Publications
Browse more than 160,000 publications authored by our scientists over the past 100+ year history of the USGS. Publications available are: USGS-authored journal articles, series reports, book chapters, other government publications, and more.
Science Quality and Integrity
Science Quality and Integrity
The USGS provides unbiased, objective, and impartial scientific information upon which our audiences, including resource managers, planners, and other entities, rely.
Mission Area Publications
Mission Area Publications
We are focused on some of the most significant issues society faces, and our science is making a substantial contribution to the well-being of the Nation and the world. Learn more about the major topics our research covers and the programs focused on those topics.
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Hydrodynamics structure plankton communities and interactions in a freshwater tidal estuary Hydrodynamics structure plankton communities and interactions in a freshwater tidal estuary
Drivers of phytoplankton and zooplankton dynamics vary spatially and temporally in estuaries due to variation in hydrodynamic exchange and residence time, complicating efforts to understand controls on food web productivity. We conducted approximately monthly (2012–2019; n = 74) longitudinal sampling at 10 fixed stations along a freshwater tidal terminal channel in the San Francisco...
Authors
Adrianne P Smits, Luke C. Loken, Erwin E Van Nieuwenhuyse, Matthew J. Young, Paul Stumpner, Leah Kammel, Jon R. Burau, Randy A Dahlgren, Tiffany Brown, April Hennessey, Steven Sadro
In-stream laser diffraction for measuring suspended sediment concentration and particle size distribution in rivers: Insights from field campaigns In-stream laser diffraction for measuring suspended sediment concentration and particle size distribution in rivers: Insights from field campaigns
This study evaluates the laser in situ scattering and transmissometry (LISST) instrument LISST-SL2, a laser diffraction instrument for suspended sediment sampling in rivers, with concurrent physical measurements of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and particle size distribution (PSD) as well as velocity measurements by an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). We collected 136...
Authors
Muneer Ahammad, Jonathan A. Czuba, Christopher A. Curran
The value of scientific information — An overview The value of scientific information — An overview
Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides reliable science, data, information, and models (hereafter collectively referred to as “information”) to describe and understand the Earth. This information is used to minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect quality of life. USGS...
Authors
Emily Pindilli, Scott J. Chiavacci, Crista L. Straub
Climate-driven mid- to late Holocene hydrologic evolution of arid wetlands documented by strontium, uranium, and oxygen isotopes from Lower Pahranagat Lake, southern Nevada, USA Climate-driven mid- to late Holocene hydrologic evolution of arid wetlands documented by strontium, uranium, and oxygen isotopes from Lower Pahranagat Lake, southern Nevada, USA
Lacustrine carbonates in a 12.4-m-long core from Lower Pahranagat Lake (LPAH), southern Nevada, indicate that radiogenic isotopes of Sr and U (87Sr/86Sr and 234U/238U) preserve evidence of past variations in water sources and evolving hydrologic conditions. Sr and U isotope compositions in LPAH carbonates fall within the range defined by the three primary groundwater sources in...
Authors
Kevin M. Theissen, James B. Paces
Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment — Sagebrush and sage-grouse topic, 2015–20 Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment — Sagebrush and sage-grouse topic, 2015–20
Loss and degradation of sagebrush rangelands due to an accelerated invasive annual grass-wildfire cycle and other stressors are significant management, conservation, and economic issues in the western United States. These sagebrush rangelands comprise a unique biome spanning 11 states, support over 350 wildlife species, and provide important ecosystem services that include stabilizing...
Authors
Matthew J Holloran, Christopher R. Anthony, Mark A. Ricca, Steven E. Hanser, Sue L. Phillips, Paul F. Steblein, Lief A. Wiechman
Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment—Fire topic, 2015–20 Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment—Fire topic, 2015–20
Loss and degradation of sagebrush rangelands due to an accelerated invasive annual grass-wildfire cycle and other stressors are significant management, conservation, and economic issues in the western United States. These sagebrush rangelands comprise a unique biome spanning 11 states, support over 350 wildlife species, and provide important ecosystem services that include stabilizing...
Authors
Matthew J Holloran, Christopher R. Anthony, Mark A. Ricca, Steven E. Hanser, Sue L. Phillips, Paul F. Steblein, Lief A. Wiechman
Thiamine supplementation improves survival and body condition of hatchery-reared steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Oregon Thiamine supplementation improves survival and body condition of hatchery-reared steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Oregon
Early rearing of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Oregon hatcheries is often problematic; fry can become emaciated and die during the period between hatch and first feed. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency has caused early mortality in salmonids; however, the thiamine status of Oregon’s steelhead populations is unknown, to date. Of the 26 egg samples from three Oregon hatcheries in 2019...
Authors
Aimee N. Reed, Freya Elizabeth Rowland, Jennifer A. Krajcik, Donald E. Tillitt
Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment: Restoration topic, 2015–20 Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment: Restoration topic, 2015–20
Loss and degradation of sagebrush rangelands due to an accelerated invasive annual grass-wildfire cycle and other stressors are substantial management, conservation, and economic issues in the western United States. These sagebrush rangelands comprise a unique biome spanning 11 states, support over 350 wildlife species, and provide important ecosystem services that include stabilizing...
Authors
Christopher R. Anthony, Matthew J Holloran, Mark A. Ricca, Steven E. Hanser, Sue L. Phillips, Paul F. Steblein, Lief A. Wiechman
Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment: Invasives topic, 2015–20 Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment: Invasives topic, 2015–20
Loss and degradation of sagebrush rangelands due to an accelerated invasive annual grass-wildfire cycle and other stressors are significant management, conservation, and economic issues in the western United States. These sagebrush rangelands comprise a unique biome spanning 11 states, support over 350 wildlife species, and provide important ecosystem services that include stabilizing...
Authors
Christopher R. Anthony, Matthew J Holloran, Mark A. Ricca, Steven E. Hanser, Sue L. Phillips, Paul F. Steblein, Lief A. Wiechman
Receiver mount design, transmitter depth, and wind speed affect detection probability of acoustic telemetry transmitters in a Missouri River tributary Receiver mount design, transmitter depth, and wind speed affect detection probability of acoustic telemetry transmitters in a Missouri River tributary
One of the most important considerations for acoustic telemetry study designs is detection probability between the transmitter and the receiver. Variation in environmental (i.e., wind and flow) and abiotic (i.e., bathymetry) conditions among aquatic systems can lead to differences in detection probability temporally or between systems. In this study we evaluate the effect of distance...
Authors
Tanner L. Carlson, Lindsey A. P. LaBrie, Jeff S. Wesner, Steven R. Chipps, Alison A. Coulter, Benjamin J. Schall
Gut microbiome composition associates with corticosteroid treatment, morbidity, and senescence in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Gut microbiome composition associates with corticosteroid treatment, morbidity, and senescence in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Pacific salmon experience prolonged elevation in corticosteroid hormones during important life history events including migration, reproduction, and senescence. These periods of elevated corticosteroids correspond with changes to immunity and energy metabolism; therefore, fish may be particularly vulnerable to mortality at these times. Recent studies found that stress-induced cortisol...
Authors
Claire E. Couch, William T. Neal, Crystal L. Herron, Michael L. Kent, Carl B. Schreck, James T. Peterson
Atmospheric radiocarbon for the period 1910 to 2021 recorded by annual plants Atmospheric radiocarbon for the period 1910 to 2021 recorded by annual plants
We present a timeseries of 14CO2 for the period 1910–2021 recorded by annual plants collected in the southwestern United States, centered near Flagstaff, Arizona. This timeseries is dominated by five commonly occurring annual plant species in the region, which is considered broadly representative of the southern Colorado Plateau. Most samples (1910–2015) were previously archived...
Authors
Mariah S Carbone, Tina J Ayers, Christopher H Ebert, Seth M. Munson, Edward A G Schuur, Andrew D. Richardson