Why does the USGS use the spelling "gage" instead of "gauge"?
The spelling of “gage” is part of our very rich USGS history.
In 1888, USGS Director John Wesley Powell met a very forward-thinking graduate student named Frederick H. Newell. Powell was so impressed that he made Newell the first full-time appointee to the new Irrigation Survey, which was created to investigate the potential for dams and canals in the western U.S.
At that time, there were no practical and systematic techniques for obtaining daily streamflow (or “discharge”) records, so Newell set up a training camp on the Rio Grande River at Embudo, New Mexico. Newell’s “Camp of Instruction” developed water measurement methods that are widely used by the USGS today. During the next ten years, Newell continued to play an important role in the development of streamflow gaging techniques and methods, and he eventually became the first Chief Hydrographer of the USGS.
Newell is purported to be the person responsible for the adoption of the USGS spelling of “gage” instead of “gauge”. Around 1892, Newell reasoned that “gage” was the proper Saxon spelling before the Norman influence added a 'u'. USGS historian Robert Follansbee speculated that Newell might have also been influenced by the adoption of “gage” in the Standard Dictionary (the first dictionary produced by Funk and Wagnalls).
See pages 28 and 50 of A History of the Water Resources Branch, U.S. Geological Survey: Volume I, From Predecessor Surveys to June 30, 1919.
Related Content
How can I find USGS historical photographs?
Is there a way to get alerts about streamflow conditions?
How can I obtain river forecasts (flood forecasts)?
Why might USGS streamflow data be revised?
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
How do we benefit from USGS streamgages?
How are floods predicted?
Discharge measurements at gaging stations
The techniques and standards for making discharge measurements at streamflow gaging stations are described in this publication. The vertical axis rotating-element current meter, principally the Price current meter, has been traditionally used for most measurements of discharge; however, advancements in acoustic technology have led to important...
Turnipseed, D. Phil; Sauer, Vernon B.
How does a U.S. Geological Survey streamgage work?
Information on the flow of rivers and streams is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates a network of more than 9,000 streamgages nationwide with more than 500 in Texas.
Lurry, Dee L.
From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information...from the National Streamflow Information Program
This Fact Sheet is one in a series that highlights information or recent research findings from the USGS National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP). The investigations and scientific results reported in this series require a nationally consistent streamgaging network with stable long-term monitoring sites and a rigorous program of data,...
Nielsen, Joseph P.; Norris, J. Michael
A history of the Water Resources Branch, U.S. Geological Survey; Volume I, from predecessor surveys to June 30, 1919
This volume is the first in a series of chronological summaries of the activities and achievements of the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey. First published in 1939 through private subscription by interested personnel, Volume I is now available as a public document. The manuscripts of the following three volumes that cover the...
Follansbee, R.
The United States Geological Survey: 1879-1989
The United States Geological Survey was established on March 3, 1879, just a few hours before the mandatory close of the final session of the 45th Congress, when President Rutherford B. Hayes signed the bill appropriating money for sundry civil expenses of the Federal Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1879. The sundry civil expenses...
Rabbitt, Mary C.
Two-hundred years of hydrogeology in the United States
The Hydrogeology Division of the Geological Society of America (GSA) sponsored a symposium entitled ' Hydrogeology in the United States, 1776- 1976 ' at the annual meeting of the GSA on November 9, 1976. The symposium was organized to provide a forum for discussion of major eras in the history of American hydrogeology and to contribute to the...
Rosenshein, J.S.; Moore, J.E.; Lohman, S.W.; Chase, E.B.
Minerals, lands, and geology for the common defence and general welfare, Volume 2, 1879-1904 : A history of geology in relation to the development of public-land, federal-science, and mapping policies and the development of mineral resources in the United States during the first 25 years of the U.S. Geological Survey
In the traditional view of the Survey's first 25 years, which are the subject of much of this volume, John Wesley Powell, with his broad view of science and advanced ideas of land and water in the West, is the heroic figure. Clarence King is dismissed as brilliant but with a limited view of science as mining geology, and Charles D. Walcott is...
Rabbitt, Mary C.
Minerals, lands, and geology for the common defence and general welfare, Volume 1, Before 1879 : A history of public lands, federal science and mapping policy, and development of mineral resources in the United States
This volume, the first of a four-volume study, is concerned with events in the United States before the establishment of the U.S. Geological Survey, during the years in which geology evolved as a science and began to influence economic development and national policy. Subsequent volumes continue the story but focus on the Survey and its role in...
Rabbitt, Mary C.
A history of the Water Resources Branch of the United States Geological Survey: vol. II, years of increasing cooperation, July 1, 1919 to June 30, 1928
This volume of the History of the Water Resources Branch of the United States Geological Survey by Robert Follansbee covers the period from July 1, 1919, to June 30, 1928. In conformity with the practice followed in the first volume of the "History" Mr. Follansbee has named this volume "Years of Increasing Cooperation."
Follansbee, Robert
Methods of stream measurement
Newell, Frederick Haynes
Report of progress of the division of hydrography for the calendar years 1893 and 1894
Newell, Frederick Haynes
The Vital Nature of Streamgaging
Gary Moore spent the last three days of 2015 stacking hefty bags of sand in front of a fellow church member’s brick home. With only 1,000 feet between the house and the swelling Mississippi and Meramec Rivers, Moore and other volunteers worked quickly, in frigid temperatures, to assemble a 10-foot high, 1,000-foot-long sandbag wall to ward off floodwaters.
Historic USGS Streamgage on the Wabash River at Layfayette, IN
In March 1903, Professor G. E. Waes_che of Purdue University established several streamgaging stations near the University, with the Wabash RIver at Lafayette being one of those gages. In July of 1903, the USGS assumed the operation of the gage. The first recorded discharge measurement was in November of 1915. Measurements are still being made at the gage today. ...
Fighting the Floods
The USGS response to the Louisiana floods is part of the larger USGS flood science mission...
First USGS Streamgage Records 125 Years of Measuring New Mexico’s Vital Water Resources
In 1889, the foundation for modern water management began on the Rio Grande in Embudo, N.M. Today, 125 years later, a celebration was held to honor the first U.S. Geological Survey streamgage in the picturesque town located 43 miles outside of Santa Fe.
New Mexico Streamgage Marks 125 Years of Running Strong
The first USGS streamgage in the country is turning 125 years old, and the U.S. Geological Survey, along with many partner agencies, is commemorating the event on Tuesday, April 22, with a celebration at the Embudo streamgage near Espanola.
Historic USGS Streamgage on the Wabash River at Lafayette Indiana
This video will provide a brief history and purpose for one of the oldest streamgages in Indiana. The gage is at the Wabash River at Lafayette, Indiana. The site number is 03335500. This video was produced at the request of the West Lafayette Parks Department where this historic gage is located. A QR code is displayed on an interpretive plaque next to the gage which is
Early streamgage data recorded on paper
Early streamgage data were recorded on paper. Today, streamgage data are collected, transmitted, and maintained in digital form.
Early streamflow measurement card
An early streamflow measurement made for the USGS by Professor T.U. Taylor of the University of Texas at Austin.
Oldest version of a USGS streamgage in Texas
A close-up view of the top part of one of the oldest streamgage structures constructed in Texas.
Oldest version of a USGS streamgage in Texas
One of the oldest versions of a streamgage structure constructed in Texas.
Early USGS streamgage in Texas
Looking upstream from gage site at Trinity River at Commerce Street Bridge.
Early USGS streamgage in Dallas, Texas
This 1922 photo shows an early USGS streamgage on the Trinity River in Dallas.
Celebrating the First USGS Streamgage
The first USGS streamgage, at Embudo, New Mexico, just turned 125 years old.
George Arcement Explains USGS Streamgages
USGS Louisiana Water Science Center Director George Arcement explains USGS' streamgage network to Louisiana legislative staffers. USGS maintains more than 30 real-time streamgages throughout the area affected by the 2011 Flood. In addition, more than 50 non-real-time gages were deployed to areas that are expected to become so inundated that regular real-time streamgages
...
Celebrating the First USGS Streamgage
The first USGS streamgage, at Embudo, New Mexico, just turned 125 years old.
Early versions of streamflow measuring equipment
Early versions of streamflow measuring equipment used at this streamgage.
(Water-Supply Paper No. 64 Pl.1 Pg. 20A)