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Our research provides scientific knowledge that engineers, planners and resource managers can use to make informed water-resources decisions. Learn more about our past and ongoing research under each of the science themes below. 

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Featured Science: Land Subsidence on the Virginia Coastal Plain

Five methods of monitoring subsidence and sea level rise: extensometers, InSAR, wells, GPS surveying, and tidal stations.

In Eastern Virginia, high rates of groundwater use is a major factor in land subsidence. Long-term monitoring can help researchers more accurately predict the severity of future flooding, help communities better understand the impacts of increased groundwater use and make sustainable decisions, and help measure the effectiveness of groundwater restoration efforts.

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Featured Science: PFAS in West Virginia's Groundwater and Surface Water

A hydrologic technician on a boat, documenting water sampling information on an electronic tablet.

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, analyzed raw-water samples for PFAS at 279 public-water systems across the state.

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Groundwater

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Ecohydrology

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Emerging Contaminants

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Extreme Hydrology

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Land Motion

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Surface Water

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Urban Studies

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Science By State/Region

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Chesapeake Science

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Time of Earthquake shown as a red line just before water level oscillations are recorded.

The Christiansburg Well: Sensing Worldwide Earthquakes

Due to a quirk of local geology, a well in Christiansburg, Virginia is sensitive to seismic waves generated by large earthquakes that occur around the world. This well can be thought of as a natural seismograph: when seismic waves travel past, the water levels in this well rise and fall rapidly. This well gives us a peek into the ways the Earth beneath our feet is constantly changing.
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The Christiansburg Well: Sensing Worldwide Earthquakes

Due to a quirk of local geology, a well in Christiansburg, Virginia is sensitive to seismic waves generated by large earthquakes that occur around the world. This well can be thought of as a natural seismograph: when seismic waves travel past, the water levels in this well rise and fall rapidly. This well gives us a peek into the ways the Earth beneath our feet is constantly changing.
Learn More
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Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater Boundaries Map

The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater

In 2005 and 2006, the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program and the U.S. Geological Survey drilled a 1,766-m-deep test hole near the center of the Chesapeake Bay impact structure. Below you can find publications relevant to the discovery and characterization of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater.
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The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater

In 2005 and 2006, the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program and the U.S. Geological Survey drilled a 1,766-m-deep test hole near the center of the Chesapeake Bay impact structure. Below you can find publications relevant to the discovery and characterization of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater.
Learn More
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