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The USGS provides unbiased, objective, and impartial scientific information upon which our audiences, including resource managers, planners, and other entities, rely.
Browse more than 65,000 articles authored by our scientists over the past 100+ year history of the USGS and refine search by topic, location, year, and advanced search.
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Exploring future ecogeomorphic state transitions of an undeveloped barrier island: Multidecadal model projections for North Core Banks, NC, USA Exploring future ecogeomorphic state transitions of an undeveloped barrier island: Multidecadal model projections for North Core Banks, NC, USA
Ecogeomorphic state transitions in coastal barrier systems will be impacted and likely amplified by projected accelerated sea-level rise and enhanced storm intensity over the next several decades. When, where, and how these transitions will take place remain uncertain and complex, yet are of primary interest to coastal managers looking to prepare for future changes. Here, we apply the...
Authors
Ian Robert Reeves, Erika E. Lentz, Christopher R. Sherwood, Andrew D. Ashton, Sara L. Zeigler, Davina L. Passeri
Big data for small streams: Leveraging a coarse national model to enhance fine-resolution stream temperature predictions Big data for small streams: Leveraging a coarse national model to enhance fine-resolution stream temperature predictions
Predictive stream temperature models are commonly used to address spatial and temporal gaps in observational data because stream temperature information is essential for environmental management decisions. National models capture broad patterns driven by climate, topography, and seasonality, but often lack the spatial resolution to simulate fine-scale variation in groundwater discharge...
Authors
Janet R. Barclay, Lauren Elizabeth Koenig, Yingda Fan, X. Jia, Alison P. Appling
MusselFinder: Automated dreissenid mussel density estimation via robotic benthic imaging MusselFinder: Automated dreissenid mussel density estimation via robotic benthic imaging
Despite the widespread need to map the abundance of invasive quagga and zebr mussels (Dreissena spp.) in lakes and reservoirs worldwide, current methods remain limited by data collection and analysis bottlenecks. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) combined with machine learning (ML) offer a scalable remote sensing approach for estimating mussel density (individuals m−2) across large...
Authors
Angus Galloway, Peter C. Esselman, Anthony J. Geglio, Shadi Moradi, Jennifer M. Morris, Joseph Geisz, Magdalena K. Sobol, Graham W. Taylor
Humans experienced abrupt environmental changes at White Sands during the Last Glacial Maximum Humans experienced abrupt environmental changes at White Sands during the Last Glacial Maximum
Expanded excavations at White Sands National Park have unearthed 20 stratigraphic horizons containing in situ human footprints, megafaunal trackways, and linear features created by travois. Advances in radiocarbon dating of conifer pollen, combined with ages of aquatic seeds, refines the chronology of the footprint-bearing sequence to between 23.5 and 21.7 thousand years ago (ka)...
Authors
Kathleen B. Springer, Jeffrey S. Pigati, Jessica E. Tierney, Jeffrey S. Honke, Gonzalo Jiménez-Moreno, David Bustos, Thomas M. Urban, Daniel Odess, Edward A. Jolie, Alison J. Smith, Abigail J. Hunt, Patrick J. Martinez, Vincent L. Santucci, Sally C. Reynolds, Matthew R. Bennett
Limitations and potential applicability of mixing models and transit time estimates for mine-affected watersheds based on stable isotopes Limitations and potential applicability of mixing models and transit time estimates for mine-affected watersheds based on stable isotopes
Stable isotopes are a widely used tool in defining mixing of distinct waters and identifying solute sources on mine sites. Although the utility of stable isotopes in these approaches is well-acknowledged, analytical uncertainties and lack of endmember definition may limit the application of results in providing unambiguous information to facilitate remediation. In this context, this...
Authors
Connor P. Newman, James Emerson Smith, Nicholas J. Pieseski
Diet and trophic ecology of invasive Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus in an eastern shore tributary of the Chesapeake Bay Diet and trophic ecology of invasive Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus in an eastern shore tributary of the Chesapeake Bay
Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus were first introduced to Virginia tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay in the 1970s and have greatly expanded in population size and distribution, prompting ecological and economic concerns. This study investigates the diet and trophic ecology of invasive Blue Catfish in tidal, low-salinity reaches of the Nanticoke River and Marshyhope Creek, on the...
Authors
Zachary Crum, Clayton D. Raines, Christine Densmore, Regina Trott, Rodney T. Richardson, Christina Bradley, Corbin David Hilling, Noah R. Bressman
3D broadband ground motion simulations of Cascadia megathrust earthquakes: Full-margin scenarios incorporating variable magnitudes and frontal thrust splay faulting 3D broadband ground motion simulations of Cascadia megathrust earthquakes: Full-margin scenarios incorporating variable magnitudes and frontal thrust splay faulting
Great megathrust earthquakes (∼Mw 8–9) that rupture along the Cascadia Subduction Zone pose significant shaking and tsunami hazards to the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Although these large earthquakes are documented in the geologic record, none have been recorded with modern instrumentation, complicating regional seismic hazard assessments. To improve constraints on seismic hazard estimates...
Authors
Audrey M. Dunham, Erin A. Wirth, Alex R. Grant, Arthur D. Frankel, Madeleine C. Lucas, Anna Ledeczi, Harold Tobin, Janet Watt, David A. Schmidt, Jeonghyeop Kim, James Biemiller
Phenological flexibility in nesting grassland birds over a half century informs timing of management Phenological flexibility in nesting grassland birds over a half century informs timing of management
The timing of biological events for wildlife species reflects and influences ecological and evolutionary processes and helps guide management actions to meet conservation objectives. Climate change may cause phenological shifts across trophic levels and ecosystems, which can have broad ecological impacts. Shifts may also result in mistiming between management practices based on...
Authors
Kristen S. Ellis, Michael J. Anteau, Lawrence D. Igl, Garrett J. MacDonald, Neal D. Niemuth, Aaron T. Pearse, Jill A. Shaffer, Christine A. Ribic, Josh L. Vest, Masanori Abe, Daniel S. Ackerman, Marissa A. Ahlering, Johanna N. Alpert, Anahit Amiri, Kent Andersson, Jacqueline K. Augustine, Kristel K. Bakker, Jeffrey L. Beck, Adam C. Behney, Jacy S. Bernath-Plaisted, Todd R. Bogenschutz, Eric K. Bollinger, Lauren E. Bortolotti, Andrew J. Boyce, Jeffrey D. Brawn, Fred C. Bryant, Andrew J. Campomizzi, Jay D. Carlisle, J. Matthew Carroll, Rachel Carroll, John P. Carroll, Justin R. Clarke, Michael R. Conover, Reesa Y. Conrey, Jaime J. Coon, Kyle A. Cutting, Stephen K. Davis, Dawn M. Davis, Duane R. Diefenbach, Jonathan B. Dinkins, R. Andrew Dreelin, Victoria J. Dreitz, Courtney J. Duchardt, Michael W. Eichholz, Susan N. Ellis-Felege, Kevin S. Ellison, Bradley C. Fedy, Samantha R. Fino, Robert J. Fletcher, Dillon T. Fogarty, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, Pamela R. Garrettson, Robert J. Gates, Erin L. Gelling, James J. Giocomo, Alex Glass, Cheri L. Gratto-Trevor, Kirsty E.B. Gurney, Ryan D. Haffele, Christian A. Hagen, Vanessa B. Harriman, Samuel W.H. Harryman, David A. Haukos, Robert Thomas Haynam, Heather A. Herakovich, James R. Herkert, Fidel Hernández, Jason M. Hill, H. Jeffrey Homan, Torre J. Hovick, Jonathan A. Jenks, William F. Jensen, Aaron N. Johnston, Sydney-Marie Jones, Carly S. Kelly, Kaylan M. Kemink, Silka L.F. Kempema, Dylan C. Kesler, Christopher P. Kirol, Robert W. Klaver, Page E. Klug, Jesse L. Kolar, Nicola Koper, Kyle J. Kuechle, Jonathan D. Lautenbach, Zoe M. Lebrun-Southcott, David W. Londe, Scott R. Loss, Cullen M. Mackenzie, Patrick A. Magee, Douglas L. Manzer, John P. McCarty, Gwyn McKee, Ann E. McKellar, Lance B. McNew, James R. Miller, Megan C. Milligan, Ashlee K. Minor, Rocco J. Murano, Les D. Murray, David E. Naugle, Clayton K. Nielsen, Christopher J. Norment, Sarah B. Ogden, Lindsey A. Parsons, Brian D. Peer, Noah G. Perlut, James C. Pitman, Christopher D. Pollentier, Larkin A. Powell, Aaron C. Pratt, John P. Pulliam, Nancy M. Raginski, Dan L. Reinking, Kaitlyn M. Reintsma, Terry Z. Riley, Kevin M. Ringelman, Joseph R. Robb, Scott K. Robinson, Andres N. Rosales, Charlotte L. Roy, Kayla A. Ruth, Brett K. Sandercock, Kevin K. Sedivec, Steve K. Sherrod, Justin J. Shew, Mason L. Sieges, Jenny L. Sika, Susan K. Skagen, Cassandra G. Skaggs, Joseph Smith, Jennifer A. Smith, Kurt T. Smith, Alex J. Solem, Joshua D. Stafford, Glenn E. Stauffer, Matthew D. Stephenson, Lee Sutcliffe, Amber E. Swicegood, Jason D. Tack, Evan P. Tanner, Catrina V. Terry, Wendy P. Tori, Ashley M. Unger, Kelly R. VanBeek, William E. Vetter, Jay A VonBank, Brett L. Walker, Michael D. Whitson, Maiken Winter, Kimberly A. With, Donald H. Wolfe, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Benjamin Zuckerberg
Climate change is reshaping seagrass futures: Novel environments and opportunities along coastlines and across oceans Climate change is reshaping seagrass futures: Novel environments and opportunities along coastlines and across oceans
Seagrasses are a highly productive ecosystem that supports biodiversity and fisheries, protects coastlines, and buries globally significant carbon stocks. Because seagrasses are increasingly stressed by warmer, darker, and more variable waters, established management strategies may not guarantee future success. Here, we depict a global outlook for seagrass futures by synthesizing how...
Authors
Marc J.S. Hensel, Christopher J. Patrick, Christopher Brown, Jillian Dunic, Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Enie Hensel, Lina Mtwana Nordlund, Melisa C. Wong, Joel A. Carr, William C. Dennison, Katharina A. Engelhardt, Kendrick. Gary A., Karen McGlathery, Richard C. Zimmerman, David J. Wilcox, Robert J. Orth
Fluvially-sourced sediment supply and climate modulate morphodynamics and state transitions in bistable aeolian dunefields Fluvially-sourced sediment supply and climate modulate morphodynamics and state transitions in bistable aeolian dunefields
Alternative stable state theory in aeolian geomorphology describes the occurrence of bare and vegetated aeolian dunes in response to long-term climatic and ecological drivers. Transitions between states, as well as their co-occurrence (bistability), can arise from perturbations to drivers, disturbance, and associated biophysical feedbacks. Here, we examine the role of upwind fluvial...
Authors
Joshua Caster, Joel B. Sankey, Temuulen Sankey, Taylor Joyal, Matthew A. Bowker
Characterization of the native freshwater mussel assemblage across a reach of the Rappahannock River, Virginia Characterization of the native freshwater mussel assemblage across a reach of the Rappahannock River, Virginia
Native freshwater mussels occur in rivers of all sizes, yet much of the literature focuses on small- to medium-sized rivers, likely because of logistic challenges of sampling deep, fast, and turbid large rivers. As large-river surveys become more common, the information resulting from a systematic sampling design can provide baseline data on population sizes to inform decision making by...
Authors
Traci P. DuBose, Jason J. Rohweder, Catherine M Gatenby, Brian Watson, Teresa J. Newton
Extensive glacier loss in the coterminous United States Extensive glacier loss in the coterminous United States
Glaciers populate the mountain ranges of the western conterminous United States and despite their importance to alpine hydrology, their area and volume change have never been comprehensively evaluated. Since the mid-Twentieth Century about one-quarter of the glaciers have disappeared and the overall area and volume are reduced by one-third. The pattern of glacier shrinkage suggests most...
Authors
Andrew G. Fountain, Bryce Glenn, Christopher McNeil, Brian Menounos