between January 5th - January 22nd, 2023. Two speaker symbols represent the approximate timing of hydrophone audio recordings of river water moving gravel and cobbles along the channel bottom.

Relative groundwater age in (A) shallow wells that are less than 100 feet deep and (B) deep wells that are greater than 100 feet deep within and next to the Harney Basin, southeastern Oregon. Relative age is based on the analysis of stable isotopes of hydrogen in water and its relation to tritium and carbon-14 age dates.

Drainage channel along HWY 126, near Coyote Creek, OR, where low water levels have exposed a headcut/headward erosion/knickpoint in the sediment.

As the water drops large amounts of salt deposits are left behind on the shores of Lake Abert.

A winter reconnaissance visit at Lake Abert. Data technicians scout out the terrain and lake to plan site installation.

Side view of Central Point field office. Photo provided by Josh Price for use on ORWSC website.

Image of the Crooked River near our Bend field office in Oregon. Image is looking up stream.

Inter-dune habitat with a mix of coastal scrub, bare ground, and grass vegetation, on Santa Rosa Island, Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL. The foredune (in background) separates the inter-dune habitat from beach habitat (not visible) behind the foredune.

Photo taken from Tilikum Crossing Bridge looking downstream towards Ross Island Bridge and Ross Island in Portland Oregon.

A dead salmon in the South Fork McKenzie River. Salmon die after spawning. The cold waters of South Fork McKenzie River contribute to low pre-spawn mortality in this salmon habitat.

One of many stream gages in the Klamath Basin. Solar charged batteries keep the data coming in through the satellite network. View the data.

Looking east on Bullgate Pond at sunrise with lone tule white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons elgasi) in upper right, Summer Lake Wildlife Area, near Summer Lake, Oregon.

Photo taken by Lisa Hoaks while she measured the streamflow of Fall Creek from the cableway. Looking downstream towards Unity Covered Bridge.

This nitrate sensor detects the unique way nitrate absorbs ultraviolet light and then calculates how much is present. During site visits, technicians clean the optics, check anti-fouling systems, and verify accuracy to keep it running reliably.